Valve

Abstract

Valve (V), comprising: a valve body (1) with a fluid inlet (2) and a fluid outlet (3); and a valve chamber (4) in the valve body (1) in communication with the fluid inlet (2) and the fluid outlet (3), wherein the valve (V) comprises a plate element (6), wherein the plate element (6) is attached to the valve chamber (4) and has a seat (7), wherein the valve body (1) has a through hole (5) in communication with the valve chamber (4), wherein the plate element (6) is inserted through the through hole (5) in the valve chamber (4), wherein the plate element (6) is attached to the valve chamber (4) inside the valve body (1) by a pressure element (9), wherein an end opening of the through hole (5) is closed by a cover element (10), wherein a seal (11) is sandwiched between the end opening and the cover element (10), wherein the cover element (10) is secured by a plug (12) which presses the cover element (10) towards the seal (11), wherein the seal (11) is a metal seal, and wherein a sliding element (13) is provided between the cover element (10) and the plug (12).

Description

[BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control valve for fluid, and more particularly to a valve suitable for serving as an opening and closing valve for controlling high pressure fluid.

[0002] A valve is a device provided on a channel, such as a pipeline, and has a movable mechanism (valve body) that can open and close the channel to allow, stop, or control the fluid.

[0003] When the valve body is raised and the channel opens, fluid flows from downstream to upstream, and when the valve body is lowered and the channel closes, fluid flow is stopped.

[0004] Additionally, there is also a valve that can adjust the flow by slightly raising and lowering the valve body and narrowing the channel.

[0005] The channel includes a first channel connected to an upstream side, a second channel connected to a downstream side, and a through hole connecting the first and second channels and provided in a valve body as a path on which a stem moves.

[0006] Depending on the pressure of the fluid flowing through the channel, fluid may leak. Therefore, measures have been taken to prevent leakage.

[0007] For example, as stated in WO 2017 / 022838 A, for a valve configured such that a plate member forming a channel is inserted into a valve body, a seal has been made so that no fluid can leak out, for example, by directly attaching a rubber member to a valve drive member or by attaching a seal such as an O-ring to an outer surface of a plate member and an opposite surface to an inner surface of a through-hole of a valve body.

[0008] However, in a conventional valve using the above-mentioned O-ring, the O-ring provided between the outer surface of the plate member and the opposing surface against the inner surface of the through-hole of the valve body is worn by friction with a stem or deformed by pressure from the stem or valve body, etc. Normally, the deformed O-ring is more deformed by additional fluid pressure, but when the fluid pressure is not high, the deformation of the O-ring is also small, and thus the valve can still function as a seal without fluid leakage. However, when the fluid pressure is high, the O-ring receives the increased pressure and is more deformed. Since the O-ring is formed of a rubber or plastic material, it is not particularly problematic even when the fluid temperature is around room temperature. In particular, the O-ring is contracted when a low-temperature fluid flows through it.A gap created by contraction sometimes led to fluid leakage from the channel. There was also the problem of a low-temperature, high-pressure fluid with a small number of molecules, such as hydrogen, leaking from a channel through a plastic O-ring.

[0009] The conventional valve is configured to integrate a pressure part, a cover part and a plug, and two O-rings are provided in the through hole.

[0010] When the O-ring of this conventional valve is replaced with a metal seal, two metal seals must be pressed i.e. squeezed by one element.

[0011] Since one metal gasket is not deformed, one metal gasket is fully pressed, but another metal gasket is not fully pressed, resulting in a reduction in the pressing force.

[0012] The valve body is sealed with the plate element to prevent leakage, but the valve body is not sealed with the pressure element or any sealing part, so fluids may leak out.

[0013] Therefore, in addition to the pressure element, a seal was required to prevent gas leakage to the outside.

[0014] JP S58 - 193 985 A describes a high-pressure control valve for steam turbine systems. It consists of an inner and outer cover that form a pressure chamber. A fluid with a lower pressure than inside the valve and a higher pressure than outside is introduced to prevent cracks and sealing problems.

[0015] US Patent No. 2,845,085 describes a removable, resilient valve support, particularly for poppet valves. The design includes a seat, a spring, and guide means that can be mounted as a unit. The support is resilient to avoid stress when the valve is mounted in the body or connected to a pipeline.

[0016] US 2,507,851 A describes a valve for controlling fluid flow with a stationary seat and a movable valve element. The valve has a stem that moves the valve element and an inlet and outlet passage that regulates fluid flow. The inlet area of the valve is designed to reduce flow velocity, thereby minimizing turbulence and increasing flow capacity. [SUMMARY]

[0017] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problem. A valve is configured to include a pressure member, a cover member, and a plug as separate components; wherein the plate or sheet member is fixed to the valve box within the valve body by the pressure member, wherein an end opening of the through-hole is closed by the cover member, wherein the gasket is disposed between the end opening of the through-hole and the cover member, wherein the cover member is fixed by a plug that presses the cover member toward the valve body.

[0018] The invention according to the first aspect relates to a valve comprising: a valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; and a valve box in the valve body in communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, the valve comprising a plate member, the plate member being fixed to the valve box and having a seat; the valve body having a through-hole in communication with the valve box, the plate member being inserted into the valve box through the through-hole, the plate member being fixed to the valve box within the valve body by a pressing member, an end opening of the through-hole being closed by a lid component, a gasket being sandwiched between the end opening and the lid component, and the lid member being fixed by a plug that presses the lid member toward the valve body.

[0019] The invention according to the second aspect relates to the valve of the first aspect, wherein the seal is a metal seal.

[0020] The invention according to the third aspect relates to the valve of the first aspect, wherein the sliding element is provided between the cover element and the plug.

[0021] The invention according to the fourth aspect relates to the valve of the third aspect, wherein the sliding member is a bearing or a thrust ring.

[0022] According to the invention of the first aspect, the plate member is directly fixed to the valve box in the valve body by the press member to prevent leakage from the valve seat when the valve is closed. The gasket is sandwiched between the cover member and the valve body, which is pressed against the valve body by the plug to prevent warping of the gasket and thus leakage to the outside. The plate member of the valve is easily replaceable. When replacing the plate member, the screws of the plug are loosened and removed, and then the cover member, the gasket, and the pressure member are removed to complete the removal of the plate member.

[0023] According to the invention relating to the second aspect, the seal is a metal seal, so that the seal is hardly deformed by friction or pressure of a gas, unlike the conventional O-ring, and the valve can remain airtight for a long time without being influenced from the outside.

[0024] According to the invention relating to the third and fourth aspects, the sliding member is provided between the cover member and the plug to transmit not the rotational force of the plug but the pressure of the plug to the cover member when the cover member is attached to the valve body and then rotated. Since the rotational force does not act on the cover member, the gasket in contact with the cover member receives only the pressure from the cover member, and thus is not deformed. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS] Fig. 1 is a partial section of a valve according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of an end opening of a through hole of Fig. 1 and shows an embodiment of the present invention. [DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION]

[0025] A valve according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Fig. 1 is a partial cross-section of a valve (V).

[0027] A valve body (1) comprises a fluid inlet (2), a fluid outlet (3), a valve chamber (4) and a through hole (5), as shown in Fig. 1 shown.

[0028] The fluid inlet (2), the fluid outlet (3), the valve box (4), and the through-hole (5) are each fluidly connected to one another. The fluid flows from the fluid inlet (2) through the plate element (6) inserted into the through-hole (5) to a seat (7). It enters the valve box (4) and exits the fluid outlet (3).

[0029] A stem or spindle (8) slides up and down in the valve box (4) to open and close a channel and control the fluid.

[0030] The through-hole in the valve body (1) comprises the seat (7), the plate member (6), a pressing member (9) for fixing the plate member (6) within the through-hole (5), a lid member (10) provided at an end opening of the through-hole (5), a packing (11) provided at a peripheral part of the end opening of the through-hole (5), and a plug (12) for pressing the lid member (10) toward the valve body (1), as shown in Fig. 2 shown.

[0031] The valve (V) of this invention may include a sliding element (13) between the plug (12) and the cover element (10), as in Fig. 2 shown.

[0032] A valve according to the present invention is a valve for high pressure gas.

[0033] A valve according to the present invention can be used for high pressure fluid such as hydrogen.

[0034] “High pressure” means a pressure through the fluid of one MPa (megapascal) or more.

[0035] In recent years, thanks to the development of fuel cell technology, etc., there has been a need for a valve for high pressure fluid at more than 50 MPa (mega-Pascal).

[0036] The valve body (1) of the valve (V) according to the invention comprises a fluid inlet (2), a fluid outlet (3), a valve box (4) and a through hole (5).

[0037] Each fluid inlet (2), fluid outlet (3), valve box (4), and through-hole (5) are interconnected. The fluid flows from the fluid inlet (2) through a plate element (6) inserted into the through-hole (5) to a seat (7). It enters the valve box (4) and exits the fluid outlet (3).

[0038] A spindle (8) slides up and down in the valve chamber (4), and a valve element (14) formed at one end of the spindle contacts and disengages from the seat (7). This movement allows the opening and closing of a channel and the control of the fluid.

[0039] An actuator (15) is provided in an upper part of the shaft (8) to move the rod (8) up and down.

[0040] The actuator (15) can be either automatic or manual. The automatic actuator can be driven or moved by an electromagnet, a motor, and air pressure, etc.

[0041] The plate part (6) is inserted into the through hole (5) provided in the valve body (1).

[0042] The plate part (6) forms a channel to connect an opening provided in the seat (7) to the fluid inlet (2) when the channel is closed.

[0043] The plate element (6) must be long-term airtight, wear-resistant, heat-conducting and strong and can be made of either typical carbon or metal.

[0044] The plate element (6) is fixed in the through hole (5) by the pressure element (9).

[0045] The plate element (6) may have a step at the boundary between the valve box (4) and the through hole (5) and may be inserted into the step.

[0046] As a method for fixing the pressure element (9), the through hole may be provided with a thread and the plate element (6) may be screwed into the threaded part.

[0047] The pressure element (9) may include, but is not limited to, a typical material such as metal.

[0048] A leak at the valve box (4) does not occur when the valve is closed, since the plate element (6) comes into firm contact with the valve body (1) through the pressure element (9).

[0049] A hole can be provided in the center of the pressure element (9).

[0050] It allows fluid escaping from the threaded part of the pressure element (9) to flow through the hole to an original channel.

[0051] One end opening of the through hole (5) is closed by the cover element (10).

[0052] The cover element (10) may include, but is not limited to, a typical material such as metal.

[0053] The cover element (10) is firmly connected to the end opening of the through hole (5), but does not need to be connected to the pressure element (9).

[0054] A gasket (11) is provided at a peripheral part of the end opening of the through hole (5) to improve airtightness.

[0055] The seal (11) may include, among other things, a typical material such as a metal seal, as it is expected to maintain airtightness without being affected from the outside.

[0056] The seal is sandwiched between the cover element (10) and the valve housing (1).

[0057] The cover element (10) is pressed against the valve body (1) by the plug (12).

[0058] As a method for fixing the plug (12) to the valve body (1), for example, the valve body may be provided with a thread and the plug (12) may be screwed into the threaded part of the valve body.

[0059] A sliding element (13) is provided between the plug (12) and the cover element (10).

[0060] When the sliding element (13) is provided, the torque decreases and no rotational force is exerted on the seal (11), resulting in less deformation.

[0061] The sliding element (13) may include, but is not limited to, a bearing and a thrust ring.

[0062] In a valve (V) of the present invention, the plate elements (6), the pressure element (9), the cover element (10) and the cone (12) are each made of separate materials, so that an easy replacement of the spindle is possible.

[0063] A threading attachment method is presented but is not limited to the following points.

[0064] When replacing a spindle, the plug (12) is first turned in the opposite direction to the installation so that it can be removed from the valve body (1).

[0065] Secondly, the cover element (10) is removed and then the pressure body (9) is removed from the through hole (5).

[0066] The pressure element (9) can be easily removed by turning it in the opposite direction to the installation direction.

[0067] Finally, the plate element (6) is removed, and then the shaft ie the spindle (8) is removed and replaced with a new shaft.

[0068] After replacing the spindle, the plate element, pressure element, cover element and plug are installed in this order to complete the replacement. [INDUSTRIAL UTILIZABILITY]

[0069] Unlike a conventional valve, a valve of the present invention includes a seal that does not deform due to fluid pressure and is airtight for a long time without being influenced by external factors.

[0070] The plate member is provided within the through-hole formed in the valve body of the valve; the plate member forming a channel for high-pressure gas within the through-hole and being fixed within the through-hole by the pressure member; the end opening of the through-hole being covered by a lid member; a gasket is provided at a peripheral part of the end opening of the through-hole and is disposed between the lid member and the valve body; the lid member is pressed against the valve body by the plug, such a configuration can provide a valve with easy stem replacement and simple maintenance. [LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS] 1 valve body 2 Fluid inlet 3 Fluid outlet 4 valve box 5 through hole 6 plate element 7 seats 8 shaft 9 Pressure element 10 cover element 11 Seal 12 plugs 13 Sliding element 14 Valve element 15 Actuator V valve

Claims

[1] Valve (V), comprising: a valve body (1) with a fluid inlet (2) and a fluid outlet (3); and a valve chamber (4) in the valve body (1) in communication with the fluid inlet (2) and the fluid outlet (3), wherein the valve (V) comprises a plate element (6), wherein the plate element (6) is attached to the valve chamber (4) and has a seat (7), wherein the valve body (1) has a through hole (5) in communication with the valve chamber (4), wherein the plate element (6) is inserted through the through hole (5) in the valve chamber (4), wherein the plate element (6) is attached to the valve chamber (4) inside the valve body (1) by a pressure element (9), wherein an end opening of the through hole (5) is closed by a cover element (10), wherein a seal (11) is sandwiched between the end opening and the cover element (10), wherein the cover element (10) is secured by a plug (12) which presses the cover element (10) towards the seal (11), wherein the seal (11) is a metal seal, and wherein a sliding element (13) is provided between the cover element (10) and the plug (12). [2] Valve (V) according to claim 1, wherein the sliding element (13) is a bearing or a thrust ring.

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