Valve unit with a housing and method for unlocking and locking a handwheel of a valve unit

Abstract

A valve unit (10) with a housing (12) is proposed. The valve unit (10) also includes a manually operated valve actuator (14) comprising an adjustable valve spindle (18) and a handwheel (16) rotatable relative to the housing (12) at the end of the valve spindle (18). The handwheel (16) serves to manually adjust the valve spindle (18) along a spindle axis (A) relative to the housing (12). The unit also includes a locking element (80) movably mounted on the handwheel (16) about and along a locking axis (S). This locking element has a locking section (82) and is adjustable relative to the handwheel (16) from an open position, through an intermediate position, to a locked position. Furthermore, a method for unlocking and locking a handwheel (16) of a valve unit (10) is proposed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a valve unit with a housing and a method for unlocking and locking a handwheel of a valve unit.

[0002] Valve units have a closing body coupled to a valve spindle and movable against a valve seat. The closing body can be adjusted via the valve spindle, with adjustment of the closing body resulting in the opening or closing of the valve unit.

[0003] The valve spindle can be adjusted by coupling it to a fluidic or electromechanical valve actuator.

[0004] In addition, there are also valve spindles that can be adjusted by a manually operated valve drive, i.e. only by hand.

[0005] The invention relates to valve units with manual valve drive.

[0006] In valve units with a manual valve actuator, the valve can be actively adjusted manually. This is usually done using a handwheel located on the valve unit and connected to the valve spindle in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0007] Turning the handwheel therefore also results in a rotation of the valve spindle, which in turn results in a translational movement of the valve spindle along the spindle axis.

[0008] This is achieved, for example, by screwing the valve spindle in or out using a thread provided on the housing of the valve unit.

[0009] Consequently, to adjust the manually operated valve, only the handwheel needs to be turned so that the valve spindle moves relative to the housing.

[0010] In order to prevent inadvertent adjustment or deliberate manipulation of the handwheel, various locking functions are shown in the current state of the art.

[0011] For example, locking cylinders are provided which do not allow the handwheel to be adjusted when locked and must be unlocked with a key in order to be able to turn the handwheel relative to the housing.

[0012] The disadvantage here is that every time the handwheel is locked with a key, it has to be unlocked again, so the lock is unnecessarily complex if only a lock against unintentional adjustment of the handwheel is required.

[0013] There are also systems that have a particularly large number of valve units, so that either one key would have to fit all valve units, or a large number of keys would be necessary, with each key being assigned to a valve unit, so that locking and unlocking would be extremely complex.

[0014] Furthermore, locking mechanisms are also known that must be operated using additional tools in order to be locked or unlocked.

[0015] In addition, both variants require recesses in the form of locking cylinders or recesses for tools, so that these valve units are not suitable for hygienic applications, as deposits can form in this area.

[0016] Against this background, it is the object of the invention to provide a valve unit with a locking mechanism that is easy to adjust, protects against both inadvertent adjustment and optionally against deliberate manipulation, and can be reliably adjusted to an open as well as a closed position.

[0017] The stated object is achieved according to the invention by a valve unit with a housing, a manually operable valve drive comprising an adjustable valve spindle and a handwheel provided at the end of the valve spindle, which is rotatable relative to the housing and serves for manually adjusting the valve spindle along a spindle axis relative to the housing, a locking element mounted on the handwheel so as to be movable around and along a locking axis, which has a locking section and which is adjustable relative to the handwheel from an open position via an intermediate position to a locking position, a closing body arranged at the end of the valve spindle opposite the handwheel, a locking sleeve which is coupled to the housing in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the locking section of the locking element forms a positive connection with the locking sleeve in the locking position, so that the handwheel is coupled to the housing in a rotationally fixed manner,wherein the locking element forms a positive connection with the handwheel in the open position and the locking position and is held in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the handwheel about the locking axis, and wherein the positive connection present in the open position and the locking position can be released by a translational displacement of the locking element along the locking axis.

[0018] The basic idea of ​​the invention is that the locking element forms a positive connection with the handwheel both in the open position and in the locked position, so that it is relatively rotationally fixed to the handwheel and is thus firmly secured in the desired position.

[0019] In order to be able to adjust the locking element from the open position to the locked position (and vice versa), a two-stage actuation process is used.

[0020] First, the positive connection of the locking element with the handwheel must be released by moving the locking element translationally along the locking axis.

[0021] In the next step, the locking element must be rotated relative to the handwheel around the locking axis. This also results in a movement of the locking section, which, depending on the adjustment, forms or breaks a positive connection with the locking sleeve.

[0022] One aspect provides that the locking element can be rotated about the locking axis in the intermediate position.

[0023] Thus, in the intermediate position there is no positive connection between the locking element and the handwheel.

[0024] The locking element can therefore be moved from the open position into the intermediate position by a translational displacement, from which it can be rotated about the locking axis, so that by rotating the locking element it can be brought into the locking position, whereby the locking element must also be moved translationally from the intermediate position along the locking axis towards the locking position.

[0025] Analogously, adjustment is also possible from the locked position to the open position.

[0026] The locking axis can run parallel to the spindle axis and the positive engagement of the locking element with the handwheel in the open position and in the locking position can be released by a translational displacement of the locking element along the locking axis in the direction of the closing body.

[0027] To move the locking element into the intermediate position, it is "pushed" into the valve unit. For the user, pushing the locking element along the locking axis "into" the valve unit is easier and more intuitive than pulling the locking element out.

[0028] In addition, an actuating portion protruding from the gear may be provided at one end of the locking element.

[0029] The operating section therefore protrudes axially from the handwheel along the spindle axis.

[0030] This facilitates the adjustment of the locking element, as the actuating section is easily accessible from the outside, and allows the locking element to be adjusted manually without the aid of tools.

[0031] Thus, the locking element can be moved both translationally via the actuating section and rotationally around the locking axis when the locking element is in the intermediate position.

[0032] The locking element can be adjusted translationally and rotationally relative to the handwheel without the use of tools through the actuating section.

[0033] It is also conceivable to provide an arrow on the front side of the actuating section to indicate whether the locking element is in the open position or in the locked position.

[0034] A further aspect provides that a through hole can be provided on the actuating portion, wherein the through hole is completely exposed in the open position and the locking position of the locking element and protrudes axially from the handwheel, while in the intermediate position it is at least partially covered by the handwheel.

[0035] The through hole allows to block a translational movement from the open position and the closed position, for example by hooking a padlock into this through hole.

[0036] This would have to fill the through hole at least in such a way that it covers a larger area of ​​the through hole than that which may be exposed in the intermediate position.

[0037] This is a simple yet secure way to protect the valve unit's handwheel from deliberate tampering. Furthermore, this locking mechanism only requires a through hole, which can be inexpensively and easily inserted into the actuating section of the locking element. Padlocks are also extremely inexpensive.

[0038] In addition, a support section can be provided on the locking element at the end of the locking element remote from the actuating section, which support section is cylindrical and is guided in a rotationally movable manner in the radial direction by a guide formed by a handwheel and / or locking sleeve.

[0039] Accordingly, the locking element is mounted and guided in the handwheel just below the actuating section, and is guided in a rotationally movable manner by the support section at the end of the locking element remote from the actuating section.

[0040] The locking section is located above the support section and thus below the actuating section. When the locking element is in the locked position, so that there is a positive connection between the locking sleeve and the locking section of the locking element, forces that arise, for example, when an attempt is made to rotate the handwheel relative to the housing while the locking element is in the locked position, are supported by the support section.

[0041] In addition, the cross-section of the locking section can be part-circular along the locking axis and can be pivotable about the locking axis by a rotational adjustment of the locking element, wherein the part-circular section projects into a recess of the locking sleeve in the locking position and locks the handwheel against rotation.

[0042] The part-circular cross-section of the locking section can be easily manufactured and is also stable enough to ensure reliable locking of the handwheel via a locking element in the locking position.

[0043] Furthermore, this makes it possible for the locking section and the locking sleeve to be designed in such a way that the part-circular locking section engages in the recess in the locking position and that, upon rotational adjustment of the locking element, the locking section is pivoted about the locking axis in such a way that the recess of the locking sleeve is completely released and the locking section is located outside the maximum outer circumference of the locking sleeve.

[0044] Furthermore, the locking element can be coupled to an elastic spring element which exerts a spring force on the locking element.

[0045] Furthermore, the elastic spring element can be a helical spring arranged coaxially with the locking spring, which rests at one end on the handwheel and at the other end on the locking element. Furthermore, the helical spring can counteract a translational displacement of the locking element from the open position and from the locking position to the intermediate position along the locking axis.

[0046] Consequently, the elastic spring element holds the locking element in the open position and also in the closed position, so that the locking element is positively connected to the handwheel.

[0047] If the locking element is to be adjusted from one of the two positions to the intermediate state, the spring force must first be overcome for the translational adjustment of the locking element in order to realize an adjustment to the intermediate state.

[0048] This ensures that the locking element remains in the open position or the locked position until an active adjustment of the locking element occurs.

[0049] The positive connection between the locking element and the handwheel in the open position and in the locking position can be formed by webs provided on the locking element and recesses provided on the handwheel and / or by recesses provided on the locking element and webs provided on the handwheel.

[0050] A combination of webs and recesses creates a solid and reliable form fit between the locking element and the handwheel.

[0051] The handwheel can also include a base body and a cover, which together serve to accommodate and guide the locking element both translationally and rotationally. This simplifies the installation of the locking element on the handwheel and allows for easy replacement of individual components when they become worn.

[0052] The base body and the cover can be positively connected via a snap-in connection. This provides a simple and reliable connection, allowing the locking element to be inserted into the base body when the handwheel is assembled. This locking element is then inserted into the base body and locked into place by placing and snapping the cover into place, thus securing it in place.

[0053] In addition, the locking sleeve may have teeth arranged along the outer circumference and / or inner circumference of the locking sleeve and forming a toothed ring.

[0054] This enables the locking element to provide an anti-rotation lock between the housing and the handwheel via the locking section in many different relative positions of the handwheel and the housing in the locking position with the locking sleeve, with the locking section engaging in the recess between the teeth.

[0055] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the locking sleeve is formed in one piece with the housing or forms an independent component.

[0056] If the locking sleeve is formed as one piece with the housing, this is advantageous in assembly, as fewer components have to be joined together.

[0057] Designing the locking sleeve as a separate component allows it to be replaced independently of the housing when it becomes worn. It also simplifies housing manufacturing, as the locking sleeve isn't required separately.

[0058] The object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a method for unlocking and locking a rear wheel of a valve unit according to the invention, comprising the following steps: a) translational displacement of the locking element in the locking position into the intermediate position and removal of the positive connection between the locking element and the handwheel; b) twisting the locking element in the intermediate position; c) Translational movement of the locking element from the intermediate position to the open position and closing of the positive connection between the locking element and the handwheel; d) removing the positive connection between the locking section and the locking sleeve so that the handwheel can be rotated relative to the housing; e) translational displacement of the locking element in the open position into the intermediate position and removal of the positive connection between the locking element and the handwheel; f) twisting of the locking element in the intermediate position; g) translational displacement of the locking element from the intermediate position to the locking position and closing of the positive connection between the locking element and the handwheel; and h) Closing the positive connection between the locking section and the locking sleeve so that the handwheel is coupled to the housing in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0059] The resulting advantages can be seen in the above paragraphs.

[0060] The invention is described below with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: - Fig. 1 a valve unit according to the invention with a manually operable handwheel; - Fig. 2 the valve unit of Fig. 1 in a sectional view with a valve spindle in a middle position; - Fig. 3 the valve unit of Fig. 2 with the valve spindle in a lower position; - Fig. 4 a handwheel in a perspective view from below; - Fig. 5 a top view of the handwheel; - Fig. 6 a bottom view of the handwheel; - Fig. 7 a representation of two hexagons that are twisted relative to each other; - Fig. 8 the detail B of Fig. 6 as a section along the plane VIII-VIII in a perspective view; - Fig. 9 a stroke limitation in a perspective view; - Fig. 10 the stroke limitation of Fig. 9 in a sectional view - Fig. 11 the stroke limiter Fig. 8 in the underside view; - Fig. 12 the detail D of Fig. 2 with the valve spindle in a middle position; - Fig. 13 the detail D of Fig. 2 with the valve spindle in a desired end position; - Fig. 14 the detail D of Fig. 2 with the valve spindle in the desired end position without handwheel; - Fig. 15 the detail D of Fig. 2 with the valve spindle in the desired end position without handwheel and with a first stop element in contact with a first stop; - Fig. 16 the detail D of Fig. 2 with the valve spindle in another desired end position without handwheel; - Fig. 17 the detail D of Fig. 2 with the valve spindle in the further desired end position without handwheel and a translationally displaced adjusting sleeve and a second stop element in contact with a second stop; - Fig. 18 the detail D of Fig. 2 with the valve spindle in the further desired end position with the handwheel mounted in the further desired end position; - Fig. 19 the handwheel with a locking element in a plan view; - Fig. 20 the locking element in a perspective view; - Fig. 21 a locking sleeve in a perspective view; - Fig. 22 an upper section of a valve drive half in a sectional view with a locking element with a support section; - Fig. 23 the locking element with support section in a perspective view; - Fig. 24 a locking sleeve for the locking element with support section in a perspective view; - Fig. 25 is a simplified side view of a locking mechanism with a locking element in the open position; - Fig. 26 a simplified representation of the locking mechanism with the locking element in the open position in a bottom view; - Fig. 27 a simplified representation of the locking mechanism with the locking element in the intermediate position in a side view; - Fig. 28 a simplified representation of the locking mechanism with the locking element in the locking position in a side view; and - Fig. 29 a simplified representation of the locking mechanism with the locking element in the locking position in a bottom view.

[0061] The Fig. 1 to 3 show a valve unit 10 with a housing 12. Furthermore, a manual valve drive 14 is provided, which has a handwheel 16 and an adjustable valve spindle 18 (see Fig. 2) includes.

[0062] The handwheel 16 serves for the manual adjustment of the valve spindle 18 relative to the housing 12 along a spindle axis A and is provided at one end of the valve spindle 18.

[0063] At the end of the valve spindle 18 opposite the handwheel 16, a closing body 20 is attached (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3). This closing body 20 serves to close or open a line in which, for example, a liquid or a gas is transported, by pressing against a valve seat.

[0064] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the valve unit 10 further comprises an adjustable mechanical stroke limiter 22, which limits the adjustment of the valve spindle 18 along the spindle axis A. The stroke limiter 22 has a stroke adjustment element 24, by means of which the stroke limiter 22 can be adjusted, one end of which faces the handwheel 16.

[0065] The stroke adjustment element 24 can be adjusted according to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 can be designed as an adjusting sleeve 26, which serves to adjust a first stop element 28 and / or a second stop element 30. The first stop element 28 serves to adjust the valve spindle 18 along the spindle axis A in the direction of the closing body to a first end position (see Fig. 3) by interaction with a first stop 32 on the housing side.

[0066] The second stop element 30 serves to limit the adjustment of the valve spindle 18 along the spindle axis A in the direction of the handwheel 16 to a second end position by interacting with a second stop 34.

[0067] Alternatively, the stroke adjustment element 24 may also be a stop element coupled to the valve spindle 18, which limits the adjustment of the valve spindle 18 along the spindle axis A by interacting with a stop 32, 34.

[0068] The first stop 32 is formed here by a surface of the housing 12 and the second stop 34 by a stop sleeve 35 coupled to the housing 12.

[0069] Alternatively, the second stop 34 can also be provided on the handwheel 16 or the adjusting sleeve 26.

[0070] In order to be able to adjust the valve spindle 18 by a rotary movement of the handwheel 16, the valve spindle 18 has a first drive geometry 36 that deviates from a circular cross-section at the end facing the handwheel 16. Furthermore, the handwheel 16 has a first driving geometry 38 (see Fig. 4 to 6), which is designed to form a positive connection with the first drive geometry 36.

[0071] The first driving geometry 38 can be provided centrally in the handwheel 16 and can be formed in the form of a through hole deviating from a circular cross-section.

[0072] In addition, a second drive geometry 40 deviating from a circular cross-section is provided on the stroke adjustment element 24 at the end facing the handwheel 16.

[0073] Furthermore, the handwheel 16 has a second driving geometry 42 (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 6), which is designed to form a positive connection with the second drive geometry 40 of the adjusting sleeve 26.

[0074] The second driving geometry 42 can change the first driving geometry 38 accordingly Fig. 6 in the radial direction relative to the spindle axis, although this does not preclude them from being axially offset from one another along the spindle axis. The driving geometries 38, 42 are coaxial with one another.

[0075] Furthermore, the second driving geometry 42 can be formed by webs provided on the handwheel 16, which define the cross-sectional profile of the second driving geometry 42.

[0076] The first driving geometry 38 also has first driving sections 44 (see Fig. 5). These first driving sections 44 are part of the cross-sectional profile of the first driving geometry 38 perpendicular to the spindle axis A and follow a silhouette that is created when at least two cross-sectional profiles of the first drive geometry 36 are superimposed perpendicular to the spindle axis A and rotated relative to each other about the spindle axis A, so that further driving sections 44 are created.

[0077] Furthermore, the second driving geometry 42 comprises second driving sections 46 (see Fig. 6). These second driving sections 46 are part of the cross-sectional profile of the second driving geometry 42 perpendicular to the spindle axis A and follow a silhouette that is created when at least two cross-sectional profiles of the second drive geometry 40 are superimposed perpendicular to the spindle axis A and rotated relative to each other about the spindle axis A, so that further driving sections 46 are created.

[0078] The stroke adjustment element 24 or the adjustment sleeve 26 has the second drive geometry 40 at the end facing away from the first stop element 28. At least a portion of the second drive geometry 40 extends within the second driving section 46.

[0079] Because the handwheel 16 forms a positive connection with both the spindle axis A and the stroke adjustment element 24, the valve spindle 18 and the stroke adjustment element 24 are connected in a rotationally fixed manner via the handwheel 16.

[0080] The drive geometries 36, 40 form an axial plug connection with the respective driving geometries 38, 42.

[0081] Since the handwheel 16 is detachably mounted, as for example in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 by a screw connection 48, the valve spindle 18 and the stroke adjustment element 24 are also non-destructively detachably coupled to one another.

[0082] The two drive geometries 36, 40 are exposed when the handwheel 16 is removed.

[0083] The first and / or the second drive geometries 36, 40 extend in a prism-shaped or cylindrical manner along the valve spindle A, whereby the handwheel 16 or its driving geometries 38, 42 can be pushed onto the respective drive geometries 36, 40.

[0084] Consequently, the first and second driving geometries 38, 42 are designed such that they allow axial attachment of the handwheel 16 onto the spindle axis A and the stroke adjustment element 24 in mutually rotated positions of their cross sections.

[0085] Both the drive geometries 36, 40 and the driving geometries 38, 42 can have driving projections 50 projecting outwards or inwards relative to the spindle axis A.

[0086] Furthermore, the respectively assigned drive geometry 36, 40 and also the respectively assigned driving geometries 38, 42 can have complementary receptacles 52.

[0087] The complementary receptacles 52 are accordingly provided for the driving projections 50, wherein the number of receptacles 52 corresponds to at least an integer multiple of the driving projections 50.

[0088] The cross-sectional profile of the first drive geometry 36 perpendicular to the spindle axis corresponds at least in sections to a polygon 58 (see Fig. 7). Accordingly, the entire cross-section does not have to be polygonal, but individual areas of the cross-section can lie on a cross-section of a polygon 58.

[0089] Furthermore, the first driving sections 44 can follow the silhouette that is created when at least the corner regions of two polygons 58, which each correspond to the cross-sectional profile of the first drive geometry 36 or at least are congruent with parts (i.e. sections) thereof, are placed one above the other with their center of gravity 60 and arranged rotated relative to one another.

[0090] This is exemplified in Fig. 7 is shown using two regular hexagons twisted relative to each other.

[0091] Analogous embodiments apply to the cross-sectional profile of the second drive geometry 40. The cross-sectional profile of the second drive geometry 36 perpendicular to the spindle axis can also correspond, at least in sections, to a polygon 58, and the second take-off sections 44 can follow the silhouette that results when at least the corner regions of two polygons 58, which each correspond to the cross-sectional profile of the second drive geometry or at least lie on parts of the cross-sectional profile, are superimposed with their center of gravity 60 and arranged rotated relative to each other (as is the case according to Fig. 7 is shown as an example with two hexagons).

[0092] Furthermore, it is possible that both the cross-sectional profile of the first drive geometry 36 and that of the second drive geometry 40 perpendicular to the spindle axis A correspond at least in sections to a regular polygon 58.

[0093] Furthermore, in this case, the first and second driving sections 44, 46 can each follow the silhouette that is created when at least the corner regions of two polygons 58, which each correspond to the cross-sectional profile of the first or second drive geometry 36, 40, are placed on top of each other and then rotated relative to each other by an angle of 360 degrees / (2*n) or 360 degrees / (2*k) about their center of gravity 60, where n or k corresponds to the number of corners of the cross-sectional profile of the first or second drive geometry 36, 40.

[0094] By superimposing the respective drive geometries 36, star-shaped driving geometries 38, 42 result starting from a regular polygon.

[0095] This makes it possible to attach the handwheel 16 in at least twice as many rotational positions relative to the valve spindle 18 or the stroke adjustment element 24 and thus also to the first drive geometry 36 or second drive geometry 40 as with a simple hexagon.

[0096] As a result, threading a disassembled handwheel 16 onto the valve spindle 18 and the stroke adjustment element 24 is facilitated, since the probability that the driving geometries 38, 42 are already positioned appropriately or at least approximately appropriately relative to the associated drive geometries 36 and 40, respectively, is significantly increased.

[0097] Even if, when attaching the handwheel 16, the respective driving geometry 38, 42 cannot be attached directly to the respective drive geometry 36 or 40 due to a relative rotation, there is still the advantage that the handwheel 16 only has to be rotated slightly relative to the valve spindle 18 or the stroke adjustment element 24 so that it can be attached to both drive geometries 36, 40.

[0098] Typically, the handwheel 16 and the valve spindle 18 and the stroke adjustment element 24 are matched to one another in such a way that the handwheel 16 initially forms a positive connection with only one of the two components, so that when the handwheel 16 already has positive connections to one of the components, a relative movement about the spindle axis until alignment with the other drive geometry also results in the respective component being driven along and, accordingly, also an adjustment, which is typically undesirable but can be significantly reduced by the driving geometries 42, 46 designed in accordance with the above explanations.

[0099] If the cross-sectional profiles of the first and / or second drive geometry 36, 40 are regular polygons 58, they can, for example, correspond to a square or a hexagon.

[0100] In addition, according to Fig. 8, it is possible for the handwheel to have a blind hole 62 in which an RFID 64 is accommodated. The RFID 64 can be secured by a ball 66 that is pressed into the blind hole 62.

[0101] In the following, the stroke limiter 22 with the stroke adjustment element 24 designed in the form of an adjusting sleeve 26 will be discussed in more detail, as shown in the Fig. 2, 3 and 9 to 12.

[0102] According to the above explanations, the adjusting sleeve 26 serves to adjust the first stop element 28 and / or the second stop element 30 relative to the valve spindle 18.

[0103] The stop elements 28, 30 are arranged directly on the valve spindle 18.

[0104] If a relative rotation occurs between the valve spindle 18 and the first stop element 28 and / or the second stop element 30, this is accompanied by a translational adjustment of the first stop element 28 and / or the second stop element 30.

[0105] For this purpose, the valve spindle 18 has a threaded portion 68 which is provided on the outer circumference of the valve spindle 18.

[0106] The stop elements 28, 30 are nut-shaped and screwed onto the threaded section 68 of the valve spindle 18. Of course, each stop element can also have its own thread.

[0107] For adjusting the first stop element 28 and the second stop element 30, the adjusting sleeve 26 is coupled in a first position to both stop elements 28, 30 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0108] If the adjusting sleeve 26 is in the first position, a relative rotation between the adjusting sleeve 26 and the valve spindle 18 causes the first and second stop elements 28, 30 to be moved translationally relative to the valve spindle along the spindle axis A.

[0109] In the first position, the lower one in the example, the adjusting sleeve 26 is therefore positively coupled in the direction of rotation to the first and second stop elements 28, 30.

[0110] This positive connection is created by the adjusting sleeve 26 in the first position at least partially surrounding the first and second stop elements 28, 30 radially outwardly.

[0111] Furthermore, the adjusting sleeve can be adjusted translationally along the spindle axis A into a second position in which it is coupled to only one of the stop elements 28, 30.

[0112] According to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shows a variant in which the adjusting sleeve 26 can be moved by a translational movement upwards towards the handwheel 16 into a second, in the example upper, position in which it is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner exclusively to the second stop element 30.

[0113] Accordingly, when the adjusting sleeve 26 is in the second position and when there is a relative rotation between the adjusting sleeve 26 and the valve spindle 18, only the second stop element 30 is adjusted translationally relative to the valve spindle 18 along the valve spindle axis A.

[0114] In the exemplary embodiment, in the second position, in which it is axially displaced relative to the first position, the adjusting sleeve 26 is thus positively coupled in the direction of rotation only to the second stop element 30.

[0115] In the second position, the adjusting sleeve 26 exclusively surrounds the second stop element 30 at least partially radially outwardly, so that the positive connection in the radial direction with the first stop element 28 is released and in the second position of the adjusting sleeve 26, the first stop element 28 is not carried along.

[0116] In order for the adjusting sleeve 26 to form the positive connection with the first stop element 28, it has a coupling structure 70 at the end facing the first stop element 28 (here the front side), which serves to form a positive connection with the first stop element 28.

[0117] For this purpose, the first stop element can, for example, have a structure along the circumference that is complementary to the coupling structure 70.

[0118] In addition, the adjusting sleeve 26 has two grooves 72 running along the spindle axis A (see Fig. 9). In these grooves 72, webs 74 of the second stop element 30 extend, so that a rotation of the adjusting sleeve 26 also results in the second stop element 30 being carried along via the webs 74.

[0119] The maximum adjustment of the second stop element 30 along the spindle axis A can be limited via the length of the groove 72 along the spindle axis.

[0120] In addition, the adjusting sleeve 26 is coupled to an elastic spring element 76 in the form of a coil spring 78. The spring element 78 exerts a force on the adjusting sleeve 26 toward the first position.

[0121] The spring element 76 in the form of the helical spring 78 is arranged coaxially to the spindle axis A and is supported with one end on the second stop element 30 and with its other end it acts on a shoulder of the adjusting sleeve 26.

[0122] In the following, the procedure for adjusting the adjustable stroke limit of the valve unit 10 is described using the Fig. 12 to 18 are explained.

[0123] The initial state is the Fig. 12. Here, the stop elements 28, 30 have a certain relative position to the valve spindle 18, which limits the movement of the valve spindle relative to the housing 12 to two end positions. Based on this, the stop elements 28, 30 are now to be adjusted relative to the valve spindle 18 in order to limit the movement of the valve spindle 18 to new end positions.

[0124] For this purpose, the valve spindle 18 is Fig. 13 is first adjusted to a desired first end position using the handwheel 16.

[0125] Since the handwheel 16 connects the valve spindle 18 and the adjusting sleeve 26 in a rotationally fixed manner, no relative displacement of the stop elements 28, 30 along the valve spindle 18 takes place during this adjustment.

[0126] In the next step, the handwheel 16 is removed, so that the torsion-proof coupling between the valve spindle 18 and the adjusting sleeve 26 is also released. This is in Fig. 15 shown.

[0127] The handwheel 16 can be loosened, for example, by loosening a screw in the thread indicated in the valve spindle 18.

[0128] In the next step, a relative rotation between the adjusting sleeve 26 in the first position and the valve spindle 18 can cause both stop elements 28, 30 to be adjusted translationally along the valve spindle. In this case, the first stop element 28 is adjusted first and then adjusted translationally along the valve spindle 18 until it contacts the first stop 32 on the housing 12 (see Fig. 15). The position of the first stop element 28 is thus assigned to the first position.

[0129] The adjustment of the adjusting sleeve or the relative rotation between the adjusting sleeve 26 and the valve spindle 18 is carried out manually and without tools.

[0130] In the next step, the valve spindle 18 is adjusted relative to the housing 12 until the desired second end position of the valve spindle 18 is reached (see Fig. 16). During adjustment of the valve spindle 18, no relative rotation occurs between the valve spindle 18 and the adjusting sleeve 26. This is important, because otherwise the previously adjusted first stop element 28 would be unintentionally adjusted.

[0131] In order to prevent a relative rotation between the valve spindle 18 and the adjusting sleeve 26 in this step, the handwheel 16 could therefore be temporarily placed so that no relative rotation can occur.

[0132] Once the desired second end position is reached, the adjusting sleeve 26 is then moved translationally into the second position. For this purpose, the adjusting sleeve 26 must be adjusted accordingly. Fig. 17 can be manually moved upwards and away from the first stop element 28. During this movement, a force must be applied that counteracts the spring force.

[0133] In this second position, the adjusting sleeve 26 is only connected to the second stop element 30 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0134] To move the second stop element 30 towards the stop 34 as shown in Fig. 17, a relative rotation must again take place between the adjusting sleeve 26 located in the second position and the valve spindle 18, namely until the second stop element 30 moving translationally along the valve spindle 18 contacts the second stop 34.

[0135] This adjustment of the second stop element 30 via the adjusting sleeve 26 can also be carried out manually and without tools.

[0136] To ensure that the now adjusted stop elements 28, 30 of the stroke limiter 22 no longer perform any translational movement relative to the valve spindle 18, the adjusting sleeve 26 must be moved back to the first position. This can be done using the elastic spring element 76.

[0137] In addition, the handwheel 16 must be fitted so that the valve spindle 18 and the adjusting sleeve 26 are coupled in a rotationally fixed manner (see Fig. 18).

[0138] In the following, the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and 19 to 29 refer to a locking function integrated into the valve unit 10.

[0139] To implement the locking function, a locking element 80 is provided, which is movably mounted around and along a locking axis S on the handwheel 16.

[0140] The locking axis S runs parallel to the spindle axis A.

[0141] The locking element 80 is adjustable relative to the handwheel from an open position via an intermediate position to a locking position.

[0142] The locking element 80 has a locking section 82 which has a partially circular cross-section along the locking axis S and can be pivoted into the locking axis S by a rotational adjustment of the locking element 80.

[0143] Rotational adjustments of the locking element 80 occur, for example, when the locking element 80 is adjusted from an open position (see Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 25) via an intermediate position (see Fig. 26) to a locking position (see Fig. 28) is adjustable.

[0144] For reasons of clarity, the Fig. 25, Fig. 27 and Fig. 28, some components have been omitted and only the actual locking mechanism is shown. However, this only serves to make the following explanations easier to understand.

[0145] In the locking position, the locking section 82 of the locking element 80 forms a positive connection with the locking sleeve 86, so that the handwheel 16 is coupled to the housing 12 in a rotationally fixed manner (see Fig. 28, Fig. 29).

[0146] For this purpose, a locking sleeve 86 is provided, wherein the locking sleeve 86 can simultaneously also act as a stop sleeve 35 in accordance with the above explanations.

[0147] The locking sleeve 86 is coupled to the housing 12 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0148] The locking sleeve 86 can either be designed as an independent component as shown in the figures or alternatively be designed as a single piece with the housing 12.

[0149] The locking sleeve 86 has recesses 88, wherein the part-circular section 84 projects into the recess 88 of the locking sleeve 86 when the locking element is in the locking position and thus locks the handwheel 16 against rotation.

[0150] These recesses 88 are formed by teeth 90 provided on the locking sleeve 86, which are arranged along the outer circumference of the locking sleeve 86 and form a toothed ring 92.

[0151] Alternatively, teeth 90 may also be provided additionally or exclusively along the inner circumference of the locking sleeve 86.

[0152] In addition, the locking element 80 has an actuating portion 94 at one end thereof, which protrudes from the handwheel 16.

[0153] The actuating section 94 allows the locking element to be adjusted translationally and rotationally relative to the handwheel 16 without the use of tools. A through hole 96 is also provided on the actuating section.

[0154] The through hole 96 is in the open position and in the locked position (see Fig. 25, Fig. 28) of the locking element 80 is completely exposed and protrudes axially from the handwheel 16. In the intermediate position (see Fig. 26), the through hole 96 is at least partially covered by the handwheel 16.

[0155] The through hole can be used to lock the locking element 80 against deliberate manipulation.

[0156] Furthermore, the locking element 80 has webs 98 which, together with the webs 100 provided on the handwheel 16 and the recesses 102 provided between the webs, form a positive connection with the handwheel 16 when the locking element 80 is in the open position or in the locking position, so that the locking element 80 is held in a rotationally fixed manner about the locking axis S relative to the handwheel 16.

[0157] The positive connection between the locking element 80 and the handwheel 16 in the open position and in the locking position can be released by a translational displacement of the locking element 80 along the locking axis S into the intermediate position.

[0158] The translational displacement can be adjusted accordingly Fig. 25 along the locking axis A in the direction of the closing body 20.

[0159] By dissolving the positive connection between the locking element 80 and the handwheel 16, the locking element 80 can be rotated about the locking axis S in the intermediate position.

[0160] Furthermore, the handwheel 16 can consist of a base body 104 and a cover 106, wherein the base body 104 and cover 106 serve to receive and to guide the locking element 80 both translationally and rotationally.

[0161] The base body 104 and the cover 106 can be positively connected via a snap-in connection 108.

[0162] In addition, the webs 100 and the recesses 102 can be formed according to the figures (see in particular Fig. 25, Fig. 26 and Fig. 28) be formed by the lid.

[0163] Alternatively or additionally, webs and / or receptacles could also be provided on the base body 104 of the handwheel 16.

[0164] Furthermore, the locking element 80 is coupled to an elastic spring element 110 (see Fig. 22), which exerts a spring force on the locking element 80. The elastic spring element 110 is designed in the form of a helical spring 112 and is arranged coaxially to the locking axis S.

[0165] One end of the elastic spring element 110, designed as a helical spring 112, is supported on the base body 104 of the handwheel 16 and the other end on the webs 98 of the locking element 80.

[0166] The spring force of the elastic spring element 110 acts against a translational displacement along the locking axis S from the open and locking position to the intermediate position.

[0167] In the Fig. 22 to 24, a locking element 80 according to a further option is shown.

[0168] In contrast to the previous locking element, this locking element 80 has a support section 114 at the end of the locking element 80 remote from the actuating section 94, which support section is cylindrical and is guided in a rotationally movable manner in the radial direction by a guide formed by the handwheel (see Fig. 22).

[0169] Alternatively or additionally, the guidance of the support section 114 can also be provided by the locking sleeve 86.

[0170] If the locking element 80 is provided with a support section 114, it is necessary that at least in the area in which the support section 114 can be located along the locking sleeve 86, no teeth 90 are present, so that the toothed ring can be arranged, for example, according to Fig. 24 is executed.

[0171] The following will be based on the Fig. 25 to 29 the locking and unlocking of the handwheel 16 by means of the locking element 80 will be explained.

[0172] The initial state is Fig. 25, in which the locking element 80 is in the open position.

[0173] There is a positive connection between the locking element 80 and the handwheel 16.

[0174] The locking portion 82 of the locking element 80 is not engaged with the teeth 90 of the locking sleeve 86, so there is no positive connection between the handwheel 16 and the locking sleeve 86, and the handwheel 16 is rotatable relative to the housing 12. Thus, adjustment of the valve spindle 18 via the handwheel 16 is possible.

[0175] If the locking element 80 is now to be adjusted from the open position to the intermediate position, a translational displacement of the locking element 80 must be carried out accordingly Fig. 27.

[0176] As a result, the positive connection between the handwheel 16 and the locking element 80 created by the webs 98, 100 and recesses 102 is released.

[0177] During the translational displacement, the spring force acting on the locking element 80 through the elastic spring element 110 must be overcome.

[0178] In the next step, the locking element in the intermediate position can be rotated relative to the handwheel 16 and in this case it is necessary to move the locking element 80 starting from Fig. 27 by 180° around the locking axis S.

[0179] If the locking element 80 is to be locked in this state and thus brought into the locking position, a translational displacement along the locking axis must again take place until the locking element 80 is correspondingly Fig. 28 has reached the locking position.

[0180] This translational displacement can be effected by the spring force of the elastic spring element 110.

[0181] In this state, the locking element 80 on the one hand forms a positive connection with the handwheel 16. On the other hand, it couples the handwheel 16 via the locking section 82 engaging with the teeth 90 in a rotationally fixed manner to the locking sleeve 86 and thus to the entire housing 12 (see in particular Fig. 29).

[0182] In this state, it is therefore not possible to adjust the valve spindle 18 via the handwheel 16.

[0183] To move the locking element from the locked position to the open position, the above steps must be performed in reverse order.

Claims

[1] Valve unit with a housing (12), a manually operable valve drive (14) comprising an adjustable valve spindle (18) and a handwheel (16) provided at the end of the valve spindle (18) which is rotatable relative to the housing (12) and serves for manually adjusting the valve spindle (18) along a spindle axis (A) relative to the housing (12), a locking element (80) mounted on the handwheel (16) so as to be movable around and along a locking axis (S), which has a locking section (82) and which is adjustable relative to the handwheel (16) from an open position via an intermediate position to a locking position, a closing body (20) arranged at the end of the valve spindle (18) opposite the handwheel (16), a locking sleeve which is rotationally fixedly coupled to the housing (12), wherein the locking portion (82) of the locking element (80) in the locking position forms a positive connection with the locking sleeve (86), so that the handwheel (16) is coupled to the housing (12) in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the locking element (80) forms a positive connection with the handwheel (16) in the open position and the locking position and is held rotationally fixed relative to the handwheel (16) about the locking axis (S), and wherein the positive locking present in the open position and the locking position can be released by a translational displacement of the locking element (80) along the locking axis (S). [2] Valve unit according to claim 1, characterized by that the locking element (80) is rotatable about the locking axis (S) in the intermediate position. [3] Valve unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the locking axis (S) runs parallel to the spindle axis (A) and the positive connection between the locking element (80) and the handwheel (16) in the open position and in the locking position can be released by a translational displacement of the locking element (80) along the locking axis (S) in the direction of the closing body (20). [4] Valve unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an actuating portion (94) is provided at one end of the locking element (80) which protrudes from the handwheel (16). [5] Valve unit according to claim 4, characterized by that the locking element (80) can be adjusted translationally and rotationally relative to the handwheel (16) by means of the actuating section (94) without the use of tools. [6] Valve unit according to claim 4 or 5, characterized byin that a through-hole (96) is provided on the actuating section (94), wherein the through-hole (96) is completely exposed in the open position and the locking position of the locking element (80) and protrudes axially from the handwheel (16), while in the intermediate position it is at least partially covered by the handwheel (16). [7] Valve unit according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by that at the end of the locking element (80) remote from the actuating section (94), a support section (114) is provided on the locking element (80), which support section is cylindrical and is guided in a rotationally movable manner in the radial direction by a guide formed by a handwheel (16) and / or locking sleeve (86). [8] Valve unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the cross section of the locking section (82) along the locking axis (S) is part-circular and can be pivoted about the locking axis (S) by a rotational adjustment of the locking element (80), wherein the part-circular section (84) projects into a recess (88) of the locking sleeve (86) in the locking position and locks the handwheel (16) against rotation. [9] Valve unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking element (80) is coupled to an elastic spring element (110) which exerts a spring force on the locking element (80). [10] Valve unit according to claim 9, characterized bythat the elastic spring element (110) is a helical spring (112) arranged coaxially to the locking axis (S), which is supported with one end on the handwheel (16) and with its other end on the locking element (80), and which counteracts a translational displacement of the locking element (80) from the open position and from the locking position towards the intermediate position along the locking axis (S). [11] Valve unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the positive connection between the locking element (80) and the handwheel (16) in the open position and in the locking position is formed by webs (98) provided on the locking element (80) and recesses (102) provided on the handwheel (16) and / or by recesses provided on the locking element (80) and webs (100) provided on the handwheel (16). [12] Valve unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the handwheel (16) comprises a base body (104) and a cover (106) which together serve to receive and to guide the locking element (80) both translationally and rotationally. [13] Valve unit according to claim 12, characterized by that the base body (104) and the cover (106) are positively connected via a snap-in connection (108). [14] Valve unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking sleeve (86) has teeth (90) which are arranged along the outer and / or inner circumference of the locking sleeve (86) and form a toothed ring (92). [15] Method for unlocking and locking a handwheel (16) of a valve unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: a) translational displacement of the locking element (80) located in the locking position into the intermediate position and removal of the positive connection between the locking element (80) and the handwheel (16); b) rotating the locking element (80) in the intermediate position; c) translational displacement of the locking element (80) from the intermediate position into the open position and closing the positive connection between the locking element (80) and the handwheel (16); d) removing the positive connection between the locking section (82) and the locking sleeve so that the handwheel (16) can be rotated relative to the housing (12); e) translationally displacing the locking element (80) in the open position into the intermediate position and removing the positive connection between the locking element (80) and the handwheel (16); f) rotating the locking element (80) in the intermediate position; g) translational displacement of the locking element (80) from the intermediate position into the locking position and closing the positive connection between the locking element (80) and the handwheel (16); and h) Closing the positive connection between the locking section (82) and the locking sleeve so that the handwheel (16) is coupled to the housing (12) in a rotationally fixed manner.

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