System for regulating the flow of a fluid

Abstract

A system for regulating a flow of a fluid is disclosed. The system includes a flow regulator and a spindle housing. The flow conditioner includes a main shaft including a passage extending about a portion thereof and a flow conditioner extending from the main shaft. The spindle housing includes a bore extending therethrough to receive the spindle, an inlet to receive a fluid, and an outlet to discharge the fluid. The flow regulator is rotatable relative to the spindle housing when the spindle is disposed in the bore.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a system for regulating the flow of a fluid and, in some embodiments, to a valve with improved flow control. Background Art

[0002] A plug valve is a common valve used to control the flow of liquids or gases in many applications. A typical plug valve may include a valve that is opened or closed to control the flow of a fluid or gas therethrough. However, due to the construction of the valve itself, this approach generally has limited flow control functionality. A typical plug valve includes a fluid path connecting an inlet port and an outlet port through a spindle, which is very sensitive and may inadvertently prevent fluid from flowing through the valve, or alternatively, may allow more fluid to flow through the valve than desired. In addition, conventional plug valves only provide approximately 30° of spindle rotation between the fully open and fully closed positions.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a valve with improved flow control, which includes a mechanism for improving control of the flow of liquid or gas through the valve. It is also desirable to provide a valve that avoids unintended flow rate adjustments. Utility Model Content

[0004] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a system for regulating the flow of a fluid is provided, the system comprising a flow regulator and a spindle housing. The flow regulator comprises a spindle and a flow regulator extending from the spindle, the spindle comprising a channel extending around a portion thereof; the spindle housing comprises a hole extending therethrough and configured to receive the spindle, an inlet for receiving the fluid, and an outlet for discharging the fluid, wherein when the spindle is disposed in the hole, the flow regulator can rotate relative to the spindle housing.

[0005] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the flow regulator rotates between an open position and a closed position relative to the spindle housing, wherein the depth of the channel changes as the flow regulator rotates between the open position and the closed position, wherein the depth of the channel is a maximum depth in the open position, and wherein the depth of the channel is a minimum depth in the closed position.

[0006] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the flow regulator rotates between an open position and a closed position relative to the spindle housing, wherein a width of the channel changes as the flow regulator rotates between the open position and the closed position, wherein the width of the channel is a maximum width in the open position, and wherein the width of the channel is a minimum width in the closed position.

[0007] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the inlet and outlet extend from the hole in opposite directions. In some aspects, the axis of the inlet and the axis of the outlet are located in the same plane. In some aspects, when the flow conditioner is in the open position, the inlet and the outlet are in fluid communication. In some aspects, when the flow conditioner is in the closed position, the inlet and the outlet are not in fluid communication. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the flow conditioner rotates 50° relative to the spindle housing between the open position and the closed position.

[0008] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the flow regulator is a handle. In some aspects, the length of the handle is approximately equal to the length of the spindle. In some aspects, the flow regulator is rotated relative to the spindle housing by a user. In some aspects, the flow regulator is rotated relative to the spindle housing by a machine. In some aspects, the spindle and the spindle housing form a fluid seal. In some aspects, the channel defines a fluid path between the inlet and the outlet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The foregoing summary of the present disclosure, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments of valves with improved flow control, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0010] In the attached picture:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A perspective view of a main shaft housing of a valve;

[0013] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A perspective view of a flow regulator of a valve; and

[0014] Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 Side view of a valve rotating between an open position and a closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] With reference to the accompanying drawings in detail, wherein the same reference numerals represent the same elements throughout, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1-Figure 41 shows a valve, generally designated 10. As described above, a typical plug valve includes a fluid path connecting an inlet port and an outlet port defined through a main shaft. However, valve 10 includes a fluid path connecting an inlet port and an outlet port defined around a main shaft. In addition, the width and depth of the fluid path vary along its length, thereby increasing the control of the fluid or gas flow as the main shaft rotates.

[0016] refer to Figure 1 , the valve 10 may include a flow regulator 102 and a spindle housing 104. The flow regulator 102 may include a spindle 106. The spindle 106 may be generally cylindrical in shape. The spindle 106 may have a proximal end 108 and a longitudinal axis L thereof. A The distal end 110 is opposite to the proximal end. The main shaft 106 can be made of plastic. The main shaft 106 can be made of rubber.

[0017] like Figure 3 As shown, the main shaft 106 can include a channel 112 defined therein. The channel 112 can extend around at least a portion of the circumference of the main shaft 106. The channel 112 can extend around the circumference of the main shaft 106. The channel 112 can be positioned closer to the proximal end 108 than the distal end 110 of the main shaft 106. The channel 112 can be located near the center of the main shaft 106 between the proximal end 108 and the distal end 110. The channel 112 can be positioned closer to the distal end 110 than the proximal end 108 of the main shaft 106.

[0018] The flow regulator 102 may include a flow regulator 114 extending from the distal end 110 of the main shaft 106. The flow regulator 114 may extend from the proximal end 108 of the main shaft 106. The flow regulator 114 may include a handle 118. The handle 118 may define a generally U-shaped shape. The handle 118 may be formed in a generally L-shaped shape. The handle 118 may extend generally parallel to the main shaft 106. A space may be defined between the handle 118 and the main shaft 106 to allow the main shaft housing 104 to receive the main shaft 106.

[0019] The handle 118 may include indicia 120 disposed thereon. Figure 1As shown, the mark 120 can protrude from the surface of the handle 118. As shown, the mark 120 can be a word, such as "OFF". In some embodiments, the mark 120 can be a combination of words and / or symbols. For example, the mark 120 can include an arrow to indicate that the handle 118 can be moved to increase or decrease the direction of the flow. The mark 120 can also include the word "OFF" or the circle-backslash symbol next to the arrow to indicate that the handle 118 can be moved to limit or stop the direction of the fluid flow. In addition, the mark 120 can include the word "ON" or the check mark next to the arrow to indicate that the handle 118 can be moved to increase the direction of the fluid flow. The use of such symbols instead of letters or words can be more easily understood by most users. In some embodiments, the mark 120 can be roughly flush with the surface of the handle 118. In some embodiments, the mark 120 can be a label or sticker connected to the surface of the handle 118 by glue or other adhesives. The size of the mark 120 (whether it is a letter and / or symbol) can enable the user to read the mark from a distance of up to 5 feet. The size of the mark can enable the user to read the mark from a distance of up to 10 feet. The size of the marker enables a user to read the marker from a distance of 15 feet. The size of the marker enables a user to read the marker from a distance of up to 20 feet. The size of the marker enables a user to read the marker from a distance of up to 25 feet. The spindle housing 104 may include a bore 122 extending therethrough. The bore 122 may be generally cylindrical in shape. The bore 122 may be sized and shaped to receive the spindle 106. When the spindle 106 is received by the bore 122, the spindle 106 and the spindle housing 104 may form a fluid seal. Figure 2 As shown, the hole 122 can include a protrusion 124 extending therefrom. The hole 122 can include a plurality of protrusions 124 extending therefrom. The protrusion 124 can be located near a distal end 128 of the hole 122. The protrusion 124 can be located near a proximal end 126 of the hole 122.

[0020] There may be a protrusion 124 every 50° around the hole 122. There may be a protrusion 124 every 45° around the hole 122. There may be a protrusion 124 every 40° around the hole 122. There may be a protrusion 124 every 35° around the hole 122. There may be a protrusion 124 every 30° around the hole 122. There may be a protrusion 124 every 25° around the hole 122. There may be a protrusion 124 every 20° around the hole 122. There may be a protrusion 124 every 15° around the hole 122. There may be a protrusion 124 every 10° around the hole 122. There may be a protrusion 124 every 5° around the hole 122. There may be a protrusion 124 every 4° around the hole 122. There may be a protrusion 124 every 3° around the hole 122. There may be a protrusion 124 every 2° around the hole 122. There may be a protrusion 124 every 1° around the hole 122. There may be a protrusion 124 every 0.5° around the hole 122. There may be a protrusion 124 every 0.25° around the hole 122.

[0021] like Figure 3 As shown, the spindle 106 may include a recess 116. The spindle 106 may include a plurality of recesses 116. The recess 116 may extend at least partially along the length of the spindle 106. The recess 116 may extend from the distal end of the spindle 106. The region of the spindle 106 including the recess 116 may have a larger diameter than the remainder of the spindle 106. The protrusion 124 of the hole 122 may be sized and shaped to be received in the recess 116 of the spindle 106 when the spindle 106 is disposed in the spindle housing 104. The engagement of the recess 116 in the protrusion 124 may hinder the rotation of the flow conditioner 102 relative to the spindle housing 104. The engagement of the recess 116 in the protrusion 124 may prevent the rotation of the flow conditioner 102 relative to the spindle housing 104 until a threshold force is applied to the flow conditioner 114.

[0022] There may be depressions 116 every 50° around the main axis 106. There may be depressions 116 every 45° around the main axis 106. There may be depressions 116 every 40° around the main axis 106. There may be depressions 116 every 35° around the main axis 106. There may be depressions 116 every 30° around the main axis 106. There may be depressions 116 every 25° around the main axis 106. There may be depressions 116 every 20° around the main axis 106. There may be depressions 116 every 15° around the main axis 106. There may be depressions 116 every 10° around the main axis 106. There may be depressions 116 every 5° around the main axis 106. There may be depressions 116 every 4° around the main axis 106. There may be depressions 116 every 3° around the main axis 106. There may be depressions 116 every 2° around the main axis 106. There may be depressions 116 every 1° around the main axis 106. There may be depressions 116 every 0.5° around the main axis 106. There may be depressions 116 every 0.25° around the main axis 106.

[0023] refer to Figure 2 , the spindle housing 104 may include an inlet 130 for receiving the fluid. The spindle housing 104 may include an outlet 132 for discharging the fluid. The inlet 130 and the outlet 132 may extend from the hole 122 in opposite directions. An axis L extending through the inlet 130 I and an axis L extending through the outlet 132 O Can be on the same plane. Axis L I and axis L O The inlet 130 and the outlet 132 may be approximately 180° relative to each other. The inlet 130 and the outlet 132 may be generally cylindrical in shape. The inlet 130 may include an inlet port 138 for receiving the inlet pipe 134, and the outlet 132 may include an outlet port 140 for receiving the outlet pipe 136. The ports 138, 140 may include protrusions extending from the interior surface to secure the pipes 134, 136 to the ports 138, 140. When the pipes are disposed in the ports 138, 140, the protrusions therein may prevent the pipes 134, 136 from rotating relative to the ports 138, 140.

[0024] The spindle housing 104 may include a collar 142 extending radially inward from the bore 122. The collar 142 may be located near the proximal end 126 of the bore 122. The collar 142 may extend around the entire circumference of the bore 122. The collar 142 may extend around only a portion of the circumference of the bore 122. The shape and size of the collar 142 may be such that when the spindle 106 is disposed in the spindle housing 104, a lip 144 (e.g., Figure 3The spindle 106 may be threaded over the collar 142. The collar 142 may prevent the spindle 106 from moving longitudinally relative to the spindle housing 104. The collar 142 may prevent the spindle 106 from unintentionally moving longitudinally relative to the spindle housing 104. The region of the spindle 106 including the collar 142 may have a smaller diameter than the remainder of the spindle 106.

[0025] The spindle housing 104 may include a recess 146 at its distal end 126. The aperture 122 may extend around a portion of the spindle housing 104. The recess 146 may be shaped and sized to receive a stop 148 extending from the handle 118 along the longitudinal axis L. A The recess 146 can limit the rotation of the flow regulator 102 relative to the spindle housing 104 to control the flow of fluid through the valve 10 .

[0026] like Figure 4 As shown, the stopper 148 can engage the recess 146 in the open position and the closed position. As the flow regulator 102 rotates between the open position and the closed position, the depth of the channel 112 can vary. When the flow regulator 102 is in the open position, the depth of the channel 112 can be a maximum depth. When the flow regulator 102 is in the closed position, the depth of the channel 112 can be a minimum depth. Rotating the flow regulator 102 between the open position and the closed position, thereby adjusting the depth of the channel 112, can allow the user to adjust the rate at which fluid flows through the valve 10 to a very high degree.

[0027] As the flow regulator 102 rotates between the open position and the closed position, the width of the channel 112 can vary. When the flow regulator 102 is in the open position, the width of the channel 112 can be a maximum width. When the flow regulator 102 is in the closed position, the width of the channel 112 can be a minimum width. Rotating the flow regulator 102 between the open position and the closed position, thereby adjusting the width of the channel 112, can allow a user to adjust the rate at which fluid flows through the valve 10 to a very high degree.

[0028] When the flow regulator 102 is in the open position, the inlet 130 and the outlet 132 can be in fluid communication. When the flow regulator 102 is rotated from the closed position to the open position, the inlet 130 and the outlet 132 can be in fluid communication. When the flow regulator 102 is in the closed position, the inlet 130 and the outlet 132 can be out of fluid communication. The flow regulator 102 can be rotated relative to the spindle housing 104 by a user. The flow regulator 102 can be rotated relative to the spindle housing 104 by a machine. The channel 112 can form a fluid path between the inlet 130 and the outlet 132.

[0029] The flow conditioner 102 may be circumferentially disposed relative to the spindle housing 104 about a longitudinal axis L.A The angle X of rotation between the open position and the closed position may be about 50°. The angle X may be about 30°. The angle X may be about 35°. The angle X may be about 40°. The angle X may be about 45°. The angle X may be about 55°. The angle X may be about 60°. The angle X may be between 30° and 60°. The angle X may be between 30° and 40°. The angle X may be between 40° and 50°. The angle X may be between 50° and 60°.

[0030] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary embodiments described above may be modified without departing from the broad utility model concept thereof. It should be understood that the claims and embodiments disclosed herein are not limited in their application to the construction details and arrangements of components set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. On the contrary, the specification and drawings provide examples of contemplated embodiments. The claims and embodiments disclosed herein can be further used in other embodiments, or can be practiced or implemented in various ways.

[0031] Specific features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention, and various features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms "a," "an," and "the" are not limited to one element but should be understood to mean "at least one." Finally, unless specifically set forth herein, the disclosed or claimed methods should not be limited to performing their steps in the order written, and those skilled in the art can readily understand that the steps can be performed in any practical order.

Claims

1. A system for regulating the flow of a fluid, characterized in that It includes: A flow regulator, the flow regulator comprising: a main shaft including a passage extending around a portion thereof, and a flow conditioner extending from the main shaft; and A spindle housing, the spindle housing comprising: a bore extending therethrough, the bore being configured to receive the spindle, an inlet for receiving a fluid, and an outlet for discharging fluid; Wherein, when the spindle is disposed in the hole, the flow conditioner is rotatable relative to the spindle housing.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The flow conditioner rotates relative to the spindle housing between an open position and a closed position.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that As the flow regulator rotates between an open position and a closed position, the depth of the channel changes.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that The depth of the channel is a maximum depth in the open position.

5. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that The depth of the channel is a minimum depth in the closed position.

6. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that As the flow modifier rotates between an open position and a closed position, the width of the channel changes.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that The width of the channel is at a maximum width in the open position.

8. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that The width of the channel is a minimum width in the closed position.

9. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that The inlet and outlet extend from the aperture in opposite directions.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that The axis of the inlet and the axis of the outlet are located on the same plane.

11. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that When the flow regulator is in the open position, the inlet and the outlet are in fluid communication.

12. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that When the flow regulator is in the closed position, the inlet and the outlet are not in fluid communication.

13. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that The flow conditioner rotates 50° relative to the spindle housing between the open and closed positions.

14. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The flow regulator is a handle.

15. The system according to claim 14, characterized in that The length of the handle is approximately equal to the length of the spindle.

16. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The flow regulator is rotated relative to the spindle housing by a user.

17. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The flow conditioner is rotated by a machine relative to the spindle housing.

18. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The spindle and the spindle housing form a fluid seal.

19. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The channel defines a fluid path between the inlet and the outlet.

20. A system for regulating the flow of a fluid, characterized in that It includes: A flow regulator, the flow regulator comprising: a main shaft including a passage extending around a portion thereof, and a flow conditioner extending from the main shaft; and A spindle housing, the spindle housing comprising: a bore extending therethrough, the bore being configured to receive the spindle, an inlet for receiving a fluid, and an outlet for discharging fluid; wherein the flow conditioner is rotatable relative to the spindle housing when the spindle is disposed in the bore; and Wherein, the flow regulator rotates relative to the spindle housing between an open position and a closed position.

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