Valve device

Abstract

This invention relates to a valve device, particularly a lift valve device, comprising a housing, a valve seat (6), and a movable closing body (7) capable of entering an open position during an opening movement and a closed position during a closing movement, wherein the closing body (7) and the valve seat (6) are in sealing contact in the closed position, and the valve device has a piston (12) capable of being loaded with a pressure medium, the piston being housed in a cylinder (10). For improved hygienic properties, the cylinder (10) is part of the closing body (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a valve device. Background Technology

[0002] The challenges that fluid handling technology must address include processes involving fluids containing powdered components. Such fluids are found, for example, in spray drying equipment used in food processing. Due to the nature of this application, such equipment demands extremely high hygiene standards. To meet these highest requirements, a process known as "clean in situ" (CIP) is employed.

[0003] Therefore, the components of the jet drying and treatment equipment should be designed so that only minimal deposits form from the outset, eventually leading to no deposits, and that the equipment can be effectively cleaned during CIP. These components include valve devices, such as lift valves, for switching fluid flows.

[0004] WO 2017 / 076411 A1 illustrates a lift valve with a shut-off body designed for this application. The shut-off body has a profile at one end that conforms to the contour of a container or pipe, and the lift valve is connected to the tank. A flushing channel surrounding the shut-off body is provided between the seal that surrounds the shut-off body and engages with the valve seat and the tank.

[0005] WO 2009 / 100920 A1 discloses a compact and easy-to-clean lift valve. The spring assembly for the pneumatic actuator of the closing body is at least partially integrated into the closing body. WO 2017 / 088938 A1 discloses how the design of WO 2009 / 100920 A1 can be advantageously used in the aforementioned applications involving powdery media. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to realize a valve device with improved hygienic properties and improved CIP capability.

[0007] The objective is achieved by the valve device according to the invention.

[0008] A valve device, particularly a lift valve device, has a housing, a valve seat, and a movable closing body capable of entering an open position during an opening movement and a closed position during a closing movement, in which the closing body and the valve seat are in sealing contact. The valve device also has a piston capable of being loaded with a pressure medium, the piston being housed in a cylinder. Now, the valve device is designed such that the cylinder is part of the closing body. Unlike conventional pneumatic actuators, according to the claimed solution, the piston is a stationary component, while the cylinder moves as part of the closing body. Thus, the actuator or regulating device for the closing body is integrated into this closing body. Therefore, this valve device is compact. This reduces the contact area between the closing body and the product, and also achieves better cleanability, thus improving CIP capability. Furthermore, the valve device is economical to manufacture. These advantages are achieved to a high degree because the pressure-loadable part of the actuator is integrated into the closing body, thereby eliminating the structural space required for a spring assembly.

[0009] One improvement involves guiding the pressure medium to load the piston. An economical solution involves connecting the piston to an internal hollow rod that houses an air passage passing through the hollow rod and the piston and connecting to a first pressure chamber surrounded by the piston and cylinder. In this way, the pressure medium is applied via a stationary component, which is advantageously simple to implement.

[0010] According to another improved design, the closing body extends through a housing portion and is provided with a first sliding support and a second sliding support, located at opposite ends of the housing portion. The aim is to achieve a spacing between the sliding supports that prevents tilting relative to the lifting shaft. On the other hand, this spacing should not unnecessarily increase the space requirements of the valve assembly. Therefore, the spacing can be approximately equal to the diameter of the piston or closing body, measured in a plane perpendicular to the lifting shaft. Advantageously, the spacing is approximately one-third to one-half of the length of the closing body along the lifting shaft.

[0011] In another improvement, the valve assembly is designed such that a seal, housed in and filling a groove on the closing body, and the valve seat are designed as semi-axial. This design ensures improved alignment of the closing body in the closed position of the valve.

[0012] In another improvement, an annular channel surrounding the closure body is provided between a housing portion and the closure body. This annular channel can be loaded with a flushing or barrier medium, such as flushing gas or sterile air. As an advantage, this allows for a significant reduction in deposits in the passageway area, for example, in applications with powdered media.

[0013] The previous improvement was further enhanced by creating a throttling gap between the housing portion and the closure body, extending from the annular channel towards the connector. Through this throttling gap, the flushing or blocking medium can flow in the opposite direction to the product flow, thereby significantly reducing deposits.

[0014] According to another improvement of the valve device, the valve device includes a guide rod extending parallel to the lifting shaft and at least partially surrounded in a plane perpendicular to the lifting shaft by a plate disposed on the closing body. A circumferential form-locking is achieved between the plate and the guide rod about the lifting shaft. This prevents the closing body from rotating about the lifting shaft. This is advantageous, for example, for the design and coordination of components, where undesirable gaps between components can be substantially avoided, and the desired gap, such as a throttling gap, can be reliably adjusted.

[0015] In another improvement, the valve device is designed such that a first housing portion has a first flange that closes with a second flange disposed on a second housing portion, and a pin engages with each of the two flanges. This ensures the spatial correspondence of the components relative to each other and, in particular, prevents the flanges from being installed in a twisted manner relative to each other. This also facilitates the coordination of the components, thereby achieving higher precision and thus better hygienic properties.

[0016] Another improvement to the valve device is achieved by designing the end of the closing body to be flush with and adapted to the inner wall of the connector. This allows for the cleaning of the closing body and the inner wall in a single operation, for example, using a pipe cleaning machine. This improvement is particularly effective when combined with improvements to prevent the closing body and flange from twisting around the lifting shaft.

[0017] The valve device includes a sensing device with a first position sensor and a second position sensor, which are disposed at opposite ends of the movement path of the closing body, thereby improving the integration of the valve device into the processing equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments and improvements thereof. Furthermore, its advantages will be explained in detail.

[0019] in:

[0020] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the valve assembly in its open position is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the valve assembly in its closed position is shown.

[0022] Figure 3A detailed view of the valve seat area X of the valve assembly is shown;

[0023] Figure 4 A detailed view of the flange connection Y of the valve assembly is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows a valve device with a multi-part housing. A first housing part 1 has a first connector 2. A second housing part 3 has a second connector 4. A passage 5 is provided between connectors 2 and 4.

[0025] A valve seat 6 is provided in passage 5. This valve device has a shut-off body 7 that can make sealing contact with the valve seat 6 to sever the fluid connection between the first and second connectors 2 and 4. The fluid connection can be re-established by contacting the sealing contact.

[0026] The closing body 7 extends through the third housing portion 8 of the valve device and is movable into the interior space of the cover 9. On the side of the closing body 7 facing away from the passage 5, a cylinder 10 with an operating surface 11 is provided. A piston 12 in sealed and movable contact with the operating surface 11 divides the volume of the cylinder 10 into a first pressure chamber 13 and a second pressure chamber 14. A cover 15 closes the cylinder in an airtight manner.

[0027] Piston 12 is connected to an inner hollow rod 16 that houses an air passage 17 passing through the inner hollow rod 16 and piston 12 and connecting to a first pressure chamber 13. The inner hollow rod 16 is housed within an outer hollow rod 19, forming a gap 18. At least one hole 20 in the outer hollow rod 19 connects the gap 18 to a second pressure chamber 14.

[0028] Once a pressure medium, such as pneumatic air, is introduced into the first pressure chamber 13 through the air passage 17, and the pressure in the first pressure chamber 13 exceeds the pressure in the second pressure chamber 14, the closing body 7 moves toward the valve seat 6 and eventually makes sealing contact with the valve seat. The valve assembly is now in a state of... Figure 2 In the closed position shown, the fluid connection between connectors 2 and 4 is severed. The second pressure chamber 14 is preferably vented during this step.

[0029] Conversely, a pressure medium can be supplied to the second pressure chamber 14 through the gap 18 and the orifice 20. If the pressure in the second pressure chamber 14 exceeds the pressure in the first pressure chamber 13, the closing body moves to... Figure 1 The open position is shown in the diagram. In this step, the first pressure chamber 13 can be vented.

[0030] When the closing body 7 moves, the cylinder 10 moves, while the piston 12 can remain in a fixed position, preferably in a fixed position.

[0031] Due to this structure, the mechanism required to adjust the shut-off body 7, also known as the actuator, is compactly integrated into the valve assembly. The shut-off body 7 is part of the actuator. This structure is economical and simple to manufacture and maintain. Another advantage is that the shut-off body 7 can be guided over a large diameter, thereby maintaining a narrow clearance dimension, for example, in the area of ​​the valve seat 6.

[0032] For guidance, first and second sliding supports 21 and 22 may be provided, which are disposed at opposite ends of the third housing portion 8 and may be shaped to surround the cylinder body 10 in a strip form. This achieves good guidance of the closing body 7, i.e., the sliding supports 21 and 22 are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the lifting shaft A, the spacing being within the range of the piston's diameter measured transversely to the lifting shaft A or within the range of the closing body 7's outer diameter measured transversely to the lifting shaft A and within the range of the cylinder body 10.

[0033] The closing body 7 can be designed to prevent torsion around the lifting shaft A. For this purpose, a guide rod 23 can be provided below the cover 9, extending parallel to the lifting shaft A. In a plane perpendicular to the lifting shaft A, the guide rod 23 is at least partially surrounded by a plate 24 fixed to the closing body 7, thus forming a form-lock that prevents the closing body 7 from torsion around the lifting shaft but allows it to move along the lifting shaft A. In this arrangement, the anti-torsion structure is constructed on a large diameter, larger than the diameter of the cylinder 10. This achieves high precision. Since the anti-torsion structure is located outside the area in contact with the pressure medium or product, no additional sealing measures are required.

[0034] A sensor system can be provided under the cover 9 to detect the position of the closing body 7. The sensor system may include, for example, a first position sensor 27 and a second position sensor 28. Position sensors 27 and 28 are located at opposite ends of the movement path of the closing body.

[0035] The position sensor can be designed as a proximity switch, which cooperates with a matched target mounted on the cylinder 10. A third position sensor can be provided between the first and second position sensors 27 and 28, which can be used to verify the intermediate position of the closing body. The intermediate position can be achieved by applying pressure medium to the piston on both sides accordingly. During valve cleaning, the intermediate position can be advantageous for targeted interference with the cleaning agent flow, such as inducing eddy current formation. In this case, the eddy current can improve the removal of deposits.

[0036] This anti-torsion design allows the end side 25 of the closing body 7 to be designed to fit, for example, be flush with, the inner wall 26 of the second connector 4, so that in the closed position of the closing body 7, the end side 25 forms a section of the inner wall 26. This improves the cleanability of the valve device. If the second connector 4 is designed, for example, as a pipe, an arrangement that can be cleaned using a pipe cleaner is achieved. If a flow-blocking portion (Strömungsschatten) is created on the closing body 7 by terminating the end side 25 flush with the inner wall 26, at least one transverse hole can be provided in the closing body 7, which connects the flow-blocking area to the flow-contacting portion of the closing body 7, such as the end side 25.

[0037] exist Figure 3 Enlarged view Figure 1 and 2 Detail X. Based on Figure 2 The detail X is shown in the closed position.

[0038] A seal 30, which is received in and fills a groove on the closing body 7, contacts the valve seat 6 and provides a fluid-proof seal to the valve seat 6 relative to the closing body 7. The seal 30 and the valve seat 6 can be designed to be half-axial, which improves the alignment of the closing body 7 within the valve seat 6.

[0039] An annular channel 31 is provided between the second housing portion 3 and the closing body 7, surrounding the closing body 7. The annular channel is preferably located in a plane perpendicular to the lifting shaft A, and the axis of symmetry of this rotationally symmetrical ring coincides with the lifting shaft A.

[0040] The contact between the valve seat 6 and the closing body 7 will seal the annular channel in the direction of fluid flow toward the first connector 2. The seal 30 may be configured to be directly adjacent to the annular channel 31.

[0041] A throttling gap 32 is formed between the second housing portion 3 and the closing body 7 in the fluid flow direction from the annular channel 31 to the second connector 4. The throttling gap 32 allows a small flow from the annular channel 31 towards the second connector 4. The guiding and supporting of the closing body 7 in the first and second sliding supports 22 and 23 on a large diameter, along with the anti-torsion structure, enables the throttling gap 32 to be implemented along the entire periphery of the closing body 7, and allows the width of the throttling gap to be adapted to requirements.

[0042] At least one inlet 33 leads into the annular channel 31, and preferably multiple inlets are distributed circumferentially along the annular channel 31, preferably at equal intervals. It has been shown that particularly good results can be achieved using four equally spaced inlets. Figure 1In the open position of the valve assembly, these inlets are clearly visible. Medium flows in through the inlet 33 and exits through the throttling gap 32. The medium can be, for example, a barrier gas that prevents contaminants from adhering to the annular channel 31 and the throttling gap 32. Alternatively, or in a second method step, the medium can be a cleaning agent.

[0043] exist Figure 4 Enlarged view Figure 1 and 2 The details of Y.

[0044] The first housing portion 1 has a first flange 34 that closes with a second flange 35, which is disposed on the second housing portion 8. A clip 36 detachably presses the flanges 34 and 35 together. To prevent the flanges 34 and 35 from twisting relative to each other, a pin 37 is provided, which engages with each of the two flanges 34 and 35. This is advantageous for orienting the closing body 7 when the end sides 25 of the closing body 7 are not rotationally symmetrical. This embodiment works in conjunction with and enhances the anti-torsion structure implemented above using guide rods 23 and plates 24.

[0045] List of reference numerals

[0046] 1 First shell section

[0047] 2 First Connector

[0048] 3 Second shell section

[0049] 4 Second connector

[0050] 5 channels

[0051] 6 Valve seat

[0052] 7. Close the body

[0053] 8 Third shell section

[0054] 9. Protective shield

[0055] 10-cylinder block

[0056] 11 Operating Surface

[0057] 12 Pistons

[0058] 13 First Pressure Chamber

[0059] 14 Second Pressure Chamber

[0060] 15. Lid

[0061] 16. Hollow rods inside

[0062] 17. Air passage

[0063] 18 gaps

[0064] 19. External hollow rod

[0065] 20 holes

[0066] 21 First sliding support

[0067] 22 Second sliding support

[0068] 23 Guide rod

[0069] 24 plates

[0070] 25 end side

[0071] 26 Inner Wall

[0072] 27 First position sensor

[0073] 28 Second position sensor

[0074] 29 electronic devices

[0075] 30 Seals

[0076] 31. Circular Channel

[0077] 32 Throttling gap

[0078] Entrance 33

[0079] 34 First flange

[0080] 35 Second flange

[0081] 36 clips

[0082] 37 sales

[0083] A lifting shaft

[0084] x Details

[0085] y Details.

Claims

1. A valve device having a housing, a valve seat (6), and a movable closing body (7) capable of entering an open position during an opening movement and a closed position during a closing movement, wherein the closing body (7) and the valve seat (6) are in sealing contact in the closed position, and the valve device having a piston (12) capable of being loaded with a pressure medium, the piston being housed in a cylinder (10), wherein, The cylinder body (10) is part of the closing body (7), characterized in that the closing body (7) extends through a third housing portion (8) and is provided with a first sliding support (21) and a second sliding support (22), the first sliding support and the second sliding support being disposed at opposite ends of the third housing portion (8), and an annular channel (31) surrounding the closing body (7) being provided between a second housing portion (3) and the closing body (7), forming a throttling gap (32) from the annular channel (31) toward the connector (4) between the second housing portion (3) and the closing body (7).

2. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The piston (12) is connected to an internal hollow rod (16) that houses an air passage (17) that passes through the internal hollow rod (16) and the piston (12) and is connected to a first pressure chamber (13) that is surrounded by the piston (12) and the cylinder (10).

3. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The seal (30) and the valve seat (6) are designed as half-shafts, which are housed in and fill the groove on the closing body (7).

4. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A guide rod (23) is provided, which extends parallel to the lifting shaft (A) and is at least partially surrounded by a plate (24) disposed on the closing body (7) in a plane perpendicular to the lifting shaft (A).

5. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first housing portion (1) has a first flange (34) that joins the first flange with a second flange (35) disposed on the second housing portion (3), and is provided with a pin (37) that engages with each of the first flange (34) and the second flange (35).

6. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The end side (25) of the closing body (7) is designed to be flush with the inner wall (26) of the connector (4).

7. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A sensor system is provided, including a first position sensor (27) and a second position sensor (28), which are disposed at opposite ends of the movement path of the closing body (7).

8. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The valve device is a lift valve device.

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