MULTI-WAY VALVE ASSEMBLIES FOR FLOW CONTROL OF A FLUID

Abstract

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a multi-way valve assembly (M) for flow control of a fluid. The valve assembly has at least first and second valve elements (12a-h) and actuating mechanism (70) for actuating the valve elements (12a-h). The valve elements are arranged in such a way that, depending on the position of the actuating mechanism (70), at least one predetermined valve element (12a) can be selected and actuated. The actuating mechanism (70) is arranged to be translationally displaceable. In a first translational position of the actuating mechanism (70), the first valve element (12a) can be actuated, and, in a second translational position different from the first translational position, the second valve element (12b) can be actuated.

Claims

1-34. (canceled)

35. A multi-way valve assembly for flow control of a fluid, said valve assembly comprising: at least first and second valve elements and actuating means for actuating the valve elements, wherein the valve elements are arranged in such a way that, depending on a position of the actuating means, at least one predetermined valve element can be selected and actuated, the actuating means are arranged to be translationally displaceable, and in a first translational position of the actuating means, the first valve element can be actuated, and, in a second translational position different from the first translational position, the second valve element can be actuated.

36. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 35, wherein the actuating means comprise a shaft and the shaft is arranged to be axially displaceable along its axis so that, in a first axial position of the shaft, the first valve element is actuatable and, in a second axial position which is different from the first translational position, the second valve element is actuatable.

37. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 35, further comprising a pressure equalization device, which is actuatable in a third axial position.

38. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 35, wherein the valve assembly has a third valve element and, in the first translational position of the actuating means, the first valve element and the third valve element are actuatable.

39. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 38, wherein the first valve element is selectable by a first rotational position of the actuating means, and the third valve element is selectable by a second rotational position which is different from the first translational position.

40. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 38, wherein the first valve element is actuatable by a rotation of the actuating means in a first direction and the third valve element is actuatable by a rotation in a second direction, which is different from the first direction.

41. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 36.

42. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 35, wherein the valve elements have a valve body and a diaphragm, and the diaphragm is movable relative to the valve body and is movable by the actuating means.

43. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 42, wherein at least one of the diaphragms has a driver for the actuating means, and the diaphragm has at least a first and a second offset receiver for the driver.

44. A multi-way valve assembly for flow control and distribution of a fluid, comprising: at least first and second valve lines and a common main line, at least first and second valve elements for closing and opening the first, and respectively the second, valve lines, wherein the valve elements are arranged between the valve line and the main line, and actuating means for actuating the valve elements, and an actuatable pressure equalization device is provided for pressure equalization in the main line.

45. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 44, wherein the pressure equalization device is arranged such that a fluid flow through the assembly passes substantially entirely through the pressure equalization device.

46. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 44, wherein the pressure equalization device comprises a slide, and the slide is slidable in an outlet cross section.

47. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 46, wherein the pressure equalization device is designed to close the outlet cross section partially.

48. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 44, wherein the pressure equalization device is actuatable by a drive.

49. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 48, wherein the pressure equalization device is actuatable by the same actuating means as the valve elements.

50. A multi-way valve assembly, for flow control and distribution of a fluid, comprising: at least first and second valve lines and a common main line, at least first and second valve elements for closing and opening the first and second valve lines, respectively, wherein the valve elements are arranged between the first and second valve lines and the main line, and actuating means for actuating the first and second elements, wherein the actuating means has a shaft which is arranged in the main line, and the shaft is of hollow configuration so that the fluid may flow through the shaft.

51. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 50, wherein the shaft has holes so that a fluid may flow from outside to inside and may flow out of the shaft at one end of the shaft.

52. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 50, wherein the shaft is open at least at one end

53. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 37, wherein the pressure equalization device has a component which has a measuring cell.

54. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 53, wherein the measuring cell is replaceable.

55. A multi-way valve assembly for flow control and distribution of a fluid comprising: at least first and second valve lines and a common main line, at least first and second valve elements for closing and opening the first and second valve lines, respectively, wherein the valve elements are arranged between the valve line and the main line, and actuating means for actuating the valve elements, the valve assembly has a drive unit for the actuating means, and the drive unit has a drive shaft for a motor having a rotational direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the main line.

56. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 55, wherein a motor for the drive unit is arranged laterally offset to a longitudinal axis of the main line.

57. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 55, wherein the drive unit is designed to displace and to rotate the actuating means axially with respect to the main line.

58. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 50, wherein the valve elements have, in each case, a valve body with an opening for the valve line which is closable by a diaphragm, a seal is attached between the opening and the diaphragm, and the seal is pressed against the diaphragm

59. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 34, wherein the device has a drive unit, the drive unit has a pivoting arm, the pivoting arm is coupled, at one end, to the actuating means, and the pivoting arm is arranged such that the actuating means is axially displaceable by a rotation of the pivoting arm.

60. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 59, wherein the pivoting arm and the actuating means are coupled such that only forces axially to the main line are able to be transmitted from the pivoting arm to the actuating means.

61. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 55, wherein the actuating means has a shaft and the drive unit has a worm gear in order to rotate the shaft about its own axis.

62. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 58, wherein all of the seals are annular around movable parts.

63. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 35, wherein the first and the second valve element have, in each case, a valve body and the valve bodies are arranged adjacent to one another in a longitudinal direction relative to the main line.

64. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 35, wherein at least one sliding element is arranged between a valve body of the valve element and a diaphragm of the valve element.

65. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 35, wherein at least one valve element has a movable diaphragm, and the valve assembly further comprises a stop device limiting movement of the diaphragm.

66. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 65, wherein the diaphragm is of a hollow-cylindrical configuration and is arranged to be rotatable about its axis, and the stop device is configured by a pin which is guided in a slot.

67. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 38, wherein the first or the third valve element is selectable and actuatable as a function of an amount of angular rotation of the actuating means.

68. The multi-way valve assembly as claimed in claim 39, wherein the rotational position is selectable in a third translational position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] The invention is described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the figures which show merely exemplary embodiments. In the drawings, schematically:

[0063] FIG. 1: shows a multi-way valve assembly according to the present invention,

[0064] FIG. 2A: shows a valve element for the multi-way valve assembly according to FIG. 1,

[0065] FIGS. 2B and 2C: shows sectional views of the valve assembly according to FIG. 2A,

[0066] FIG. 3: shows a valve element with a diaphragm for the valve element,

[0067] FIGS. 4A and 4B: show various perspective views of the diaphragm of FIG. 3,

[0068] FIG. 5A: shows a perspective view of actuating means of a multi-way valve assembly according to FIG. 1 and a diaphragm,

[0069] FIG. 5B: shows a sectional view of the actuating means of FIG. 5A,

[0070] FIG. 6A: shows a first perspective internal view of a drive unit,

[0071] FIG. 6B: shows a second perspective internal view of the drive unit,

[0072] FIG. 7A: shows a third perspective internal view of the drive unit,

[0073] FIG. 7B: shows a perspective exploded view of the drive unit,

[0074] FIG. 8A: shows a perspective view of a component for a multi-way valve assembly according to FIG. 1, and

[0075] FIG. 8B: shows a perspective internal view of the component according to FIG. 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0076] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a multi-way valve assembly M. The valve assembly M contains a plurality of valve elements 12a to 12h and a drive unit 9. The valve elements 12 are configured as tubular portions and are internally hollow. Together the valve elements 12 form a main line 1 (see FIGS. 2A to 2C). A valve line 2a to 2h which extends transversely from the main line 1 is configured on each of the valve elements 12a to 12h. At the valve lines 2a to 2h a fluid, in particular water, is conducted into the main line 1 or branched off from the main line 1. The main line 1 opens into a similarly tubular component 80. The fluid flows through an outlet or inlet 8 into the valve assembly M or out of the valve assembly M. Hereinafter it is assumed that a fluid flows in through the valve lines 2a to 2h and flows out of the outlet 8 via the main line 1. Naturally the reverse path is also conceivable, i.e. the fluid flows in through the inlet 8 and flows out through the valve lines 2a to 2h.

[0077] The valve elements 12 are of identical construction and arranged adjacent to one another. The valve elements 12 are able to be plugged into one another and are held together by threaded rods 6. The threaded rods 6 are fixed on the side of the outlet 8 to a flange 81 of a component 80, and on the other side to connectors 11 for the threaded rods which are attached to the drive unit 9. The valve elements 12 are fixed together via nuts which may be attached to the side of the flange.

[0078] FIGS. 2A to 2C show one of the valve elements 12 in detail. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an isolated valve element 12 whilst different sectional views of the valve element 12 are shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C.

[0079] The valve element 12 comprises a substantially round tubular valve body 50. As described in connection with FIG. 1, the valve elements are connected together via a plug connection. For the plug connection the valve body has one or more pins 61. The pin 61 is in each case plugged into a corresponding receiver 62 of an adjacent further valve element 2. Additionally the body 50 has a seal 54 on a connecting surface 64 which is adjacent to the next valve element 12 (or to the component 80 or to the drive unit 9). The seal 54 is designed as an O-ring. The valve elements 12 are pressed against one another by the threaded rods 6 (see FIG. 1), so that the seal 54 prevents fluid from escaping between the individual valve elements 12.

[0080] The valve body 50 has in an upper part a first receiver opening 53 for a closure cap 63. The closure cap 63 is inserted into the opening 53 and fixed, for example, to the valve body 50 via a thread. An O-ring seal 60 is pressed against the valve body 50 and against the closure cap 63 by tightening the thread, and seals the receiver opening 53. Additionally a stop pin 51 is fixed in the closure cap 63. The stop pin 51 extends into the main line 1 and, in particular, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the main line 1.

[0081] Moreover, the valve body 50 has a second receiver opening 52 for a line part 55. The line part 55 is also hollow and tubular and, as a result, forms the valve line (here by way of example for one of the valve outputs 2a to 2h denoted by 2). The line part 55 is screwed via a thread between the valve body 50 and the line part 55 so that the O-ring 59 is pressed against the valve body 50. A seal is formed between the valve body 50 and the line part 55 by a further O-ring 59 (see FIG. 2C).

[0082] Additionally the line part 55 has a line seal 56. The line seal 56 provides a seal between a diaphragm 40 (see FIG. 3 and FIGS. 4A and 4B) and the line part 55. To this end, a third O-ring 58 is provided between the seal 56 and the line part 55. A spring, preferably an elastic spring element 57, is arranged between the line seal 56 and the line part 55 in the axial direction of the valve line. The elastic spring element 57 presses the line seal 56 in the direction of the main line 1. As a result, the line seal 56 is pressed against the diaphragm 40 so that when the diaphragm is closed no leakage flow or only a very small leakage flow is produced from the valve line 2 into the main line 1.

[0083] FIG. 3 shows a complete valve element 12. The valve element 12 contains the diaphragm 40 in addition to the valve body 50 (with the components according to FIGS. 2A to 2C). The diaphragm 40 is rotatably mounted in the valve body 50.

[0084] The diaphragm 40 is described hereinafter in detail with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B which show perspective views of the diaphragm 40. The diaphragm 40 is a tubular part with sliding pads 41 on the radial outer face. The sliding pads 41 permit the diaphragm 40 to be rotatably held in the main line 1 by the valve body 50 about its own axis.

[0085] Additionally the diaphragm 40 has an elongated stopper slot 44. The stop pin 51 (see FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C) is guided in the stopper slot 44. A rotation of the diaphragm 40 in the main line 1 is limited to a specific angular range by the stopper slot 44.

[0086] On an opposing side to the stopper slot 44, the diaphragm 40 has a round diaphragm opening 43. If the diaphragm opening 43 is overlapped by an outlet of the valve line 2, a fluid may flow from the valve line 2 into the main line 1. If the diaphragm 40 is rotated, it closes the valve line 2.

[0087] The diaphragm is actuated via drivers which are configured as pins 45. The pins 45 are held in receivers 42 for the pins 45. The diaphragm 40 shown has a series of eight adjacent receivers 42a to 42h for pins 45 in the longitudinal direction of the diaphragm 40. Additionally the diaphragm in the circumferential direction has four such series, with in each case eight adjacent receivers 42a to 42h for the pins 45. In the circumferential direction the series are separated by an angle of 90°.

[0088] As may be seen in FIG. 4B, the pins 45 are fastened only in two (opposing) receivers (i.e. for example separated by 180°). The pins 45 are selected and activated by actuating means 70 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). Each of the eight valve elements 12 of FIG. 1 has a diaphragm 40. The diaphragm shown in FIG. 4B could be part of the valve element 12a, for example, since the pins 45 are fixed in the receiver 42a. In the valve body 2b the pins could then be fixed in opposing receivers 42b, etc.

[0089] FIG. 5A shows the actuating means 70 and a diaphragm 40. The actuating means 70 have a shaft 76 and a switching element 23. The switching element 23 is fixed by rivets 75 (see FIG. 5B) to the shaft 76. The shaft 76 is arranged in the main line 1 and may be axially displaced therein in the longitudinal direction L. Additionally the shaft 76 may be rotated about its own axis. A plurality of drivers 71 is arranged on a radial outer face of the shaft 76. The drivers 71 are able to be brought into engagement with the pins 45 of the diaphragm 40. Thus the drivers 71 are flat on a circumferential side of the shaft in the longitudinal direction L. The drivers 71 are configured as elongated pins which are inserted through the shaft 76.

[0090] For actuating the diaphragm 40 the shaft 76 is displaced in the longitudinal direction L until a driver 71 and a pin 45 are at the same axial position. Then the shaft is rotated so that the driver rotates the pin 45 and thus the diaphragm 40. Depending on the direction in which the diaphragm 40 is intended to be rotated, the shaft 76 has to be rotated to the corresponding side of the pin 45 in the circumferential direction. Since the shaft 76 and the diaphragm 40 in each case have two pins 45/drivers 71 at the same axial position, in the case of an actuation two pins are always driven.

[0091] If the diaphragm is intended to be rotated in one direction U1, for example, the shaft 76, which is shown, is displaced in the axial direction A1 and then rotated in the direction U1 until the desired position is reached. For the opposing direction U2, before the pin 45 and the driver 71 are brought into engagement, the shaft 76 would have to be rotated in the direction U1 so that the driver passes behind the pin 45. Then the shaft may be axially displaced again, brought into engagement with the pin 45 and the diaphragm rotated in the direction U2.

[0092] The drivers 71 are arranged at equal spacings on the shaft 76. Since each of the valve elements 12a to 12h is intended to be activatable individually, the pins 45 are fastened to different receivers 42a to 42h in different diaphragms 40a to 40h of the valve elements 12a-h. Thus via the axial position of the shaft it may be determined which valve element 13 is activated. In a first axial position, for example, the diaphragm for the valve element 12a is activatable, since in this position the drivers 71 may be brought into engagement with the diaphragm 40a for the valve element 12a. In this axial position only the diaphragm 40a is activatable. The remaining diaphragms have their pins at other positions so that in the case of an actuation of the valve element 40a the corresponding drivers 71 rotate without being engaged.

[0093] In a second axial position the diaphragm 40b is able to be controlled for the valve element 12b since in this position one of the drivers 71 is able to be brought into engagement with the corresponding pin 45 of the diaphragm 40B of the valve element 12B. This applies equally to the further valve elements 12c to 12h. In a further axial position none of the valve elements is actuatable by the shaft 76. In this position the shaft may be freely rotated and a rotational position of the shaft may be selected in order to determine in which direction a valve element is intended to be actuated.

[0094] In a variant, two valve elements may be activatable in the first axial position. In this case the pins 45 are arranged in the diaphragm between the two valve elements 12 in the same position offset by 90° (see the empty series 42a-h in FIG. 4A). If the first valve element is intended to be activated, the shaft 76 is initially moved into a corresponding rotational position and then axially displaced until a driver 71 overlaps the corresponding pins 45. For the activation of the second valve element the shaft initially has to be displaced back again, and rotated by 90° in order to pass in turn into the first axial position. Thus a plurality of valve elements may be activatable at the same time in one axial position. An example of such a rotational selection is disclosed in the patent application EP 1 515 073.

[0095] The shaft 76 as shown in FIG. 5B is internally hollow and has an internal chamber 73. One end 74 of the shaft is open. Apertures 72 are arranged between the drivers 71. The fluid may flow into the interior 73 of the shaft through the diameters 72 and then flow out at the end of the shaft 74. As a result, a flow capacity of the valve assembly may be increased, since the cross section of the shaft 76 is also utilized.

[0096] The switching element 23 is described in detail in connection with the following figures.

[0097] FIGS. 6A to 7B show different views of the drive unit 9.

[0098] FIG. 6A shows the shaft 76 with the switching element 23. The switching element 23 is mounted at one end of the shaft and has at its end a cam receiver 29. The cam receiver 29 engages by means of cams 30 with a splined shaft 14. The actuating means (shaft 76 and switching element 23) are displaceable in their longitudinal direction L and may be pushed onto the splined shaft 76 and receive the splined shaft 14 in the interior 73 thereof. As a result, a rotation may be transmitted to the switching element 23 and thus to the shaft 76 via the splined shaft 14. Since the splined shaft 14 is axially displaceable relative to the switching element 23, no axial forces are transmitted to the splined shaft 14. The splined shaft 14 is axially immovable.

[0099] FIG. 6B shows how a rotation is transmitted to the splined shaft 14. The splined shaft is held by a rotary bearing (ball bearing 32, FIG. 6A) and sealed outwardly via a seal. A seal which outwardly seals the splined shaft 14 is arranged between a ball bearing support 33 and a housing 15 (see FIG. 7B). The rotation is transmitted via a worm gear to the splined shaft 14. A worm shaft is held by two rotary bearings which in each case are sealed by a V-ring seal. The worm shaft 16 has at one end a square head 34 to which a motor may be attached. The rotation of the worm shaft 16 is transmitted via a shaft thread 21 to a worm wheel 22. The worm wheel 22 is connected fixedly to the axis of the splined shaft 14, so that a rotation of the worm shaft 16 is transmitted via the worm wheel 22 to the splined shaft 14.

[0100] FIG. 7A shows a further view of the drive unit 9 in combination with the actuating means 70 (shaft 76, switching element 23). FIG. 7A shows how the actuating means 70 are axially moved. An axial movement is transmitted to the shaft 76 by means of a rotary arm 25. The rotary arm 25 is rotated at a first end about a rotary bearing 27 and at a second end has a pin 24 which extends at right angles to the rotary arm 25. A drive shaft 18 which extends through a housing 15 is fixed to the first end of the rotary arm 25.

[0101] The switching element 23 contains at its end in the direction of the drive unit 9 a disk 31 which is connected via the cams 30 to the remaining switching element 23. The pin 24 is guided between the disk 31 and the remaining switching element 23. It should be mentioned that any radial recess which may also extend in the circumferential direction might also be suitable.

[0102] By means of the guidance, the pin 24 is able to transmit forces in the axial direction whilst the pin 24 is free in the radial direction of the shaft. If the pin 24 is moved via the rotary arm 25 about the rotary bearing 27, the shaft 76 is displaced in its axial direction to and fro without radial forces acting thereon. At the same time, in the proposed device the drive in the radial direction and the drive in the axial direction are decoupled from one another and may be actuated independently of one another.

[0103] FIG. 7B shows a complete housing 15 for the drive unit 9. The housing 15 comprises a first housing part 17, the four connectors 11 for the threaded rods 6 being provided thereon. The housing 15 has a first opening 35 to which the valve element 12h is attached. A cover 13 closes a second opening 36, wherein the drive shaft 18 extends through the cover 13 with a square head 39 for driving the arm 25. Moreover, the cover 13 has a hole 37 for ventilation or emptying. Since when used as intended the hole is oriented downwardly (in particular in the direction of the valve lines 2), a residual fluid in the main line may be optionally discharged through the hole 37 in the case of maintenance. The hole 37 may be closed by a closure 38.

[0104] FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of the component 80. The component 80 has a flange 81 with through-holes 82. The through-holes 82 receive the threaded rods 6. By means of a nut the flange 81 may be pushed in the direction of the drive unit 9 and thus fix the valve elements 12. The component 80 has a component body 83. The body 83 is tubular and adjoins the valve elements 12 as shown in FIG. 1. In this case the component 80 forms a part of the main line 1. A pressure equalization device 5 is arranged in the component 1 in the main line 1. The pressure equalization device 5 comprises a hydraulic stator 84 and a slide which is configured as a hydraulic rotor 83.

[0105] The hydraulic stator 84 is fixed transversely to the main line 1. The hydraulic rotor 83 is fixed to the hydraulic stator 84. The hydraulic rotor has two pins 85 which may be activated by the actuating means 70. If the hydraulic rotor 83 is actuated, it is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the main line 1. In this case, the hydraulic rotor 83 is at least partially fixed to a web 86 which extends through the main line 1.

[0106] If a volumetric flow through the component 80 is too great the hydraulic rotor 83 may be rotated so that a greater cross section of the main line 1 is covered. As a result, a volumetric flow is reduced in a return line. Moreover, a pressure on the inflow side may be increased thereby so that a flow is reduced.

[0107] FIG. 8B also shows the component 80 but rotated by 90° relative to FIG. 8A. In contrast to FIG. 8A, the hydraulic rotor 83 and hydraulic stator 84 are not visible. The component 80 additionally comprises a flow sensor 87 which may be configured as an impeller, as shown. The impeller measures a flow through the closing-off part 80. The sensor 87 may be inserted into the main line 1 through a lateral opening 88. As a result, the sensor 87 may also be easily removed again or replaced.

[0108] Since the sensor is arranged at the outflow 8 of the assembly M, the entire flow through the assembly may be measured.