Ball valve and application thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a ball valve (10) and to the use thereof, having: a housing (20) with at least one fluid passage (30) connecting at least one inlet (41) to at least one outlet (42); a valve ball (50) having a through hole (70) and arranged between the valve ball sealing seat elements (60) in the fluid passage (30); a valve stem (80) coupled to the valve ball (50) for transmitting torque, supported by the sliding sleeve (81), received in the housing opening (82) and sealed with a sealing ring (83) on the circumference of the valve stem; and a mechanical rotation stopper (90) formed to restrict rotational movement of the valve stem inside the housing (20).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a ball valve and its use in a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system, ball valves are the most important valve technology for regulating and releasing refrigerant. Ball valves are used, inter alia, in R134a and R1234YF refrigeration systems and in systems using R290 refrigerant. An important task is the targeted shut-off of refrigerant delivery lines. This allows sections of the refrigerant circuit to be isolated without the entire refrigerant having to be drained. This not only makes work easier, but also minimizes the loss of refrigerant, which brings economic and environmental advantages. Furthermore, ball valves in a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system can take over the function of an expansion member in order to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant before it enters the evaporator. Since high pressures are present in the refrigerant delivery system, ball valves are characterized by a robust housing. The housing of a ball valve usually has two or more ports for refrigerant lines, wherein a rotatable valve ball with through-holes is arranged inside the housing. The valve ball is located between sealing seats and is coupled to an actuator via a valve stem. If the valve ball is rotated by means of the actuator, it can be oriented in the direction of the refrigerant lines so that the refrigerant flows through the through-holes. By further rotation, the valve ball can be oriented transversely to the refrigerant lines, so that the refrigerant flow is blocked by the interaction of the valve ball and the sealing seats.

[0003] To achieve the technical task, the current technical implementation of the ball valve requires a large number of complex individual components. For example, in the known solutions, a separate stop disc is provided for the necessary rotational limitation of the valve stem. In this solution, the stop disc has a recessed area on its circumference, which interacts with a stop element positioned outside the housing, so that the rotational area of the valve ball is fixed to a predetermined rotational end point. The rotational end point can be formed as a stop element by a mechanical barrier, for example, a cylindrical pin inserted or screwed in. Since the stop disc and the stop element exist as separate components, their fastening requires an additional assembly step, which is associated with an increased assembly effort. Another disadvantage is that the mechanism of the stop disc and the stop element outside the housing occupies a relatively large installation space, which limits the design freedom outside the housing and, in some cases, requires a larger overall size of the ball valve. Another aspect that can be improved is the mounting of the bearing assembly for mounting the valve stem. In the known solutions, the bearing assembly has a screwed-on flange that has to be fastened to the outside of the housing by means of screws. Two or more screws are usually used to fasten the bearing assembly, which correspondingly increases the number of individual components and the number of individual assembly steps. A higher number of complex individual components usually leads to higher costs, higher assembly effort and higher failure sensitivity. In addition, the increased complexity is associated with problems in terms of manufacturing tolerances and control accuracy. SUMMARY

[0004] It is therefore the object of the present invention to propose a ball valve with which the known disadvantages can be overcome. The corresponding ball valve should have a lower complexity, be easier to assemble and require fewer individual components. The ball valve should in particular be able to be used in refrigerant circuits of air conditioning systems.

[0005] This object is achieved by a ball valve according to the invention. Further refinements are indicated in the dependent aspects of the invention.

[0006] The ball valve according to the invention comprises a housing having at least one fluid passage connecting at least one inlet to at least one outlet. In the fluid passage of the housing, a valve ball is arranged to be enclosed between valve ball sealing seat elements from both sides. The valve ball has a through-hole which, when the valve ball is properly positioned, allows flow through the fluid passage. Furthermore, the ball valve comprises a valve stem coupled to the valve ball for transmitting torque, which is received in a housing opening of the housing, is supported by a sliding sleeve and is sealed with a sealing ring on the circumference of the valve stem. According to the invention, the ball valve has a mechanical rotational stop formed to limit the rotational movement of the valve stem inside the housing.

[0007] The mechanical rotation stop has a stop geometry which can be located in the housing opening. According to a particularly simple design, the stop geometry can cooperate with at least one lug formed on the circumference of the valve stem, such that the stop of the at least one lug on the stop geometry limits the rotational movement of the valve stem.

[0008] The stop geometry can be formed by a recess or cutout in the housing opening.

[0009] The at least one lug is formed as a radial shaping on the circumference of the area of the valve stem which is located in the housing of the ball valve. The mechanical rotation stop formed by the stop geometry and the at least one lug on the valve stem is thus located inside the housing, such that no additional installation space is required on the outside of the housing for the function of the mechanical rotation stop. It is furthermore advantageous that the at least one lug is formed when the valve stem is shaped. Thus, no separately installed element is required, which facilitates assembly and reduces costs. Preferably, the valve stem is an injection-molded part, such that the valve stem can be produced in large quantities at low cost in a simple manner.

[0010] The housing opening which accommodates the sliding sleeve and the valve stem is preferably formed as a stepped bore. The stepped bore has at least one shoulder with an axial end face, which serves as a bearing for the sliding sleeve and / or the valve stem.

[0011] According to an advantageous design, the stop geometry can be formed in the form of two separate annular cutouts on the shoulder of the housing opening, wherein one end of the valve stem facing the valve ball is formed as an axially offset flat pin, which has two radially opposite lugs on the shoulder, which each engage in one of the separate annular cutouts. In this design, the radially opposite lugs are formed by the offset flat pin. The flat pin shoulder thus engages with one respective annular cutout on both sides. The range of rotational movement is limited by the length in the circumferential direction of the annular cutouts. The end of the valve stem facing the valve ball can be referred to as a lower flat pin.

[0012] The end of the valve stem formed as a lower flat pin can be used for torque transmission, wherein the flat pin end engages in a recess formed on the valve ball. The recess or recess is thus located on the valve ball, into which the flat end of the valve stem is inserted in a form-fit manner for transmitting forces.

[0013] The valve stem can also have an upper flat pin at the opposite end facing away from the valve ball in order to allow a coupling with a drive element of an actuator. The valve stem can thus have axially offset flat pins at both axial ends.

[0014] The upper flat pin cooperates with an actuator coupling element for coupling to a drive element of an actuator, wherein the actuator coupling element has an opening in the form of a rectangular recess, so that the actuator coupling element can be plugged onto the upper flat pin of the valve stem.

[0015] According to one design, the upper flat pin can have an axial shoulder with an undercut, on which the actuator coupling element engages on the upper flat pin. The actuator coupling element can have a corresponding latching lug which engages in the undercut. The latching ensures an easy detachable connection and a secure seating of the actuator coupling element on the valve stem.

[0016] According to an advantageous design, the valve stem is such that the upper flat pin and the lower flat pin are formed at axially opposite ends of the valve stem, wherein the upper flat pin and the lower flat pin each have a rectangular cross section. According to the invention, this design is to be understood such that the upper flat pin and the lower flat pin have longitudinal sides and wide sides on their circumference, wherein the length of the longitudinal sides is several times greater than the length of the wide sides.

[0017] According to an advantageous design, the housing opening has a collar on the outside of the housing, which is bent towards the inside of the housing opening in order to fasten the sliding sleeve in the housing opening. Thus, the fastening of the sliding sleeve in the housing opening is ensured by crimping the collar formed on the housing opening. In this design, no additional separate fastening element is required to fasten the sliding sleeve, so that the assembly process is simplified and the cost of individual components can be saved. During crimping, the collar is deformed inwardly at the housing opening towards the center of the opening, wherein the sliding sleeve supporting the valve stem is fixed and fastened in the housing opening. Due to the crimping, the sliding sleeve does not require a separate flange, so that the housing provides a greater structural clearance on the outside of the housing.

[0018] The sliding sleeve is preferably formed of aluminum.

[0019] The sealing ring arranged on the circumference of the valve stem seals the area between the valve stem and the sliding sleeve in order to prevent the refrigerant from escaping from the valve interior into the environment. In order to accommodate the sealing ring, the valve stem can have a circumferentially formed groove. In the assembled state, the sealing ring is arranged in the circumferentially formed groove for sealing against the sliding sleeve. Since the circumferential groove is formed in the area of the valve stem which is spatially inside the housing, the sealing ring is likewise located inside the housing of the ball valve in its arrangement.

[0020] According to an advantageous design, the sealing ring is characterized by an X-shaped cross section.

[0021] According to an advantageous further development, the valve stem can have a valve stem shoulder formed on the circumference, wherein the sliding sleeve is formed as a wrap-around element which receives the valve stem shoulder formed on the valve stem itself, such that the shoulder bears against the axially inner surface of the sliding sleeve. As a result of the sliding sleeve as a wrap-around element accommodating the valve stem shoulder formed on the circumference of the valve stem, axial mounting of the valve stem is ensured. Thus, the sliding sleeve serves for axial and radial mounting of the valve stem.

[0022] A further measure for reducing the complexity of the ball valve consists in simplifying the fastening of the ball seat elements in the fluid passage in the interior of the housing. Usually, the ball seat elements are held and fixed in the passage by means of a screwed-on ring or a threaded ring or a screw, wherein the valve ball held between the ball seat elements is subjected to a contact pressure by means of the threaded ring or the screw. For this purpose, in the known solutions, a part of the passage must have an internal thread, which represents an increased workload in terms of production technology. According to the invention, the valve seat elements surrounding the valve ball can be fixed in the passage by means of a self-locking ring, a snap ring or a press-in ring. For this purpose, only a groove or a shoulder formed on the inner circumference of the fluid passage is required in order to lock the fixing element against independent separation.

[0023] The ball valve can be suitable for use in a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system. In particular, the ball valve according to the invention is an expansion valve used in a refrigerant circuit. In particular, the ball valve is intended for use in an air conditioning system using the refrigerants R134a, R1234YF or R290. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Further details, features and advantages of the design of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 : shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a ball valve according to the prior art,

[0026] Figure 2 : shows a schematic view of a housing of a ball valve according to the prior art,

[0027] Figure 3 : shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a ball valve according to the invention,

[0028] Figure 4a : shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a housing of a ball valve according to the invention,

[0029] Figure 4b : shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a valve stem of a ball valve according to the invention,

[0030] Figure 4c: Detail of a cross-sectional view showing an exemplary embodiment of a ball valve according to the present invention,

[0031] Figure 5 : Another schematic cross-sectional view showing an exemplary embodiment of a ball valve according to the present invention,

[0032] Figures 6a to 6c : Schematic cross-sectional views showing three exemplary embodiments of a ball valve according to the present invention, each having different fastening means for fastening the valve globe sealing seat elements, and

[0033] Figures 7a to 7b : Two schematic views showing exemplary embodiments of a stem and actuator coupling element of a ball valve according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a ball valve 1 according to the prior art is shown. The ball valve 1 comprises a housing 2 having a fluid passage 3 connecting an inlet 4.1 to an outlet 4.2. In the fluid passage 3, a valve globe 5 is enclosed between valve globe sealing seat elements 6 from both sides. The valve globe 5 has a through hole 7 in the shown position of the valve globe 5, which enables a flow through the fluid passage 3. Furthermore, the ball valve 1 comprises a cylindrical valve stem 8 coupled to the valve globe 5 for transmitting torque and received in a housing opening 8.2 of the housing 2, supported by a guide disc 8.1 and sealed on the valve stem circumference by a sealing ring 8.3. The valve stem 8, which serves as a drive shaft, is coupled by its upper end to an actuator 8.5. The guide disc 8.1 has a stop mechanism 9 for limiting the rotation of the valve stem 8. The stop mechanism 9 is located on an end face of the guide disc 8.1 outside the housing 2 and covered by an intermediate element 8.4. A sealing for sealing against the intermediate element 8.4 is arranged on the radial circumference of the guide disc 8.1. Another sealing is located between the guide disc 8.1 and the housing opening 8.2 of the housing 2. The valve globe sealing seat elements 6 are fixed in the fluid passage 3 with valve globe sealing seat element screw locks 6.1.

[0035] Figure 2 A schematic view showing the housing 2 of a ball valve 1 according to the prior art is shown. The view considers the stop mechanism 9 on the guide disc 8.1 showing Figure 1 the housing 2. The stop mechanism 9 comprises a stop disc 9.1 coupled to the valve stem 8 in a rotationally fixed manner and a cylindrical stop element 9.2 fastened to the guide disc 8.1. The stop disc 9.1 has a recessed area which interacts with the stop element 9.2 such that the rotation of the valve stem 8 is limited. Four screws 9.3 are provided which are screwed into the housing 2 for fastening the guide disc 8.1.

[0036] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a ball valve 10 according to the present application is shown. According to the inventive concept, the ball valve 10 has a housing 20 with a fluid passage 30 connecting an inlet port 41 to an outlet port 42. The inlet port 41 and the outlet port 42 represent fluid ports which can also be interchanged with respect to the fluid flow direction. In the fluid passage 30, a valve ball 50 is enclosed between valve ball seat elements 60 from both sides. Within the fluid passage 30, the valve ball seat elements 60 are locked by a self-locking ring 61 pressed in from the outlet side. The valve ball 50 has a through-hole 70 which, in the shown view, is in a blocking position so that no flow through the fluid passage 30 is possible. For torque transmission, the valve ball 50 is coupled to a valve stem 80. The valve stem 80 serves as a drive shaft in order to move the valve ball 50 by rotation from a blocking position into an open position. A sliding sleeve 81 for mounting the valve stem 80 is provided. The sliding sleeve 81 is located in a housing opening 82 of the housing 20. For fastening the sliding sleeve 81, a collar 21 extending in axial direction is formed on the housing opening 82 and is bent by crimping towards the inside of the housing opening 82. By crimping the collar 21, the material of the collar 21 is pressed against a shoulder of the sliding sleeve 81 so that the sliding sleeve 81 accommodated in the housing opening 82 is fixed. The valve stem 80 is sealed against the sliding sleeve 81 by a sealing ring 83, wherein the sealing ring 83 is received in a groove 84 formed circumferentially on the valve stem 80.

[0037] The sliding sleeve 81 is formed as a wrap-around element which receives a valve stem shoulder 86 formed on the valve stem 80 so that the valve stem shoulder 86 rests against an axial inner surface of the sliding sleeve 81. As the sliding sleeve 81 as a wrap-around element accommodates the valve stem shoulder 86 formed on the circumference of the valve stem 80, an axial limitation and mounting of the valve stem 80 is ensured.

[0038] For limiting the rotational movement of the valve stem 80, a mechanical rotational stop 90 is formed in the interior of the housing 20. The mechanical rotational stop 90 has a stop geometry which is located on a shoulder 85 in the housing opening 82 formed as a stepped bore. The stop geometry is formed in the form of two separate annular cutouts 91 on the shoulder 85 of the housing opening 82, wherein an end of the valve stem 80 facing the valve ball 50 is formed as an axially offset lower flat pin 88 having two lugs 93 which are diametrically opposite to each other on a shoulder 92 and which each engage one of the separate annular cutouts 91.

[0039] The end of the valve stem 80 formed as the lower flat pin 88 is used for torque transmission, wherein the flat pin end engages in a recess 51 formed on the valve ball 50.

[0040] The reference 100 denotes an actuator coupling element which latches to the upper flat pin 87 of the valve stem 80 and in Figure 7a and Figure 7b is explained in more detail.

[0041] Figure 4a A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the housing 20 of the ball valve 10 according to the application is shown in Figure 3 . This view can see the housing opening 82 which is formed as a stepped bore, wherein the annular cutout 91 of the stop geometry of the mechanical rotation stop 90 is formed on the shoulder 85. The housing opening 82 has a collar 21 at its upper edge which is curved towards the opening center in order to fix the sliding sleeve 81 (not shown) in the housing opening.

[0042] Figure 4b A schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of the valve stem 80 of the ball valve 10 according to the application is shown in Figure 3 . At the lower end of the valve stem 80, the valve stem 80 is formed as a stepped lower flat pin 88. In axial direction, the lower flat pin 88 has a rectangular cross section. Lugs 93 are formed diametrically opposite to each other on the shoulder of the lower flat pin 88. The lugs 93 are components of the mechanical rotation stop 90, since the lugs engage in the annular cutout 91 shown in Figure 4a . The interaction of the annular cutout 91 and the lugs 93 of the valve stem 80 is shown in the detailed view of Figure 4c . The grooves 84 for receiving the sealing ring 83 are located on the circumference of the valve stem 80 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4c ). The upper end of the valve stem 80 is also formed as an upper flat pin 87. The valve stem shoulder 86 is used to abut against the axial inner surface of the sliding sleeve 81 (see Figure 3 ). Between the upper flat pin 87 and the lower flat pin 88, the valve stem 80 has a circular cross section in axial direction.

[0043] Figure 4c A detailed portion of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the ball valve 10 according to the application is shown in Figure 3 . The valve stem 80 which is accommodated in the sliding sleeve 81 is present in the housing opening 82 of the housing 20. The lower end of the valve stem 80 which is formed as a lower flat pin 88 engages with the recess 51 formed on the valve ball 50 for torque transmission. The lugs 93 formed on the lower flat pin 88 on the valve stem 80 each engage in the annular cutout 91 formed on the shoulder 85. Thus, the flat pin shoulder on which the lugs 93 are formed engages in both side portions with the respective annular cutout 91. The end of the annular cutout 91 forms a stop position for the lugs 93, so that the rotation of the valve stem 80 is limited.

[0044] The valve stem 80 is sealed against the sliding sleeve 81 by a sealing ring 83 arranged in the recess 84. The sealing ring 83 is characterized by an X-shaped cross section. A further sealing ring 200 is located between the sliding sleeve 81 and the housing 20 in the housing opening 82. The sliding sleeve 81 consists of aluminum.

[0045] Figure 5 A further schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the ball valve 10 according to the present application is shown. The shown exemplary embodiment of the ball valve 10 corresponds to the design of the ball valve 10 shown in Figure 3 , wherein the difference is that the actuator 300 is additionally depicted. The actuator 300 is connected to the actuator coupling element 100 for driving the valve stem 80. The arrow 400 indicates a multi-stage sealing surface on the housing opening 82 of the housing 20 as an advantage of the present application.

[0046] Figures 6a to 6c Schematic cross-sectional views of three exemplary embodiments of the ball valve 10 according to the present application are shown, which each have a different fastening means for fastening the valve globe seal seat element 60 in the fluid passage 30. Figure 6a A design of the ball valve 10 according to Figure 3 is shown, wherein the difference is that the actuator 300 is additionally depicted. For fastening the valve globe seal seat element 60, the self-locking ring 61 is pressed into the fluid passage 30, wherein the annular disk 64 is arranged between the self-locking ring 61 and the valve globe seal seat element 60. An enlarged view of the self-locking ring 61 is depicted on the right side of the cross-sectional view of the ball valve 10.

[0047] Figure 6b A design of the ball valve 10 according to Figure 6a is shown, wherein the difference is that a snap ring 62 for fastening the valve globe seal seat element 60 is provided. For fastening the valve globe seal seat element 60, the snap ring 62 is pressed into the fluid passage 30, wherein the annular disk 64 is arranged between the snap ring 62 and the valve globe seal seat element 60. An enlarged view of the snap ring 62 is depicted on the right side of the cross-sectional view of the ball valve 10 in Figure 6b .

[0048] Figure 6c A design of the ball valve 10 according to Figure 6a is shown, wherein the difference is that a press-in ring 63 for fastening the valve globe seal seat element 60 is provided. For fastening the valve globe seal seat element 60, the press-in ring 63 is pressed into the fluid passage 30, wherein no annular disk 64 is arranged between the press-in ring 63 and the valve globe seal seat element 60. An enlarged view of the press-in ring 63 is depicted on the right side of the cross-sectional view of the ball valve 10 in Figure 6c .

[0049] The application of a self-locking ring 61, a snap ring 62 or a press-in ring 63 for locking the valve ball seating element 60 represents a further measure for reducing the complexity of the ball valve 10. Thus, the production of a complex thread for using the valve ball seating element screw 6.1 is no longer necessary according to the design of the ball valve 1 shown in Figure 1

[0050] Figure 7a and Figure 7b each shows Figure 3 schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a valve stem 80 of a ball valve 10 according to the application and of an associated actuator coupling element 100 shown in Figure 7a The actuator coupling element 100 is shown from the underside. Figure 7b The upper side of the actuator coupling element 100 is shown in. The actuator coupling element 100 has an opening 101 in the form of a rectangular recess, so that the actuator coupling element 100 can be plugged onto the upper flat pin of the valve stem 80. Furthermore, two latching lugs are formed within the opening 101 of the actuator coupling element 100, which engage in an undercut formed on the upper flat pin 87, so that the actuator coupling element 100 latches onto the upper flat pin 87 when plugged onto the upper flat pin 87.

[0051] The lower end of the valve stem 80 forms a lower flat pin 88.

[0052] A sawtooth profile for coupling to an actuator 300 (not shown) is formed on the upper side of the actuator coupling element 100. A recess 84 is used to receive Figure 7a and Figure 7b a sealing ring 83 not shown in.

[0053] Legend

[0054] 1 ball valve

[0055] 2 housing

[0056] 3 fluid passage

[0057] 4.1 inlet

[0058] 4.2 outlet

[0059] 5 valve ball

[0060] 6 valve ball seating element

[0061] 6.1 valve ball seating element screw

[0062] 7 through hole

[0063] 8 valve stem

[0064] ​8.1 guide disc

[0065] 8.2 housing opening

[0066] 8.3 sealing ring

[0067] 8.4 intermediate element

[0068] 8.5 actuator

[0069] 9 stop mechanism

[0070] 9.1 stop disc

[0071] 9.2 stop element

[0072] 9.3 screw

[0073] 10 ball valve

[0074] 20 housing

[0075] 21 collar

[0076] 30 fluid passage

[0077] 41 inlet

[0078] 42 outlet

[0079] 50 valve ball

[0080] 51 recess

[0081] 60 valve ball seat element

[0082] 61 self-locking ring

[0083] 62 snap ring

[0084] 63 press-in ring

[0085] 64 annular disc

[0086] 70 through hole

[0087] 80 valve stem

[0088] 81 sliding sleeve

[0089] 82 housing opening

[0090] 83 sealing ring

[0091] 84 groove

[0092] 85 shoulder

[0093] 86 valve stem shoulder

[0094] 87 upper flat pin

[0095] 88 lower flat pin

[0096] 90 mechanical rotation stop

[0097] 91 annular cutout

[0098] 92 shoulder

[0099] 93 lug

[0100] 100 actuator coupling element

[0101] 101 opening

[0102] 200 seal ring

[0103] 300 actuator

[0104] 400 arrow

Claims

1. A ball valve (10) having a housing (20) with at least one fluid passage (30) connecting at least one inlet (41) to at least one outlet (42), a valve ball (50) with a through hole (70) arranged between valve ball seat elements (60) in the fluid passage (30), a valve stem (80) coupled to the valve ball (50) for torque transmission, the valve stem (80) being supported by a sliding sleeve (81), received in a housing opening (82) and sealed with a seal ring (83) on the circumference of the valve stem, and a mechanical rotational stop (90) forming a rotational movement limitation of the valve stem (80) inside the housing (20).

2. The ball valve (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The mechanical rotational stop (90) has a stop geometry formed in the housing opening (82) inside the housing (20), which interacts with at least one lug (93) formed on the circumference of the valve stem (80) such that the stop of the at least one lug (93) on the stop geometry limits the rotational movement of the valve stem (80).

3. Ball valve (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The stop geometry is formed in the form of two separate annular cutouts (91) on a shoulder (85) of the housing opening (82), wherein one end of the valve stem (80) facing the valve ball (50) is formed as an axially offset lower flat pin (88) having two diametrically opposite lugs (93) on the shoulder, each engaging one of the separate annular cutouts (91).

4. Ball valve (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The end of the valve stem (80) formed as a lower flat pin (88) engages in a recess (51) formed on the valve ball (50) for torque transmission.

5. The ball valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The housing opening (82) has a collar (21) bent towards the inside of the housing opening (82) in order to fasten the sliding sleeve (81) in the housing opening (82).

6. The ball valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The valve stem (80) has an upper flat pin (87) at one end facing away from the valve ball (50) for coupling to a drive element of an actuator (300).

7. Ball valve (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The upper flat pin (87) cooperates with an actuator coupling element (100) for coupling to a drive element of an actuator (300), wherein the actuator coupling element (100) has an opening (101) in the form of a rectangular recess, such that the actuator coupling element (100) can be plugged onto the upper flat pin (87) of the valve stem (80).

8. Ball valve (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The upper flat pin (87) has an axially shoulder with an undercut, on which the actuator coupling element (100) engages on the upper flat pin (87).

9. The ball valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The upper flat pin (87) and the lower flat pin (88) are formed at axially opposite ends of the valve stem (80) and each has a rectangular cross-section.

10. Ball valve (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The upper flat pin (87) and the lower flat pin (88) have longitudinal sides and wide sides on their circumferences, wherein the length of the longitudinal sides is several times greater than the length of the wide sides.

11. The ball valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The valve stem (80) has a circumferentially formed groove (84), and the sealing ring (83) is arranged in the groove for sealing relative to the sliding sleeve (81).

12. The ball valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The sealing ring (83) has an X-shaped cross section.

13. The ball valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The valve stem (80) has a valve stem shoulder (86) formed on the circumference, wherein the sliding sleeve (81) is formed as a wrapping element, which accommodates the valve stem shoulder (86) formed on the valve stem (80) itself so that the valve stem shoulder (86) is supported against the axial inner surface of the sliding sleeve (81).

14. The ball valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that The arrangement of the valve ball sealing seat element (60) surrounding the valve ball (50) is fixed in the fluid passage (30) by means of a self-locking ring (61), a snap ring (62) or a press-fit ring (63).

15. Use of the ball valve (10) according to claims 1 to 14 in a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system.

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