EP4211376A1 - Valve for adjusting a fluid flow - Google Patents

Abstract

A valve (1) for adjusting a fluid flow comprises a valve body (10) and a flow adjustment assembly (18) sealingly housed in the valve body. The flow adjustment assembly comprises an external adjustment member (22, 26), which is operable for rotating between a valve opening position, in which it allows the fluid to pass from the inlet conduit (12) to the outlet conduit (14), and a valve closing position, in which it prevents the fluid from passing from the inlet conduit (12) and the outlet conduit (14) and an internal adjustment member (24), housed inside the external adjustment member (22, 26) and which is independently operable from the external adjustment member (22, 26) for adjusting the fluid passage port through the external adjustment member (22, 26).

Description

"VALVE FOR ADJUSTING A FLUID FLOW" DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to valves or taps for distributing a fluid, for example water, and it relates in particular to a valve for adjusting a fluid flow .

[0002] Valves for adjusting a fluid flow are known which, in addition to being provided with a shutter member movable between an opening position and a closed position of the valve, are provided with a throttle member, for example in the form of a disk, positioned inside, upstream or downstream of the shutter member.

[0003] A limitation of this technical solution lies in that the adjustment possibility is unique and is determined by the size of the adjustment disk.

[0004] In most cases it is impossible to replace the adjustment disk with one of different sizes to vary the flow rate of the valve, or in any case it is very expensive, so usually the choice is made to replace the entire valve.

[0005] An object of the invention is to propose an adjustment valve which allows the aforesaid limits of the current valves to be overcome.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to propose a valve for adjusting a fluid flow having a structure and dimensions comparable to those of a traditional ball valve.

[0007] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a valve in which the flow adjustment can be carried out only by authorized personnel.

[0008] Another further object of the invention is to provide a valve provided with flow adjustment means operable when the valve is in the open position and which maintain the desired position even when the valve is closed and then reopened.

[0009] Such objects are achieved with an adjustment valve in accordance with claim 1. The dependent claims describe preferred or advantageous embodiments of the adjustment valve .

[0010] The features and the advantages of the adjustment valve according to the invention shall be made readily apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, provided purely by way of a nonlimiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0011] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of the valve according to the invention;

[0012] - Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the valve ;

[0013] - Figure 3 is an axial section of the valve; [0014] - Figures 4, 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d show an elevation view, a plan view (with the control handle removed) , a cross section, a perspective cross section, and a perspective cutaway view, respectively, of the valve according to the invention in the fully open position;

[0015] - Figures 5, 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d show views similar to the previous ones, but with the valve in the flow adjustment position; and

[0016] - Figures 6, 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d are views similar to the previous ones, but with the valve in the closed position with memorization of the flow adjustment position of Figures 5-5d.

[0017] In said drawings, reference numeral 1 indicates an adjustment valve according to the invention as a whole.

[0018] In a general embodiment, the valve 1 comprises a valve body 10, which forms a fluid inlet conduit 12, a fluid outlet conduit 14 and, between the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit, a flow adjustment chamber 16. The valve body 10 can be made in one piece in a single body, for example by die-casting, or it can be formed by several parts, for example welded, screwed or otherwise connected to each other.

[0019] The fluid inlet 12 and outlet 14 conduits can be aligned along a valve body axis X, as in the example shown. In alternative embodiments, the inlet and outlet conduits 12, 14 can form an angle with each other, for example an angle of 90° .

[0020] The inlet 12 and outlet 14 conduits can be provided with threaded portions 12' , 14' for connection to pipes or fittings of a fluid distribution system, for example water. In other embodiments, the inlet 12 and outlet 14 conduits can form crimp or weld compression terminals, with or without an extensible fitting.

[0021] A flow adjustment assembly 18 is sealingly housed in the flow adjustment chamber 16. For example, the flow adjustment assembly 18 rests on a pair of adjustment chamber annular gaskets 20, opposite each other.

[0022] According to an aspect of the invention, the flow adjustment assembly 18 comprises an external adjustment member 22 and an internal adjustment member 24.

[0023] The external adjustment member 22 is operable for rotating between a valve opening position, in which it allows the fluid to pass from the inlet conduit 12 to the outlet conduit 14, and a valve closing position, in which it prevents the fluid from passing from the inlet conduit 12 to the outlet conduit 14.

[0024] The internal adjustment member 24 is housed inside the external adjustment member 22 and is independently operable from the external adjustment member 22 for adjusting the fluid passage port through the external adjustment member 22.

[0025] Therefore, the external adjustment member 22 can be used to open/close the valve, therefore to actuate a switching function between the open valve and the closed valve .

[0026] The internal adjustment member 24, on the other hand, is responsible for controlling the flow, that is, the flow rate of the fluid, in particular when the valve is completely open.

[0027] In one embodiment, the external adjustment member 22 is an external ball shutter. The internal adjustment member 24 can be an internal ball shutter, coaxial to the external ball shutter 22. In other embodiments, the external shutter member and/or the internal shutter member can have a cylindrical shape or other hollow shapes which allow the flow passage port through such members to be modified by varying the angular position thereof with respect to the inlet and outlet conduits.

[0028] Preferably, the internal shutter member 24 is received with shape coupling in the external shutter member 22, in such a way that all the fluid entering the passage formed in the external shutter member is intercepted by the internal shutter member.

[0029] In one embodiment, the external adjustment member 22 comprises a hollow external actuation pin 22a having a distal portion 22a' protruding from the adjustment chamber 16 so as to be rotationally engaged by a control handle 26.

[0030] The external adjustment member 22 can be rotatably retained in the valve body 10 by means of a gland 28. For example, the gland 28 is screwed, with the interposition of a sealing ring 28' , into a threaded neck 30 of the valve body 10, open on the adjustment chamber 16. The hollow external actuation pin 22a forms a radial step 222 on which the gland 28 rests following its screwing into the threaded neck 30.

[0031] In one embodiment, the internal adjustment member 24 comprises an internal actuation pin 24a partially sealingly housed inside the hollow external actuation pin 22a. The internal actuation pin 24a has a distal portion 24a' protruding from the hollow external actuation pin 22a so as to be rotationally engageable by flow adjustment control means 32, described hereinafter.

[0032] In one embodiment, the flow adjustment control means 32 are switchable between a first position, in which they are disengaged from the external adjustment member 22 so as to cause a rotation of the internal shutter member 24 only, and a second position, in which they are angularly engaged by the external adjustment member 22, so that the internal adjustment member 24 and the external adjustment member 22 are mutually integrally rotatable.

[0033] In one embodiment, the distal portion 22a' of the external actuation pin 22a is angularly engaged by a switching disk 34 rotationally operable by the control handle 26. For example, the distal end 22a' of the external actuation pin 22a forms at least two parallel surfaces and the switching disk 34 has an internal cavity 34' which geometrically mates with the distal end 22a' of the pin 22a. In turn, the switching disk 34 has a side wall shaped in such a way as to be angularly engaged by the control handle 26.

[0034] Therefore, a rotation of the control handle 26 causes a corresponding rotation of the switching disk 34, and therefore of the external actuation pin 22a.

[0035] The distal portion 24a' of the internal actuation pin 24a is angularly engaged by a flow adjustment disk 36 superimposed on the switching disk 34 and axially translatable along the distal portion 24a' of the internal actuation pin 24a between a lowered position, in which it is rotationally integral with the switching disc 34, and a raised position, in which it is disengaged from the switching disk 34. The flow adjustment disk 36 therefore forms, in this embodiment example, the flow adjustment means 32.

[0036] For example, the distal end 24a' of the internal actuation pin 24a forms at least two parallel surfaces and the flow adjustment disk 36 has a central through cavity 36' which geometrically mates with the distal end of the pin 24a' .

[0037] In one embodiment, the switching disk 34 is provided with at least one driving tooth 34' ' suitable to engage a corresponding driving hole obtained in the adjustment disk 36, or vice versa.

[0038] Therefore, when the two disks are axially coupled to each other, a rotation of one of them (in particular of the switching disk 34) causes a corresponding rotation of the other.

[0039] On the other hand, when the flow adjustment disk 36 is disengaged from the switching disk 34, a rotation of the flow adjustment disk 36 causes the rotation of the internal actuation pin 24a only and therefore of the internal adjustment member 24.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the switching disk 34 has a circular crown portion 342 on which a graduated scale 342' is represented. The adjustment disk 36 has a viewing window 362, for example made with a notch in the outer circular ring, through which it is possible for an operator to view such graduated scale 342 during the rotation of the adjustment disk 36 with respect to the switching disk 34. For example the circular crown portion 342 and the viewing window 362 have a width equal to an angle of 90° . In this way, it is possible for an operator to check how much the internal adjustment member 24 is rotating between a fully open position, in which the graduated scale 342' is completely visible, and a completely closed position, in which the graduated scale is completely hidden by the adjustment disk 36. The graduated scale 342' can show progressive numerical values, for example from 0 to 6, corresponding to as many positions of the adjustment disk 36 and therefore of the internal adjustment member 24.

[0041] For example, Figures 4-6d show the control valve in three positions. Figures 4-4d show the valve in a fully open position. In fact, both the external adjustment member 22 and the internal adjustment member 24 are rotated to the maximum opening position, i.e. with the respective passages aligned with each other and with the inlet and outlet conduits. In this situation, it can be seen in the plan view of Figure 4a, without the control handle, that the viewing window shows the entire graduated scale below.

[0042] Figures 5-5d show the valve in a flow or fluid flow rate adjustment configuration through the valve. In this configuration, the external adjustment member 22 is still in the maximum opening position. The internal adjustment member 24 is instead rotated into an intermediate adjustment position, in which the fluid passage port through the valve is reduced. In this situation, it can be seen in the plan view of Figure 5a of the valve, without the control handle, that the adjustment disk 36 is rotated with respect to the underlying switching disk 34. The viewing window then shows a portion of the graduated scale 342' , which indicates the flow adjustment level .

[0043] Figures 6-6d show the valve in the closed configuration, obtained by rotating, by means of the control handle, the external adjustment member from the fully open position of Figures 5-5d to the fully closed position. In Figures 6a and 6b it can be seen that the rotation of the external adjustment member 22 caused a simultaneous rotation of the internal adjustment member 24 which, with respect to the position of Figures 5-5d, is also rotated by 90° . Therefore, when the valve is reopened by rotating the external adjustment member 22, the internal adjustment member 24 returns to the flow adjustment configuration of Figures 5-5d.

[0044] In one embodiment, the control handle 26 is axially connected to the internal actuation pin 24a. Therefore, once the position of the internal adjustment member 24 has been adjusted through the adjustment disk 36 and made integral with the switching disk 34, following the actuation of the control handle 26, the internal adjustment member 24 follows the rotation of the external adjustment member 26, ensuring memorization of the adj ustment .

[0045] In one embodiment, the control handle 26 forms, on a portion thereof which is concentric to the internal and external actuation pins, two limit shoulders 26a, 26b angularly spaced apart and suitable to rest alternately against a stop tooth 102 obtained radially in the valve body 10 to define the opening and closing positions of the external adjustment member 22.

[0046] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the control handle 26 forms, on the portion which is concentric to the internal 24 and external 22 actuation pins, at least one locking recess 26c suitable to geometrically mate with the stop tooth 102 to keep the control handle in a fixed opening or closing position of the external adjustment member, thus preventing the rotation thereof.

[0047] In one embodiment, the control handle 26 and the switching disk 34 are configured in such a way that the control handle 26 can be locked from the coupling between the stop tooth 102 and the locking recess 26c only when the external adjustment member 22, and therefore the switching disk 34, are in the closed position. [0048] Preferably, the control handle 26 is connected to the internal actuation pin 24 by means of an antitampering screw 40 having a special head 42 to be screwed/unscrewed only with a specific key, so as to prevent the unauthorized removal of the handle, at least when this is in the fixed position.

[0049] Therefore, the control handle can be engaged on the valve body in two ways: a first switching mode, in which it can be rotated, for example by 90°, to allow the passage from the open position to the closed position, and vice versa, and a locking position, in which the handle is locked by the engagement of the stop tooth in the locking recess, so as to keep the previously assumed open or closed position.

[0050] According to some embodiments of the valve described above, in order to adjust the flow, i.e. the flow rate, of the fluid in the valve, it is therefore necessary to remove the control handle from the internal actuation pin, so as to be able to disengage, for example by lifting it, the flow adjustment disk from the switching disk. At this point, it is possible to manually rotate the adjustment disk to the desired adjustment position. Once the adjustment maneuver has been carried out, the adjustment disk can be constrained again to the switching disk, for example by pushing it downwards. Finally, the control handle can be re-connected to the internal actuation pin.

[0051] As mentioned above, if the control handle is rotated, the valve will memorize the previously set adjustment position.

[0052] In the event that an authorized operator wishes to safely lock the valve in an open or closed position, preventing unauthorized rotation of the handle, it is sufficient for the operator to engage the control handle on the valve body, so that the locking recess is geometrically mated with the stop tooth. At this point, the control handle can be locked in the set position by screwing the anti- tampering screw into the internal actuation pin by means of a specific anti- tampering key.

[0053] It is apparent that the described adjustment valve allows the predetermined objects to be achieved.

[0054] The control valve has substantially the same shape and the same dimensions as a traditional ball valve.

[0055] The flow adjustment is carried out in a precise manner independent from the position of the adjustment member which determines the opening and closing positions of the valve.

[0056] This allows, among other things, the adjustment position to be memorized even when the valve is switched from the open position to the closed position, and vice versa .

[0057] The adjustment of the flow or flow rate can be made within a wide range of possible adjustments and with a visual indication of the desired adjustment level.

[0058] In some embodiments, it is possible to allow only authorized personnel to adjust the flow, as this operation requires disassembly of the control handle, which can only be carried out with a suitable special key .

[0059] In some embodiments, it is also possible to allow only authorized personnel to carry out the valve opening/closing operation.

[0060] A person skilled in the art may make several changes, adjustments, adaptations and replacements of elements with other functionally equivalent ones to the embodiments of the adjustment valve according to the invention in order to meet incidental needs, without departing from the scope of the following claims. Each of the features described as belonging to a possible embodiment may be obtained independently of the other described embodiments.

Claims

1. A valve for adjusting a fluid flow, comprising:

- a valve body, which forms a fluid inlet conduit, a fluid outlet conduit and, between the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit, a flow adjustment chamber;

- a flow adjustment assembly sealingly housed in the flow adjustment chamber, the valve being characterized in that the flow adjustment assembly comprises:

- an external adjustment member, which is operable for rotating between a valve opening position, in which it allows the fluid to pass from the inlet conduit to the outlet conduit, and a valve closing position, in which it prevents the fluid from passing from the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit; an internal adjustment member, housed inside the external adjustment member and which is independently operable from the external adjustment member for adjusting the fluid passage port through the external adjustment member.

2. A valve according to claim 1, wherein the external adjustment member is an external ball shutter and wherein the internal adjustment member is an internal ball shutter, coaxial to the external ball shutter.

3. A valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the external adjustment member comprises a hollow external actuation pin having a distal portion protruding from the adjustment chamber so as to be rotationally engaged by a control handle.

4. A valve according to claim 3, wherein the internal adjustment member comprises an internal actuation pin partially sealingly housed inside the external actuation pin, the internal actuation pin having a distal portion protruding from the external actuation pin so as to be rotationally engageable by flow adjustment control means.

5. A valve according to the preceding claim, wherein the flow adjustment control means are switchable between a first position, in which they are disengaged from the external adjustment member so as to cause a rotation of the internal shutter member only, and a second position, in which they are angularly engaged by the external adjustment member, so that the internal shutter and the external shutter are mutually integrally rotatable.

6. A valve according to the preceding claim, wherein the distal portion of the external actuation pin is angularly engaged by a switching disk, which is rotationally operable by the control handle, and wherein the distal portion of the internal actuation pin is angularly engaged by a flow adjustment disk overlapping the switching disk and axially translatable along said 17 distal portion of the internal actuation pin between a lowered position, in which it is rotationally integral with the switching disk, and a raised position, in which it is disengaged from the switching disk.

7. A valve according to claim 6, wherein the switching disk is provided with at least one driving tooth suitable to engage a corresponding driving hole obtained in the adjustment disk, or vice versa.

8. A valve according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a circular crown portion of the switching disk is provided with a graduated scale, and wherein the adjustment disk has a viewing window through which it is possible for an operator to view said graduated scale during the rotation of the adjustment disk with respect to the switching disk .

9. A valve according to any one of claims 4-8, wherein the control handle is connected to the internal actuation pin .

10. A valve according to the preceding claim, wherein the control handle forms, on a portion thereof which is concentric to the internal and external actuation pins:

- two limit shoulders angularly spaced apart and suitable to rest alternately against a stop tooth obtained radially in the valve body to define the opening and closing positions of the external adjustment member; 18

- at least one locking recess suitable to geometrically mate with said stop tooth to keep the control handle in a fixed opening or closing position of the external adjustment member, thus preventing the rotation thereof, and wherein the control handle is connected to the internal actuation pin by means of an anti-tampering screw having a special head to be screwed/unscrewed only with a specific key, so as to prevent the unauthorized removal of the handle, at least when this is in the fixed position .

11. A method of adjusting a fluid flow controlled by the adjustment valve according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of:

- removing the control handle from the internal actuation pin;

- disengaging the flow adjustment disk from the switching disk;

- manually rotating the adjustment disk to the desired adjustment position;

- constraining the flow adjustment disk to the switching disk;

- connecting the control handle to the internal actuation pin .

12. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the step of connecting the control handle to the internal actuation pin comprises the sub-steps of:

- engaging the control handle onto the valve body, so that the locking recess geometrically mates with the stop tooth; - locking the control handle by screwing the antitampering screw into the internal actuation pin by means of a specific anti-tampering key.