Distributor / zone / diverter valve

Abstract

Fitting, including: • a case, ◯ in which a first flow path extends from an inlet opening to a valve, and ◯ in which a second flow path extends from the valve to a first outlet opening, and ◯ in which a third flow path extends from the valve to a second outlet opening, ◯ wherein the valve has a stationary base disc element and a rotatable control disc element adjacent to its end face, • an actuating element arranged outside the housing, which is coupled to the control disc element via a coupling rod and is designed to switch the control disc element between different rotational positions by rotating the control disc element about an axis of rotation, characterized in that • the base disc element ◯ has a first breakthrough opening that extends over a first circumferential angle around the axis of rotation, and ◯ has a second opening that extends over a second circumferential angle around the axis of rotation, ◯ wherein the first and second penetration openings in the base disc element are separated from each other by a first barrier surface arranged on the base disc element, and • the control disc element has at least one third opening extending over a third circumferential angle around the axis of rotation, • wherein the actuating element is mechanically coupled to the control disc element for the transmission of a torque about the axis of rotation, • wherein the first, second and third through-holes are arranged and the first, second and third circumferential angles are dimensioned such that the control disc element ◯ between a first rotational position in which the first breakthrough opening completely overlaps the third breakthrough opening, and ◯ a second rotational position in which the second breakthrough opening completely overlaps the third breakthrough opening, and ◯ a 0 position in which the first and second breakthrough openings are completely closed by a second blocking surface arranged on the control disc element, • can be rotated continuously back and forth.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fitting comprising: - a housing in which a first flow path extends from an inlet opening to a valve, - in which a second flow path extends from the valve to a first outlet opening, - in which a third flow path extends from the valve to a second outlet opening, and - wherein the valve has a stationary base disc element and a rotatable control disc element adjacent to its end face, and - an actuating element arranged outside the housing, which is coupled to the control disc element via a coupling rod and is designed to switch the control disc element between different rotational positions by rotating the control disc element about an axis of rotation.

[0002] Fittings are essential components in a wide variety of systems and applications that control the flow of liquids, air, or gases. They are used in numerous industries and applications, including, but not limited to, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry, the food and beverage industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the chemical industry, the water treatment industry, and the power generation industry.

[0003] A typical fitting comprises a housing with an inlet and at least one outlet. Inside the housing is a valve that controls the flow of liquids or gases through the fitting. The valve can be fixed in various positions to control the flow and is typically actuated by an external actuator, such as a lever, a knob, or an electric actuator.

[0004] In many applications, it is desirable for the fitting to have multiple outlet ports that can be controlled independently. This allows the flow of fluids to be controlled to several different points or systems. In such cases, the fitting can contain multiple valves, each assigned to one of the outlet ports. By reversing the flow direction, the fitting can perform a mixing function.

[0005] The materials used to manufacture the fitting can vary depending on the specific application. For example, fittings used in the food and beverage industry may be made of stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant materials. Fittings used in the chemical industry may be made of materials resistant to the specific chemicals flowing through the fitting.

[0006] Conventional faucets used in engineering have several disadvantages. They are often unable to switch smoothly between different rotation positions. Furthermore, conventional faucets are often unable to quickly switch between different flow openings. In addition, the flow-regulating components of the faucets are susceptible to limescale buildup, rust, and corrosion.

[0007] The present invention provides a fitting that overcomes these disadvantages. The fitting comprises a housing in which a first, second, and third flow path extend. The valve of the fitting has a stationary base disc element and a rotatable control disc element adjacent to its end face. An actuating element arranged outside the housing is coupled to the control disc element via a coupling rod and is designed to switch the control disc element between different rotational positions by rotating the control disc element about a rotational axis.

[0008] A significant advantage of the invention is that the base disc element and the control disc element can be made of a ceramic material, making them more resistant to scaling, rust, and corrosion. Furthermore, the invention allows for flexible adjustment of the flow rate and the medium, as the control disc element can be continuously switched between different rotational positions. This enables faster switching between different flow openings.

[0009] The invention relates to a fitting comprising a housing. Within the housing, a first flow path extends from an inlet opening to a valve. Furthermore, within the housing, a second flow path extends from the valve to a first outlet opening, and a third flow path extends from the valve to a second outlet opening. The valve has a stationary base disc element and a rotatable control disc element adjacent to its end face.

[0010] The valve can be designed to allow flow from the inlet opening towards the first and / or second outlet opening. It can also be designed to allow flow in the opposite direction, from the first and / or second outlet opening towards the first inlet opening.

[0011] Outside the housing, an actuating element is arranged which is coupled to the control disc element via a coupling rod and is designed to switch the control disc element between different rotational positions by rotating the control disc element around a rotational axis.

[0012] The base plate element has a first opening extending over a first circumferential angle around the axis of rotation, and a second opening extending over a second circumferential angle around the axis of rotation. The first and second openings in the base plate element are separated from each other by a first barrier surface arranged on the base plate element.

[0013] The control disc element has at least one third opening extending over a third circumferential angle around the axis of rotation. The actuating element is mechanically coupled to the control disc element to transmit a torque around the axis of rotation.

[0014] The angles of the openings can be the same or different, meaning that the angles over which the openings extend can be either equal or different. The openings can also have various shapes, including, but not limited to, triangular or quadrilateral shapes.

[0015] The first, second, and third openings are arranged and the first, second, and third circumferential angles are dimensioned such that the control disk element can be continuously rotated back and forth between a first rotation position in which the first opening completely overlaps the third opening, a second rotation position in which the second opening completely overlaps the third opening, and a 0 position in which the first and second openings are completely closed by a second locking surface arranged on the control disk element.

[0016] The first or second through-hole is fully open when the third through-hole is positioned to completely cover it. This means that the third through-hole is either the same size as or larger than the first or second through-hole. Therefore, in a position where the third through-hole completely covers the first or second through-hole, the first or second through-hole is fully open. In this position, the third through-hole allows unimpeded flow through the respective first or second through-hole without any partial overlap that could restrict the flow. The third through-hole is at least as large as, or larger than, the larger of the first and second through-holes.

[0017] The invention enables precise control of the flow through the valve by continuously switching the control disc element between different rotational positions. The special arrangement and dimensioning of the through-holes and the sealing surfaces allow the control disc element to be continuously rotated between the different positions, thus enabling stepless control of the flow.

[0018] The base disc element and / or the control disc element can be made of a ceramic material. Ceramic materials have high hardness and wear resistance, meaning they are highly resistant to abrasion. Furthermore, ceramic materials are chemically inert, meaning they do not react with most substances that might flow through the valve. This is advantageous for applications involving aggressive or corrosive fluids. Additionally, ceramic materials have high temperature resistance, which is particularly beneficial for applications where high temperatures may occur. Finally, ceramic materials have low thermal conductivity, which means they can help minimize heat loss.

[0019] The valve body can be T-shaped or Y-shaped. These shapes allow the fluid to flow from the inlet to the two outlets, and the valve can also be used in reverse. In a T-shaped design, the inlet and the two outlets are essentially in a straight line, with the valve positioned at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal sections of the "T". In a Y-shaped design, the flow path from the inlet splits into two separate paths leading to the two outlets, with the valve positioned at the junction of the "Y".

[0020] The inlet port and / or the first outlet port and / or the second outlet port may feature external threads, internal threads, or other connection ends. These allow the valve to be connected to the associated piping or other components of the connected system. The threads may be designed to be compatible with standard piping or fittings, simplifying installation and maintenance of the valve. Alternatively, the connection ends may include special fittings such as flanges, couplings, or quick-release couplings.

[0021] The spindle may incorporate a flow aid. This flow aid can serve to optimize the flow within the valve and minimize turbulence or flow losses. The flow aid can be designed, for example, as ribs, fins, or a special surface structure that directs or smooths the flow. This can help minimize pressure loss across the valve. Furthermore, the flow aid can help reduce noise or vibration that might be caused by the flow.

[0022] The fitting can be designed to allow flow in two different directions. The first option is for the fluid to flow from the inlet opening towards the valve and from the valve towards the first and / or second outlet opening. The second option is for the fluid to flow from the first and / or second outlet opening towards the valve and from the valve towards the inlet opening, thus creating a mixing function.

[0023] The control disc element can be adjusted between the first and second rotation positions by rotating it 180°. The control disc element can also assume any position between the first and second rotation positions.

[0024] The valve may have a partition between the first and second outlet openings. This partition serves to isolate the two outlet openings from each other and prevent fluid from flowing from one to the other. This can be particularly useful in applications where the two outlet openings lead to separate parts of the fluid system and mixing of the fluid flows is undesirable. The partition may be a rigid, impermeable structure, or it may comprise a flexible membrane that can move or deform to control or regulate the flow of fluid.

[0025] The fitting can be made from various materials, including brass, gunmetal, stainless steel, or plastic. These materials offer long-lasting durability and resistance to corrosion and wear. Furthermore, these materials are relatively easy to machine and shape, which simplifies fitting manufacturing. Brass and gunmetal are particularly suitable for applications requiring high thermal conductivity, while stainless steel and plastic have lower thermal conductivity and are therefore better suited for applications requiring insulation against heat transfer. Additionally, plastics are lightweight and corrosion-resistant.

[0026] The first, second, and / or third through-hole can be triangular. This shape helps to minimize pressure loss. Furthermore, a triangular shape can help to increase the fluid flow velocity through the fitting.

[0027] The valve's actuation unit can be operated manually using a wing handle or an actuating pin flanged to the spindle, and / or it can be electrically driven. A wing handle or actuating pin allows for simple and intuitive manual operation of the valve, while an electric drive enables automated control of the fluid flow, which can be particularly useful in remotely controlled or preset fluid systems. The electric drive can take the form of a motor. The motor can be designed to engage directly with a shaft that couples the motor to the control disc element.

[0028] The valve may have a position indicator that shows the current open or closed state of the through-holes. This indicator can be mechanical or electronic. Such an indicator allows the operator to see the valve's status at a glance. A mechanical indicator might include, for example, a pointer or scale that shows the degree of opening or closing of the through-holes. An electronic indicator might include, for example, a digital display or an LED that shows the valve's status. Furthermore, the electronic indicator can be connected to a control system that automatically controls and / or monitors the valve. A position indicator can also be provided by a pin for manual operation.

[0029] The valve can be designed for heating and domestic hot water applications, and the two openings can be configured for different water circuits, allowing for independent control of the water flow. For example, the valve can be used to control the water flow in a heating circuit independently of the water flow in a domestic hot water circuit. This can help optimize water consumption. Furthermore, the valve can be used to control the water flow independently in different parts of a building or system.

[0030] The valve body can have a modular design. This allows for easy assembly and disassembly, simplifying maintenance and repair. Furthermore, a modular design enables the valve to be adapted to specific requirements, as individual modules can be added, removed, or replaced as needed. This can also help reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs, since individual modules can be produced and stored in large quantities, resulting in cost savings through mass production. Additionally, damaged or worn modules can be easily replaced instead of replacing the entire valve, extending its service life and reducing overall costs.

[0031] The valve is designed to switch quickly between its rotational positions. Specifically, it is designed to switch between the first and second rotational positions in less than 5 seconds, preferably less than 3 seconds. This rapid switching time significantly improves the valve's efficiency and responsiveness, making it particularly suitable for applications requiring quick adjustments to the flow rate or medium. The short switching times prevent the mixing temperatures that occur with conventional valves known from the prior art due to their long switching times of up to 30 seconds. Such long switching times can be misinterpreted by the control system and lead to malfunctions.

[0032] The control disc element can be rotated into a mixing position located between the first and second rotation positions. In this mixing position, the first and second orifices are simultaneously partially or fully overlapping the third orifice. This allows fluid from both outlets to flow through the valve at the same time. This can be particularly useful in applications requiring the mixing of fluids from different sources or circuits. Furthermore, this feature allows for precise control of the fluid mixing ratios, as the control disc element can be locked in any position between the first and second rotation positions.

[0033] The fitting can be used in a heating system where an existing fossil fuel boiler is connected to the first outlet and a heat pump is connected to the second outlet. This allows for the utilization of thermal energy from both sources and precise control of the mixture of hot water from the fossil fuel boiler and the heat pump. This can be particularly advantageous in applications where precise control of the water temperature is required, such as in a building heating system. By using the fitting according to the invention, the efficiency of the heating system can be improved and energy consumption reduced. Furthermore, the fitting can help extend the service life of both the fossil fuel boiler and the heat pump by ensuring a more even distribution of thermal energy between the two sources.

[0034] In the first rotation position, the first through-hole can be completely closed by the control disc element, and in the second rotation position, the second through-hole can be completely closed by the control disc element. This ensures that only one flow path is open in each of the two end positions, thus preventing the fluids from the two outlet openings from mixing. This can be particularly important in applications where the fluids from the two outlet openings must be kept separate, such as in the mixer function where the flow from the two outlet openings to the inlet opening is controlled by two equally sized triangular openings in the base disc and one triangular opening in the control disc leading to the inlet opening. The first outlet opening can, for example, be connected to a heating circuit supply line.The second outlet can, for example, be connected to a heating circuit return. A target temperature at the inlet can be achieved by mixing in cold water from the heating circuit return.

[0035] The base disc element and / or the control disc element can be equipped with lubricant chambers. These lubricant chambers can be formed as recesses on the end face of the first and / or second locking surface. Alternatively, the lubricant chambers can be located outside the first and / or second locking surface. A rotation angle extending between the first and second rotation positions can be limited by stops on the base disc element and the control disc element. The lubricant chamber can be positioned outside this rotation angle. The lubricant chambers can serve to store lubricant, which helps to reduce friction between the base disc element and the control disc element. This can contribute to extending the service life of the valve.Furthermore, the lubricant can help improve the sealing effect between the base disc element and the control disc element to prevent leakage. The placement of the lubricant chambers outside the rotation angle ensures that the lubricant does not accidentally escape from the chambers when the control disc element is rotated between different rotational positions. Additionally, this placement ensures that the first through-hole is not connected to the second through-hole via a flow path.

[0036] The invention also relates to the use of a control disc element in a fitting. The control disc element can be used in a fitting according to the preceding claims. The control disc element can be made of various materials, including, but not limited to, metals, plastics, and ceramics.

[0037] The invention also relates to the use of a base disc element in a fitting. The base disc element can be used in a fitting according to the preceding claims. The base disc element can be made of various materials, including, but not limited to, metals, plastics, and ceramics.

[0038] The invention also relates to a modular assembly for a valve. The modular assembly comprises a housing into which a control disc element can be inserted. Outside the housing, an actuating element is arranged, which is coupled to the control disc element via a coupling rod and is designed to switch the control disc element between different rotational positions by rotating the control disc element about a rotational axis.

[0039] The housing is designed to accommodate various control disc elements. This allows for a high degree of flexibility in adapting the valve to specific requirements or conditions, as different control disc elements can be selected and inserted into the housing as needed.

[0040] This modular kit allows for easy installation of the fitting, as the individual components can be supplied separately and assembled on site. Furthermore, the modular design facilitates easy maintenance and repair of the fitting, since damaged or worn components can be easily replaced without having to replace the entire fitting.

[0041] The invention also relates to a building heating device comprising a first heating device, in particular a heating device generating heat by means of the combustion of a raw material, and a second heating device, in particular a heat pump heating device, which generates heat by means of a pump, a heat exchanger and an expansion unit.

[0042] The building heating system also comprises a fitting according to the invention, wherein the first outlet opening is connected to a first heating circuit supply line of the first heating system and the second outlet opening is connected to a first heating circuit supply line of the second heating system, and the inlet opening is connected to a radiator of a building.

[0043] The invention also relates to a building heating device comprising a heating device with a heating circuit supply line that supplies a medium heated in the heating device to a radiator, and a heating circuit return line that supplies the medium cooled in the radiator to the heating device.

[0044] The building heating system is characterized by a fitting according to the invention, wherein the first outlet opening is connected to the heating circuit supply line and the second outlet opening is connected to the heating circuit return line, and the inlet opening is connected to the radiator of a building. This design enables efficient use of the heat energy generated by the heating system and precise control of the heat supply to the building's radiators.

[0045] The invention further comprises a method for controlling the flow through a valve. First, a valve is provided, comprising a housing with multiple flow paths and a valve. The valve consists of a stationary base disc element and a rotatable control disc element adjacent to its end face. The control disc element is connected via a coupling rod to an actuating element located outside the housing.

[0046] By rotating the control disc element around a rotational axis, the flow rate through the flow paths can be continuously controlled. A special feature of this method is the ability to switch the control disc element into a mixing position. This mixing position is located between the first and second rotational positions. In this position, the first and second through-holes partially overlap the third through-hole. This allows for a mixing of the flows, enabling precise flow control.

[0047] The process can further involve connecting an existing fossil fuel heating system to the first outlet of the valve. A heat pump is then connected to the second outlet. By rotating the control disc element, the flow of hot water from the fossil fuel heating system and the heat pump can be mixed. This allows a desired target temperature to be achieved at the inlet. Precise control of the mixing ratio of the two heat sources ensures efficient use of the available energy sources and contributes to the optimization of the heating system.

[0048] Preferred embodiments are explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b: A longitudinally sectioned side view and a top view of the fitting according to the invention, Fig. 2: a frontal view of a base plate element according to the invention, Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b: a frontal view and a longitudinally sectioned side view of a control disc element according to the invention with a recessed surface as a lubricant reservoir, Fig. 4: A perspective exploded view of the fitting according to Fig. 1, Fig. 5: A perspective 3-dimensional view of the fitting according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b, Fig. 6c a perspective 3-dimensional view of the fitting with a mixer function, as well as a frontal view of the base disc element and the control disc element of the fitting with a mixer function.

[0049] Referring first to the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b comprises a fitting 1 according to the invention, a housing 2 with an inlet opening 3 and two outlet openings 4 and 5, each providing flow paths for different media. The inlet opening 3 is connected to a flow path controlled by a valve 6, which consists of a stationary base disc element 10 and a rotatable control disc element 20. The outlet openings 4 and 5 are each coupled to the flow paths of the base disc element 10 and can be opened or closed depending on the position of the control disc element 20.

[0050] Inside the housing 2, the control disc element 20 is connected to a coupling rod 7, which leads to an actuating element that enables the control disc element 20 to rotate about a central axis of rotation. The base disc element 10 according to Fig. The device 2 has a first through-hole 11 and a second through-hole 12, which are separated from each other by an intervening web. These through-holes determine the flow through the valve. The rotation of the control disc element 20 controls the coverage of the third through-hole 22. Fig. 3a with the first and second breakthrough openings 11 and 12 and thus the flow into the respective outlet openings.

[0051] The Fig. Figure 2 shows the base disc element 10 in a frontal view, showing the first opening 11 and the second opening 12. These openings extend over predetermined angular ranges around the axis of rotation and are arranged so that they can be either opened or closed in the respective rotational position of the control disc element 20.

[0052] The Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b shows the control disc element 20 in a frontal view and in a longitudinally sectioned side view. The control disc element 20 is provided with a third opening 22, which can be covered with the openings of the base disc element 10 to control the fluid flow in the various rotational positions.

[0053] Furthermore, the control disc element 20 has a lubricant chamber 24, which is formed as a recess in the second locking surface 23.

[0054] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective exploded view of the valve 1, in which the main components are shown in their arrangement relative to each other. The housing 2 is visible, in which the base disc element 10 and the control disc element 20 are positioned such that the control disc element 20 is rotatably resting against the base disc element 10. The actuating pin 8 is attached to the housing 2. The coupling rod 7 connects the control disc element 20 to the actuating element and enables the transmission of torque from the outside to the control disc element 20. In this exploded view, the inlet opening 3 and the outlet openings 4 and 5 of the housing 2 are visible, through which the medium is directed into the respective flow paths.

[0055] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective three-dimensional view of the assembled valve 1. This view shows the housing 2, the inlet opening 3, the first outlet opening 4 and the second outlet opening 5, as well as the internal components such as the base disc element 10 and the control disc element 20.

[0056] Fig. Figures 6a-c illustrate the mixing function. A heating circuit supply with a higher temperature is connected to outlet 4. The heating circuit return with the colder return water is connected to outlet 5. The base plate element 10 has two equally sized openings 11 and 12, and the control plate element 20 has a triangular opening. The target temperature at inlet 3 is achieved by mixing in the colder return water. Reference symbol list 1 fitting 2 cases 3 Inlet opening 4 first outlet opening 5 second outlet opening 6 valve 7 Coupling rod 8 Actuating pin 10 Base plate element 11 first breakthrough opening 12 second breakthrough opening 13 first restricted area 20 Control disc element 22 third breakthrough opening 23 second restricted area 24 Lubricant chamber

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