BUTTERFLY VALVE BODY

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a butterfly valve housing for a butterfly valve with a closing element rotatably mounted in the housing, comprising a one-piece housing made of plastic, wherein the housing has an annular body, two flange connection discs arranged on the end face and a reinforcing structure, wherein the annular body has an inner diameter forming a sealing section and an outer diameter, wherein the outer diameter of the annular body is smaller than the outer diameter of the flange connection discs, wherein the reinforcing structure is arranged on the outer circumference of the annular body and between the two flange connection discs, and metallic inserts, wherein the inserts are arranged between the flange connection discs along the outer circumference of the annular body.

[0002] In pipeline construction, butterfly valves with butterfly valve bodies are used to close or regulate the flow of liquid or gaseous media in pipelines. Butterfly valves installed between two pipe flanges are called "wafer type." With this type, the butterfly valve body is clamped between the two pipe flanges, which are held together with several through-bolts.

[0003] Butterfly valves designed as flange-mounted valves have threaded holes in the body for direct screwing onto the pipe flange. This design is typically used for end-mounted installation and is referred to as a "LUG type." For shorter installation lengths, metal butterfly valves are typically used for this purpose. These valves have threaded flange holes directly on the body, to which the pipe flange is then screwed.

[0004] In plastic versions, metal inserts are usually back-injected into the housing, providing an internal thread to which the pipeline flange can then be screwed. The disadvantage of this is that such a butterfly valve can then only be used as an end-mounted valve, as the threaded holes are usually blind holes on one side and are only accessible from one side. Therefore, if the pipeline is extended, the butterfly valve must be replaced with, for example, a "wafer type."

[0005] JP 2000028006 A2 discloses a butterfly valve designed as a "WAFER type" and thus the pipe flanges cannot be screwed directly onto the housing but the housing is clamped between the pipe flanges.

[0006] From WO 99 / 35426 A1 another butterfly valve is known

[0007] The object of the invention is to propose a butterfly valve body made of plastic which can be used as an intermediate installation as well as an end installation version and which is designed as a "LUG type" design, as well as that the butterfly valve can be mounted on both sides so that no installation errors can occur.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention in that receiving openings are arranged in the housing between the two flange connection discs and between the reinforcing structure, wherein the receiving openings are directed or run from the outer circumference towards the vertical central axis, into which the inserts can be inserted into the housing, wherein the inserts are arranged in a form-fitting manner in the receiving openings.

[0009] The inventive butterfly valve housing for a butterfly valve with a closing element rotatably mounted in the housing comprises a one-piece plastic housing. The housing comprises an annular body, two flange connection discs arranged on the front side, and a reinforcing structure. The annular body has an inner diameter forming a sealing section, over which the closing element tightly closes the butterfly valve in the closed position with the aid of an intermediate sleeve. The reinforcing structure of the housing is connected to the outer diameter or outer circumference of the annular body, allowing for a stable yet lightweight and thin-walled housing. The reinforcing structure is arranged on the outer diameter of the annular body and between the front-side flange connection discs, which project beyond the outer diameter of the annular body.As a result, the housing has a reinforcing structure on the outer circumference, which is preferably formed by ribbing along the outer circumference. The butterfly valve body 34691SF_registration contains metallic inserts, wherein the inserts are arranged between the flange connection discs along the outer perimeter of the annular body. To accommodate the inserts in the housing, receiving openings are arranged between the two flange connection discs and between the reinforcing structure. The receiving openings run or extend from the outer circumference or outer diameter of the housing or the reinforcing structure in the direction of the vertical central axis, wherein the receiving openings are delimited in the axial direction of the housing by the flange connection discs. The inserts can be inserted into the receiving opening via the outer circumference or outer diameter of the housing.The receiving openings are designed such that they open toward the outer circumference and are bounded axially and upwardly and downwardly by the two flange connection discs by the reinforcing structure. Preferably, the reinforcing structure forms a boundary of the receiving openings along the outer circumference between the receiving openings. The inserts in the receiving openings are arranged in a form-fitting manner and can be inserted into the receiving opening exclusively via the outer circumference.

[0010] It has proven advantageous if the receiving openings are perpendicular to the vertical center axis. This has the advantage that the housing can be manufactured more easily using injection molding. The receiving opening then extends from the outer circumference of the housing or the reinforcement structure that forms the outer circumference and protrudes toward the vertical center axis up to the outer diameter of the annular body.

[0011] As an alternative embodiment, the receiving openings are arranged obliquely to the vertical central axis, particularly preferably they run radially towards the center.

[0012] The receiving openings are preferably designed to be closed towards the vertical central axis or are not designed as through-openings, but form a blind opening or a receiving pocket.

[0013] Preferably, the receiving openings are designed as receiving pockets which are arranged along the housing circumference between the reinforcing structure and the flange connection discs and in which the inserts are received in a form-fitting and removable manner.

[0014] It has been shown to be advantageous if the inserts are positioned in the receiving openings by means of a spacer element to the outer circumference of the ring body and between the reinforcement structure.

[0015] Preferably, the inserts are axially fixed on both sides of the housing between the two flange connection plates and are arranged in a fixed position. Furthermore, the inserts are removably fixed in the receiving opening via the outer circumference of the housing. This means that the inserts are axially limited by the two flange connection plates arranged to the left and right of the inserts, preventing them from being axially displaced. The positive fit of the inserts in the receiving opening also secures the inserts along the outer diameter or outer circumference, and this fixation is removably secured.

[0016] A preferred embodiment has been found to include a retaining element in the receiving opening to secure the insert in place. This ensures that the insert does not accidentally become detached from the housing or rotate.

[0017] It is advantageous if the retaining element is designed as a flexible snap hook. This allows the inserts to be easily attached to and removed from the housing. It would also be conceivable to use the butterfly valve as a "wafer-type" design, in which the inserts in the housing are removed and the butterfly valve is clamped between the pipe flanges. The snap hook is slightly pre-tensioned when the insert is installed to securely fix the insert in the housing.

[0018] Preferably, the butterfly valve body is designed to be mirror-symmetrical along the vertical center axis. This allows the installation direction of the butterfly valve to be irrelevant, and the installer does not have to worry about which way the valve is connected.

[0019] It has proven advantageous if the insert has a continuous internal thread. This allows the pipe flange to be screwed directly to the butterfly valve body during final installation or as an intermediate installation. Thus, with the butterfly valve body according to the invention, a pipe flange can be screwed directly to the body from one or both sides.

[0020] A preferred embodiment has been shown to be when the insert has different outer diameters. The change in the outer diameter is preferably achieved via steps or offsets in the insert. This makes it possible to reinforce the flange connection plate at the contact surfaces or end faces of the inserts without compromising the length of the inserts, while still maintaining a sufficiently long internal thread for attaching the pipe flange, even with narrow butterfly valve designs. It is advantageous if the insert is cylindrical with different outer diameters, with the outer cylinders having a smaller diameter than the intermediate cylinders.

[0021] It is advantageous for the insert to have an anti-twist feature. This prevents the insert from rotating in the receiving opening. The insert preferably has a flat surface on its outer circumference as an anti-twist feature, which then rests against a rib of the reinforcement structure.

[0022] It has also proven advantageous if a web is formed on the reinforcement structure with which the anti-twist device on the insert corresponds.

[0023] Preferably, the inserts are arranged regularly along the outer diameter of the annular body. It is advantageous if four to 20 inserts are arranged along the circumference, depending on the size or nominal diameter of the butterfly valve.

[0024] A preferred embodiment has been shown to be independent of the installation direction and can be installed as an intermediate or end-mounted component. Due to the continuous internal thread in the inserts and the stop for the inserts on both sides of the flange connection discs, which prevents axial displacement of the inserts, a pipe flange can be attached to both ends, with the butterfly valve being used as an end-mounted component. The installation direction is also irrelevant when used as an intermediate installation component.

[0025] The use of a butterfly valve body according to the invention is characterized in that the butterfly valve body is independent of the installation direction and can be used for intermediate as well as end installation in the case of a butterfly valve.

[0026] In addition to the above-mentioned features, which allow the butterfly valve body to be installed in both directions, it is also advantageous that the butterfly valve body is mirror-symmetrical along the vertical longitudinal axis.

[0027] All design options can be freely combined with each other, both the features mentioned in connection with the butterfly valve body and those mentioned in connection with the use of the butterfly valve body.

[0028] An embodiment of the invention is described with reference to the figures, whereby the invention is not limited to the embodiment. They show: Fig. 1 a three-dimensional representation of an installed butterfly valve as end installation with a butterfly valve housing according to the invention, Fig. 2 a three-dimensional representation of a butterfly valve housing according to the invention, Fig. 3 a partial section through an insert inserted in the housing, Fig. 4 a partial view of a receiving opening with an insert not yet arranged therein, Fig. 5 a three-dimensional representation of an installed butterfly valve as intermediate installation with a butterfly valve housing according to the invention and Fig. 6 a sectional view of the butterfly valve housing according to the invention.

[0029] The Fig. 1 The drawing shows a three-dimensional view of a butterfly valve with a butterfly valve housing 1 according to the invention. Fig. 1The butterfly valve body 1 is used as an end-installation component, whereby the variant shown is mainly used during reduced operating pressure, and is designed as a "LUG type" due to the threaded holes in the inserts 10 arranged for the direct screwing of the pipeline flange to the butterfly valve body. End-installation means that the butterfly valve is used to close off a pipeline. This requires that the pipe flange 16 can be screwed onto the butterfly valve body 1, as shown in Fig. 1 with the fastening means 17. The closing element 3 is arranged in the butterfly valve body 1 together with the inner diameter 6 of the annular body 4 and the sleeve 20 arranged therebetween in a sealing manner. Fig. 5The butterfly valve with the butterfly valve body 1 according to the invention is also shown as an intermediate installation. This is easily possible with the butterfly valve body 1 according to the invention, since the inserts 10 have a continuous internal thread for screwing the pipe flanges on both sides. This means that the butterfly valve does not have to be replaced when the pipeline is converted; instead, the same butterfly valve that was used as the final installation can also be used as an intermediate installation. Fig. 2shows a housing 2 of a butterfly valve 1 according to the invention. The one-piece plastic housing 2 is clearly visible, comprising an annular body 4, two flange connection discs 5 arranged on the end faces, and a reinforcing structure 9 arranged on the outer circumference 7 of the annular body 4. Preferably, the housing 2 is formed as an injection-molded part. The reinforcing structure 9 has reinforcing ribs, so that the housing 2 has the required stability while still being lightweight. The inner diameter 6 of the annular body 4, with the aid of the sleeve 20, forms the sealing section for optimally sealing the butterfly valve with the closing element 3 in the closed position. Fig. 3It is clearly visible that the outer diameter 7 of the ring body 4 is smaller than the outer diameter 8 of the flange connection discs 5. This allows the reinforcement structure 9 to be well arranged on the outer circumference 7 of the ring body 4 and between the flange connection discs 5 in order to give the housing 2 good rigidity with little weight. Between the reinforcement structure 9 and the two flange connection discs 5, receiving openings 11 are arranged along the circumference. These serve to accommodate the metallic inserts 10. The metallic inserts 10 can only be inserted into the receiving openings 11 on the housing 2 via the outer circumference of the housing 2. This is achieved by Fig. 4The metallic inserts 10 can be made of any metallic material, depending on the requirements, be it stainless steel or a brass or copper alloy, and have a continuous internal thread (not shown). It is also conceivable for the inserts to be made of a light metal alloy, since these also achieve high strength values ​​today.

[0030] The inserts 10 are axially fixed by the two flange connection discs 5. It is advantageous if the inner sides of the flange connection discs 5 have different thicknesses and the inserts 10 have different outside diameters. It has proven advantageous if the inserts 10 have a smaller outside diameter at the front than in the middle. This ensures that the inserts 10 have the longest possible design without weakening the housing 2 with excessively thin flange connection discs 5 and in order to achieve the longest possible internal thread. Due to the recessed larger diameter in the middle of the inserts 10, the thickness of the flange connection discs 5 is wider in some areas, so that the flange connection discs 5 achieve sufficiently high strength while still being designed with the thinnest possible wall. This is good Fig. 3in which an insert 10 with the shoulder surface 19 rests on the inside of the flange connection disc 5.

[0031] The inserts 10 can also be removed after installation in the housing 2 by taking them out of the receiving opening 11 over the outer circumference. The receiving openings 11 extend from the outer circumference of the housing 2 in the direction of the vertical central axis 13 and are designed as ending receiving pockets, as can be seen in Fig. 6 The receiving openings 11 preferably extend at right angles to the vertical central axis 13, but can also be arranged at an angle. To correctly position the inserts 10, a spacer element 18 is preferably arranged on the outer diameter 7 of the annular body 4.

[0032] In order to ensure that the inserts 10 are securely fixed but releasably arranged in the receiving openings, a holding element 12 is preferably arranged in the receiving openings 11. The holding element 12 is preferably designed as a flexible snap hook and is clamped or clamped when the insert 10 is inserted into the receiving opening 11. It has also proven advantageous if the insert 10 has an anti-twist device 15, which prevents the insert 10 from rotating when the fastening means 17 are tightened or loosened. This anti-twist device 15 is preferably designed as a straight surface on the outer diameter of the insert 10, which then corresponds to the ribbing of the reinforcing structure 9 or a web 21 designed for this purpose and inhibits rotation. The shut-off housing 1 is constructed mirror-symmetrically along its vertical central axis 13; this enables the installation of the shut-off housing 1 ora butterfly valve in both directions. The installer therefore does not need to worry about the installation direction. This is also achieved by the inserts being fixed axially between the flange connection discs 5.

[0033] The inserts 10 have a continuous internal thread to allow the butterfly valve to be mounted from both sides. It is advantageous to arrange four to 20 inserts along the circumference, depending on the pipe diameter. List of reference symbols

[0034] 1Butterfly valve body 2Housing 3Closing element 4Annular body 5Flange connection disc 6Inner diameter of annular body 7Outer diameter / outer circumference of annular body 8Outer diameter of flange connection discs 9Reinforcing structure 10Insert 11Receiving opening 12Retaining element / snap hook 13Vertical center axis 14Through holes 15Anti-twist device 16Pipe flange 17Fasteners 18Spacer element 19Shoulder surface 20Cuff 21Web

Claims

1. Butterfly valve housing (1) for a butterfly valve having a closure element (3) which is rotatably supported in the housing (2), containing an integral housing (2) made of plastics material, wherein the housing (2) has an annular member (4), two flange connection plates (5) which are arranged at the end face and a reinforcement structure (11), wherein the annular member (4) has an inner diameter (6) which forms a sealing portion and an outer diameter (7), wherein the outer diameter (7) of the annular member (4) is smaller than the outer diameter (8) of the flange connection plates (5), wherein the reinforcement structure (9) is arranged on the outer diameter (8) of the annular member (4) and between the two flange connection plates (5), and metal inserts (10), wherein the inserts (10) are arranged between the flange connection plates (5) along the outer circumference (7) of the annular member (4), wherein receiving openings (11) are arranged in the housing (2) between the two flange connection plates (5) and between the reinforcement structure (9), characterized in that the receiving openings are directed from the outer circumference in the direction of the vertical centre axis (13) in which the inserts (10) can be inserted into the housing (2), wherein the inserts (10) are arranged in a positive-locking manner in the receiving openings (11).

2. Butterfly valve housing (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the inserts (10) are arranged at both sides axially in the housing (2) between the two flange connection plates (5) in a non-displaceable manner and so as to be able to be released again in the direction of the outer circumference.

3. Butterfly valve housing (1) according to either Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that a retention element (12) is arranged in the receiving opening (11) in order to fix the insert (10).

4. Butterfly valve housing (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the retention element (12) is in the form of a flexible snap-fit hook.

5. Butterfly valve housing (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the butterfly valve housing (1) is configured in a mirror-symmetrical manner along the vertical centre axis (13).

6. Butterfly valve housing (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least four inserts (10) are arranged in the housing, preferably from four to 20 inserts (10) are arranged in the housing.

7. Butterfly valve housing (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the insert (10) has an inner thread, preferably a continuous inner thread.

8. Butterfly valve housing (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the insert (10) has different outer diameters, wherein the outer diameter change is carried out by means of gradations.

9. Butterfly valve housing (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the insert (10) has a smaller outer diameter in the direction towards the end faces than at the centre.

10. Butterfly valve housing (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the insert (10) has a torsion prevention means (15).

11. Butterfly valve housing (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the inserts (10) are arranged in a regular manner along the outer diameter (7) of the annular member (4).

12. Butterfly valve housing (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the butterfly valve housing (1) can be installed independently of the installation direction and as an intermediate and end installation component.

13. Use of a butterfly valve housing (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the butterfly valve housing (1) is installed independently of the installation direction and in a butterfly valve for intermediate and also end installation.