BALL VALVE, ESPECIALLY FOR AIR CONDITIONING AND / OR REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS

Description

Ball valve, particularly for systems air conditioning and / or refrigeration DESCRIPTION The present invention has as its object a ball valve, particularly for systems air conditioning and / or refrigeration. Ball valves are devices used for sectioning branches or parts of a circuit. Their function is in fact to close or open the passage of fluid to the pipes they are connected. There are various types of ball valves and their use is very widespread in most various sectors. Depending on the sectors of use, the input / output connections and the type of materials used may vary. In the air conditioning and heating sectors refrigeration valves used can be mainly divided into two types. The first type is defined as a valve sphere with solder connections, for example ODS type. It is a device composed of a valve body into which they are inserted succession a holding seat usually in PTFE (acronym for PolyTetraFluoroEthylene), one operating stem equipped with gaskets seal, a perforated sphere and an additional seat of estate. The components are then sealed in the valve by screwing a sleeve that once a stop on the end of the valve body determines the crushing of the sphere on the seats generating the holding of the sphere itself. By rotating the operating stem by 90° you can switch from a closed valve position to a condition of opening the passage and vice versa. In this type of valve, usually the valve body and sleeve are made of brass and are combined with pipes in copper. At the ends of the pipes there is in fact an expansion that allows to the installer to insert the copper pipe from connect to the valve and braze it with filler material. The seal between the valve body and the sleeve It is usually made after screwing beaten, by TIG welding (acronym from the English Tungsten Inert Gas) while the seal of the operating stem is carried out by a pair of annular seals in elastomeric material. This first type of valves of known type they are not free from drawbacks among which are taking into account the fact that during the assembly phase you can get it from the product manufacturer a lot of waste if the TIG welding process is not kept under control. In fact, during the sealing between the body valve and sleeve, if the parameters of welding is not precise and / or the valve is not is properly cooled by cold gas flow inside, the high temperatures can ruin (melt or deform) ball seat seals and gaskets operating stem sealing rings. If these sealing elements become damaged, the product tightness is compromised and the valve is to be scrapped. Another drawback of this first known type of valves consists of fact that during assembly at the final installer the valve could be damaged by the brazing of the connecting pipes. At the time of installation the operator you will have to insert the copper pipe to be connected into the solder connection pocket present at the valve terminals. It will then perform the welding operation of the two tubes with filler material, usually alloy silver or copper / phosphorus. This operation must be done by wrapping the body valve in a wet rag so as to keeping the component cool and directing the welding torch outwards (not in direction of the valve body). If these precautions are not followed, the high temperatures can ruin (melt or deform) the ball seat and the stem sealing rings maneuver. If these sealing elements become damaged, the product tightness is compromised and the valve is to be scrapped. A further drawback of this first known type of valves consists of the fact that this type of valve is in operation may be susceptible to leaks over time from TIG welding especially when used with high pressure R744 (CO2) gas (up to 150 bar). In fact, TIG welding is tested in phase of valve production, but it could have at its interior has "blowholes" that are not visible to fatigue and high pressure could expand until the weld itself gives way compromising the seal between the valve body and the sleeve. The second is defined as a ball valve with threaded connections. This second type of valve has the same components as those described in the ball valves with weld connections, but the connection to the system is done with threads female or male of various types. Although such valves of known type exceed the inconvenience of overheating during connection by the operator to the system of use, previously complained about the first type of valves of known type, also this second type of valves of known type It is not free from drawbacks, among which are taking into account the fact that, having connections threaded, you need to pay close attention in how much the threads if not properly insulated using sealants or copper gaskets could generate refrigerant gas leaks. The main task of this invention is to in the fact of making a ball valve in able to overcome the above drawbacks complain, avoiding overheating of the internal organs including sealing organs. Within this task, one aim of the This invention consists in the fact of realizing a ball valve specifically designed for the air conditioning and heating sectors refrigeration and therefore suitable for operation with gas refrigerants. Another purpose of this invention is to in the fact of making a ball valve free from leaks between the valve body and the sleeve, without compromising the tightness of the valves and therefore generate waste in production or generate welding explosions due to high temperature pressure of the gas used. A further purpose of this invention consists in making a valve sphere such that it can be mounted in a way simple and fast. Another purpose of this invention is to in the fact of making a ball valve of easy to use, so as not to require personnel specialized for its installation. A further purpose of this invention consists in making a valve sphere capable of offering the widest guarantees of reliability, efficiency and operation. Another purpose of this invention is to in the fact of making a ball valve that can be built with known technology in technical sector of interest and therefore be produced at competitive costs. This task, as well as these and other purposes which will appear better later, are achieved from a ball valve, especially for air conditioning and / or refrigeration systems, according to claim 1. Additional features and benefits of the found will result more from the description of an embodiment preferred, but not exclusive, of a valve sphere, particularly for systems air conditioning and / or refrigeration, illustrated for indicative and non-limitative purposes with the aid of of the attached drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a ball valve according to the invention; - figure 2 is a side elevation view in exploded view of the ball valve shown in figure 1; - figure 3 is a top plan view and in exploded view of the ball valve represented in the previous figures; - figure 4 is a first scale detail enlarged view of the ball valve shown in figure 2; - figure 5 is a second scale detail enlarged view of the ball valve shown in figure 5; - figure 6 is a first perspective view, from a first angle, exploded view of the valve sphere represents in the previous figures; - figure 7 is a second perspective view, from a second angle, of the ball valve represented in the previous figures; - Figure 8 is a sectional view of the ball valve shown in the figures previous, performed according to a plan longitudinal of the valve body; - Figure 9 is a sectional view and exploded view of the ball valve shown in the previous figures, executed according to a plan longitudinal of the valve body. Referring to the figures, the valve sphere, particularly for systems air conditioning and / or refrigeration, is indicated globally with the reference number 1 and, according to the invention, it comprises a valve body 2, made for example of brass or steel stainless, presenting a geometry substantially axisymmetric with a circular base with respect to a longitudinal axis 3 and defining the inside it a first chamber 4 and a second room 5 communicating with each other through a hole central 6. More specifically, the first room 4 is of the open type in correspondence with one of its portions end 7 for insertion inside it respectively of a valve group 8 and of a drive group 9. Furthermore, the valve body 2 comprises a hollow connecting portion 10, located and developing along the longitudinal axis 3 from opposite side to the first chamber 4 and configured, as will appear better later, in in such a way that it can be connected to a first connecting pipe of a refrigeration system or similar. The valve group 8, housed in the first chamber 4, has a drive axis 11 substantially perpendicular to the axis longitudinal 3 and includes: - a 12 sphere, made for example of brass or stainless steel, housed in the first chamber 4 and featuring a through hole 13 diameter greater than or equal to the internal diameter of the hollow connecting portion 10; - two sealing seats 14 and 15, made to example in PTFE, housed, respectively, in two sealing seats 17 and 18 obtained, respectively, on the valve body 2 and on a sleeve 19, associated with valve body 2 a closing of the first chamber 4, so as to support and hold ball 12 in position. The drive group 9, housed in the second chamber 5 along the drive axis 11, includes a 20-piece operating stem made of example in stainless steel and complete with gaskets 21 and 22 and anti-friction washer 23 made for example of PTFE. In more detail, the operating stem 20, which develops along the drive axis 11, presents a first end section 20a, in shape coupling with a respective cavity shaped 12a of the sphere 12 for the rotation of this around the drive axis 11, and one second end section 20b opposite the first end section 20a and exiting from the body valve 2 through a passage hole 24 defined in correspondence with the second chamber 5 along the drive axis 11. Appropriately, between said end sections 20a and 20b, an intermediate section of 20c is planned radially enlarged and housed in a respective radially enlarged portion 25 of the second chamber 5 in such a way as to define a anti-slip and anti-ejection undercut of the operating stem 20. To protect the operating stem 20 is a first metal cap 26 is also planned, complete with additional 27 o-ring seal seal, female threaded that is screwed onto a first 28 male threaded shank defined around to the passage hole 24 of the second chamber 5 which can be sealed by sealing to the body valve 2 to avoid unauthorized movements authorized of the operating stem 20 when the ball valve 1 is in operation. Always according to the invention, the sleeve 19, previously mentioned, made for example in brass or stainless steel, which is removably associated with valve body 2 at the end portion 7 by means of screw 29 to close the first room 4. As will appear better later, also the sleeve 19 is configured so that can be connected to a second pipe connection of a refrigeration system or similar. Advantageously, the sleeve 19 comprises: - a first part 30 intended to be housed in the first room 4; - a second part 31 opposite to the first part 30 along the longitudinal axis 3 and configured for its association with the second tube of connection of a refrigeration system or similar; And - a flanged part 32, intermediate to said parts 30 and 31 along the longitudinal axis 3, attached to hit against a respective edge flanged 33 defined by valve body 2 in correspondence of the end portion 7. Appropriately, this first part 30 defines the sealing seat 18 of the sealing seat 15 of the sphere 12. Furthermore, the sleeve 19 comprises two ring gaskets 34 and 35 of which the first one is radial seal and a face seal. The first ring seal 34 is housed in a respective first circular throat 36 a radial development with respect to the longitudinal axis 3, defined between the first part 30 and the part flanged 32 at the portion radially more internal than the latter, and the second O-ring 35 is housed in a respective second circular throat 37 to development axial with respect to the longitudinal axis 3, defined on the face of the flanged part 32 intended to hit the edge flanged 33. Conveniently, such annular gaskets 34 and 35 and such circular grooves 36 and 37 are sized so that when the ball valve 1 is assembled with the flanged part 32 abutting on the flanged edge 33, the elastomers are located inside closed rooms and cannot be drawn externally to the throats themselves by pressure. Advantageously, the screw means 29 include a 38 male threaded section defined on the external surface of the first part 30 of sleeve 19 and a threaded section male 39 defined on the inner surface of the first chamber 4 corresponding to the portion end 7. Equally advantageously, the screw means 29 also include at least two plugs 40, made for example of stainless steel, in commitment in respective forums 41 defined in part on the flanged part 32 and partly on the edge flanged 33 in a parallel direction to the longitudinal axis 3. More specifically, once the sleeve 19 is tightened onto valve body 2, i two pieces are drilled with two 180° holes creating the 41 holes for inserting the pins 40. In this way, the 40 pins, inserted after ball valve testing 1, keep the valve body 2 and sleeve 19 in position and avoid accidental unscrewing between the two due to vibrations or that can be dismantled from the end user. The ball valve 1 may also comprise a charging group 42 associated with the valve body 2 in correspondence with said portion of connection hollow 10. In more detail, the charging group 42 includes a 43 in male threaded connection I engage a 44 female threaded hole defined on the hollow connecting portion 10 according to a axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 3. To protect the male threaded connection 43 and to guarantee the tightness of the valve it is provided also a second metal cap 45, complete with two other O-rings 46 and 47 sealing, female threaded which is screwed onto a second 48 male threaded shank defined around the female threaded hole 44 of the body valve 2 so that it stops on a relative esplanade 49 defined on the surface external of the hollow connecting portion 10. These other two O-rings 46 and 47 include a first gasket 46 positioned on the bottom of the second cap 45 and a second gasket 47 positioned so as to create a seal when the second cap 45 hits the esplanade 49. For connection to the system, the valve sphere 1 is provided at both ends with FAST-LOCK CO2 ring connections conical cut. They are fitted onto the pipe to be connected in order a 50 nut, a cut conical ring 51, a washer 52, made of steel stainless steel, and an O-ring seal 53. The ring gasket 53 as well as the others The gaskets mentioned so far are made of Neoprene, HNBR (acronym from the English Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) or EPDM (acronym from the English Ethylene-Propylene Diene Monomer) depending on the refrigerants used. The tubes are then inserted, respectively, in the designated locations on the body valve 2, at the free end of the hollow connecting portion 10, and on the second part 31 of sleeve 19 and nuts 50 tightened, with appropriate tightening torque, on respective male threads 54 and 55 defined then at the ends of the ball valve 1. This system guarantees anti-slippage of the pressure pipes by the conical rings 51 that tighten on the pipes and the seal in pressure by the O-ring 53 which, once tightened, is housed in the sealing seats 56 and 57 present in the inlets of valve body 2 and sleeve 19. The operation of ball valve 1 is easily understood from what has been described so far. The function of the device is to intercept and interrupt the flow through the pipe by closing the ball 12. This function is performed, as for the all ball valves, rotating the stem 20 of 90° maneuver to move from one position to another from open valve to a valve position closed and vice versa. The presence of the 43 charge attack integrated into the ball valve 1 allows you to be able to use the component to load cool the system. Connecting the component to the system It is made using FAST LOCK CO2 fittings quick and easy to install, like previously described. In practice it has been found that the valve sphere, according to the present invention, fulfill the tasks, as well as the objectives set. In fact, thanks to the fact that the valve body and the ball valve sleeve are not welded, leaving the seal between the two to a pair of ring seals in chambers housing closed so as to be anti- extrusion for gaskets, ball valve, according to the present finding, it is not affected by the gasket damage problems elastomeric and seats resulting from the possible overheating of materials due to TIG welding, as instead happens with the technique Note. Another advantage of the ball valve, according to the present invention, it consists in the fact that the lack of welding generates less waste than kept in production and therefore drastically reduces the number of pieces that did not comply with the testing. An additional advantage of the ball valve, according to the present invention, it consists in the fact that the lack of welding also guarantees the quality of the product's durability over time. In fact, since there is no welding between the body valve and sleeve, there can't be any any blowholes not visible inside it which could generate losses over time due to to the use of the component at working pressures high (especially with refrigerants) such as R744 in transcritical state). Another advantage of the ball valve, according to the present invention, it consists in the fact of allow, facilitate and make less problematic connecting the pipes to the ball valve from part of the final installer. If in known type applications the employee upon installation you must braze the pipes to the valve by wrapping it in a wet rag and taking great care not to overheat it, with the ball valve, according to the present found, this problem is overcome in how much the customer will connect the pipes directly to the device via the fittings FAST LOCK CO2. An additional advantage of the ball valve, according to the present invention, it consists in the fact that, since it is not necessary to braze the pipes connection to the system, for commissioning specialized personnel with the welding license. Another advantage of the ball valve, according to the present invention, it consists in the fact of allow the valve to be removed from the system without having to cut the pipes connection. In case the valve for any reason should be replaced, for example because for particular situations of use the seats were to be consumed by repeated openings / closings, the replacement operation It turns out to be very simple, unlike the valves of known type in which for their replacement requires cutting the copper pipes or previously brazed steel and then go and connect a new valve by re-soldering the same to the pipes which at this point, having been cut may be too short. The ball valve, according to the present found, instead allows the replacement of the body valve in a very simple way and without having to cut the connecting pipes. In fact, it is sufficient to unscrew the FAST LOCK nuts CO2 and slide the tubes off the valve to remove it from the system and be able to replace it. The new valve can be connected again by tightening the FAST nuts LOCK CO2. Another advantage of the ball valve, according to the present invention, it consists in the fact of have a double sealing gasket in correspondence of every possible leak point of the valve; more specifically, between the body valve and sleeve, on the operating stem and on the charging port cap are provided double seals. This allows you to have an absolute guarantee of ball valve sealing in the immediate, but especially throughout the life of the component. An additional advantage of the ball valve, according to the present invention, it consists in the fact of be equipped with an integrated charging connection obtained directly in the valve body. This saves you the time that it would be necessary to braze the connection charging at another point in the system by of the end user. The charge attack of our discovery guarantees the valve's tightness as in addition to the usual gaskets present on the charging mechanism, it is equipped with a cap double-sealed. Another advantage of the ball valve, according to the present invention, it consists in the fact which cannot be inadvertently dismantled from the end user, even if it has no welding, in how much the valve body and sleeve are locked in position by inserting two cylindrical pins. The ball valve, thus conceived, is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations all falling within the scope of the claims attached. For example, the valve can be produced with the valve body and sleeve in both brass and stainless steel and gaskets elastomeric sealing rings can be installed in different mixtures depending on the compatibility with various refrigerants. Furthermore, all the details can be replaced by other technically elements equivalents. In practice, the materials used, provided that compatible with the specific use, as well as the contingent dimensions and shapes may be any depending on the needs and the state of the technique.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Ball valve (1), particularly for air conditioning and / or refrigeration systems, characterised by comprising: - a valve body (2) having a substantially axisymmetric geometry with a circular base with respect to a longitudinal axis (3) and defining within it a first chamber (4) and a second chamber (5) communicating with each other through a central hole (25); said first chamber (4) being of the open type at one of its end portions (7) for the insertion inside it of a valve unit (8) and an actuation unit (9) respectively; said valve body (2) comprising a hollow connecting portion (10), located and extending along said longitudinal axis (3) on the opposite side with respect to said first chamber (4) and configured in such a way as to be able to be connected to a first connecting pipe of a refrigeration system or similar;- said valve assembly (8) housed in said B177960 first chamber (4) and having an actuation axis (11) substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis (3); - said actuation assembly (9) housed in said second chamber (5) along said actuation axis (11); - a sleeve (19) removably associated with said valve body (2) at said end portion (7) by means of screw means (29) to close said first chamber (4); said sleeve (19) being configured in such a way that it can be connected to a second connecting pipe of a refrigeration system or similar.; 2. Ball valve (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that said valve assembly (8) comprises: - a ball (12) housed in said first chamber (4) and having a through hole (13) with a diameter greater than or equal to the internal diameter of said hollow connecting portion (10); - two sealing seats (14, 15) housed, B177960 respectively, in two sealing seats (17, 18) obtained, respectively, on said valve body (2) and on said sleeve (19) in such a way as to support and maintain in position said ball (12).

3. Ball valve (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that said actuation group (9) comprises an operating stem (20) extending along said actuation axis (11) and having a first end section (20a) in a shape-fitting fit with a respective shaped cavity (12a) of said ball (12) for the rotation of said ball (12) around said actuation axis (11) and a second end section (20b) opposite to said first end section (20a) protruding from said valve body (2) through a passage hole (24) defined in correspondence with said second chamber (5) along said actuation axis (11); between said end sections (20a, 20b) there is an intermediate section (20c) radially widened and housed in a respective radially widened portion (25) of said second chamber (5) in such a way as to define an anti-slippage and anti-expulsion undercut of said operating stem (20).

4. Ball valve (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said sleeve (19) comprises: - a first part (30) intended to be housed in said first chamber (4), said first part (30) defining one of said sealing seats (18) of said sealing seats (14, 15) of said ball (12); - a second part (31) opposite to said first part (30) along said longitudinal axis (3) and configured for its association with said second connecting pipe of a refrigeration system or similar; - a flanged part (32), intermediate to said parts (31, 32 along said longitudinal axis (3), suitable to abut against a respective flanged edge (33) defined by said valve body (2) in correspondence with said end portion (7).

5. Ball valve (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said screw means (29) comprise a B177960 male threaded section (38) defined on the external surface of said first part (30) of said sleeve (19) and a female threaded section (39) defined on the internal surface of said first chamber (4) in correspondence with said end portion (7).

6. Ball valve (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that said screw means (29) further comprise at least two pins (40) engaging in respective holes (41) defined partly on said flanged part (32) and partly on said flanged edge (33) in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis (3).

7. Ball valve (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a charging unit (42) associated with said valve body (2) in correspondence with said hollow connecting portion (10).