ADAPTER FOR CONNECTING AN ACTUATOR TO AN ACTIVATOR VALVE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an adapter for connecting an actuator to a control valve according to the preamble of patent claim 1, a fluid distributor with such an adapter according to patent claim 13 and a method for connecting an actuator to a control valve by means of such an adapter according to patent claim 14.

[0002] For various technical applications, it may be necessary to regulate the flow of a fluid through a fluid line. So-called control valves, which can also be referred to as control fittings, can be used for this purpose. The control valve can be continuously adjusted between a fully open and a fully closed position, thus changing the flow of the fluid through it. Depending on the technical application, this can influence, for example, the pressure, temperature or flow rate. Such fluids can be gases or liquids. Such control valves can be used, for example, in buildings in hot water heating systems and in building management systems. In other words, such control valves can be used in heating, air conditioning and / or ventilation technology.The setting of the control valve can be changed by means of a drive, which is accordingly referred to as an actuator and can be operated electrically or pneumatically, for example.

[0003] To regulate the temperature of individual rooms in a building, such control valves can be used as the valves in the heating circuit manifold in underfloor heating systems. Individual control valves can also be used as the valves for a specific radiator. Depending on this application, such control valves can also be referred to as thermal control valves, and their drives as thermal actuators. In both cases, the control valves are usually connected to a fluid circuit in the form of the return flow of the heating circuit in order to allow a predetermined amount of heating water to flow into the radiator or into the pipes of a section of the underfloor heating system, depending on the valve position, which can be achieved using the thermal actuator.For this purpose, the position of the control valve can be specified by means of the respective actuator from a thermostat depending on a detected room temperature, so that a target temperature of the room specified by the user can be reached and maintained.

[0004] When installing such actuators on a valve, for example, in a heating system of this type, it is important to remember that the control valve and the pipe that serves as the fluid line for the heating system usually do not come from the same manufacturer as the actuators. While actuators are more mechatronic or electronic components, such as those with an electric drive, the control valves and pipes are more likely to be classified as sanitary components than purely mechanical components. Accordingly, compatibility between the actuator and the control valve is required, regardless of the manufacturer, to ensure the interaction between the actuator and the control valve.

[0005] It is therefore known to provide different adapters as a mechanical interface, which can be arranged between the respective different control valve and a uniform actuator in order to connect the control valve and the actuator to each other regardless of the manufacturer and to ensure that they interact as intended. In this way, only different adapters are required for the various control valves commonly found on the market. The actuator, on the other hand, can be designed to fit the adapter uniformly. This can avoid the need to provide a suitable actuator for each of the various control valves available on the market, which would lead to a considerable variety of actuator variants and corresponding costs. An arrangement for attaching a control element to a valve can be found, for example, in DE 201 09 774 U1.

[0006] With regard to the functioning of such actuators and control valves, it should be noted that the control valve usually has a comparatively weak valve spring or return spring, by means of which spring force moves a plunger of the control valve along the same longitudinal axis, thus allowing the control valve to be opened and fluid to flow. The spring force of the return spring of the control valve is counteracted by a comparatively strong compression spring of the actuator, so that the control valve is generally closed by the actuator, i.e. in the normal state. The actuator also has an actuating element which, when actuated, exerts additional force on the compression spring of the actuator and can thus assist the movement of the return spring of the control valve.Thus, when the actuator's control element is actuated, the actuator's control element and the control valve's return spring can jointly overcome the comparatively strong spring force of the actuator's compression spring and thereby open the control valve. The actuator's control element can be implemented, for example, using an electric heating resistor in combination with a temperature-dependent expansion body, see DE 31 40 472 C2.

[0007] The advantage here is the comparatively simple and / or compact implementation of the drive force or actuating force of the actuator. This can keep the costs and / or installation space of the actuator low.

[0008] A particular advantage of the fact that the spring force of the actuator's compression spring is greater than the spring force of the control valve's return spring is that when the actuator's control element is deactivated or de-energized, the control valve is closed in the normal position. Assuming that there is no heat demand during most of the operating time, for example, of a heating system, the actuator's energy consumption can be kept low by keeping the control valve in the "normally closed" (NC) state and the heating resistor of the actuator's control element de-energized.

[0009] The valve stem can thus be moved along the longitudinal axis of the control valve, which coincides with the longitudinal axis of the actuator, by means of the return spring of the control valve in combination with the compression spring of the actuator and the actuating element of the actuator, as described above. The position of the valve stem of the control valve when the control valve is closed is of particular interest because an actuator to be used on the control valve must be adjusted accordingly in order to open and close the control valve as described above, i.e. when the actuating element is not actuated, the actuator must rest with its actuating element exactly on the upper edge of the valve stem when the control valve is closed in order to be able to use its full travel to open the control valve and to close the control valve completely.This dimension of the valve stem is called the closing dimension and is defined as the distance, when the control valve is closed with a defined closing force of e.g. 100 N, between the upper edge of the valve stem and the contact surface of the connection thread of the control valve.

[0010] To ensure reliable valve closure during the installation of heating systems, for example, using an actuator control element such as an electrothermal actuator, a motorized actuator, or a thermostatic head, it is necessary to use an actuator with a closing dimension that matches the respective control valve. Since there is no applicable standard for the size of the connection thread and the closing dimension of such control valves, control valves with different dimensions and closing dimensions are available from various manufacturers.

[0011] If the closing dimension of the control valve is known, an actuator with a correspondingly suitable closing dimension can be selected, procured, and used. This can be the case with a new installation, for example, of a heating circuit manifold, where control valves and actuators can be selected, procured, and installed to match each other, since the respective data, including the closing dimension of the control valves, is known in this case.

[0012] However, when repairing, maintaining, or replacing actuators, it can be assumed that the installer is unaware of the valve's closing dimension. Since, as previously explained, many different control valves, each with different closing dimensions, and different actuators are available on the market, it is correspondingly difficult for the installer or technician to find a suitable actuator for the respective control valve's closing dimension. In particular, the installer would have to keep a correspondingly large number of different actuators on hand and bring them to the site in order to be able to carry out repairs, maintenance, etc. immediately. This would tie up a correspondingly large amount of capital for the actuators in stock and require space in the installer's warehouse or service vehicle.

[0013] It should be noted that in the event of repairs, maintenance, etc., the closing dimension of the control valve would have to be determined on-site, i.e., with the control valve installed and in use, in order to select a suitable actuator based on the value of the closing dimension of the control valve. However, the closing dimension of a specific control valve can only be determined in a workshop or in a measuring laboratory using appropriate measuring devices. However, for control valves already installed in heating systems, for example, or if no measuring devices are available, it is very difficult to determine the closing dimension of a specific control valve with the required accuracy.

[0014] DE 43 44 773 A1 describes a thermostat attachment for radiator valves, which can be used for two valve housing types with the aid of an adapter, with a fastening device for attachment to the valve housing and a valve rod which is axially adjustable by a temperature-dependent working element for displacing a tappet loaded by a return spring in the valve housing, wherein the fastening device is designed for direct attachment of the attachment to the at least two valve housing types, wherein the adapter is formed by two rod parts which are adjustable relative to one another and thereby change the effective length of the valve rod, and wherein the change in length predetermined by adjusting the rod parts is dimensioned such that the setpoint adjustment of the attachment applies to both valve housing types.

[0015] One object of the present invention is to create a way to combine and use different actuators with different control valves with different closing dimensions. This should be possible in a way that is as flexible, simple, cost-effective, intuitive, and / or space-saving as possible. This should be achieved, in particular, for a control valve of a fluid distributor, in particular a heating circuit distributor.

[0016] The object is achieved according to the invention by an adapter having the features of patent claim 1, by a fluid distributor having the features of patent claim 13, and by a method having the features of patent claim 14. Advantageous further developments are described in the subclaims.

[0017] The present invention thus relates to an adapter for connecting an actuator to a control valve, comprising an adapter housing having a connection, preferably with a thread, particularly preferably with an internal thread, for the control valve, and having a connection, preferably with a thread, particularly preferably with an external thread, for the actuator, which connection are opposite one another along a longitudinal axis. The two connections can be implemented according to any mechanical operating principles suitable for achieving the desired purpose. This can be done with a positive fit and / or a non-positive fit. Using threads for this purpose can enable a particularly simple, secure, and / or effective implementation.

[0018] The adapter according to the invention is characterized by a first transmission element, which is accommodated by the adapter housing facing the actuator and movably along the longitudinal axis, and a second transmission element, which is accommodated by the adapter housing facing the control valve and movably along the longitudinal axis, wherein the first transmission element and the second transmission element are designed to jointly transmit an actuating force of the actuator to the control valve directly or indirectly along the longitudinal axis, wherein the first transmission element and the second transmission element are designed to be moved relative to one another along the longitudinal axis in such a way that the resulting joint length of the first transmission element and the second transmission element along the longitudinal axis can be changed in such a way,that the first transmission element and the second transmission element come into contact directly or indirectly along the longitudinal axis with an actuating element of the actuator and with a valve tappet of the control valve.,

[0019] For this purpose, both transmission elements can be moved relative to each other simultaneously or sequentially, i.e., only one transmission element can be moved relative to the other transmission element at a time. Only one transmission element can be moved relative to the other transmission element at all, which can also represent a movement of the two transmission elements relative to each other along the longitudinal axis. A movement of the two transmission elements relative to each other along the longitudinal axis is therefore understood to mean a change in the resulting length of the two transmission elements, regardless of whether both transmission elements were moved relative to each other or only one of the two transmission elements relative to the other transmission element.

[0020] In other words, the invention provides that the adapter can not only hold one actuator to one control valve, but also that, preferably through the appropriate design of the holding mechanisms, a specific actuator can be connected to different control valves, or vice versa, as described above. Rather, it is additionally provided that the adapter according to the invention can simultaneously adjust the closing dimension of different or any combinations of actuator and control valve in order to achieve the appropriate closing dimension without knowing the required closing dimension. This can create the possibility of combining and using different actuators with different control valves with different closing dimensions.

[0021] According to the invention, a variable-length force transmission element is provided between the actuator's control element and the control valve's valve stem in the force flow of the adapter according to the invention, so that forces can continue to be transmitted between the actuator's control element and the control valve's valve stem during operation as before. The variable-length force transmission element can be adjusted along its longitudinal axis to the respective closing dimension, thus ensuring the desired closing dimension, particularly without having to know the desired closing dimension.

[0022] According to the invention, the length of the force transmission element is adjustable by two transmission elements, which, on the one hand, are in direct or indirect contact with the actuating element of the actuator or valve tappet of the control valve, for example, by means of interposed bodies, and, on the other hand, can be moved relative to one another such that their resulting combined length can be adjusted to the desired closing dimension. This can be achieved by mechanical means through various types of relative mobility and positioning. For example, the two transmission elements can be detached from one another and reassembled to the desired length.The two transmission elements can also be guided toward each other along the longitudinal direction, for example, by rails, grooves, or the like, released, moved, and fixed at the desired length, which can be achieved, for example, by locking, clamping, and the like. According to the invention, the two transmission elements are rotated relative to each other by means of corresponding threads, or one transmission element is held and the other transmission element is rotated relative to the held transmission element, thereby adjusting the desired length.

[0023] In any case, this enables a person, such as a mechanic, to use the adapter, for example, to use a uniform actuator with different control valves, as described above. Furthermore, according to the invention, the person can then additionally move or position the two transmission elements relative to one another along the longitudinal axis in such a way that the distance between the actuating element of the actuator and the valve tappet of the control valve can be bridged or filled by the two transmission elements as a variable-length force transmission element, so that force can be transmitted in the known manner between the actuating element of the actuator and the valve tappet of the control valve, as described above.By adjusting the resulting length of both transmission elements, this can be done independently of the closing dimension, which results from the respective combination of actuator and control valve.

[0024] This can increase the possibilities of using a uniform actuator with the adapter according to the invention for significantly more different control valves than previously known. This can correspondingly reduce the variety of actuator variants, which can lower the manufacturing costs of the actuators. A person such as an installer or mechanic can also reduce the variety of actuator variants that they need to have available for repairing or maintaining heating systems, for example, and especially that they need to carry to the installation site.

[0025] A particular advantage is that the closing dimension of a control valve does not need to be known in order to select a suitable actuator, since the adapter according to the invention allows any actuator to be adapted to the closing dimension of the respective control valve. This can particularly facilitate the use of new actuators in existing systems. It can also accelerate the repair, maintenance, or replacement of an actuator.

[0026] According to the invention, the first transmission element has a thread, preferably an internal thread, the second transmission element has a thread, preferably an external thread, and the first transmission element and the second transmission element are designed to be rotated relative to one another about the longitudinal axis in such a way that the resulting joint length of the first transmission element and the second transmission element can be changed along the longitudinal axis. As already mentioned, this can represent a possibility for the concrete implementation of the length variability of the element for power transmission. It can be advantageous here that the resulting length can be continuously adjusted by rotating the two transmission elements relative to one another. For this purpose, only one of the two transmission elements can be rotated relative to the other transmission element, which can remain stationary or be held.The set position can also be maintained at least essentially automatically due to the friction between the threads and the force transmission between the actuator and the control valve essentially perpendicular to the thread pitch, so that additional fixing means may not be necessary.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, the first transmission element or the second transmission element is held by the adapter housing in a manner that prevents rotation about the longitudinal axis. This can simplify the rotation of the two transmission elements relative to one another to change the resulting length, since one of the two transmission elements is held by the adapter housing in the circumferential direction, and the other of the two transmission elements can be moved or rotated by a person, such as a mechanic. This can relieve the person of having to handle both transmission elements simultaneously and of having to move or rotate both transmission elements relative to one another simultaneously, or of having to hold or fix one of the transmission elements.In particular, in this case it may not be necessary for both transmission elements to be accessible to the person, which can increase the flexibility of the design of the transmission element held by the adapter housing as well as of the adapter housing itself.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, the adapter housing facing the actuator has a receptacle which receives the first transmission element so as to be movable along the longitudinal axis and so as to be secured against rotation about the longitudinal axis, wherein the receptacle has at least one longitudinal slot, preferably at least one pair of diametrically opposed longitudinal slots, particularly preferably at least two pairs of diametrically opposed longitudinal slots offset at right angles to one another about the longitudinal axis, and the transmission element has at least one guide element, preferably at least one pair of diametrically opposed guide elements, particularly preferably at least two pairs of diametrically opposed guide elements offset at right angles to one another about the longitudinal axis, which engages radially in the longitudinal slot, or vice versa. This can be a comparatively simple, space-saving and / oror represent a reliable way of implementing the previously described mobility in combination with anti-twist security. This can be achieved, for example, by blocking a radial projection of the first transmission element laterally in the circumferential direction by the adapter housing receptacle, but allowing it to move along the longitudinal axis. This can also be achieved conversely, for example, by using a grub screw, by having a radial projection of the adapter housing receptacle engage radially in a corresponding recess or elongated hole in the first transmission element, which extends along the longitudinal axis.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, the adapter housing has at least one through-opening, preferably at least one pair of diametrically opposed through-openings, which preferably extend substantially, particularly preferably by approximately 135°, in the circumferential direction, and the second transmission element has at least one radially outwardly facing opening, which can be reached by an object, preferably a screwdriver or an Allen key, through the through-opening of the adapter housing, such that a person can rotate the second transmission element in the circumferential direction relative to the adapter housing by means of the object.This allows a person, such as a mechanic, to access the second transmission element through the adapter housing in order to move it relative to the first transmission element and, in particular, to rotate it in the circumferential direction. This access can be achieved using an object, such as a screwdriver or Allen key, through the through-opening of the adapter housing, so that the second transmission element can be received, guided, and moved, in particular rotated, within an interior space of the adapter housing.

[0030] If the two transmission elements are designed to be rotatable relative to one another by means of threads, as described above, it can be correspondingly advantageous to design the through-opening of the adapter housing essentially in the circumferential direction, so to speak slot-like and sufficiently high along the longitudinal axis for the tool to be used, in order to be able to generate the longest possible rotary movement in the circumferential direction with the respective use of the tool.

[0031] In any case, the through-opening of the adapter housing along the longitudinal axis must be sufficiently long to be able to effect the desired movement of the second transmission element along the longitudinal axis, in particular if this is not a rotary or screwing movement.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, the resulting joint length of the first transmission element and the second transmission element can be fixed along the longitudinal axis, at least to a predetermined extent. In other words, the desired resulting joint length can be set and then maintained in order to allow the actuator to permanently interact with the control valve as set. Depending on the mechanical operating principle used for the length variability of the two transmission elements, this can be achieved by suitable mechanical means, for example by clamping, locking, bracing and the like. In any case, this ensures that the set desired closing dimension is not changed by the changing forces between the actuator and control valve, and that the operation of the corresponding system cannot be impaired as a result.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, the adapter has at least one securing element which is designed to engage, by means of at least one radial projection through the through-opening of the adapter housing, into one of a plurality of radially outward-facing openings of the second transmission element, preferably to be held in the opening of the second transmission element. The openings can be designed as through-openings or as indentations of the second transmission element. In any case, the openings can be arranged offset from one another in such a way that different resulting lengths can be fixed by using the securing element. Thus, the previously described fixing of the two transmission elements at the desired length relative to one another can be achieved by sufficiently reducing the mobility and, in particular, the rotatability about the longitudinal axis.For this purpose, the securing element can be fixedly connected to the second transmission element on the one hand and arranged within the through opening of the adapter housing on the other hand, whereby a positive connection can be achieved.

[0034] Depending on the design of the securing element or its securing body and the through-hole of the adapter housing, the relative mobility can be reduced to a sufficiently small degree, which can still adequately ensure the set resulting length of the transmission elements. If necessary, the relative mobility can also be completely prevented by an appropriate design.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the invention, a securing body of the securing element extends in the circumferential direction as far as the through-opening of the adapter housing and is designed to be arranged within the through-opening of the adapter housing. In other words, the size of the securing body of the securing element corresponds to the size of the through-opening of the adapter housing, so that a positive, fixed hold of the securing element in the through-opening of the adapter housing in the plane of the adapter housing can be achieved. This also allows the second transmission element to be fixed in place.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the invention, the second transmission element has a plurality of openings arranged in the circumferential direction, preferably evenly spaced from one another. This allows the two transmission elements to be rotated relative to one another and held in certain rotational positions predetermined by the openings in the second transmission element, whereby the resulting length of the two transmission elements along the longitudinal axis can be discretely adjusted in comparatively fine steps.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, the securing element has at least two radial projections spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, wherein the second transmission element has at least two openings, preferably more than two openings, spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction corresponding to the radial projections of the securing element. This can improve the retention of the securing element in the second transmission element.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the invention, the radial projection of the securing element has at least one locking web that is resilient along the longitudinal axis and has at least one locking hook, which is designed to radially engage behind the opening of the second transmission element. This can represent a comparatively simple and secure way of holding the securing element in the opening of the second transmission element at least positively and preferably also non-positively.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the invention, the adapter housing forms an interior space between the connection for the control valve and the connection for the actuator, in which interior space the first transmission element and / or the second transmission element is / are arranged, wherein the interior space is open at least in sections along the longitudinal axis towards the control valve for the passage of the first transmission element and / or towards the actuator for the passage of the second transmission element. As a result, one of the two transmission elements or both transmission elements can be protected from the environment by the surrounding adapter housing. This can also simplify the handling of the adapter, since a person such as a fitter only has to grip or hold the adapter housing.The transmission elements can also be held by the adapter housing in such a way that the two transmission elements can interact with each other and with the adapter housing as described above. One transmission element can also be arranged inside the interior space and the other transmission element outside the interior space, and both connected transmission elements can then be held to the adapter housing by an intermediate wall or the like of the adapter housing.

[0040] According to a further aspect of the invention, the first transmission element and the second transmission element are each designed to extend radially, at least in sections, in such a way that they are held in a form-fitting manner by the adapter housing within the interior space. This can enable the two transmission elements to be held by each other and by the adapter housing, so that the transmission elements cannot become detached from the adapter housing and become lost. This can also make it easier for a person, such as a mechanic, to install or use the adapter, especially with one hand.

[0041] The present invention also relates to a fluid distributor comprising at least one control valve with an adapter as described above and with an actuator that is held on the control valve by the adapter. Such a fluid distributor can, in particular, be a heating circuit distributor of an underfloor heating system of a hot-water heating system or a radiator of a hot-water heating system. This allows a fluid distributor to be created that can implement and utilize the aforementioned properties and advantages of the adapter according to the invention.

[0042] The present invention also relates to a method for connecting an actuator to a control valve by means of an adapter as described above, comprising at least the steps: Attaching a connection of an adapter housing of the adapter along a longitudinal axis to the control valve, attaching the actuator to a connection of the adapter housing of the adapter along the longitudinal axis, and moving the first transmission element and the second transmission element relative to each other along the longitudinal axis such that a resulting common length of the first transmission element and the second transmission element is set along the longitudinal axis such that the first transmission element and the second transmission element come into contact directly or indirectly along the longitudinal axis with an actuating element of the actuator and with a valve stem of the control valve, wherein preferably before attachment to the control valve, a setting of a smaller common length than the distance between the actuating element of the actuator and the valve stem of the control valve, preferably a setting of a minimum common length, takes place,and / or wherein, preferably after the movement of the first transmission element and the second transmission element, the resulting common length of the first transmission element and the second transmission element is fixed along the longitudinal axis, at least to a predetermined extent, preferably by means of a securing element.

[0043] This may enable a person such as a fitter or an installer to use the adapter according to the invention to connect an actuator to a control valve and thereby implement its properties and advantages.

[0044] In other words, according to the invention, it is possible to adapt any control element, preferably with stroke indicator, to an existing valve using the adjustable adapter described here.

[0045] The adjustable adapter can have a sleeve with a thread matching the valve and the adjusting element, a tappet, and an adjusting ring. Additionally, there can optionally be an anti-twist device. The sleeve can be used to connect the adjusting element to the existing valve and to hold the tappet and adjusting ring. The tappet can be mounted centrally in the sleeve, secured against twisting, e.g. by a grub screw, and displaceable in the axial direction. The adjusting ring can also be mounted centrally in the sleeve, displaceable in the axial direction, and additionally rotatable about its longitudinal axis. In addition, the adjusting ring can be connected to the tappet by means of a thread so that the distance between the tappet and the adjusting ring can be changed. The adjusting ring can have several openings, through holes, or indentations on its circumference, into which a commercially available pin-shaped tool, e.g.The tip of a screwdriver or Allen key can be inserted to rotate the adjustment ring around its longitudinal axis. Corresponding openings may be provided in the sleeve. The anti-twist device can secure or prevent the adjustment ring from turning when installed. The anti-twist device can be designed, for example, as a clip that can be clipped into an opening in the sleeve and then protrudes into, for example, a recess in the adjustment ring.

[0046] The adjustable adapter can be mounted on the valve with the smallest adjustable distance between the stem and the adjusting ring. The control element can then be mounted on the adapter. The distance between the stem and the adjusting ring can then be changed by turning the adjusting ring until the valve is securely closed. This condition can be easily detected on control elements with a travel indicator. For control elements without a travel indicator, the closing process can be read on the flow meters installed in most systems. Once the adapter has been adjusted, the anti-twist device can be installed. This can prevent an unintentional change in the distance between the stem and the adjusting ring during operation of the control element.

[0047] An embodiment and further advantages of the invention are illustrated and explained in more detail below in conjunction with the following figures. Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a control valve of a heating circuit manifold according to the prior art; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a second transmission element of an adapter according to the invention, viewed from above; Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a first transmission element of the adapter according to the invention, viewed from above; Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of an adapter housing of the adapter according to the invention, viewed from above; Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the adapter with adapter housing, first transmission element, and second transmission element, viewed from above; Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a securing element of the adapter according to the invention, viewed from above; Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a longitudinal section through the adapter according to the invention, with adapter housing, first transmission element, and second transmission element.Figure 8 the representation of the ; Figure 7 with inserted safety element; Figure 9 a schematic perspective view of the control valve of the Figure 1 with adapter according to the invention with adapter housing, first transmission element and second transmission element as well as with actuator; Figure 10 a schematic representation of a longitudinal section through the lower area of ​​the Figure 9 in a contactless position; Figure 11 the representation of the Figure 10 in a contacting position; and Figure 12 shows a flow diagram of a method according to the invention for connecting the actuator to the control valve by means of the adapter according to the invention.

[0048] The above figures are viewed in cylindrical coordinates. A longitudinal axis X extends. A radial direction R extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, away from the longitudinal axis X. A circumferential direction U extends perpendicular to the radial direction R and around the longitudinal axis X.

[0049] Figure 1 shows a fluid distributor 1 in the form of a heating circuit distributor 1 of a heating system. The heating circuit distributor 1 has a wall 10 that encloses an interior space 11 as an internal volume 11. Within the interior space 11 is a fluid 18 in the form of heating water 18.

[0050] The heating circuit distributor 1 has several control valves 12, which are arranged next to each other and of which only one control valve 12 is in the Figure 1 The control valve 12 has a line connection 13, which in the illustration of the Figure 1downwards through the wall 10 of the heating circuit distributor 1. A fluid line 19 in the form of a pipe 19 is connected to the lower or outer end of the line connection 13. The control valve 12 has a valve tappet 14 in the form of a cylindrical rod, which is passed through the heating water 18 and expands radially at its lower end facing the line connection 13 to form a circular valve plate 15. Facing the line connection 13, the valve plate 15 has an annular valve seal 16 made of an elastic material on its edge.

[0051] Outside the wall 10 of the heating circuit distributor 1, the control valve 12 is arranged fixedly on the wall 10 from the outside in such a way that the valve stem 14 extends along the longitudinal axis X through the control valve 12 and with its upper edge 14a upwards out of the control valve 12. Within the control valve 12, a return spring 17 is arranged as a valve spring 17 and is connected to the control valve 12 and the valve stem 14 in such a way that the valve stem 14 can be moved away from the line connection 13 along the longitudinal axis X by the spring force F of the return spring 17 and the line connection 13 can thus be opened to allow fluid to flow. If a compression spring (not shown) of an actuator 2, cf. for example Figure 9, a higher spring force is applied along the longitudinal axis X via the upper edge 14a to the valve tappet 14 and the valve tappet 14 is pressed completely onto the line connection 13, so that the valve plate 15 with the valve seal 16 seals the line connection 13 fluid-tight, as shown in the Figure 1 As shown, the flow of heating water 18 into pipe 19 can be completely prevented.

[0052] In order to be able to use an actuator 2 to actuate the control valve 12 in such a way that the actuator 2 can press the valve stem 14 onto the line connection 13 in a completely fluid-tight manner as described above by means of the spring force of its compression spring, the closing dimension S of the control valve 12 must be known, which in the completely closed state of the Figure 1corresponds to the distance along the longitudinal axis X between the upper edge 14a of the valve stem 14 of the control valve 12 and a bearing surface 17b of a connecting thread 17a of the control valve 12. However, this is usually not known for the respective combination of actuator 2 and control valve 12 and cannot be determined by measurement for existing systems with an installed control valve 12. Estimates of the closing dimension S are usually too imprecise to ensure correct or optimal actuation of the control valve 12 by the actuator 2.

[0053] According to the invention, an adapter 3-6 is therefore provided, which can also be referred to as an adapter device 3-6. Using the adapter 3-6 according to the invention, not only can an actuator 2 be adapted to or mounted on various control valves 12, but the adapter 3-6 according to the invention can also be used to set the appropriate closing dimension S in each case without this being known or having to be determined.

[0054] The adapter 3-6 according to the invention has an adapter housing 3, see for example Figure 4 , which can also be referred to as adapter sleeve 3. The adapter housing 3 is designed as a single piece, ie integral, injection-molded part and has a substantially cylindrical shape around the longitudinal axis X. The adapter housing 3 encloses a substantially cylindrical interior 30, which contains a second transmission element 5, see for example Figure 2, receives. The second transmission element 5 is connected through the adapter housing 3 to a first transmission element 4, see for example Figure 3 , which is arranged outside the interior 30 of the adapter housing 3, see for example Figures 5 , 7 and 8 .

[0055] The adapter housing 3 or its cylindrical wall (not designated) is formed along the longitudinal axis X in a circular manner and completely open downwards, wherein the edge (not designated) of the wall has a connection 31 in the form of a thread 31 as an internal thread 31 on the inside, see for example Figures 7 and 8 , which is designed to correspond to the connection thread 17a of the control valve 12. The adapter housing 3 can be adapted to different control valves 12 by different configurations of the lower edge of its wall and its internal thread 31 and can be connected to them by screwing.

[0056] Along the longitudinal axis X opposite, the adapter housing 3 or its cylindrical wall at the upper edge (not designated) has a connection 32 in the form of a thread 32 as an external thread 32, see for example also Figures 7 and 8 to accommodate a connection thread 24 as external thread 24 of the actuator 2, see for example Figure 9 The adapter housing 3 can be adapted to different actuators 2 by varying the configuration of the upper edge of its wall and its external thread, in order to accommodate them by screwing them on. In particular, different adapters 3-6 or adapter housings 3 can be created in this way in order to be able to adapt a predetermined configuration of an actuator 2 to different control valves 12.

[0057] The adapter housing 3 has a pair of slot-like through-openings 33 along the longitudinal axis X approximately centrally between its lower edge and its upper edge, which extend approximately over 135° in the circumferential direction U and are radially opposite one another. The two through-openings 33 are interrupted by two longitudinal webs 34, which connect the lower edge and the upper edge of the adapter housing 3 along the longitudinal axis X. The two through-openings 33 are of equal width in the circumferential direction U and are also radially opposite one another, see for example Figure 4 .

[0058] The adapter housing 3 is formed within its upper edge in a substantially circular manner, so that the interior space 30 is delimited and substantially closed along the longitudinal axis X at the upper edge of the adapter housing 3, except for a circular central through-opening (not designated). Along the longitudinal axis X above the through-opening, four arcuate longitudinal webs 37 are formed by the adapter housing 3, evenly arranged in the circumferential direction U, which extend both along the longitudinal axis X and in sections in the circumferential direction U and together form a cylindrical shape, which is interrupted by four longitudinal slots 36, see, for example, Figure 4 . The longitudinal webs 37 and the longitudinal slots 36 together form a receptacle 35 of the adapter housing 3 for the aforementioned first transmission element 4.

[0059] The first transmission element 4 is essentially formed as a cylindrical body in one piece, which has four guide elements 41 approximately centrally along the longitudinal axis X, each of which protrudes radially outwards in the manner of a web and is evenly spaced from one another in the circumferential direction U, see for example Figure 3 . The guide elements 41 of the first transmission element 4 are designed to correspond to the longitudinal slots 36 of the receptacle 35 of the adapter housing 3, so that the first transmission element 4 can be guided by the receptacle 35 of the adapter housing 3 along the longitudinal axis X to a certain extent, but at the same time can be held in a rotationally secure manner in the circumferential direction U, see for example Figure 5 .

[0060] Along the longitudinal axis X at the top, the first transmission element 4 terminates with a circular surface, which represents a contact element 40 or a contact surface 40 of the first transmission element, see for example Figures 4 , 7 and 8 , and is designed to be contacted by an actuating element 21 of the actuator 2, which is screwed to the adapter housing 3, see for example Figures 10 and 11 . Along the longitudinal axis X, the first contact element 4 has a receptacle 42 accessible from below with a thread 43 as an internal thread 43, see for example Figures 7 and 8 .

[0061] The already mentioned second transmission element 5 is formed along the longitudinal axis X in its upper region as a cylindrical spacer element 50 with a thread 51 as an external thread 51, see for example Figures 2 , 7 and 8 . Along the longitudinal axis X, an operating element 53 as an operating ring 53 is integrally connected to the spacer element 50, which initially extends radially flat or plate-shaped and then points downwards along the longitudinal axis X and is essentially cylindrical there, see for example Figures 2 , 7 and 8 The cylindrical lower edge (not labeled) of the operating ring 53 has four openings 54, which are designed as through-openings 54, but could also be indentations (not shown). The through-openings 54 extend into the plate-shaped region and are each of the same design and equally spaced from one another in the circumferential direction U. The solid regions of the second transmission element 5 between the through-openings 54 of the operating ring 53 can be referred to as longitudinal webs 55.

[0062] Within the operating ring 53, a contact element 52 or a contact surface 52 with a circular surface is formed opposite the spacer element 50 along the longitudinal axis X, see for example Figures 7 and 8. The contact surface 52 of the second transmission element 5 is designed to contact the valve stem 14 of the control valve 2 when the adapter 3-6 is screwed onto the control valve 12 and the correct closing dimension S is set, see for example Figure 11 .

[0063] The adapter 3-6 according to the invention further comprises a securing element 6 as an anti-twist device 6, which is formed as a one-piece securing body 60 as an injection-molded part in the circumferential direction U and extends approximately 135°. The contour of the securing body 60 corresponds precisely to the through-openings 33 of the adapter housing 3. The securing body 60 has in the circumferential direction U in the area in front of its open ends (not designated) a pair of radial projections as locking elements 61, which each have a pair of radially inwardly pointing locking webs 61a with locking hooks 61b pointing outwards along the longitudinal axis X, see for example Figure 6 .

[0064] The adapter 3-6 according to the invention is now pre-assembled at the factory in such a way that the first transmission element 4 is inserted from above along the longitudinal axis X with the receptacle 42 at the front into the corresponding through-opening of the adapter housing 3, so that the guide elements 41 of the first transmission element are inserted into the longitudinal slots 36 of the receptacle 35 of the adapter housing 3. Now, along the X-axis in the opposite direction from below, the second transmission element 5 is inserted into the interior 30 of the adapter housing 3 and screwed with the external thread 51 of the spacer element 50 of the second transmission element 5 into the internal thread 43 of the receptacle 42 of the first transmission element 4 until it stops, see for example Figure 7 This can be viewed as setting 100 a minimum common length of the two transmission elements 4, 5. The pre-assembled adapter 3-6 can now be prepared for use, including the securing element 6.

[0065] At the place of use of an adapter 3-6 according to the invention, such as in a heating circuit manifold in which an actuator 2 has to be replaced, a person such as a fitter, after removing the actuator 2 to be replaced, can use an adapter housing 3 with a lower edge and with an internal thread 31, which fits the connection thread 17a of the control valve 12, and fasten it by completely screwing it on as a fastening 200 along the longitudinal axis X to the control valve 12, see for example Figure 9 .

[0066] The installer can now completely screw the actuator 2, which matches the adapter housing 3, onto the adapter housing 3 along the longitudinal axis X, which can be viewed as fastening 300 the actuator 2. The actuator 2 can be enclosed by a housing 20 and, along the longitudinal axis X, in its lower region, have a bracket 22 with a retaining ring 23 with a connecting thread 24 as an internal thread 24, which is designed to correspond to the external thread 32 of the adapter housing 3. In this way, the actuator 2 can be securely held stationary on the control valve 12 by means of the adapter housing 3. At the same time, by using different adapter housings 3, one and the same actuator 2 can be adapted to different control valves 12.

[0067] Due to the lengths of the receptacle 42 of the first transmission element and the spacer element 50 of the second transmission element 5 along the longitudinal axis X, as well as the respective threads 43, 51, the two transmission elements 4, 5 can be rotated relative to one another to a certain extent without being released from one another. As a result, the resulting length along the longitudinal axis X of the two transmission elements together and thus also the distance along the longitudinal axis X between the contact surface 40 of the first transmission element 4 and the contact surface 52 of the second transmission element 5 can be changed to this extent, for example by approximately 10 to 20 millimeters. Since the first transmission element 4 is secured against rotation by the receptacle 35 of the adapter housing 3 but at the same time is movable oris held displaceably, by rotating the second transmission element 5 relative to the first transmission element 4, the first transmission element 4 can be displaced along the longitudinal axis X and the second transmission element 5 can be screwed or retracted into the receptacle 42 of the first transmission element 4 and unscrewed or extended in the opposite direction of rotation.

[0068] Accordingly, the valve stem 14 of the control valve 12 and the actuating element 21 of the actuator 2, which are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis X by the adapter housing 3, can be brought into force-transmitting contact by means of the two transmission elements 4, 5 by unscrewing the second transmission element 5 from the first transmission element 4 until the contact surface 40 of the first transmission element 4 contacts the actuating element 21 of the actuator 2 and, opposite along the longitudinal axis X, the contact surface 52 of the second transmission element 5 contacts the valve stem 14 of the control valve 2 and thus the distance along the longitudinal axis X between the valve stem 14 of the control valve 12 and the actuating element 21 of the actuator 2 is closed or bridged in a force-transmitting manner, see for example Figure 11 .

[0069] The two transmission elements 4, 5 thus initially have, in the pre-assembled state of the adapter 3-6, when this is mounted between the control valve 12 and the actuator 2 as described above, the minimum length of the maximum screwed-in second transmission element 5, see for example Figure 4 and 10. The fitter can now use a long and thin object, such as a screwdriver or an Allen key, to reach through one of the two through-openings 33 of the adapter housing 3 into one of the through-openings 54 of the second transmission element 5 and thereby rotate the second transmission element 5 in the circumferential direction U in sections such that the second transmission element 5 is unscrewed from the first transmission element 4. Since the through-openings 33 of the adapter housing 3 are delimited by the longitudinal webs 34 of the adapter housing 3 in the circumferential direction U, the fitter can repeat this several times in order to move the second transmission element 5 in sections at a time.

[0070] The installer can repeat this until the contact surface 40 of the first transmission element 4 has come into contact with the actuating element 21 of the actuator 2 and the contact surface 52 of the second transmission element 5 has come into contact with the valve tappet 14 of the control valve 12 in such a way that the installer can no longer rotate the second transmission element 5. The two transmission elements 4, 5 are then rotated or screwed relative to one another in such a way that the resulting length of the two transmission elements 4, 5 along the longitudinal axis X corresponds exactly to the closing dimension S of the combination of control valve 12 and actuator 2. This can be viewed as a movement 400 of the first transmission element 4 and the second transmission element 5 relative to one another along the longitudinal axis X.Accordingly, force can now be transmitted between the valve stem 14 of the control valve 12 and the actuating element 21 of the actuator 2, just as if the valve stem 14 of the control valve 12 and the actuating element 21 of the actuator 2 were in direct contact with each other. Thus, any control valve 12 and actuator 2 can be combined without knowing the respective closing dimension S.

[0071] If the fitter has screwed or tightened the second transmission element 5 firmly against the first transmission element 4, as described above, this force can be sufficient to permanently maintain the set resulting length along the longitudinal axis X of the two transmission elements 4, 5 due to the interacting threads 43, 51 of the two transmission elements 4, 5.

[0072] However, in order to ensure this reliably and permanently, the fitter can turn the second transmission element 5 slightly backwards relative to the first transmission element 4 until two through-openings 54 of the operating ring 53 of the second transmission element 5 are located within the same through-openings 33 of the adapter housing 3 and the two locking elements 61 of the securing element 6 can be inserted into these through-openings 33 of the adapter housing 3 and locked there, whereby the securing body 60 of the securing element 6 fills the corresponding through-opening 33 of the adapter housing 3 and thus prevents rotation of the second transmission element 5, see for example Figure 8 In this way, the resulting length along the longitudinal axis X of the two transmission elements 4, 5 can be permanently secured at intervals of 90° in the circumferential direction U. This can be considered a fixing 500. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS (part of the description)

[0073] FFreturn spring force 17 SSealing dimension of the control valve 12 Rradial direction Ucircumferential direction XLongitudinal axis 1Fluid distributor; heating circuit distributor 10Wall 11Interior; internal volume 12Control valve 13Line connection of control valve 12 14Valve tappet 14aTop edge of valve tappet 14 15Valve plate 16Valve seal 17Return spring; valve spring 17aConnection thread of control valve 12 17bSupport surface of connection thread 17a of control valve 12 18Fluid; heating water 19Fluid line; pipe 2Actuator 20Housing 21Actuator 22Bracket 23Bracket ring 24Connection thread or internal thread of the bracket ring 23 3-6Adapter; adapter device 3Adapter housing; adapter sleeve 30Interior of adapter housing 3 31Connection, thread or internal thread of adapter housing 3 for control valve 12 32Connection, thread or external thread of adapter housing 3 for actuator 2 33Through-holes of adapter housing 3 34Longitudinal webs of adapter housing 3 35Receptacle of adapter housing 3 36Longitudinal slots of receptacle 35 of adapter housing 3 37Longitudinal webs of receptacle 35 of adapter housing 3 4First transmission element 40Contact element or contact surface of the first transmission element 4 for actuating element 21 of actuator 2 41Guide elements of the first transmission element 4 42Hole of the first transmission element 4 43Thread or internal thread of the holder 42 of the first transmission element 4 5Second transmission element 50Spacer element 51Thread or external thread of the spacer element 50 52Contact element or contact surface of the spacer element 50 for valve stem 14 of the control valve 12 53Operating element; operating ring 54Openings or through-openings of the operating element 53 55Longitudinal webs of the operating element 53 6Securing element; anti-twist device 60Securing body 61Radial projections; locking elements 61aLocking webs 61bLocking hooks 100Setting a common length 200Attaching the adapter 3-6 to the control valve 12 300Attaching the actuator 2 to the adapter 3-6 400Moving the first transmission element 4 and the second transmission element 5 500Fixing the resulting common length

Claims

1. Adapter (3-6) for connecting an actuator (2) to a control valve (12), within which a return spring (17) is arranged as a valve spring and is connected to the control valve (12) and its valve tappet (14) in such a way that the valve tappet can be moved away from a line connection (13) along a longitudinal axis (X) by a spring force (F) of the return spring and the line connection can thus be opened in a fluid-conducting manner, the adapter comprising an adapter housing (3) having a connection (31), preferably having a thread (31), particularly preferably having an internal thread (31), for the control valve (12) and having a connection (32), preferably having a thread (32), particularly preferably having an external thread (32), for the actuator (2), which connections are opposite each other along the longitudinal axis (X), the adapter comprising a first transmission element (4) which is accommodated by the adapter housing (3) so as to face the actuator (2) and be movable along the longitudinal axis (X), and comprising a second transmission element (5) which is accommodated by the adapter housing (3) so as to face the control valve (12) and be movable along the longitudinal axis (X), the first transmission element (4) and the second transmission element (5) being designed to jointly transmit an actuating force of the actuator (2) to the control valve (12) directly or indirectly along the longitudinal axis (X), the first transmission element (4) and the second transmission element (5) being designed to be moved relative to one another along the longitudinal axis (X) in such a way that the resulting combined length of the first transmission element (4) and the second transmission element (5) along the longitudinal axis (X) can be changed in such a way that the first transmission element (4) and the second transmission element (5) come into contact with an actuating element (21) of the actuator (2) and with a valve tappet (14) of the control valve (12) directly or indirectly along the longitudinal axis (X), characterized in that the first transmission element (4) has a thread (43), preferably an internal thread (43), the second transmission element (5) has a thread (51), preferably an external thread (51), and the first transmission element (4) and the second transmission element (5) are designed to be rotated relative to one another about the longitudinal axis (X) by means of the corresponding threads (43, 51) in such a way that the resulting combined length of the first transmission element (4) and the second transmission element (5) can be changed along the longitudinal axis (X).

2. Adapter (3-6) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first transmission element (4) or the second transmission element (5) is held by the adapter housing (3) so that it is secured against rotation about the longitudinal axis (X).

3. Adapter (3-6) according to claim 2, characterized in that the adapter housing (3) has a receptacle (35) which faces the actuator (2) and which accommodates the first transmission element (4) so that it is movable along the longitudinal axis (X) and secured against rotation about the longitudinal axis (X), the receptacle (35) having at least one longitudinal slot (36), preferably at least one pair of diametrically opposed longitudinal slots (36), particularly preferably at least two pairs of diametrically opposed longitudinal slots (36) offset at right angles to one another about the longitudinal axis (X), and the first transmission element (4) having at least one guide element (41), preferably at least one pair of diametrically opposed guide elements (41), particularly preferably at least two pairs of diametrically opposed guide elements (41) offset at right angles to one another about the longitudinal axis (X), which engages radially in the longitudinal slot (35), or vice versa.

4. Adapter (3-6) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter housing (3) has at least one through-opening (33), preferably at least one pair of diametrically opposed through-openings (33), which preferably extends substantially, particularly preferably approximately 135°, in the circumferential direction (U), and the second transmission element (5) has at least one radially outwardly facing opening (54) which can be reached by an object, preferably a screwdriver or an Allen wrench, through the through-opening (33) in the adapter housing (3) in such a way that a person can rotate the second transmission element (5) in the circumferential direction (U) relative to the adapter housing (3) by means of the object.

5. Adapter (3-6) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the resulting combined length of the first transmission element (4) and the second transmission element (5) along the longitudinal axis (X) can be fixed, at least to a predetermined extent.

6. Adapter (3-6) according to claim 5, characterized by at least one securing element (6) which is designed to engage by means of at least one radial projection (61) through the through-opening (33) in the adapter housing (3) into one of a plurality of radially outwardly facing openings (54) in the second transmission element (5), preferably to be held in the opening (54) in the second transmission element (5).

7. Adapter (3-6) according to claim 6, characterized in that a securing body (60) of the securing element (6) extends in the circumferential direction (U) as far as the through-opening (33) in the adapter housing (3) and is designed to be arranged within the through-opening (33) in the adapter housing (3).

8. Adapter (3-6) according to claim 6 and 7, characterized in that the second transmission element (5) has a plurality of openings (54) which are arranged in the circumferential direction (U), preferably so as to be evenly spaced from one another.

9. Adapter (3-6) according to any of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the securing element (6) has at least two radial projections (61) which are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction (U), the second transmission element (5) having at least two openings (54), preferably more than two openings (54), which are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction (U) in a manner corresponding to the radial projections (61) of the securing element (6).

10. Adapter (3-6) according to any of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the radial projection (61) of the securing element (6) has at least one locking member (61a) which is resilient along the longitudinal axis (X) and comprises at least one locking hook (61b) that is designed to radially engage behind the opening (54) in the second transmission element (5).

11. Adapter (3-6) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter housing (3) forms an interior space (30) between the connection (31) for the control valve (12) and the connection (32) for the actuator (2), in which interior space the first transmission element (4) and / or the second transmission element (5) is / are arranged, the interior space (30) being designed to be open at least in some portions along the longitudinal axis (X) toward the control valve (12) for the passage of the first transmission element (4) and / or toward the actuator (2) for the passage of the second transmission element (5).

12. Adapter (3-6) according to claim 11, characterized in that the first transmission element (4) and the second transmission element (5) are each designed to extend radially at least in some portions in such a way as to be held in a form-fitting manner within the interior space (30) by the adapter housing (3).

13. Fluid distributor (1) comprising at least one control valve (12) having an adapter (3-6) according to any of the preceding claims and comprising an actuator (2) which is held on the control valve (12) by the adapter (3-6).

14. Method for connecting an actuator (2) to a control valve (12) by means of an adapter (3-6) according to any of claims 1 to 12, comprising at least the steps of: • fastening (200) a connection (31) of an adapter housing (3) of the adapter (3-6) to the control valve (12) along a longitudinal axis (X), • fastening (300) the actuator (2) to a connection (32) of the adapter housing (3) of the adapter (3-6) along the longitudinal axis (X), and • moving (400) the first transmission element (4) and the second transmission element (5) relative to each other along the longitudinal axis (X) in such a way that a resulting combined length of the first transmission element (4) and the second transmission element (5) along the longitudinal axis (X) is set in such a way that the first transmission element (4) and the second transmission element (5) come into contact with an actuating element (21) of the actuator (2) and with a valve tappet (14) of the control valve (12) directly or indirectly along the longitudinal axis (X), • wherein, preferably before the fastening (200) to the control valve (12), a combined length that is smaller than the distance between the actuating element (21) of the actuator (3) and the valve tappet (14) of the control valve (12) is set (100), preferably a minimum combined length is set (100), and / or • wherein, preferably after the movement (400) of the first transmission element (4) and the second transmission element (5), the resulting combined length of the first transmission element (4) and the second transmission element (5) along the longitudinal axis (X) is fixed (500), at least to a predetermined extent, preferably by means of a securing element (6).