WO2005033565A1

WO2005033565A1 - Distributor device for valves

Info

Publication number: WO2005033565A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/010504
Authority: WO
Inventors: Willi Wiedenmann; Wilhelm Leidinger; Werner Schmid; Martin Sauer; Holger Wengert
Original assignee: Tuchenhagen Gmbh
Priority date: 2003-10-01
Filing date: 2004-09-18
Publication date: 2005-04-14
Also published as: DE10345699B3

Abstract

The invention relates to a distributor device which is used to connect at least two valves, especially valves which are to be used in a sterile manner. A translatory displaceable closing element co-operates with a seat surface having a circular passage cross-section in each of the valves. An inner chamber which is connected to the respective passage cross-section by means of connection openings is formed in a housing of the distributor device. The inventive distributor device (1; 1 *) is simple to construct, compact, devoid of dead space, easy to clean and can be totally empty. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that the inner chamber (2; 2*) is embodied as a closed annular channel (2; 2*), such that the annular channel (2; 2*) is produced by rotating a generating flat surface (A2; A2*) about an axis of rotation (D) which does not intersect said surface (A2; A2*), such that the annular channel (2; 2*) is formed between two housing parts (1.1, 1.2; 1.1*, 1.2*) of the housing (10; 10*), the annular channel (2; 2*) is sealed in relation to the surroundings by two sealing rings (4, 5 and/or 7, 8) which are arranged between the housing parts (l. 1, 1.2; 1. 1 *, 1.2*) and the connection openings (3.1, 3.2, ..., 3.n; 3.1*, 3.2*, ..., 3.n*) are arranged at specific points on the periphery of the annular channel (2,; 2*) and at specific points of the periphery of the generating surface (A2; A2*).

Description

Manifold device for valves

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a distributor device for connecting at least two valves, in particular valves for sterile applications, in each of which a translationally displaceable closing member switches a seat with a circular passage cross section, and to an interior space in a housing of the distributor device, which is connected to the respective passage cross section via connection openings is.

STATE OF THE ART

Sterile applications are required in piping systems for process engineering processes, particularly in pharmacy and biotechnology. This means that the valves used in these piping systems must have certain properties that enable them for these sterile applications. For valves in which a translationally displaceable closing member switches a seat surface, the valve rod actuating the closing member, for example, is a critical area in the area of its passage through the valve housing to the respective drive, since at this point the valve rod movement (so-called elevator effect) may cause germs can be dragged into the product from the environment and thus a sterile application is questioned. In addition, a product film adhering to the valve rod may be transported into the sealing area or beyond by the switching movement and contaminated there with germs from the environment. This contaminated product film is then possibly brought into the product space by the switching movement of the rod and, under certain circumstances, leads to impairment of the product present there by so-called recontamination.

In order to avoid these undesirable mechanisms which endanger the sterile applications in the passage of the valve rod through the valve housing, In some of the applications, either diaphragm valves or suitable lift valves are used, with the latter in each case being bridged by means of a bellows or corrugated tube connecting the valve housing to the closing element.

In the case of a diaphragm valve, as is known, for example, from DE 199 83977 T1 or US Pat. No. 5,273,075, a diaphragm closes flow paths within a valve body, which are formed there between an inlet and an outlet. The membrane is clamped in the valve body and is moved in the vertical direction by a movement mechanism. The flow paths of the valve body communicate with each other through a non-protruding connection path, the membrane snugly fitting against the connection path when lowered to occlude the flow path and to open the flow path when it is raised. The advantage of such a diaphragm valve is, in particular, that the switching element moving the diaphragm is arranged outside the product space and the product space is separated from the external environment by the diaphragm statically clamped in the valve body. A disadvantage of such diaphragm valves is that they have significantly larger cross-sectional areas than connection cross-sections. In addition, such diaphragm valves can be recognized purely externally from the fact that they are equipped with a relatively large drive compared to the valve body. Due to the disproportion between the cross-sectional area of the seat and the cross-sections of the connection, dead spaces and / or areas which are not sufficiently flowed through arise in the respective transition areas, which at least make proper flow cleaning difficult.

When designing the piping systems for process engineering processes, it is necessary to connect pipes for different media. This is done with so-called distributor systems in which, for example, so-called sterile valve blocks are provided (US Pat. No. 6,112,767), to which a large number, for example, of the membrane valves described above can be connected. The valve blocks have an essentially cubic spatial shape, whereby for example, four to six diaphragm valves can be connected to each block half. A single valve block contains the valve bodies of the connected diaphragm valves with their respective flow paths, their valve seats, the connection geometry and the necessary cross connections. A disadvantage of such a distribution system is its lack of flexibility, since the number of diaphragm valves that can be connected to the valve block is determined by the respective block geometry. As a rule, such distributors are selected according to the requirements and the resulting number of diaphragm valves. An extension is not possible if all connection options have been exhausted. Since such valve blocks are relatively expensive due to their complex construction, there is usually no provision for expansion. Apart from the fact that such systems have relatively long delivery times, since they often have to be made to order and are not available as stock items, they are not 100% dead space-free due to the cross-sectional problem mentioned above and their complex design, they have inadequate idling properties and a limited so-called. CIP / SIP cleaning (CIP: cleaning in place; SIP: sterilization in place).

In addition to the aforementioned sterile valve blocks, distributor trees (so-called linear distributors) and other distributor geometries welded together from molded pipe parts, in particular ring distributors, are also known. These distributor systems also have at least some of the disadvantages of the sterile valve blocks described above and, moreover, further disadvantages which result from the production and the properties of the weld seams which are regularly present in a large number.

An alternative to the diaphragm valves described above are globe valves for sterile applications, in each of which a translationally displaceable closing member switches a seat surface with a circular passage cross section, with the valve rod actuating the closing member being carried out by the valve housing by means of a valve between the closing member and the valve housing. arranged and at these points attached bellows or corrugated pipe is bridged (GEA Tuchenhagen, Buchen, DE, STERICOM ^® Aseρtik-Valve, 618d-061). With valves of this type, the connection cross-sections and the passage cross-section in the seating area can be of the same size, the interior of the valves is largely free of dead space, 100% emptying is possible, the valves have an extremely compact design and require little space.

Distribution systems for the aforementioned lift valves, which could take over the tasks and the basic function of the sterile valve blocks for diaphragm valves of the type described above, are not yet known. On the other hand, WO 02/066593 A1 discloses a device for operating tank storage systems in a permanently piped combination with pipe systems for liquids, in particular for use in systems subject to high microbiological quality requirements for product processing and product transfer in the food and beverage industry, pharmacy and of biotechnology, which has a valve distributor tree which opens out from a tank bottom of the respective tank, which is designed as an elongated hollow body which is oriented essentially vertically and which has connection openings for connecting its interior to each of the pipelines leading to the distributor tree. Each of these connection openings is assigned a valve which is designed to be safe from mixing in its seating area and which switches the connection between the interior and the respectively connected pipeline in the immediate vicinity of the hollow body.

The known distributor device itself is largely free of dead space and it also has sufficient idling properties, since it is oriented essentially vertically. The predominantly horizontally arranged valves can be problematic in terms of their idling, since, depending on the design, small residual quantities can often remain in the seating area. All in all, the known distributor device is a so-called linear distributor which, in order to ensure the desired properties in connection with the tank outlet len, must be arranged essentially vertically. However, the vertical arrangement restricts its application very much, so that this known solution is not a model for a flexible, universally applicable manifold system for valves that have to meet hygienic requirements.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a distributor device of the generic type which is simple, compact, free of dead spaces and easy to clean in its construction and can be completely emptied.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This object is achieved by a distributor device with the features of claim 1. A first advantageous embodiment is the subject of subclaim 2 and a second advantageous embodiment is the subject of subclaim 11. Advantageous embodiments of the two preferred embodiments are the subject of the subclaims which refer back to claims 1 and 2 or 1 and 11, respectively.

The basic idea of the invention is that the interior of the distributor device is not, as in the known devices, designed as a complex spatial structure within a valve block or as an elongated linear distributor, preferably with a vertical orientation, but rather as a self-contained annular channel, which is one very simple geometry in the form of a rotating body. The ring channel is created by rotating a generating flat surface about an axis of rotation D that does not intersect the surface. Due to the simple geometry of the ring channel, the invention further shows how this ring channel can be bordered within the housing of the distributor device by a two-part design of the housing in the form of housing halves and can be optimally sealed from the environment. The simple geometry of the ring channel and its good accessibility, seen over its circumference and over the edges of the generating area, allow a very variable and generous number of connection Openings through which the interior of the ring channel can be selectively connected to the respective passage cross section of the connected valves.

A first advantageous embodiment of the ring channel of the proposed distributor device (hereinafter referred to as the first distributor device) arises from the fact that the flat surface which is produced is a circular area which determines the cross section of a first ring channel. The To s resulting from the rotation of a circular surface can now be formed extremely easily between the two housing halves. It is proposed here that the first and the second housing part divide the circular area in the middle in a division plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Since the mean torus diameter results from the distance of the center of the generating circular area from the axis of rotation D, the first and the second housing part have to be appropriately dimensioned in the radial direction, but the axial dimension of the two housing parts is only slightly larger than a diameter of the circular cross section of the to execute the first ring channel. Accordingly, it is further provided that the first and the second housing part are each designed in their initial form as a cylindrical disk. The housing of the first distributor device can therefore be made relatively short and therefore compact in the axial direction; overall, it has a very simple geometry.

The housing parts, each configured in their initial form as a cylindrical disk, are centered on one another with respect to the axis of rotation, as is provided in a further proposal, the centering on each side via a complementary centering groove / centering spring connection arranged concentrically to the axis of rotation D. of the first ring channel.

The sealing of the first ring channel from the surroundings within the two housing parts is achieved by means of two sealing rings in that they are arranged in a sealing groove assigned to each sealing ring in one of the housing parts in such a way that they see and cover the first ring channel in the radial direction limit to the axis of rotation D, immediately inside and outside and that they, viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation D, from the limit and that, seen in the direction of the axis of rotation D, they are bordered by the parting plane. The sealing rings are each dimensioned within their assigned groove in such a way that they bulge slightly into the gap between the two housing parts in the direction of the interior of the first ring channel. This avoids gaps in which germs can get stuck.

The arrangement of the connection openings to the first ring channel is extremely simple and allows an extremely great flexibility with regard to the possible connection points if, as is also proposed, the first connection openings are designed in the form of cylindrical bores, the respective bore axis of which is perpendicular to the division plane. A streamlined and, at the same time, dead space-free geometry in the area of the transitions between the connection openings and the interior of the first ring channel is achieved if the respective first connection opening designed as a cylindrical bore and the circular ring section having the first ring channel have the same diameter.

The disk geometry of the housing parts makes it possible to bring the connection openings to the first ring channel both from the front outside of the first housing part and from the front outside of the second housing part. As a result, an arrangement of valves of a first design, hereinafter referred to as first valves, is possible over the entire circumference of the first ring channel and on each end outside of the respective housing part up to the densest possible division arrangement, which is generally determined by the diameter of the drive cylinders of adjacent first valves , Each first connection opening ends on the outside of the assigned first or second housing part in a first or a second distributor connection, which is designed in the form of a short pipe socket. According to a further proposal, a complementary second housing connection piece of an assigned first valve can be welded onto this. This second housing socket of the first valve is directly connected to the cross section of the seat area. neighboring and it is designed coaxially aligned with the respective bore axis of the associated connection opening.

This arrangement of the first valve on the associated housing part of the distributor device results in extremely small dead spaces between the first closing member and the interior of the first ring channel, the overall axial dimensions being extremely small due to the small axial dimensions between the seating area of the first valve in question and the first ring channel compact design is ensured.

A second preferred embodiment of the proposed distributor device results if the flat surface which is produced is a surface delimited by at least three, essentially straight sides. The rotating surfaces that result from this generating surface and delimit a second ring channel now allow the seating surface of a respectively connected second valve to be brought up directly to the second ring channel.

If the area delimited by three essentially straight sides is selected as the generating flat surface, the two housing parts can each be designed as rotating bodies with the common axis of rotation D such that the fourth housing part engages in a central bore in the third housing part and there with one Circumferential wall delimits the second annular channel radially on the inside. As a result of this inner boundary of the second annular channel due to a circumferential surface essentially parallel to the axis of rotation D, the second annular channel is predominantly arranged in the third housing part and is generated via two sides of the generating surface which form an acute angle of inclination α, a first delimiting the second annular channel Rotation surface perpendicular to the rotation axis D and a second rotation surface to the latter are oriented at the above-mentioned acute angle of inclination α. The second connection openings open into the rotating surfaces. The above geometry of the second ring channel means that some of the second valves connected to the second distributor device are brought parallel to the axis of rotation and, if this is oriented vertically, to the second distributor device from below, while the other part of the second valves, inclined to the outside by the acute angle of inclination α with respect to the axis of rotation D, in each case connected to the second distributor device from above.

According to one proposal, the second ring channel is sealed off from the surroundings by the second ring channel being in the transition area between the peripheral wall and the second rotating surface by the third sealing ring and on the other hand in the transition area between the peripheral wall and the first rotating surface by the fourth sealing ring is limited. Care is again taken to ensure that the sealing rings bulge out of the annular gap between the two housing parts towards the interior of the second ring channel by means of minimal deformation. A perfect residual emptying and a limitation of the spatial projection of the second valves connected to the third housing part is achieved in that a value of 30 ° <α <60 ° is provided for the angle of inclination α between the two sides of the generating surface in question. Particularly favorable overall conditions are achieved if the angle of inclination α is designed with α = 45 °.

The cross-sectional shape of the second ring channel described above enables the seating area of the respectively connected second valve to be brought up directly to the first or the second rotating surface delimiting the second ring channel, which in turn ensures a shut-off directly at the second ring channel, thus absolutely free of dead space.

In order to achieve the shut-off directly on the ring channel, the second valves provided for this case have a modified second closing element, which is extended in the axial direction and thus shifts the seating area accordingly axially. As a result, the engagement of the seating area in the third housing part up to the possible first or second, the second ring channel-limiting rotating surface possible. Optimal flow conditions and the avoidance of puddles and domes are ensured by the fact that the second closing members each end in the respective plane of the first and the second rotating surface of the second ring channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Two exemplary embodiments of the proposed distributor device according to the invention are shown in the drawing and are described below. Show it

1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a first distributor device according to the invention, the interior of which is arranged in the form of an annular channel between two essentially identical housing parts which are designed as cylindrical disks in their initial form;

FIG. 2a shows a plan view of the first distributor device according to FIG. 1, the first viewing direction identified by Z1 providing the position of the observer for the perspective illustration shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2b shows a view of the first distributor device according to FIG. 2a with a partial representation (detail “X”) of the first ring channel in the region of a first connection opening leading to a valve in a first design; FIG. 3 shows a side view of the first distributor device, starting from its representation in FIG Figures 2a and 2b;

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of section “X” according to FIG. 2b;

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a second distributor device according to the invention with a total of ten valves of a second design, six of which are visible above the housing of the second distributor device and the symmetry axis of the second distributor device is oriented essentially vertically;

FIG. 6 shows a meridian section through the second distributor device according to FIG. 5 in accordance with a section course identified there with A-A;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the second distributor device from diagonally above from a second viewing direction identified by Z2 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 shows a cross section through the second distributor device, the latter being cut in the center in the region of the second valves arranged from below in accordance with the section line marked A-A in FIG. 5 and in the area of the upper second valves in accordance with a section line marked B-B in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the second distributor device from obliquely below and in the second viewing direction identified by Z2 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10a shows a schematic view of a selected number of first distributor devices in the context of a distributor system, the respective first distributor devices being configured differently with first valves;

FIG. 10b shows a schematic representation of the respective valve configuration scheme above the first distributor device, the respective valve configuration located above being obtained from a plan view of the assigned first distributor device, and FIG. 10c shows a schematic representation of the respective valve configuration scheme below the first distributor device, whereby the respective valve configuration located below also results from a plan view of the assigned first distributor device. REFERENCE SIGN LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS USED First embodiment

1 first distributor device

10 first housing

1.1 first housing part (first cylindrical disk)

1.1a first ring channel recess

1.1b first distributor connection

1.1c inner center groove

1.1d outer centering groove

1.2 second housing part (second cylindrical disk)

1.2a second ring channel recess

1.2b second distributor connection

1.2c inner center spring

1.2d outer centering spring

2 first ring channel

3.1, 3.2, ...

... 3.n first connection opening

4 inner sealing ring (O-ring)

4a inner sealing groove

5 outer sealing ring (O-ring)

5a outer sealing groove

6 first connection means

A2 first generating flat surface (circular surface, diameter d2)

B1 first bore axis (= axis of symmetry of the first closing member Vn.3)

B2 second bore axis (= symmetry axis as before)

D axis of rotation

E division level

Q passage cross section V1. V2, ...

... Vn first valves

Vn.1 first valve housing Vn.1 a first housing connector

Vn.1 b first seat

Vn.1c second housing connector

Vn.2 valve actuator

Vn.3 first closing member

Vn.4 first nozzle opening

Vn.5 second nozzle opening d1 average ring channel diameter d2 diameter of the cross section of the first ring channel 2 d3 diameter of the connection opening 3.n

Second embodiment

1 * second distributor device

10 * second housing

1.1 * third housing part

1.1a * central hole

1.1b * first rotating surface

1.1c * second rotating surface

1.2 * fourth housing part

1.2a * peripheral wall

3.1 *. 3.2 *

... 3.n * second connection opening

2 * second ring channel

6 * second lanyard

7 third sealing ring

8 fourth sealing ring

9 fifth sealing ring

11 mounting flange

12 snap ring

A2 * second generating flat surface

B3 third bore axis (= axis of symmetry of the second closing element Vn.3 *) B4 fourth bore axis (= axis of symmetry as before)

V1 *, V2 *, ...

... Vn * second valves

Vn.1 * second valve housing Vn.1a * first housing connector

Vn.1 b * second seat

Vn.1 c * second housing connector

Vn.2 * valve drive

Vn.3 * second closing element Vn.4 * nozzle opening

Vn.5 * Connection bend α inclination angle between the first and the second rotating surface

Distribution system VS distribution system

VS1. VS2, ...

..., VS5 first distribution device

R1. R2, ...

..., R20 pipeline

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A first distributor device 1 (FIGS. 1 to 4) has a first housing 10, which is composed of a first housing part 1.1 and a second housing part 1.2, the two housing parts 1.1, 1.2 being essentially the same and each being designed as a cylindrical disk in its initial form are. Valves of a first design, hereinafter referred to as first valves V1 to Vn, are attached to the outer end faces of the first housing parts 1.1, 1.2 via a respective second housing connection piece Vn.1c (FIG. 4). In the present case, a welded connection is advantageous. In the exemplary embodiment, a total of eight first valves Vn are arranged on the first distributor device 1, with five first valves V1 to V5 on the first housing part 1.1 above and three first valves V7 to V8 are configured on the second housing part 1.2 and in the opposite position to those above the first distributor device 1. Each of the first valves Vn has a preferably spherical first valve housing Vn.1, which is connected via a first housing connection Vn.1a with a pipeline (not shown) and via the second housing connection Vn.1c with a first distributor connection 1.1b or molded on the first housing part 1.1. is preferably integrally connected to a second distributor connection 1.2b formed on the second housing part 1.2 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4).

As a rule, the passage cross section of a first nozzle opening Vn.4 within the first housing nozzle Vn.1a corresponds to the passage cross section of a second nozzle opening Vn.5 (FIG. 4) of the second housing nozzle Vn.1c and thus a passage cross section Q of the first valve Vn in its seating area, if whose first closing member Vn.3 has left an assigned first seat Vn.1 b and is in the full open position. The respective valve drives of the first valves Vn are identified with Vn.2 (Figure 1). The first and the second housing part 1.1, 1.2 are connected to one another in a positive and non-positive manner (preferably screw connection) by means of a first connecting means 6, which is preferably arranged in the center of the housing parts 1.1, 1.2.

A respective first bore axis B1 of first connection openings 3.n of the first valves V1 to V5 arranged above the first distributor device 1, which coincides with the axis of symmetry of the respectively assigned first closing element Vn.3, is preferably perpendicular to the outer end face of the first housing part 1.1 , In the same way, a respective second bore axis B2 of further first connection openings 3.n of the first valves V7 to V8 arranged below the first distributor device 1, which also coincides with the axis of symmetry of the respectively assigned first closing member Vn.3, is on the outer end face of the second housing part 1.2 oriented vertically. Such an orthogonal arrangement is not mandatory, but as a rule both with a view to the production of the first distribution lerv device 1 as well as in terms of their integration into complex pipe systems advantageous.

With regard to the position of their first valve housing Vn.1 and thus the position of the first housing connection Vn.1a, the first valves Vn are each aligned with one another and spaced apart (FIG. 2a) in such a way that the pipeline brought up to the first housing connection Vn.1a is used the so-called cassette welding technology (orbital welding process with divisible pliers, closed cassette and pressurizing gas) can be welded on.

Arranged within the housing parts 1.1, 1.2 (FIG. 4) is a self-contained first ring channel 2, which is formed by rotating a first generating flat surface A2, in the present case a circular surface, about an axis of rotation D, which does not intersect the surface A2, whereby the distance between the center of the circular area A2 corresponds to half an average ring channel diameter d1. The first and the second housing part 1.1, 1.2 divide the circular area A2 in the middle in a division plane E perpendicular to the axis of rotation D. As a result, there is a semicircular first ring channel recess 1.1a in the first housing part 1.1 and a corresponding second ring channel recess in the second housing part 1.2. Recess 1.2a. The position of the housing parts 1.1, 1.2 relative to one another is preferably achieved by centering them with respect to the axis of rotation D, the centering being in each case via a mutually complementary center nut-Z centering spring connection 1.1 c, 1.2c or 1.1 d, 1.2d on both sides of the ring channel 2. In the exemplary embodiment, seen radially on the inside, an inner centering spring 1.2c is arranged on the second housing part 1.2, which positively engages in a complementary inner centering groove 1.1c in the first housing part 1.1. Similarly, an outer centering spring 1.2d formed on the second housing part 1.2 engages in an associated outer centering groove 1.1d in the first housing part 1.1. The above arrangement is not mandatory; an arrangement of centering groove and centering spring interchanged via the housing parts 1.1, 1.2 is readily possible. To seal the first ring channel 2, sealing rings 4, 5 are provided, both of which can either be arranged in the second housing part 1.2 (as shown) or else in the first housing part 1.1. It is essential that the sealing rings 4, 5, seen in the radial direction and with respect to the axis of rotation D, limit the first ring channel 2 directly inside (inner sealing ring 4) and outside (outer sealing ring 5) and that they, in the direction of the axis of rotation D seen, be bordered on one side by the first housing part 1.1 in the area of the division plane E. The inner sealing ring 4, preferably a so-called O-ring, is arranged in a correspondingly shaped inner sealing groove 4a and the outer sealing ring 5, likewise preferably a so-called O-ring, is arranged in a correspondingly shaped outer sealing groove 5a, both of which Sealing rings 4, .5 are minimally deformed in the joined end position of the housing parts 1.1, 1.2 such that each seal 4, 5 bulges slightly into the gap between the housing parts 1.1, 1.2 towards the first ring channel 2.

A flow connection of the interior of the first ring channel 2 with the second nozzle opening Vn.5 in the second housing nozzle Vn.1 c of the first valve Vn takes place via the first connection opening 3.n (FIG. 4; in the exemplary embodiment these are the first connection openings 3.1 to 3.5 for the first valves V1 to V5). The first connection opening 3.n is preferably designed in the form of a cylindrical bore, the bore axis B1 of which is also perpendicular to the division plane E. In terms of flow technology, it is advantageous if the diameter d2 of the cross section of the first ring channel 2 and the diameter d3 of the connection opening 3.n are of the same diameter. In the same way, connection openings 3.6 to 3.8 lead within the second housing part 1.2 from the first ring channel 2 to the first valves V.6 to V.8 arranged below the second housing part 1.2 (FIGS. 1, 2b and 3; an embodiment in this respect is shown in the figures of FIG Drawing not explicitly shown in section).

The first connection openings 3.1 to 3.n partly end in the first distributor connections 1.1b, formed on the front outside of the first Housing part 1.1 (Figure 4), and the other part in the second distributor connections 1.2b, formed on the front side of the second housing part 1.2 (Figure 3). The first valves Vn are each welded via their second housing connection Vn.1c (FIG. 4, FIG. 2b, FIG. 3) to the first or second distributor connection 1.1b, 1.2b of the same diameter, the second housing connection Vn.1c always being the same Stub acts on the first valve housing Vn.1, which is arranged directly adjacent to the passage cross section Q of the first valve Vn in the seat area and coaxially aligned with the bore axis B1, B2 of the first connection opening 3.n.

In the closed state of the first valves Vn, the space between the first closing element Vn.3 and the first ring channel 2 forms a dead space (FIG. 4). This dead space must be minimized in any case. In the case of the first distributor device 1, this is easily achieved by designing the axial extension of the housing parts 1.1 and 1.2 to be just as large as required, so that the second housing connection piece Vn.1c is as close as possible to the seating area of the first valve Vn is introduced and that the respective length of the first and second distributor connection 1.1b, 1.2b and the axial length of the second housing connector Vn.1c are dimensioned as short as possible. Such a short axial dimensioning is possible in the present case, since the welding of the distributor connections 1.1b, 1.2b to the respectively assigned second housing connector Vn.lc from the inside via the assigned ring channel recess 1.1a, 1.2a and the respectively assigned first connection opening 3 .n takes place.

A distributor device in an advantageous second embodiment, hereinafter referred to as the second distributor device 1 * (FIGS. 5 to 9), has a two-part second housing 10 * (FIG. 6), which is composed of a third housing part 1.1 * and a fourth housing part 1.2 * , The housing parts 1.1 *, 1.2 * are each designed as a rotating body with the common axis of rotation D and the fourth housing part 1.2 * engages in a central bore 1.1a * in the third housing part 1.1 * and delimits a second ring channel 2 there with a peripheral wall 1.2a * * radial inside. The third and fourth housing Part 1.1 *, 1.2 * are screwed together using a second connecting means 6 *. In the exemplary embodiment, the ring channel 2 ^{* is created} by rotating a generating flat surface A2 * which is delimited by at least three, essentially rectilinear sides. Since the peripheral wall 1.2a ^* preferably forms one side of the generating surface A2 *, the second ring channel 2 * is predominantly arranged in the third housing part 1.1 ^* and, with regard to the spatial shape there, is formed over two sides of the second generating side which form an acute angle of inclination α Surface A2 * is generated, with a first rotary surface 1.1b * delimiting the second ring channel 2 * perpendicular to the axis of rotation D and a second rotary surface 1.1c ^* to the latter at an angle of inclination α (FIG. 8).

In the exemplary embodiment, a total of six valves of a second design, hereinafter referred to as second valves V1 * to Vn *, are arranged above the third housing part 1.1 * (FIGS. 5 and 7). The connection between the seat area of these second valves V1 ^* to V6 ^* with the interior of the second ring channel 2 * ensures second connection openings 3.1 * to 3.6 *, respectively, which open into the second rotating surface 1.1c ^* (FIG. 8). Another four second valves V7 * to V10 * are arranged below the second distributor device 1 * (FIG. 9) and their respective seating area is located with the interior of the second ring channel 2 * via the second connection openings 3.7 ^* to 3.10 * within the first rotating surface 1.1 b * in connection (Figure 8).

The second ring channel 2 ^* is on the one hand in the transition area between the peripheral wall 1.2a ^* and the second rotating surface 1.1c * by a third sealing ring 7 (FIGS. 6 and 8) and on the other hand in the transition area between the peripheral wall 1.2a ^* and the first rotating surface 1.1b * directly delimited by a fourth sealing ring 8, the two sealing rings 7, 8 preferably being designed as so-called O-rings.

The second valves V1 * to V6 * arranged on the third housing part 1.1 *

(FIG. 8) stand with their respective longitudinal axis, the axis of symmetry of the second closing element Vn.3 *, which with a third bore axis B3 of the second attachment closing opening 3.n * coincides, perpendicular to the second rotating surface 1.1c * and is thus inclined outwards relative to the vertical by the angle of inclination α. The respective longitudinal axis of the second valves V7 * to V10 *, likewise the axis of symmetry of the second closing element Vn.3 *, which coincides with a fourth bore axis B4 of the second connection opening 3.n *, is again perpendicular to the first rotary surface 1.1b *. A respective orientation in this regard is not mandatory, but if the second closing member Vn.3 * ends in the respective plane of the first and second rotating surfaces 1.1 *, 1.1c *, an inner surface of the second ring channel 2 * results is free of so-called domes and puddles. In addition, in the case of an arrangement in this regard, the minimal dead spaces still present in the first distributor device 1 between the first closing member Vn.3 and the first ring channel 2 are completely avoided. The connection between the passage cross section Q of the second valves Vn * in their seating area and the second ring channel 2 * is thus shut off directly on the latter and thus absolutely free of dead space.

The above-mentioned advantage of the direct and therefore absolutely dead space-free shutoff of the second ring channel 2 * is achieved by using the second valve Vn ^* . Except for the position of the seating area and the design of the second closing element Vn.3 *, this essentially corresponds to the design of the first valve Vn. Instead of the relatively short second housing connector Vn.1c for the first valve Vn, there is a corresponding second housing connector Vn. 1c ^* extended on a second valve housing Vn.1 * and has a second seat Vn.1 b * at its end (FIG. 8). The second closing member Vn.3 * is therefore correspondingly axially extended and ends flush with the end of the second housing connector Vn.1c *. The design of the seat area and the second closing element Vn.3 * in connection with the second housing connector Vn.1c * makes it possible to bring the seat area of the second valve Vn ^* directly to the first rotating surface 1.1b *. The second housing connection Vn.1c * is by means of a fifth sealing ring 9 (FIG. 6), preferably a so-called O-ring, in the connection opening 3.n * in the immediate vicinity. get sealed to the first rotating surface 1.1b *. Otherwise, the further construction of the second valves Vn ^* corresponds to the construction of the first valve Vn with regard to a first housing connector Vn.1a * and with respect to a valve drive Vn.2 *. On the one hand, the connection of the respective pipeline to the pipe is simpler and, on the other hand, less rigid assigned first housing connector Vn.1a *, the latter extends into a connecting bend Vn.5 * with the passage cross section of a connecting piece opening Vn.4 *, the connecting bend Vn.5 * arranged on the second valves V1 ^* to V6 * each ending vertically while the End of the connection bend Vn.5 ^{* of} the respective second valve V7 * to V10 * is directed downwards at a certain predetermined angle.

As a tilt angle! α values between 30 and 60 ° are preferably provided, in which case a complete emptying of the second valve Vn * is ensured in any case. A value of α = 45 ° has been found to be a particularly advantageous angle of inclination α.

To fasten the second valves Vn * within the third housing part 1.1 *, a positive and non-positive connection is provided, which consists in that a positive and non-positive locking takes place by means of a snap ring 12 which, on the one hand, in the second housing connector Vn.1c * in a positive manner engages on the outside and, on the other hand, there is a positive locking in a fastening flange 11 which surrounds the second housing connector Vn.1c * and is screwed to the third housing part 1.1 * (FIGS. 7 and 8). The non-positive embedding of the second housing connector Vn.1 c * within the third housing part 1.1 * is achieved via a limited compression of the fifth sealing ring 9.

The distribution devices 1 and 1 * are each shown and described in a preferred arrangement position (axis of rotation D is oriented vertically). However, other positions of the axis of rotation D are possible up to their horizontal arrangement, in which case also a complete residual emptying of the interior nenraumes of the first or the second ring channel 2 or 2 * is ensured. For this purpose, a first or second valve Vn or Vn * functioning as a so-called residual drain valve must be provided at the lowest point of the respective ring channel 2 or 2 *.

A distributor system VS, which consists of five distributor devices VS1 to VS5 of the first embodiment described above (first distributor device 1) (FIG. 10a), has five first valves Vn in the top and three first valves Vn in the bottom in the distributor device VS1 shown in the first place Area, in the second distributor device VS2 likewise via five first valves Vn in the upper region and two first valves Vn in the lower region, in the third distributor device VS3 also again via five first valves Vn in the upper region and four first valves Vn in the lower region, in the fourth distributor device VS4 via three first valves Vn in the upper region and via two first valves Vn in the lower region and finally in the fifth distributor device VS5 via five first valves Vn in the upper region and three first valves Vn in the lower region.

Such a distribution system VS can be expanded almost arbitrarily. The respective first valves Vn find a connection to one of the pipelines R1 via their respective first housing connections Vn.1a, which are not shown in the schematic illustration, depending on the respective process engineering process that is to be designed with the present distribution system VS. up to R20. Without going into details of the distributor system VS1 to VS5 shown in detail in the exemplary embodiment and the process engineering process that can be represented with it, it should only be stated that, for example, a first valve Vn in the lower region of the respective distributor devices VS1 to VS5 will be a so-called residual drain valve, which is to be connected to a common line, for example in the present exemplary embodiment to the pipeline R11. If the distributor devices VS1 to VS5 are subjected to chemical cleaning, which will usually be the case, a first valve Vn is in the upper area of the respective distributor devices. gen VS1 to VS5 to connect to a pipeline, in the present case, for example, the pipeline R1, this pipeline carrying, for example, sodium hydroxide solution. Because of this arrangement, it is possible, for example, to subject all flow paths to ClP cleaning starting from pipeline R1 (CIP: cleaning in place). Rinsing, for example with water, or sterilizing the flow paths, for example with steam at a suitable temperature, is possible in a corresponding manner. All that is required for this is that each distributor device VS1 to VS5 is connected to the respective line which carries rinsing water or steam.

Claims

claims

1.Distribution device (1; 1 ^* ) for connecting at least two valves (V1, V2, ..., Vn; V1 ^* , V2 *, ..., Vn *), in each of which a translationally displaceable closing element (Vn. 3; Vn.3 *) switches a seat (Vn.lb; Vn.lb *) with a circular passage cross-section (Q), and with an interior (2; 2 *) in a housing (10; 10 ^* ) of the distributor device (1 ; 1 *), which is connected to the respective passage cross section (Q) via connection openings (3.1, 3.2, ..., 3.n; 3.1 *, 3.2 *, ..., 3.n *), characterized in that: that the interior is designed as a self-contained ring channel (2; 2 *), • that the ring channel (2; 2 ^* ) is created by rotating a generating flat surface (A2; A2 *) about an axis of rotation (D) that defines the surface (A2; A2 *) does not cut, • that the ring channel (2; 2 *) is formed between two housing parts (1.1, 1.2; 1.1 *, 1.2 *), from which the housing (10; 10 *) consists, • that the ring channel (2; 2 *) compared to the environment by two Sealing rings (4, 5 and 7, 8) is sealed, the usetteile between the housing (1.1, 1.2; 1.1 *, 1.2 *) are arranged and • that the connection openings (3.1, 3.2, ..., 3.n; 3.1 *, 3.2 *, .... 3.n *) at certain points on the circumference of the ring channel (2nd ; 2 ^* ) and at certain points on the circumference of the generating surface (A2; A2 *) are arranged.

2. Distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface (A2) is a circular surface.

3. Distribution device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first and the second housing part (1.1, 1.2) divides the circular area (A2) in a division plane (E) perpendicular to the axis of rotation (D) in the center.

4. Distribution device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first and the second housing part (1.1, 1.2) are each formed in their initial form as a cylindrical disk.

5. Distribution device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the housing parts (1.1, 1.2) are centered with respect to each other with respect to the axis of rotation (D), the centering being in each case complementary to one another, arranged concentrically to the axis of rotation (D) Centering / centering spring connection (1.1c, 1.2c; 1.1d, 1.2d) on both sides of the ring channel (2).

6. Distribution device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that both sealing rings (4, 5) arranged in such a way in each sealing ring (4, 5) respectively assigned sealing groove (4a, 5a) in one of the housing parts (1.1, 1.2) are that they limit the annular channel (2), seen in the radial direction and in relation to the axis of rotation (D), immediately inside and outside and that, seen in the direction of the axis of rotation (D), in the area of the division plane (E) of the Housing part (1.2, 1.1) are bordered.

7. Distribution device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first connection openings (3.1, 3.2, ..., 3.n) are designed in the form of cylindrical bores, the respective bore axis (B1, B2) perpendicular to the parting plane (E) stands.

8. Distribution device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective first connection opening (3.1, 3.2, ..., 3.n), which is designed as a cylindrical bore, and the annular channel (2) having a circular cross section are of the same diameter (diameter d2 of the first ring channel 2 = diameter d3 of the connection opening 3.n).

9. Distribution device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first connection openings (3.1, 3.2, ..., 3.n) partly in first distributor connections (1.1b), formed on the front outside of the first housing part (1.1), and on the other part in second distributor connections (1.2b), formed on the front outside of the second housing part (1.2).

10. Distribution device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first valves (Vn) (standard valves) each via a second housing connector (Vn.lc) with the same diameter first or second distributor connection (1.1b, 1.2b) are welded, the second housing connection piece (Vn.lc) being arranged on a first valve housing (Vn.1) of the first valve (Vn) such that it is directly adjacent to the passage cross section (Q) and coaxial to the bore axis (B1, B2) flees.

11. Distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that the generating flat surface (A2 *) is a surface delimited by at least three, essentially straight sides.

12. Distribution device according to claim 11, characterized in that • the housing parts (1.1 *, 1.2 *) are each designed as a rotating body with the common axis of rotation (D), • that the fourth housing part (1.2 *) in a central bore (1.1a *) engages in the third housing part (1.1 *) and there delimits the second ring channel (2 *) radially on the inside with a peripheral wall (1.2a *), • that the second ring channel (2 *) is arranged predominantly in the third housing part (1.1 *) and generated over two sides of the generating surface (A2 *) forming an acute angle of inclination (α), a first rotating surface (1.1 b *) delimiting the second ring channel (2 *) perpendicular to the axis of rotation (D) and a second rotating surface (1.1c *) are oriented to the latter at the angle of inclination (α), and • that the second connection openings (3.1 *, 3.2 ^* , ..., 3.n *) into the rotating surfaces (1.1b *, 1.1c *) flow into.

13. Distribution device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the second ring channel (2 ^* ) on the one hand in the transition region between the peripheral wall (1.2a *) and the second rotating surface (1.1c *) through the third sealing ring (7) and on the other hand in Transitional area between the peripheral wall (1.2a *) and the first rotating surface (1.1b *) is immediately limited by the fourth sealing ring (8).

14. Distribution device according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that a value of 30 ° <α <60 ° is provided for the angle of inclination (α).

15. Distribution device according to claim 14, characterized in that the inclination angle (α) is designed with α = 45 °.

16. Distribution device according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the second connection openings (3.1 *, 3.2 * 3.n *) each directly on the first and the second rotating surface (1.1b *, 1.1c *) through the second Locking members (Vn.3 *) are closed.

17. Distribution device according to claim 16, characterized in that the second closing elements (Vn.3 *) each end face in the respective plane of the first and the second rotating surface (1.1b *, 1.1c *).