Valve drive and process valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve drive (4) for a process valve (2). The valve drive comprises a drive housing (100) having an opening (102) which opens into an interior (104) of the drive housing (100), and a closure (200) which closes the opening (102) of the drive housing (100), in which at least one latch hook (206a-206d) of the closure (200) engages with at least one cutout (106a-106d) of the drive housing (100) in a locked state of the drive housing (100) and the closure (200), and in which at least one latch hook (206a-206d) of the closure (200) engages with at least one cutout (106a-106d) of the drive housing (100) in a locked state of the drive housing (100) and the cutout (106a-106d) of the drive housing (100). In order to unlock the drive housing (100) and the closure (200), the at least one latch hook (206a-206d) is moved out of the cutout (106a-106d) of the drive housing (100) by a relative rotational movement between the drive housing (100) and the closure (200) about an imaginary adjustment axis (S).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve drive and a process valve. SUMMARY

[0002] The problem of the prior art is solved by the valve drive according to one aspect of the invention and the process valve according to the other aspect.

[0003] A first aspect of the present description relates to a valve drive for a process valve, the valve drive comprising a drive housing having an opening leading to an interior of the drive housing and a closure enclosing the opening of the drive housing, wherein, in a locked state of the drive housing and the closure, at least one latching hook of the closure engages with at least one cutout of the drive housing, and wherein, for unlocking the drive housing and the closure, by a relative rotational movement between the drive housing and the closure about an imaginary adjustment axis of the valve drive, the at least one latching hook is moved out of the cutout of the drive housing.

[0004] The provided valve drive improves the installation safety with less effort. By the required rotational movement, an unintentional opening can be prevented.

[0005] Furthermore, since the closure can be easily converted into the unlocked state, the inspection, repairability and recyclability of the valve drive are improved. After simple removal of the closure, components can be detached from the interior of the valve drive and, if necessary, replaced. This improves the environmental impact of the valve drive.

[0006] One advantageous example is characterized in that the at least one sealing element designed as a protrusion protrudes from the closure, wherein, during the relative rotational movement of the drive housing and the closure for unlocking, the at least one sealing element is at least partially destroyed by at least one sealing destroyer of the drive housing.

[0007] This makes it easy to see whether the valve drive has already been opened before the valve drive reaches the point in time for the regular inspection. Advantageously, this makes the warranty situation easier to understand.

[0008] One advantageous example is characterized in that, in the locked state, the at least one sealing element engages in a recess of the drive housing, wherein the at least one sealing destroyer is a wall of the recess.

[0009] This advantageously provides a structurally simple way of providing a sealing function.

[0010] One advantageous example is characterized in that, for locking the drive housing and the closure, a relative axial movement, in particular a relative axial movement parallel to the adjustment axis of the valve drive, between the drive housing and the closure takes place.

[0011] By axial movement, the components arranged inside can easily be fixed in their functional position using the closure.

[0012] One advantageous example is characterized in that the head of the at least one latching hook is guided over the associated insertion surface of the valve housing for locking and initially pressed in the direction of the imaginary adjustment axis of the valve drive in order to move into and engage into the at least one cutout.

[0013] By engaging the head into the cutout, a pull-out-proof locking position between the drive housing and the closure is achieved. This means that the head of the latching hook can be removed from the cutout by mere rotation without causing any damage.

[0014] Advantageously, the at least one resilient latching hook, after being pressed inwards, can be pressed into the cutout by its own spring force to reach the locking position.

[0015] One advantageous example is characterized in that, for unlocking, during the relative rotational movement, at least one unlocking surface of the at least one latching hook and an associated counter surface of the at least one cutout cooperate in order to guide the at least one latching hook from the associated cutout onto a surrounding surface of the valve housing, which delimits the associated cutout.

[0016] Thus, the resilient latching hook is removed from the cutout without damage, whereby the latching hook loses its blocking effect and the closure can be removed from the drive housing.

[0017] One advantageous example is characterized in that, after the relative rotational movement of the drive housing and the closure relative to each other, the at least one latching hook is moved away from each other by a relative axial movement of the drive housing and the closure.

[0018] The removal of the latching hook from the cutout by radial movement allows a subsequent pull-out movement of the closure from the drive housing.

[0019] One advantageous example is characterized in that, during the relative axial movement of the drive housing and the closure, the at least one latching hook is moved out of the interior of the drive housing by contact with the pull-out surface from the surrounding surface delimiting the cutout.

[0020] This makes the closure easy to remove.

[0021] One advantageous example is characterized in that the closure comprises at least one through-hole, through which the drive rod of the valve drive passes.

[0022] Advantageously, the closure is thus arranged at the valve body-side opening of the drive housing, which advantageously results in a design freedom on the side facing away from the valve body.

[0023] An advantageous example is characterized in that the valve drive comprises a pneumatic piston which is movable along the adjustment axis and which is rigidly connected to the drive rod, and a compression spring which is supported on the pneumatic piston and on the drive housing.

[0024] An advantageous example is characterized in that the valve drive comprises a pneumatic piston which is movable along the adjustment axis and which is rigidly connected to the drive rod, and a compression spring which is supported on the pneumatic piston and on the closure.

[0025] An advantageous example is characterized in that the closure comprises a clamping portion in order to clamp a lateral outer collar of the valve diaphragm between the clamping portion and the valve body.

[0026] An advantageous example is characterized in that in the locked state of the drive housing and the closure, a plurality of latching hooks of the closure each engages an associated one of a plurality of cutouts of the drive housing, wherein, in order to unlock the drive housing and the closure, the plurality of latching hooks is moved out of the associated ones of the plurality of cutouts of the drive housing by a relative rotational movement between the drive housing and the closure.

[0027] A second aspect of the present specification relates to a process valve, in particular a diaphragm valve, comprising a valve drive according to the first aspect and a valve body which is rigidly connected to the valve drive.

[0028] An advantageous example is characterized in that a lateral outer collar of the valve diaphragm is clamped between the valve drive and the valve body, wherein, and in order to effect its movement, the valve diaphragm is connected to the drive rod. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] In the drawings: Figure 1 A process valve is shown in a cross section along the adjustment axis; Figure 2 Details of the process valve are shown; Figure 3 A process valve is shown in a cross section perpendicular to the adjustment axis; and Figure 4 A closure of the valve drive is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Figure 1 A valve drive 4 for a process valve 2 is shown. The valve drive 4 comprises a drive housing 100 having an opening 102 which leads to an interior 104 of the drive housing 100, and a closure 200 which closes the opening 102 of the drive housing 100.

[0031] In the locked state of the drive housing 100 and the closure 200, at least one latching hook 206a-206d on the closure 200 engages with at least one notch 106a-106d on the drive housing 100.

[0032] For locking the drive housing 100 and the closure 200 during production, a relative axial movement between the drive housing 100 and the closure 200 takes place, in particular a relative axial movement parallel to the imaginary adjustment axis S of the valve drive 4.

[0033] The head 216a-216d of the at least one latching hook 206a-206d is guided over the associated insertion surface 116a-116d in the interior 104 of the drive housing 100 for locking and, initially, i.e. upon insertion into the interior 104, is pressed in the direction of the imaginary adjustment axis S of the valve drive 4. Upon subsequent arrival in the at least one notch 106a-106d, the head 216a-216d is moved into the at least one notch 106a-106d due to the spring force of the associated latching hook 206a-206d, thus engaging in the at least one associated notch 106a-106d.

[0034] Upon insertion of the closure 200, the insertion surface 116a-116d of the drive housing 100 comes into contact with the at least one latching hook 206a-206d. In this case, as the closure 200 is further guided into the opening leading to the interior 104, the head 216a-216d of the latching hook 206a-206d is further pressed in the direction of the adjustment axis S. In the state of being pressed inwards, the latching hook 206a-206d is further guided into the interior 104. The associated head 216a-216d can snap into the associated notch 106a-106d when it reaches it.

[0035] In the locked state, the locking surface 226a-226d of the at least one latching hook 206a-206d, together with the counter-locking surface 126a-126d of the associated notch 106a-106d, prevents the closure 200 from being removed from the drive housing 100 by axial movement.

[0036] The locking surface 226a-226d and the counter-locking surface 126a-126d extend perpendicular to the adjustment axis S.

[0037] The valve drive 4 is delivered in the locked state.

[0038] For checking the valve drive 4, it is converted into the unlocked state, and the closure 200 is removed from the drive housing 100.

[0039] To unlock the drive housing 100 and the closure 200, at least one of the latching hooks 206a-206d is moved out of the cutout 106a-106d of the drive housing 100 by a relative rotational movement between the drive housing 100 and the closure 200 around the imaginary adjustment axis S.

[0040] During operation of the process valve 2, a relative rotational movement is prevented by fastening means (not shown), in particular bolts or screws, through the drive housing 100 and the closure 200 in order to fasten the valve drive 4 to the valve body 6. Thus, during operation, the drive housing 100 and the closure 200 cannot be rotated relative to each other.

[0041] During a relative axial movement of the drive housing 100 and the closure 200, in order to remove the closure 200, at least one of the latching hooks 206a-206d is moved out of the interior 104 of the drive housing 100 by contacting the pull-out surfaces 118a-118d from the surrounding surfaces 114a-114d delimiting the cutouts 106a-106d.

[0042] The closure 200 comprises at least one through-hole 230 through which the drive rod 20 of the valve drive 4 passes.

[0043] The drive housing 100 comprises at least a first guide portion 30 for axially guiding the drive rod 20 of the valve drive 4, wherein the closure 200 comprises at least a second guide portion 232 for axially guiding the drive rod 20 of the valve drive 4. The closure is also used to guide the drive rod 20 during operation.

[0044] During operation of the process valve 2, the drive rod 20 is moved along the adjustment axis S.

[0045] The closure 200 is reliably accommodated in the drive housing 100 in at least one imaginary perpendicular plane of the adjustment axis S. This is ensured, for example, by the outer surfaces of the latching hooks 206a-206c, which in the locked state rest against the associated surfaces 116a-116d.

[0046] Figure 1 A valve drive 4 of a normally closed process valve is shown. The valve drive 4 comprises a pneumatic piston 40, which is movable along the adjustment axis S and is firmly connected to the drive rod 20, and a compression spring 50, which is supported on the pneumatic piston 40 and the drive housing 100.

[0047] In an example of a normally open process valve (not shown), the valve drive 4 comprises a pneumatic piston, which is movable along the adjustment axis S and is firmly connected to the drive rod, and a compression spring, which is supported on the pneumatic piston and the closure 200.

[0048] The circular receiving groove 250 of the closure 200 is arranged such that the compression spring of the valve drive 4 engages in the receiving groove 250.

[0049] The stop 234 of the closure 200 arranged in the interior 104 provides a stop surface such that components arranged in the interior 104, which can be subjected to a force along the adjustment axis S, can abut against the closure 200.

[0050] The closure 200 is fixed to the drive housing 100 in a pull-out-proof manner along the adjustment axis S by means of the at least one latching hook 206a-206d. Thus, the closure 200 holds the components arranged in the interior 104.

[0051] In the example shown, the closure 200 comprises a clamping portion 280 in order to clamp a lateral outer collar of the valve diaphragm 8 between the clamping portion 280 and the valve body 6.

[0052] In the locked state of the drive housing 100 and the closure 200, the plurality of latching hooks 206a-206d in the closure 200 each engages with an associated one of the plurality of cutouts 106a-106d of the drive housing 100, wherein, in order to unlock the drive housing 100 from the closure 200, the plurality of latching hooks 206a-206d is moved out of the associated one of the plurality of cutouts 106a-106d of the drive housing 100 by a relative rotational movement between the drive housing 100 and the closure 200.

[0053] In the example shown, two of the four latching hooks 206a-206d are positioned opposite to each other in pairs. Two of the four cutouts 106a-106d are positioned opposite to each other in pairs.

[0054] The process valve 2 is designed, for example, as a diaphragm valve. Of course, other types of process valves, such as seat valves, can also be used.

[0055] The process valve 2 comprises a valve drive 4 and a valve body 6 rigidly connected to the valve drive 4.

[0056] In the example of a diaphragm valve, a valve diaphragm 8 having a lateral outer collar is clamped between the valve drive 4 and the valve body 6, wherein, in order to effect its movement, the valve diaphragm 8 is connected to the drive rod 20.

[0057] In order to close the flow passage of the process valve 2, the valve diaphragm 8 is pressed against the valve seat 7 of the valve body 6 by means of the drive rod 8 and a pressure piece (not shown). In order to open the flow passage, the valve diaphragm 8 is lifted from the valve seat 7 by means of the drive rod 20.

[0058] Figure 2Details of the valve drive 4 in the unlocked state are shown. At least one seal 210a-210b, which is formed as a protrusion, projects from the closure 200. The at least one seal 210a-210b is at least partially destroyed by the at least one seal-destroying element 112a-112b of the drive housing 100 during the relative rotational movement of the drive housing 100 and the closure 200 for unlocking.

[0059] In this example, the at least one seal 210a-210b projects from the closure 200 parallel to the adjustment axis S.

[0060] In the locked state, the at least one seal 210a-210b engages in a recess 112 of the drive housing 100. The at least one seal-destroying element 112a-112b is a wall of the recess 112.

[0061] For removal of the closure 200 from the drive housing 100 after locking, a relative rotation of the two components to each other is required. As a result, the at least one seal 210a-210b located in the recess 112 is destroyed.

[0062] The recess 112 adjoins the outer surface of the drive housing 100, so that the destroyed seal and the intact seal 210a-210b are visible from the outside.

[0063] After the relative rotational movement of the drive housing 100 and the closure 200 to each other, the at least one latch hook 206a-206d is removed by a relative axial movement of the drive housing 100 and the closure 200 away from each other.

[0064] Figure 3 A cross section of the valve drive 4 perpendicular to the adjustment axis in the locked state is shown. Here, the latch hooks 206a-206d engage with the associated cutouts 106a-106d.

[0065] For unlocking, at least one unlocking surface 208a-208d, 210a-210d of the head 216a-216d of the at least one latch hook 206a-206d and the associated counter surface 108a-108d, 110a-110d of the at least one cutout 106a-106d cooperate during the relative rotational movement in order to guide the at least one latch hook 206a-206d from the associated cutout 106a-106d onto a surrounding surface 114a-114d of the drive housing 100, which delimits the associated cutout 106a-106d.

[0066] The at least one unlocking surface 208a-208d, 210a-210d of the head 216a-216d extends in a manner deviating from an imaginary circle in the circumferential direction, wherein the center of the imaginary circle lies on the imaginary adjustment axis S.

[0067] The shape and arrangement of the at least one unlocking surface 208a-208d, 210a-210d, the shape and arrangement of the associated at least one counter surface 108a-108d, 110a-110d, and the restoring force of the latching hooks 206a-206d significantly determine the force that has to be overcome in order to move the at least one latching hook 206a-206d out of the cutout 106a-106d by a relative rotational movement. By the plurality of latching hooks 206a-206d, a corresponding combined force is generated.

[0068] Figure 4 An example of a closure 200 with undamaged seals 210a-210b is shown in perspective view. The closure 200 has a flange region 290 with a hole pattern. The at least one seal 210a-210b protrudes from the flange region 290.

[0069] The latching hooks 206a-206d are distributed along an imaginary circle with the center on the adjustment axis S.

[0070] Located within the latching hooks 206a-206d is a sleeve 211, which provides at least a portion of the through-hole 230.

Claims

1. A valve actuator (4) for a process valve (2), comprising: A drive housing (100) having a valve body side opening (102) and a closure (200), the valve body side opening (102) opening into the interior (104) of the drive housing (200), the closure (200) closing the valve body side opening (102) of the drive housing (100), wherein, in the locked state of the drive housing (100) and the closure (200), at least one latch hook (206a-206d) of the closure (200) engages with the... At least one cut (106a-106d) of the drive housing (100) is engaged, and wherein, in order to unlock the drive housing (100) and the closure (200), the at least one latch hook (206a-206d) is moved out of the cut (106a-106d) of the drive housing (100) by relative rotational movement between the drive housing (100) and the closure (200) about an imaginary adjustment axis (S) of the valve actuator (4).

2. The valve actuator (4) according to claim 1, wherein, At least one seal (210a-210b) is designed to protrude from the closure (200), and wherein, during relative rotational movement of the drive housing (100) and the closure (200) for unlocking, the at least one seal (210a-210b) is at least partially destroyed by at least one seal-breaking element (112a-112b) of the drive housing (100).

3. The valve actuator (4) according to claim 2, wherein, In the locked state, at least one seal (210a-210b) engages in a recess (112) of the drive housing (100), wherein at least one seal breaker (112a-112b) is a wall of the recess (122).

4. The valve actuator (4) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In order to lock the drive housing (100) and the closure (200), a relative axial movement occurs between the drive housing (100) and the closure (200), in particular a relative axial movement parallel to the adjustment axis (S) of the valve actuator (4).

5. The valve actuator (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The heads (216a-216d) of the at least one latch hook (206a-206d) are guided on the relevant insertion surfaces (116a-116d) of the drive housing (100) for locking, and are initially pressed in the direction of the imaginary adjustment axis (S) of the valve actuator (4) so ​​that they subsequently move and engage in the at least one notch (106a-106d) upon reaching the at least one notch (106a-106d).

6. The valve actuator (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, For unlocking, at least one unlocking surface (208a-208d, 210a-210d) of the at least one latch hook (206a-206d) and the corresponding reverse surface (108a-108d, 110a-110d) of the at least one cut (106a-106d) engage during relative rotational movement to guide the at least one latch hook (206a-206d) from the corresponding cut (106a-106d) onto the peripheral surface (114a-114d) of the drive housing (100), which defines the corresponding cut (106a-106d).

7. The valve actuator (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, After the drive housing (100) and the closure (200) rotate relative to each other, the at least one latch hook (206a-206d) moves away from each other by the relative axial movement of the drive housing (100) and the closure (200).

8. The valve actuator (4) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, During relative axial movement of the drive housing (100) and the closure (200), the at least one latch hook (206a-206d) is removed from the interior (104) of the drive housing (100) from the surrounding surface (114a-114d) defining the cut (106a-106d) by contacting the pull-out surface (118a-118d).

9. The valve actuator (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The closure (200) includes at least one through hole (230) through which the drive rod (20) of the valve actuator (4) passes.

10. The valve actuator (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The valve actuator (4) includes a pneumatic piston (40) and a compression spring (50). The pneumatic piston (40) is movable along the adjustment axis (S) and is firmly connected to the drive rod (20). The compression spring (50) is supported on the pneumatic piston (40) and the drive housing (100).

11. The valve actuator (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The valve actuator (4) includes a pneumatic piston (40) and a compression spring (50). The pneumatic piston (40) is movable along the adjustment axis (S) and is securely connected (20) to the drive rod (20). The compression spring (50) is supported on the pneumatic piston (40) and the closure (200).

12. The valve actuator (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The closure (200) includes a clamping portion (280) for clamping the lateral outer collar of the valve diaphragm (8) between the clamping portion (280) and the valve body (6).

13. The valve actuator (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In the locked state of the drive housing (100) and the closure (200), a plurality of latch hooks (206a-206d) in the closure (200) each engage with a corresponding cut (106a-106d) among a plurality of cuts (106a-106d) in the drive housing (100), and wherein, in order to unlock the drive housing (100) and the closure (200), the plurality of latch hooks (206a-206d) are moved out of the corresponding cut (106a-106d) among the plurality of cuts (106a-106d) in the drive housing (100) by relative rotational movement between the drive housing (100) and the closure (200).

14. A process valve (2), particularly a diaphragm valve, comprising: Valve actuator (4) according to any one of the preceding claims; Valve body (6), which is rigidly connected to valve actuator (4).

15. The process valve (2) according to claim 14, wherein, The lateral outer collar of the valve diaphragm (8) is held between the valve actuator (4) and the valve body (6), and wherein the valve diaphragm (8) is connected to the drive rod (20) in order to move it.

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