Valve unit having housing and method for unlocking and locking hand wheel of valve unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve unit (10) having a housing (12). The valve unit (10) further comprises: a manually operable valve drive (14) comprising an adjustable valve stem (18) and a hand wheel (16) arranged at an end of the valve stem (18) and rotatable relative to the housing (12) for manually adjusting the valve stem (18) along a stem axis (A) relative to the housing (12); and a locking element (80) which is mounted on the hand wheel (16) so as to be movable about and along a locking axis (S), has a locking section (82), and can be adjusted relative to the hand wheel (16) from an open position via an intermediate position into a locked position. The invention also relates to a method for unlocking and locking a hand wheel (16) of a valve unit (10).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The valve unit has a closing body, which is coupled to the valve rod and can move against the valve seat. Here, the closing body can be adjusted via the valve rod, wherein the adjustment of the closing body causes the valve unit to be opened or closed.

[0003] In this case, the valve stem can be adjusted by coupling it to a fluidic or electromechanical valve drive.

[0004] Furthermore, there are valve stems which can be adjusted by means of manually operated valve drives, ie only by hand.

[0005] The invention relates to a valve unit having a manual valve drive.

[0006] In the case of a valve unit with a manual valve drive, the valve can be adjusted by active operation by hand. This is usually done by a hand wheel, which is arranged on the valve unit and is coupled to the valve stem in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0007] Turning the hand wheel thus also causes a rotation of the valve stem, wherein the rotation in turn causes a translational movement of the valve stem along the stem axis.

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

[0009] Thus, to adjust the manually operable valve, it is only necessary to twist the hand wheel so that the valve stem moves relative to the housing.

[0010] In order to prevent an unintentional adjustment or an intentional manipulation of the hand wheel, various locking functions have been disclosed in the prior art.

[0011] In this case, for example, a closing cylinder is provided which does not allow the hand wheel to be adjusted in the closed state and which must be unlocked by means of a key in order to be able to twist the hand wheel relative to the housing.

[0012] A disadvantage here is that each time the hand wheel is locked by means of a key, it must also be unlocked again, so that if the lock is only required to prevent an unintentional adjustment of the hand wheel, the lock would be unnecessarily complex.

[0013] There are also installations which have a particularly large number of valve units, so that either one key must be adapted to all valve units, or a plurality of keys would be required, each key being respectively assigned to a valve unit, so that locking and unlocking would be very complex.

[0014] Furthermore, locking mechanisms are known which have to be actuated with the aid of an additional tool in order to close or unlock.

[0015] Furthermore, in both variants a recess in the form of a closing cylinder or a recess for a tool is required, so that the valve unit is not suitable for hygienic applications, since deposits can form in this area. Summary of the invention

[0016] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a valve unit having a locking mechanism which is easy to adjust, is protected against unintentional adjustment and optionally against intentional manipulation, and can be reliably adjusted into an open and closed position.

[0017] According to the present invention, the proposed object is achieved by a valve unit, which comprises: a housing; a manually operable valve drive, the valve drive comprising an adjustable valve stem and a handwheel that can be rotated relative to the housing and is arranged at the end of the valve stem, the handwheel being used to manually adjust the valve stem relative to the housing along the stem axis; a locking element supported on the handwheel so as to be movably around and along a locking axis, the locking element having a locking section and being adjustable relative to the handwheel from an open position to a locked position via an intermediate position; a closing body, the closing body being arranged at the end of the valve stem opposite the handwheel; a locking sleeve, the locking sleeve being coupled to the housing in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the locking section of the locking element forms a shape-fitting 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 shape fit with the handwheel in the open position and the locked position, and is held rotationally fixed relative to the handwheel around the locking axis, and wherein the shape fit existing in the open position and the locked position can be disengaged by a translational movement of the locking element along the locking axis.

[0018] The basic idea of ​​the invention is that the locking element forms a positive fit with the hand wheel both in the open position and in the locked position, so that the locking element is non-rotatable relative to the hand wheel and is thus securely fixed in the desired position.

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

[0020] Firstly, the form fit of the locking element and the hand wheel must be released by displacing the locking element in a translational manner along the locking axis.

[0021] In the next step, the locking element must be rotated relative to the hand wheel about the locking axis. This also causes the movement of the locking section, which forms or breaks the form fit with the locking sleeve according to the adjustment.

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

[0023] In the intermediate position, there is therefore no form fit between the locking element and the hand wheel.

[0024] The locking element can therefore be introduced from the open position into an intermediate position by a translational displacement, and the locking element can be twisted about the locking axis from the intermediate position so that it can be introduced into the locked position by twisting the locking element, wherein the locking element must additionally be moved in a translational manner along the locking axis from the intermediate position toward the locked position.

[0025] Similarly, adjustment from the locked position towards the unlocked position is also possible.

[0026] The locking axis can extend parallel to the rod axis and the positive connection between the locking element and the hand wheel in the open position and in the locked position can be released by translating the locking element along the locking axis in the direction of the closing body.

[0027] The locking element is "pressed" into the valve unit for displacement into the intermediate position so as to displace the locking element into the intermediate position. For the user, pressing the locking element "into" the valve unit along the locking axis is simpler and more intuitive than pulling out the locking element.

[0028] Furthermore, an operating section protruding from the gear may be provided at one end of the locking element.

[0029] The operating section thus protrudes axially from the hand wheel along the rod axis.

[0030] This facilitates adjustment of the locking element, since the actuating section is easily accessible from the outside and enables the locking element to be adjusted manually by hand without the use of tools.

[0031] Thus, when the locking element is in the intermediate position, the locking element can be displaced both in translation via the actuating section and in rotation about the locking axis.

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

[0033] Furthermore, it is conceivable that an arrow is provided on the end face of the actuating section, which arrow indicates whether the locking element is in the open position or in the locked position.

[0034] On the other hand, it is proposed that a through-opening is provided on the actuating section, wherein the through-opening is completely exposed in the unlocked position and the locked position of the locking element and protrudes axially from the hand wheel, while in the intermediate position the through-opening is at least partially covered by the hand wheel.

[0035] The through-opening allows blocking of the translational movement outwards from the open position and the closed position by hooking, for example, a padlock into the through-opening.

[0036] In this case, the padlock must fill the through-hole at least to such an extent that it covers a larger area of ​​the through-hole than would be exposed in the intermediate position.

[0037] This is a simple and still reliable solution for protecting the hand wheel of the valve unit from deliberate manipulation. In addition, only one through-hole is required for the locking mechanism, which can be introduced cheaply and easily into the operating section of the locking element. In addition, the padlock is also very cheap.

[0038] Furthermore, a supporting section can be arranged on the locking element at its end facing away from the actuating section, said supporting section being cylindrical and rotatably guided in the radial direction by a guide formed by the hand wheel and / or the locking sleeve.

[0039] Correspondingly, the locking element is, on the one hand, mounted and guided in the hand wheel just below the actuating section and, on the other hand, is rotatably guided via 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. If the locking element is in the locked position so that there is a form fit between the locking section of the locking element and the locking sleeve, forces that occur, for example when attempting to twist the handwheel relative to the housing, are supported by the support section, even though the locking element is in the locked position.

[0041] Furthermore, the locking section can be partially circular in cross section along the locking axis and can be pivoted by rotating the adjusting locking element about the locking axis, wherein the partially circular section projects into a recess in the locking sleeve in the locked position and locks the hand wheel against rotation.

[0042] The partially circular cross section of the locking section can be easily produced and is also sufficiently stable to ensure reliable locking of the hand wheel via the locking element in the locked position.

[0043] Furthermore, this achieves that the locking section and the locking sleeve are designed so that the partially circular locking section engages in the recess in the locking position and that when the locking element is rotationally adjusted, the locking section pivots about the locking axis so 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 is supported with one end on the hand wheel and with its 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 locked position along the locking axis toward the intermediate position.

[0046] The elastic spring element thus holds the locking element in the open position and in the closed position, so that the locking element is connected to the hand wheel in a form-fitting manner.

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

[0048] This ensures that the locking element remains in the open position or in the locked position until the locking element is actively adjusted.

[0049] The positive connection between the locking element and the hand wheel in the open position and the locked position can be formed by a web provided on the locking element and a depression provided on the hand wheel and / or by a depression provided on the locking element and a web provided on the hand wheel.

[0050] The cooperation of the web and the depression here results in a firm and reliable form fit between the locking element and the hand wheel.

[0051] Furthermore, the hand wheel can include a base body and a cover, which are used together to accommodate and guide the locking element in translation and rotation. This facilitates the assembly of the locking element at the hand wheel and enables smooth replacement of individual components when they are worn.

[0052] Here, the base body and the cover can be connected to each other in a form-fitting manner via a latching connection. This forms a simple and reliable connection, so that when assembling the handwheel, the locking element can first be inserted into the base body and accommodated in the handwheel by placing and latching the cover, so that the locking element is supported accordingly.

[0053] Furthermore, the locking sleeve can have teeth which are arranged along the outer circumference and / or the inner circumference of the locking sleeve and form a toothed ring.

[0054] This makes it possible that the locking element can, via the locking section, bring about a rotational lock between the housing and the handwheel in a locked position with the locking sleeve in many different relative positions of the handwheel and the housing, wherein the locking section engages in the recesses between the teeth.

[0055] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the locking sleeve is designed integrally with the housing or forms a separate component.

[0056] If the locking sleeve is designed integrally with the housing, this is advantageous during assembly, since fewer parts need to be joined together.

[0057] If the locking sleeve is designed as a separate component, this allows the locking sleeve to be replaced independently of the housing in the event of wear. This further simplifies the production of the housing, since no additional locking sleeve needs to be provided.

[0058] The object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a method for unlocking and locking the rear wheels of a valve unit according to the invention, the method comprising the following steps:

[0059] a) translating the locking element in the locked position into an intermediate position and removing the form fit between the locking element and the hand wheel;

[0060] b) twisting the locking element in the intermediate position;

[0061] c) translating the locking element from the intermediate position into the open position and closing the form fit between the locking element and the hand wheel;

[0062] d) removing the form fit between the locking section and the locking sleeve so that the hand wheel can be twisted relative to the housing;

[0063] e) translatorily displacing the locking element in the open position into an intermediate position and removing the form fit between the locking element and the hand wheel;

[0064] f) twisting the locking element in the intermediate position;

[0065] g) translationally displacing the locking element from the intermediate position into the locking position and closing the form fit between the locking element and the hand wheel; and

[0066] h) Closing the form fit between the locking section and the locking sleeve, so that the hand wheel is coupled to the housing in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0067] The advantages that derive from this can be drawn from the above paragraphs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] The present invention will be described below according to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0069] - Figure 1 A valve unit according to the invention with a manually operable hand wheel is shown;

[0070] - Figure 2 Show Figure 1 , a cross-sectional view of a valve unit with a valve stem in an intermediate posture;

[0071] - Figure 3 Show Figure 2 a valve unit having a valve stem in a lower position;

[0072] - Figure 4 A perspective view of the hand wheel is shown from below;

[0073] - Figure 5 A top view of the hand wheel is shown;

[0074] - Figure 6 A bottom view of the hand wheel is shown;

[0075] - Figure 7 A view showing two hexagons twisted relative to each other;

[0076] - Figure 8 Shown as a cross section along plane VIII-VIII Figure 6 A perspective view of detail B;

[0077] - Fig. 9 A perspective view showing a travel limiter;

[0078] - Fig.10 Show Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a stroke limiter;

[0079] - Fig.11 Show Figure 8 A bottom view of the stroke limiter in FIG.

[0080] - Fig.12 Shown with the valve stem in an intermediate position Figure 2 Details of D;

[0081] - Fig.13 Shown with the valve stem in the desired end position Figure 2 Details of D;

[0082] - Fig.14 The valve stem is shown in the desired end position without the hand wheel. Figure 2 Details of D;

[0083] - Fig.15 A valve stem is shown in a desired end position without a hand wheel and with a first stop element in contact with a first stop. Figure 2 Details of D;

[0084] - Fig.16 The valve stem is shown without the hand wheel in the desired other end position. Figure 2 Details of D;

[0085] - Fig.17 The valve stem is shown without the hand wheel in the desired other end position. Figure 2Detail D having an adjustment sleeve with translational displacement and a second stop element in contact with the second stop;

[0086] - Fig.18 A valve stem in a desired other end position is shown with an assembled hand wheel in the desired other end position. Figure 2 Details of D;

[0087] - Fig.19 A top view showing the hand wheel with the locking element;

[0088] - Fig. 20 A perspective view showing a locking element;

[0089] - Fig.21 A perspective view showing a locking sleeve;

[0090] - Fig. 22 A cross-sectional view showing an upper section of a valve actuator half having a locking element with a support section;

[0091] - Fig.23 A perspective view showing a locking element with a support section;

[0092] - Fig.24 A perspective view showing a locking sleeve for a locking element having a supporting section;

[0093] - Fig.25 a simplified representation showing a side view of a locking mechanism with a locking element in an open position;

[0094] - Fig.26 a simplified representation showing a bottom view of a locking mechanism with a locking element in an open position;

[0095] - Fig. 27 a simplified representation showing a side view of a locking mechanism with a locking element in an intermediate position;

[0096] - Fig.28 a simplified representation showing a side view of a locking mechanism with a locking element in a locked position; and

[0097] - Fig.29 A simplified representation of a bottom view of a locking mechanism is shown with the locking element in the locked position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0098] Figures 1 to 3 A valve unit 10 is shown with a housing 12. A manual valve drive 14 is also provided, which comprises a hand wheel 16 and an adjustable valve stem 18 (see Figure 2 ).

[0099] Here, the hand wheel 16 is used for manually adjusting the valve stem 18 along the stem axis A relative to the housing 12 , and is provided at one end of the valve stem 18 .

[0100] A closing body 20 is arranged at the end of the valve stem 18 opposite the hand wheel 16 (see Figure 2 and 3 The closing body 20 is used to close or open a pipeline in which, for example, a liquid or a gas is transported by pressing it against a valve seat.

[0101] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in , the valve unit 10 further comprises an adjustable mechanical stroke limiter 22 , which limits the adjustment of the valve rod 18 along the rod axis A. The stroke limiter 22 has a stroke adjustment element 24 , by which the stroke limiter 22 can be adjusted, wherein one end of the stroke adjustment element faces the hand wheel 16 .

[0102] Here, according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The stroke adjustment element 24 can be configured as an adjustment sleeve 26, which is used to adjust the first stop element 28 and / or the second stop element 30. Here, the first stop element 28 is used to limit the valve rod 18 along the rod axis A in the direction of the closing body to a first end position (see Figure 3 ) adjustment.

[0103] The second stop element 30 serves to limit the adjustment of the valve rod 18 along the rod axis A in the direction of the hand wheel 16 to a second end position by cooperating with the second stop 34 .

[0104] As an alternative thereto, the stroke adjustment element 24 may also be a stop element coupled to the valve rod 18 , which limits the adjustment of the valve rod 18 along the rod axis A by interacting with the stop parts 32 , 34 .

[0105] In this case, the first stop 32 is formed by a surface of the housing 12 , and the second stop 34 is formed by a stop sleeve 35 coupled to the housing 12 .

[0106] Alternatively, the second stop 34 may also be provided on the hand wheel 16 or on the adjusting sleeve 26 .

[0107] In order to be able to adjust the valve stem 18 by a rotational movement of the hand wheel 16, the valve stem 18 has a first drive geometry 36 which differs from the circular cross section at the end facing the hand wheel 16. The hand wheel 16 also has a first drive geometry 38 (see Figures 4 to 6 ), wherein the first entrainment geometry is configured to form a shape fit with the first drive geometry 36.

[0108] In this case, the first entrainment geometry 38 can be arranged centrally in the hand wheel 16 and can be designed in the form of a through-hole having a cross section that deviates from a circular shape.

[0109] Furthermore, a second drive geometry 40 which deviates from a circular cross section is provided on the stroke adjustment element 24 at the end facing the hand wheel 16 .

[0110] Furthermore, the hand wheel 16 has a second drive geometry 42 (see Figure 4 and 6 ), the second entrainment geometry is designed to form a positive fit with the second drive geometry 40 of the adjustment sleeve 26.

[0111] according to Figure 6 The second entrainment geometry 42 can border the first entrainment geometry 38 in a radial direction relative to the rod axis, wherein this does not exclude an axial displacement of the entrainment geometries relative to one another along the rod axis. The entrainment geometries 38 , 42 are coaxial with one another.

[0112] Furthermore, the second entrainment geometry 42 can be formed by a web arranged on the hand wheel 16 , which web predetermines the cross-sectional contour of the second entrainment geometry 42 .

[0113] Furthermore, the first entrainment geometry 38 has a first entrainment section 44 (see Figure 5 ). The first entrainment section 44 is part of the cross-sectional profile of the first entrainment geometry 38 perpendicular to the rod axis A and follows the following silhouette: the silhouette is formed when at least two cross-sectional profiles of the first drive geometry 36 are superimposed on each other perpendicular to the rod axis A and are twisted relative to each other around the rod axis A so that a further entrainment section 44 is formed.

[0114] Furthermore, the second entrainment geometry 42 comprises a second entrainment section 46 (see Figure 6 ). These second drive segments 46 are part of the cross-sectional profile of the second drive geometry 42 perpendicular to the rod axis A and follow the following silhouette: the silhouette is formed when at least two cross-sectional profiles of the second drive geometry 40 are superimposed on each other perpendicular to the rod axis A and are twisted relative to each other around the rod axis A so that further drive segments 46 are formed.

[0115] The stroke adjustment element 24 or the adjustment sleeve 26 has a second drive geometry 40 at the end facing away from the first stop element 28 . In this case, at least a part of the second drive geometry 40 extends within a second entrainment section 46 .

[0116] Since the hand wheel 16 forms a positive fit both with the rod axis A and with the stroke adjustment element 24 , the valve rod 18 and the stroke adjustment element 24 are connected in a rotationally fixed manner via the hand wheel 16 .

[0117] In this case, the drive geometries 36 , 40 form an axial plug-in connection with the corresponding entrainment geometries 38 , 42 .

[0118] Since the hand wheel 16 can be detachably mounted, for example Figure 2 and 3 As shown in FIG. 1 by the screw connection 48 , the valve rod 18 and the stroke adjustment element 24 are also coupled to each other in a non-destructive manner so as to be detachable.

[0119] When the hand wheel 16 is disassembled, the two drive geometries 36 , 40 are exposed.

[0120] In this case, the first and / or second drive geometry 36 , 40 extends along the valve rod A in a prismatic or cylindrical manner, whereby the hand wheel 16 or its entraining geometry 38 , 42 is pushed onto the respective drive geometry 36 , 40 .

[0121] The first and second entrainment geometries 38 , 42 are therefore designed such that, in a position of their cross sections that are rotated relative to one another, they allow the hand wheel 16 to be axially inserted onto the rod axis A and the stroke adjustment element 24 .

[0122] Both the drive geometry 36 , 40 and the entrainment geometry 38 , 42 can have an entrainment projection 50 which projects outwardly or inwardly relative to the rod axis A.

[0123] Furthermore, the respectively associated drive geometry 36 , 40 and also the respectively associated entrainment geometry 38 , 42 can have a receptacle 52 which is complementary thereto.

[0124] Therefore, complementary receptacles 52 are provided for the entrainment projection 50 , wherein the number of receptacles 52 corresponds at least to an integral multiple of the entrainment projection 50 .

[0125] The cross-sectional contour of the first drive geometry 36 perpendicular to the rod axis corresponds at least in sections to the polygon 58 (see Figure 7 ). Thus, not the entire cross section has to be polygonal, but individual areas of the cross section may lie on a cross section of the polygon 58.

[0126] Furthermore, the first entrainment section 44 can follow a silhouette that is formed when at least angular regions of two polygons 58 are superimposed with their surface centroids 60 and arranged twisted relative to one another, wherein the polygons respectively correspond to the cross-sectional contour of the first drive geometry 36 or at least coincide with parts (i.e. sections) thereof.

[0127] This is exemplified in Figure 7 is shown here based on two regular hexagons that are twisted relative to each other.

[0128] A similar embodiment applies to the cross-sectional profile of the second drive geometry 40. The cross-sectional profile of the second drive geometry 36 perpendicular to the rod axis can also correspond at least in sections to the polygon 58, and the second entrainment section 44 can follow the following silhouette: the silhouette is formed when at least the angular regions of two polygons 58 are superimposed with their center of gravity 60 and arranged twisted relative to each other, wherein the polygons each correspond to the cross-sectional profile of the second drive geometry or are located at least on a part of the cross-sectional profile (such as according to Figure 7 exemplarily represented by means of two hexagons).

[0129] Furthermore, it is possible that the cross-sectional contours of both the first drive geometry 36 and the second drive geometry 40 perpendicular to the rod axis A correspond at least in sections to the regular polygon 58 .

[0130] In this case, the first and second driving sections 44, 46 can respectively follow the following silhouette: the silhouette is formed when at least the angular regions of the two polygons 58 are overlapped with each other and then twisted relative to each other around their area center of gravity 60 by an angle of 360 degrees / (2*n) or 360 degrees / (2*k), wherein the polygons respectively correspond to the cross-sectional profile of the first or second drive geometry 36, 40, wherein n or k corresponds to the number of corners of the cross-sectional profile of the first or second drive geometry 36, 40.

[0131] By means of this superposition of corresponding drive geometries 36 , star-shaped entrainment geometries 38 , 42 result from the regular polygons.

[0132] This makes it possible to insert the hand wheel 16 in at least twice as many rotational positions relative to the valve rod 18 or the stroke adjustment element 24 and thus also relative to the first drive geometry 36 or the second drive geometry 40 compared to a single hexagon.

[0133] This facilitates the threading of the disassembled hand wheel 16 onto the valve stem 18 and the stroke adjustment element 24 , since the probability that the entrainment geometries 38 , 42 are already positioned matching or at least approximately matching relative to the associated drive geometry 36 or 40 is significantly increased.

[0134] Even if the corresponding driving geometries 38, 42 cannot be directly plugged onto the corresponding drive geometries 36 or 40 due to relative rotation when the handwheel 16 is plugged on, the following advantage is still obtained: the handwheel 16 only needs to be slightly rotated relative to the valve stem 18 or the stroke adjustment element 24 in order to be able to plug it onto the two drive geometries 36, 40.

[0135] Typically, the handwheel 16, the valve stem 18 and the stroke adjustment element 24 are coordinated with one another so that the handwheel 16 initially forms a form fit with only one of the two components, so that only when the handwheel 16 already has a form-fitting connection with one of the components does a relative movement about the rod axis occur until the other drive geometry is aligned, and the corresponding component is also driven, and accordingly, the driving geometries 42, 46 formed according to the above-mentioned embodiment can significantly reduce normally undesirable adjustments.

[0136] If the cross-sectional contours of the first and / or second drive geometries 36 , 40 are regular polygons 58 , they may correspond to squares or hexagons, for example.

[0137] In addition, according to Figure 8 It is possible that the hand wheel has a blind hole 62 in which an RFID 64 is accommodated. In this case, the RFID 64 can be secured via a ball 66 pressed into the blind hole 62.

[0138] The stroke limiter 22 with the stroke adjustment element 24 in the form of an adjustment sleeve 26 will be discussed in detail below. Figure 2 , 3 and as shown in 9 to 12.

[0139] According to the above explanations, the adjustment sleeve 26 serves to adjust the first stop element 28 and / or the second stop element 30 relative to the valve stem 18 .

[0140] In this case, the stop elements 28 , 30 are arranged directly on the valve rod 18 .

[0141] If a relative rotation takes place between the valve rod 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 .

[0142] For this purpose, the valve stem 18 has a threaded section 68 which is arranged on the outer circumference of the valve stem 18 .

[0143] The stop elements 28, 30 are designed in a nut-like manner and are screwed onto the threaded section 68 of the valve rod 18. Of course, a separate thread can also be provided for each stop element.

[0144] For adjusting the first stop element 28 and the second stop element 30 , the adjusting sleeve 26 is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to the two stop elements 28 , 30 in a first position.

[0145] If the adjusting sleeve 26 is in the first position, a relative rotation between the adjusting sleeve 26 and the valve stem 18 causes the first and second stop elements 28 , 30 to be moved translationally along the stem axis A relative to the valve stem.

[0146] In the first, lower position in the example, the adjustment sleeve 26 is therefore coupled in a rotational direction to the first and second stop elements 28 , 30 in a form-fitting manner.

[0147] The positive fit is produced in that the adjustment sleeve 26 at least partially surrounds the first and second stop elements 28 , 30 radially on the outside in the first position.

[0148] Furthermore, the adjusting sleeve can be adjusted translationally along the rod axis A into a second position in which it is coupled to only one of the stop elements 28 , 30 .

[0149] according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , shows a variant in which the adjusting sleeve 26 can be moved by a translational movement upwards towards the hand wheel 16 into a second position, which is upper in the example, and in which it is coupled only to the second stop element 30 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0150] 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 stem 18 , only the second stop element 30 is displaced translationally along the valve stem axis A relative to the valve stem 18 .

[0151] In this exemplary embodiment, the adjusting sleeve 26 is therefore coupled in the rotational direction only in a form-fitting manner to the second stop element 30 in the second position, in which it is axially displaced relative to the first position.

[0152] In the second position, the adjusting sleeve 26 only at least partially surrounds the second stop element 30 radially on the outside, so that the positive connection with the first stop element 28 in the radial direction is released and the first stop element 28 is not entrained in the second position of the adjusting sleeve 26 .

[0153] In order to enable the adjustment sleeve 26 to form a positive fit with the first stop element 28 , the adjustment sleeve has a coupling structure 70 at the end facing the first stop element 28 (here the end face) for forming a positive fit with the first stop element 28 .

[0154] For this purpose, the first stop element can have, for example, a structure along the circumference that is complementary to the coupling structure 70 .

[0155] Furthermore, the adjustment sleeve 26 has two grooves 72 extending along the rod axis A (see Fig. 9 The web 74 of the second stop element 30 extends in the groove 72 , so that a rotation of the adjustment sleeve 26 also causes the second stop element 30 to be entrained via the web 74 .

[0156] In this case, the maximum adjustment of the second stop element 30 along the rod axis A can be limited via the length of the groove 72 along the rod axis.

[0157] Furthermore, the adjusting sleeve 26 is coupled to an elastic spring element 76 in the form of a helical spring 78. In this case, the spring element 78 exerts a force on the adjusting sleeve 26 in the direction of the first position.

[0158] Here, a spring element 76 in the form of a helical spring 78 is arranged coaxially with the rod axis A and is supported with one end on the second stop element 30 and with the other end acts on a shoulder of the adjustment sleeve 26.

[0159] In the following, we will Figures 12 to 18 A method for adjusting an adjustable stroke limiter of a valve unit 10 is explained.

[0160] Here, Fig.12 The stroke limiter 22 shown forms the initial state. Here, the stop elements 28, 30 have a certain relative position with respect to the valve stem 18, which limits the movement of the valve stem relative to the housing 12 to two end positions. Based on this, the stop elements 28, 30 should now be adjusted relative to the valve stem 18 in order to limit the movement of the valve stem 18 to the new end positions.

[0161] To this end, according to Fig.13 The valve rod 18 is first adjusted via the hand wheel 16 into the desired first end position.

[0162] Since the hand wheel 16 connects the valve rod 18 and the adjusting sleeve 26 to one another in a rotationally fixed manner, no relative displacement of the stop elements 28 , 30 along the valve rod 18 occurs during this adjustment.

[0163] In the next step, the hand wheel 16 is removed, so that the rotationally fixed coupling between the valve stem 18 and the adjusting sleeve 26 is also released. Fig.15 Shown in.

[0164] In this case, the hand wheel 16 can be disengaged, for example, by releasing a screw in a thread formed in the valve stem 18 .

[0165] In a subsequent step, the two stop elements 28, 30 can be adjusted translationally along the valve stem by relative twisting between the adjustment sleeve 26 in the first position and the valve stem 18. In this case, the first stop element 28 is first adjusted and then translationally adjusted along the valve stem 18 until it contacts the first stop 32 on the housing 12 (see Fig.15 ). The position of the first stop element 28 is therefore associated with the first position.

[0166] In this case, the adjustment of the adjusting sleeve or the relative rotation between the adjusting sleeve 26 and the valve rod 18 is carried out manually and without tools.

[0167] In a next step, the valve stem 18 is adjusted relative to the housing 12 until the desired second end position of the valve stem 18 is reached (see Fig.16 During the adjustment of the valve stem 18, no relative rotation occurs between the valve stem 18 and the adjusting sleeve 26. This is important, because otherwise the previously adjusted first stop element 28 could be adjusted unintentionally.

[0168] In order to prevent relative rotation between the valve stem 18 and the adjusting sleeve 26 during this step, the hand wheel 16 can be temporarily installed so that no relative rotation occurs.

[0169] Once the desired second end position is reached, the adjusting sleeve 26 is then displaced translationally into the second position. Fig.17 , the adjusting sleeve 26 must be manually moved upwards and away from the first stop element 28. Here, during said movement, a force must be applied that counteracts the spring force.

[0170] In the second position, the adjustment sleeve 26 is only still connected to the second stop element 30 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0171] In order to move the second stop element 30 toward the stop member 34, as shown in FIG. Fig.17 As shown, a relative rotation must again take place between the adjusting sleeve 26 and the valve rod 18 in the second position, specifically until the second stop element 30 , which is displaced translationally along the valve rod 18 , contacts the second stop 34 .

[0172] This adjustment of the second stop element 30 via the adjustment sleeve 26 can also be performed manually and without tools.

[0173] In order to ensure that the now adjusted stop elements 28 , 30 of the stroke limiter 22 no longer perform any translational relative movement relative to the valve rod 18 , the adjustment sleeve 26 must be adjusted back into the first position. This can be done via the elastic spring element 76 .

[0174] Furthermore, the hand wheel 16 must be mounted so that the valve stem 18 and the adjusting sleeve 26 are coupled in a rotationally fixed manner (see Fig.18 ).

[0175] In the following, we will Figure 2 , 3 19 to 29 discuss in depth the locking function integrated into the valve unit 10 .

[0176] In order to implement the locking function, a locking element 80 is provided which is mounted displaceably about and along a locking axis S on the hand wheel 16 .

[0177] The locking axis S runs parallel to the rod axis A.

[0178] In this case, the locking element 80 can be adjusted relative to the hand wheel from an open position via an intermediate position into a locked position.

[0179] The locking element 80 has a locking section 82 which has a partially circular cross section along the locking axis S and which can be pivoted into the locking axis S by a rotational adjustment of the locking element 80 .

[0180] The rotation adjustment of the locking element 80 can be, for example, adjusted from an open position (see Figure 2 , 3 and 25) via the intermediate position (see Fig.26 ) to the locked position (see Fig.28 ).

[0181] For clarity, in Fig.25 , 27 Some components are omitted and only the actual locking mechanism is shown in Figures 2 and 3. However, this is only used to make the following explanation easier to understand.

[0182] In this case, the locking section 82 of the locking element 80 forms a positive connection with the locking sleeve 86 in the locked position, so that the hand wheel 16 is coupled to the housing 12 in a rotationally fixed manner (see Fig.28 , 29 ).

[0183] For this purpose, a locking sleeve 86 is provided, wherein the locking sleeve 86 can also simultaneously function as the stop sleeve 35 according to the above-described embodiment.

[0184] The locking sleeve 86 is coupled to the housing 12 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0185] In this case, the locking sleeve 86 can be designed as a separate component, as shown, or alternatively can be designed integrally with the housing 12 .

[0186] The locking sleeve 86 has a depression 88 , wherein when the locking element is in the locked position, the part-circular section 84 projects into the depression 88 of the locking sleeve 86 , thereby locking the hand wheel 16 against rotation.

[0187] The depression 88 is formed by teeth 90 provided on the locking sleeve 86 , which teeth are arranged along the outer circumference of the locking sleeve 86 and form a toothed ring 92 .

[0188] Alternatively, the teeth 90 may also be provided additionally or only along the inner circumference of the locking sleeve 86 .

[0189] Furthermore, the locking element 80 has at one end thereof an actuating section 94 which protrudes from the hand wheel 16 .

[0190] The locking element can be adjusted translationally and rotationally relative to the hand wheel 16 without tools via the actuating section 94. Furthermore, a through-hole 96 is provided on the actuating section.

[0191] The through hole 96 is in the unlocked position and the locked position of the locking element 80 (see Fig.25 , 28 ) and protrudes axially from the hand wheel 16. In the middle position (see Fig.26 ) in which the through hole 96 is at least partially covered by the hand wheel 16.

[0192] The locking element 80 can thus be locked against intentional manipulation by means of the through-opening.

[0193] The locking element 80 also has a web 98, which, when the locking element 80 is in the open position or the locked position, together with a web 100 arranged on the hand wheel 16 and a recess 102 arranged between the webs, forms a shape fit with the hand wheel 16, so that the locking element 80 is held relative to the hand wheel 16 in a torsion-resistant manner around the locking axis S.

[0194] The positive connection between the locking element 80 and the hand wheel 16 which exists in the open position and the locked position can be released by a translational displacement of the locking element 80 along the locking axis S into an intermediate position.

[0195] according to Fig.25 , a translational displacement can be performed along the locking axis A in the direction of the closing body 20 .

[0196] By releasing the positive connection existing between the locking element 80 and the hand wheel 16 , the locking element 80 can be rotated about the locking axis S in the intermediate position.

[0197] Furthermore, the hand wheel 16 can consist of a base body 104 and a cover 106 , wherein the base body 104 and the cover 106 serve to accommodate the translationally guided and rotationally guided locking element 80 .

[0198] In this case, the base body 104 and the cover 106 can be connected in a form-fitting manner via a latching connection 108 .

[0199] In addition, the tab 100 and the recessed portion 102 may be configured according to the drawings (see in particular Fig.25 , 26 and 28) are formed by a cover.

[0200] Alternatively or additionally, webs and / or receptacles may also be provided on the base body 104 of the hand wheel 16 .

[0201] 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 with the locking axis S.

[0202] An elastic spring element 110 , which is designed as a helical spring 112 , is supported at one end on the base body 104 of the hand wheel 16 and at the other end on the web 98 of the locking element 80 .

[0203] In this case, the spring force of the elastic spring element 110 counteracts a translational displacement along the locking axis S from the open position and the locked position toward the intermediate position.

[0204] exist Figures 22 to 24 A locking element 80 according to a further option is shown in FIG.

[0205] Unlike the previous locking elements, the locking element 80 has a support section 114 at the end of the locking element 80 remote from the actuating section 94, which is cylindrical and rotatably guided in the radial direction by a guide formed by a hand wheel (see Fig. 22 ).

[0206] As an alternative or in addition thereto, the guidance of the support section 114 can also be provided by the locking sleeve 86 .

[0207] If the locking element 80 is provided with a supporting section 114 , it is necessary that no teeth 90 are present at least in the region in which the supporting section 114 can be located along the locking sleeve 86 , so that, for example, according to Fig.24 Forming the ring gear.

[0208] Next, we will Figures 25 to 29 The locking and unlocking of the hand wheel 16 by means of the locking element 80 is explained.

[0209] Here, Fig.25 An initial state is formed in which the locking element 80 is in an open position.

[0210] In this case, there is a positive fit between the locking element 80 and the hand wheel 16 .

[0211] The locking section 82 of the locking element 80 does not mesh with the toothing 90 of the locking sleeve 86, so that there is no form fit between the handwheel 16 and the locking sleeve 86 and the handwheel 16 can be rotated relative to the housing 12. The valve stem 18 can thus be adjusted via the handwheel 16.

[0212] If the locking element 80 is now to be adjusted from the open position into the intermediate position, the locking element 80 must be adjusted according to Fig. 27 Perform translation displacement.

[0213] As a result, the form fit between the hand wheel 16 and the locking element 80 produced by the webs 98 , 100 and the depression 102 is released.

[0214] During the translational displacement, the spring force acting on the locking element 80 via the elastic spring element 110 must be overcome.

[0215] In the next step, the locking element in the intermediate position can be twisted relative to the hand wheel 16, and the locking element 80 now needs to be moved from Fig. 27 A rotation of 180° about the locking axis S is started.

[0216] If the locking element 80 is to be locked in this state and thus placed in the locked position, a translational displacement along the locking axis must occur again until the locking element 80 is moved according to Fig.28 Reach locked position.

[0217] The translational displacement can be effected by the spring force of the elastic spring element 110 .

[0218] In this state, the locking element 80 forms a positive fit with the hand wheel 16. On the other hand, the locking element couples the hand wheel 16 to the locking sleeve 86 and thus to the entire housing 12 in a torsionally fixed manner via the locking section 82 meshing with the tooth 90 (see in particular Fig.29 ).

[0219] Therefore, in this state, the valve stem 18 cannot be adjusted via the hand wheel 16 .

[0220] In order to adjust the locking element from the locking position into the open position, the above steps must be performed in reverse order.

Claims

1. A valve unit comprising: a housing (12), a manually operable valve actuator (14), the valve actuator comprising an adjustable valve stem (18) and a hand wheel (16) arranged at the end of the valve stem (18) and rotatable relative to the housing (12), the hand wheel being used to manually adjust the valve stem (18) relative to the housing (12) along a stem axis (A); a locking element (80) which is mounted on the hand wheel (16) so as to be movable about and along a locking axis (S), the locking element having a locking section (82) and being adjustable relative to the hand wheel (16) from an open position via an intermediate position to a locked position, a closing body (20) which is arranged at the end of the valve rod (18) opposite the hand wheel (16), a locking sleeve which is coupled to the housing (12) in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the locking section (82) of the locking element (80) forms a positive connection with the locking sleeve (86) in the locking position, so that the hand wheel (16) is coupled to the housing (12) in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the locking element (80) forms a positive fit with the hand wheel (16) in the open position and the locked position and is held in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the hand wheel (16) about the locking axis (S), and The form fit existing in the open position and in the locked position can be released by a translational movement of the locking element (80) along the locking axis (S).

2. The valve unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The locking element (80) is rotatable about a locking axis (S) in the intermediate position.

3. The valve unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The locking axis (S) extends parallel to the rod axis (A) and the shape fit between the locking element (80) and the hand wheel (16) in the open position and the locked position can be disengaged by translating the locking element (80) along the locking axis (S) in the direction of the closing body (20).

4. Valve unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that An operating section (94) is provided at the end of the locking element (80), the operating section protruding from the hand wheel (16).

5. The valve unit according to claim 4, characterized in that The locking element (80) can be adjusted translationally and rotationally relative to the hand wheel (16) without tools via the actuating section (94).

6. The valve unit according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that A through hole (96) is provided on the operating section (94), wherein the through hole (96) is completely exposed and protrudes axially from the hand wheel (16) in the open position and the locked position of the locking element (80), and in the intermediate position the through hole is at least partially covered by the hand wheel (16).

7. The valve unit according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that A support section (114) is arranged on the locking element (80) at the end of the locking element (80) remote from the actuating section (94), the support section being cylindrical in shape and rotatably guided in the radial direction by a guide formed by a hand wheel (16) and / or a locking sleeve (86).

8. Valve unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cross section of the locking section (82) is partially circular along the locking axis (S) and can be pivoted by rotating the locking element (80) about the locking axis (S), wherein the partially circular section (84) projects into a recess (88) of the locking sleeve (86) in the locked position and locks the hand wheel (16) against rotation.

9. Valve unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The locking element (80) is coupled to an elastic spring element (110) which exerts a spring force on the locking element (80).

10. The valve unit according to claim 9, characterized in that The elastic spring element (110) is a coil spring (112) arranged coaxially with the locking axis (S), the coil spring being supported at one end on the hand wheel (16) and at the other end on the locking element (80), and counteracting the translational displacement of the locking element (80) from the open position and from the locked position along the locking axis (S) toward the intermediate position.

11. Valve unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A form fit between the locking element (80) and the hand wheel (16) in the open position and the locked position is formed by a tab (98) provided on the locking element (80) and a recess (102) provided on the hand wheel (16) and / or by a recess provided on the locking element (80) and a tab provided on the hand wheel (16).

12. Valve unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The hand wheel (16) comprises a basic body (104) and a cover (106), which together serve to accommodate and guide the locking element (80) in translation and in rotation.

13. The valve unit according to claim 12, characterized in that The basic body (104) and the cover (106) are connected in a form-fitting manner via a latching connection (108).

14. Valve unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The locking sleeve (86) has teeth (90) which are arranged along the outer circumference and / or the inner circumference of the locking sleeve (86) and form a toothed ring (92).

15. A method for unlocking and locking a hand wheel (16) of a valve unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: a) translating the locking element (80) in the locking position into the intermediate position and removing the form fit between the locking element (80) and the hand wheel (16); b) twisting the locking element (80) in the intermediate position; c) translationally displacing the locking element (80) from the intermediate position into the open position and closing the form fit between the locking element (80) and the hand wheel (16); d) removing the form fit between the locking section (82) and the locking sleeve so that the hand wheel (16) can be twisted relative to the housing (12); e) translatorily displacing the locking element (80) in the open position into the intermediate position and removing the form fit between the locking element (80) and the hand wheel (16); f) twisting the locking element (80) in the intermediate position; g) translationally displacing the locking element (80) from the intermediate position into the locking position and closing the form fit between the locking element (80) and the hand wheel (16); and h) closing the form fit between the locking section (82) and the locking sleeve, so that the hand wheel (16) is coupled to the housing (12) in a rotationally fixed manner.

Images