Valve for regulating the flow of a medium

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a valve for regulating the flow of a medium.

[0002] Valves are used to regulate the flow of media such as liquids or gases in pipes, for example. These valves allow the pipes or other openings to be opened and closed in a controlled manner. Examples of such valves include shut-off or control valves, which can be operated manually or by motors and may have multiple connections, such as one or more inlets and one or more outlets.

[0003] Depending on the shape of the flow opening through the valve and the shape of the shut-off element, different valve types are distinguished.

[0004] For example, in poppet valves, the shut-off element lifts vertically from an opening, thus opening it. In contrast, with a ring valve, the opening is only open on the outside, for instance, because there is an axis in the middle. The shut-off element can be designed as a disc, cylinder, cone or truncated cone, regulating cone, ball, or in the form of one or more disks, among other shapes. Furthermore, depending on the valve's geometry, the flowing medium can be deflected within the valve.

[0005] Especially for shut-off valves, the aim is to minimize the pressure loss of the flowing medium when the valve is open, i.e., to minimize the flow resistance of the valve, so that the flow of the medium is affected as little as possible when the valve is open. In the closed state, however, the valve should prevent the passage of the medium as completely as possible and seal tightly.

[0006] At the same time, fittings should have the best possible sealing properties so that they have a long service life and maintenance effort as well as costs for repair or maintenance measures and component replacement can be kept low.

[0007] Additionally, minimal actuating forces are advantageous for both manually and motor-driven valves. Low actuating forces result, among other things, in a space-saving valve design and / or allow the power required to operate the valve's drive motor to be minimized.

[0008] Electronic shut-off valves, in particular, rely on low-wear shut-off elements with low actuation torque to ensure reliable function with the smallest possible drive units throughout the valve's entire service life. A small actuating element also facilitates easy manual operation of the valve.

[0009] Due in part to their good wear properties and low actuation torques, ceramic valves, such as valves with ceramic sealing and regulating discs, are used in many fittings for shutting off and regulating flow rates, such as in single-lever mixers and mixing taps.

[0010] For example, the use of two ceramic valve discs, each with at least one opening, which can be rotated relative to each other, is known. In one position relative to each other, the valve discs completely shut off the flow in the fitting. When the openings of the two valve discs are aligned, the valve is open.

[0011] However, ceramic shut-off devices have high pressure losses, so they are used almost exclusively in outlet fittings, such as taps, where the pressure loss through the valve is less significant than, for example, in pipes used for water distribution.

[0012] In gate valves, a gate, for example in the form of a plate, can be inserted perpendicular to the flow direction of the medium to be blocked to completely close the flow of the medium being regulated. In theory, the gate can be fully extended out of the pipe to open the valve, so that the maximum opening area of ​​these valves can be up to 100% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the medium flowing through it.

[0013] The flow cross-section is defined as the cross-section at the position where the shut-off element(s) for regulating the flow are located, for example, where the gate valve is inserted into the medium. If such a gate valve is used, for example, in a circular pipe with a diameter d, then in theory, when the valve is fully open, the maximum opening area can be 100% of the flow cross-sectional area, which corresponds to the pipe cross-section. A = π*d 2< / 4 is, can be achieved.

[0014] In theory, the total opening area of ​​a disc valve with two valve discs and through-holes for flow regulation—that is, the cross-sectional area available for the passage of the medium to be regulated—is a maximum of 50% of the flow cross-section. In practice, however, it is less than 50% due to the overlap of the valve discs necessary for sealing, as it must be ensured that the flow of the medium is blocked as completely as possible in the closed position.

[0015] For this reason, the use of disc valves, especially ceramic disc valves, as shut-off valves within distribution lines, where pressure loss is an important parameter and should be minimized as much as possible, is unfavorable.

[0016] In addition, known state-of-the-art devices for controlling the flow of media in pipes or conduits, such as drinking water in drinking water installations, include angle seat valves and ball valves as regulating or shut-off valves. However, these and other types of shut-off valves have further disadvantages.

[0017] For example, ball valves have higher actuation torques and are more prone to wear. Angle seat valves have disadvantages when adapting to an electronic actuator due to their linear stroke, especially since the rotary motion of widely used electric actuators first needs to be converted into a linear motion. This has a negative impact on the design complexity, the required installation space, and the valve's closing time.

[0018] KR 101 356 606 B1 describes a throttle valve with three valve discs, two of which are rotatable relative to the other disc by means of a drive that engages in guides in these discs.

[0019] US 6,192,922 B1 relates to a flow control valve with a fixed disk and two disks rotatable relative to this disk, wherein rotation of one of the rotatable disks also rotates the other rotatable disk.

[0020] US Patent 1,806,530 describes a valve for flow control that can be inserted into a pipe. The valve has a fixed valve disc and two valve discs arranged to rotate relative to this fixed disc. The rotating valve discs are driven by the rotation of a valve stem.

[0021] US 2011 / 0260087 A1 describes a rotary valve with two stators and at least two rotors, each with circular segment-shaped passage openings, wherein in a fully open position the maximum passage area of ​​the valve depends on the number of rotors.

[0022] US Patent 3,396,904 describes an adjustable valve with a housing in which a fixed valve disc is arranged. It also provides two rotatable valve discs, the movement of which is limited by end stops relative to the fixed valve disc.

[0023] Therefore, the present invention is based on the technical problem of providing a valve for regulating the flow of a medium, which improves upon the disadvantages described for the prior art and in particular minimizes the pressure loss.

[0024] The aforementioned technical problem is solved according to the invention by a valve for regulating the flow of a medium, comprising a housing and at least three valve discs, wherein at least one valve disc is arranged in the housing in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein at least two valve discs are arranged to be rotatable relative to the at least one valve disc arranged in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the valve discs each have at least one through-opening, wherein the through-openings are designed such that in a first relative position of the valve discs the flow of the medium is blocked and in a second relative position the flow is maximally open, wherein the through-openings are designed such that in the second relative position the through-openings of the valve discs expose an opening area of ​​more than 50%, preferably more than 60%, particularly preferably more than 65% of the area of ​​the flow cross-section.wherein the valve discs have an identical geometry, wherein end stops are provided to limit the rotational movement of the rotatable valve discs, wherein the end stops limit the rotational movement of the rotatable valve discs relative to each other adjacent valve discs to the same maximum angle δ, preferably δ = 120°, and wherein the rotatable and the non-rotatably arranged valve discs are the same valve discs.

[0025] Thus, a valve is provided which, compared to valves known from the prior art, has a larger opening area, thereby reducing pressure loss. In this way, it is possible to use the valve according to the invention even in positions, particularly in pipelines, where low pressure loss is important. The flexibility of possible applications for valves is thus increased by the valve discs with through-holes according to the invention.

[0026] In the first relative position of the valve discs, the flow of the medium is blocked according to the invention. Blocked flow is understood to mean that the valve essentially completely blocks the flow and, for example, tightly seals a line to be closed, such as a water or gas line. However, it may also be provided that a certain amount of leakage of the medium to be regulated is permitted in the first relative position. It may also be provided that the tightness is only guaranteed in the first relative position for certain media or with certain media properties, such as up to a certain vapor pressure of a liquid.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the invention, the flow of the medium is maximally open in a second relative position. Within the scope of the invention, a maximum opening is understood to be the maximum achievable passage area of ​​the flowing medium due to the geometry of the valve.

[0028] Within the scope of the invention, the area of ​​the flow cross-section is understood to be the area that the medium flowing through the valve has in cross-section at the position where the shut-off elements for regulating the flow, in this case the valve discs, are located.

[0029] By using more than two valve discs to regulate the flow, the maximum total opening area of ​​a valve can be increased. In theory, the resulting total opening area when using more than two valve discs is over 50% of the flow cross-sectional area. Therefore, when using three valve discs, a maximum total opening area of ​​2 / 3 of the flow cross-sectional area can be achieved.

[0030] If more than three valve discs are used, the maximum opening area can be further increased. For example, when using four valve discs, a maximum opening area of ​​¾ (75%) of the flow cross-sectional area can theoretically be achieved. It has been found that, generally, for a valve using at least two valve discs that is intended to completely block the flow of the medium to be regulated in a first relative position of the valve discs, a maximum opening area of ​​(n-1) / n can theoretically be achieved for n valve discs used. To achieve flow blockage in a first position and the maximum possible opening area in a second position, it is necessary that the valve discs are movable relative to each other and each has at least one through-hole.

[0031] Preferably, the valve discs are mounted on a common axis, particularly centrally, and rotatable about this axis. This allows for a particularly simple and space-saving valve design, resulting in low manufacturing costs and a small amount of installation space required at the valve's destination.

[0032] The housing can be made of one or more parts. In a multi-part housing, sealing elements, preferably sealing rings, especially O-rings made of suitable plastics, can serve to seal the housing parts against each other, so that the medium to be regulated cannot escape from the valve. Recesses, especially grooves, can be provided in the housing parts for the sealing elements, for example for the use of sealing rings.

[0033] According to the invention, the valve discs have an identical geometry. This greatly simplifies the manufacturing of the valve and thus makes it more cost-effective.

[0034] The valve according to the invention provides a way to reduce pressure loss through the valve disc design and to allow a larger flow area for the medium to be regulated. The reduction in pressure loss represents a significant advantage over disc valves known from the prior art. Since pressure loss is a decisive factor in pipe dimensioning, investment costs can be reduced in this way. Furthermore, the reduced pipe volume resulting from smaller pipe dimensions, as well as the higher flow velocities, have a positive effect on hygiene.

[0035] The medium to be regulated can be a liquid, such as water, or a gas. The valve can be used as an electronic shut-off and control valve. For example, it can be used for house or apartment shut-off in combination with a leak detection system, so that if a leak is detected, the valve can shut off a pipe leading to the house or apartment.

[0036] It can also be used for flow control in drinking water circulation or for controlling hydraulic balancing in heating circuits, as well as for use as a circuit, floor, apartment or house shut-off in drinking water and heating systems.

[0037] The following describes various preferred embodiments of the valve.

[0038] In a first embodiment of the valve, the valve discs comprise a ceramic material. In particular, the valve discs consist of a ceramic material. Alternatively, only a coating of a ceramic material may be provided.

[0039] Ceramic components for valves, especially valve discs, exhibit excellent wear properties, resulting in a long service life. Furthermore, valves with ceramic discs are characterized by low actuation forces and therefore low actuation torques, simplifying valve operation and control. These valves are particularly well-suited for use with common stepper motors. This increases the overall flexibility of the valve's applications and reduces the forces exerted on the valve components.

[0040] The possibility of automation also allows the valve to be used with electronic systems, for example, in leakage protection systems with an automatic shut-off function upon leak detection. By combining the reduced pressure loss due to the valve disc design with the advantages of ceramic valves, a versatile valve is presented, which particularly enables the use of ceramic valves in applications where low pressure loss is critical.

[0041] Possible ceramic materials include silicon carbide (SiC), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), and zirconium oxide ceramic (ZrO₂). These materials have proven to be particularly wear-resistant and therefore suitable for use in valves. Silicon carbide (SiC), titanium nitride (TiN), and DLC (diamond-like carbon) are especially advantageous as ceramic coatings for valve discs. Ceramic materials are characterized in particular by their good chemical resistance, as well as high hardness and compressive strength even at high temperatures. This allows the use of valves for regulating a wide variety of media under conditions that are too aggressive for other materials, such as steels.

[0042] In another embodiment of the valve, the passage openings are essentially designed as circular sectors, and each circular sector has an opening angle α of greater than 180°, preferably greater than 200°, and particularly preferably greater than 240°.

[0043] Openings designed essentially as circular sectors are advantageously suited for use in rotatable valve discs. Openings designed essentially as circular sectors are understood to be those that have the shape of a circular sector, but where slight deviations from this shape may occur due to recesses or projections. For example, the corners of the circular sector may be slightly rounded.

[0044] In this way, the maximum available flow cross-section can be optimally utilized through the through-openings, for example, in the case of a circular cross-section of the pipe to be blocked. With three valve discs, each forming a circular sector... α With an opening angle greater than 180°, greater than 200°, or greater than 240°, the second relative position of the valve discs allows for an opening area for the passage of the medium to be regulated, in the form of a circular sector with a maximum opening angle of more than 180°, more than 200°, or greater than 240°. Thus, a maximum opening area of ​​up to 2 / 3 of the flow cross-section can be achieved.

[0045] The opening angles of the valve discs can be the same. Different opening angles are also possible. In particular, the through-holes can be geometrically identical. The outer shape of the valve discs can essentially be circular, but shapes other than circular are also possible, for example, valve discs with corners, edges, or recesses.

[0046] In a further embodiment of the valve, the valve discs each have at least two through-openings, the through-openings are essentially designed as circular sectors and the circular sectors each have an opening angle α of greater than 90°, preferably greater than 100°, particularly preferably 120°.

[0047] If two or more through-holes are specified for each valve disc, the stability of the individual valve discs, and thus of the valve, can be increased, preferably while maintaining a constant through-hole area per valve disc. This increased stability results from reducing the contiguous free through-hole area. For example, webs, preferably extending radially towards the axis of rotation of the valve disc, can be provided between the circular sectors formed as circular sectors.

[0048] For example, with valve discs featuring through-holes in the form of circular sectors with an opening angle α of 120°, a maximum opening area of ​​up to 2 / 3 of the flow cross-section can be achieved, depending on the thickness of the webs. Simultaneously, providing two through-holes instead of just one per valve disc increases the disc's stability. This increased stability contributes to reduced valve wear and a longer service life.

[0049] Furthermore, ceramic materials have a low weight compared to other materials used for valves, thus less force is required to move the valve discs made of ceramic materials.

[0050] In a further embodiment of the valve, a drive mechanism is provided for rotating the rotatable valve discs from the first position to the second position of the valve discs, and the drive mechanism causes at least one first rotatable valve disc to rotate, preferably all further rotatable valve discs.

[0051] By incorporating a drive mechanism, at least one actively rotated, movable valve disc can rotate at least one other, with the rotation of each movable disc relative to the fixed valve disc and thus relative to the housing. In this way, the movement of a single or at least a few valve discs can move all or several of the movable valve discs, thus simplifying valve operation and control. For example, the valve can be fully opened or closed, or set to intermediate positions, with a single movement.

[0052] Preferably, the movement, in particular the rotation, of the valve discs is based on the mechanical engagement of at least one further rotatable valve disc by means of the drive mechanism when a rotatable valve disc rotates. Drive elements that enable mechanical engagement of the valve discs and the drive mechanism during rotation are preferably provided for this purpose.

[0053] It is also possible that the engagement is based, at least in part, on static friction effects between adjacent valve discs. For this purpose, the valve discs can, for example, be mounted on a common axis and arranged flush against each other, thus maximizing the frictional area between adjacent valve discs.

[0054] Furthermore, it is possible to provide detent elements on a valve disc or on several valve discs and / or on other elements, for example in the form of detent lugs and opposing recesses, as part of the drive mechanism design.

[0055] The rotation of the actively rotated valve disc or discs can be effected manually or by means of a motor drive, for example a stepper motor can be used.

[0056] As an alternative to the described coupling of the valve discs' rotation, independent rotation of the valve discs can also be provided. For example, the valve discs can be individually rotated manually or by a motor. According to this alternative, spacers can advantageously be provided to reduce static friction between the valve discs, thus preventing them from rotating together. Independent rotation of the discs allows for simpler, precise fine-tuning of the valve's opening degree.

[0057] In another embodiment of the valve, the housing has a rotatable insert and the first rotatable valve disc is arranged in the insert in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0058] In this way, rotation of the insert causes the first rotatable valve disc to rotate. The drive mechanism allows further rotatable valve discs, in particular a second rotatable valve disc, to be moved along with it. Specifically, the first rotatable valve disc is fixedly arranged in the insert and fixedly arranged in the housing, and the second rotatable valve disc or the further rotatable valve discs are arranged between the two aforementioned valve discs and are each rotatable relative to them.

[0059] In the case of three valve discs, for example, the second rotatable valve disc is rotatable relative to both the valve disc fixed in the housing and the valve disc fixed in the insert. The valve disc fixed in the insert is also rotatable relative to the valve disc fixed in the housing.

[0060] Guide rails may be provided on the inside of the insert and on the inside of the part of the housing in which the rotationally fixed valve disc is located, in which the second rotatable valve disc and / or the further rotatable valve discs are rotatably arranged. In particular, the second rotatable valve disc and / or the further rotatable valve discs may be arranged at least partially in the insert and in a further part of the housing.

[0061] Preferably, grooves are provided in the circumferential direction of the insert to accommodate sealing elements, in particular sealing rings, which seal the insert against the housing so that the medium to be regulated cannot flow past it.

[0062] A sliding element, preferably consisting at least partially of a polymer, in particular polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), can be provided between the insert and at least one part of the housing against which the insert is rotated. In particular, the sliding element can be designed as a sliding disc or sliding ring. The sliding element reduces friction between the insert and the housing, thus requiring lower rotational forces.

[0063] In another embodiment of the valve, a handle is provided on the outside of the housing, and actuation of the handle causes the insert to rotate.

[0064] This allows for easy operation of the valve. The inclusion of a handle also enables a geometrically simple design, thus reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, a handle on the outside of the housing makes it easier to see the valve's position, i.e., whether it is in the closed or open position, especially the fully open position.

[0065] In particular, the rotation of the insert can be effected by rotating the handle. A connecting element can be provided on the handle that engages with the insert and thus moves it.

[0066] The handle is preferably attached to the housing, for example by means of a fastening element such as a screw or a pin, and to the insert. For this purpose, receptacles for the fastening element can be provided on the handle and on the insert. Preferably, a recess is provided in the housing that allows the handle, and thus also the insert, to rotate within a specific angular range. This allows the valve to be easily opened and closed using the handle, and the valve's open position can be easily visualized from the outside.

[0067] According to the invention, end stops are provided to limit the rotational movement of the rotatable valve discs.

[0068] In this way, a mechanically simple limitation of the rotation can be achieved, preferably to a maximum angle relative to the rotationally fixed valve disc. Preferably, the end stops limit the rotation of the valve discs in one direction to an angle corresponding to the first relative position of the valve discs, and in the other direction to an angle corresponding to the second relative position of the valve discs. Preferably, at least two end stops are provided for each valve disc. The valve discs preferably have circumferential projections extending radially in the direction of the circumference, which abut against the end stops in the first and second relative positions, respectively, thus limiting the rotation of the valve discs.

[0069] Additional stops, such as intermediate stops, can be provided that do not absolutely limit the rotation, but require a certain force to overcome, thus defining discrete intermediate positions between the first and second relative positions of the valve discs. In this way, a specific degree of valve opening can be set. For example, the intermediate stops can be designed as radially inward-extending projections located on the inside of the insert and / or on the inside of the housing, particularly in the guide rails.

[0070] At the same time, the end stops can serve to reinforce the synchronous movement of the rotatable valve discs within the framework of the drive mechanism.

[0071] The end stops make it easier to control the rotation of the valve discs, especially when using a drive motor for rotation. Furthermore, the end stops ensure that the valve discs have reached their first or second relative position.

[0072] In a further embodiment, the end stops limit the rotational movement of a first rotatable valve disc to a rotation by a maximum angle β, preferably β = 240°, relative to the at least one rotationally fixed valve disc, and the rotational movement of at least one further rotatable valve disc to a rotation by a maximum angle γ, preferably γ = 120°, relative to the at least one rotationally fixed valve disc.

[0073] The angles β and γ can be advantageously selected depending on the number of valve discs and the size of the through-openings, in particular the opening angle of the circular sectors. For example, if three valve discs are present, each with at least one through-opening in the form of a circular sector with a (total) opening angle of 240° (i.e., one circular sector opening with an opening angle of 240° or two or more circular sector openings with a total opening angle of 240°, such as two circular sector openings of 120° each), then the end stops can advantageously limit the rotations by maximum angles β = 240° and γ = 120°. In this way, the first and second relative positions of the valve discs are limited by the end stops, and the largest possible maximum opening area in relation to the flow cross-section can be achieved.

[0074] In particular, the end stops can limit the rotation of the first rotatable valve disc by the drive mechanism, the actively rotated valve disc, to 240° and limit the rotation of the second rotatable valve disc by the drive mechanism, the synchronized valve disc, to 120° relative to the rotationally fixed valve disc.

[0075] Limiting the rotation of the actively rotating valve disc to 240° reduces the risk of pressure surges, as a 240° rotation is required for closing instead of, for example, only 90° as with conventional valves. A pressure surge, also known as a pressure hammer, is a dynamic pressure change in the regulated medium, such as a fluid. Since pressure surges not only cause noise but also shorten the valve's service life, this limitation can increase both user comfort and the valve's lifespan.

[0076] Furthermore, a larger valve angle between the first and second relative position results in better control characteristics, especially when using the valve in combination with discrete stepper motors, as the individual control steps can then be larger.

[0077] The end stops preferably limit the rotation of the first rotatable valve disc by the drive mechanism, the actively rotated valve disc, to 120° and the rotation of the second rotatable valve disc by the drive mechanism, the co-rotated valve disc, preferably to 120° relative to the rotationally fixed valve disc.

[0078] According to the invention, the end stops limit the rotational movement of the rotatable valve discs in relation to adjacent valve discs to the same maximum angle δ, preferably δ = 120°.

[0079] This allows for a simple geometry of both the valve discs and the end stops and guide rails. According to the invention, the rotatable and the rotationally fixed valve discs are the same valve discs. This significantly simplifies the manufacturing of the valve.

[0080] If more than three valve discs are provided, additional maximum limiting angles can be specified besides angles β and γ. For example, with four valve discs, a further maximum angle ε can be specified. The angles β, γ, and ε can limit the rotational movement of the rotatable valve discs to, for example, 90°, 180°, and 270° relative to a non-rotating valve disc. This is particularly advantageous with four valve discs, each with an opening area in the form of a circular sector with an opening angle of 90°. In this way, the maximum opening area in the second position can be increased to up to 75%.

[0081] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawing.

[0082] The drawing shows Fig. 1a-d various perspective views of a first embodiment of the valve according to the invention, Fig. 2 a sectional view of the embodiment of the valve according to the invention. Fig. 1 , Fig. 3a-b Exemplary embodiments of the valve discs of the valve according to the invention, Fig. 4a-b Perspective views of the valve discs made of Fig. 3b in the first and second relative positions, Fig. 5a-b perspective views of the use of the embodiment of the valve according to the invention. Fig. 1 and Fig. 6a-b perspective views of the housing part with rotationally fixed valve disc of the embodiment of the valve according to the invention. Fig. 1 .

[0083] In the following description of the various embodiments according to the invention, components and elements with the same function and mode of operation are provided with the same reference numerals, even if the components and elements may differ in their dimensions or shape in the various embodiments.

[0084] In Fig. 1a Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the valve 2 according to the invention, with three valve discs 10, 12, 14. Fig. 1b shows an exploded view of valve 2 and Fig. 1c und 1d show perspective sectional views of valve 2 along the longitudinal axis 60 in Fig. 1a with and without valve discs 10, 12, 14 arranged in the housing 4 of the valve 2.

[0085] The valve disc 10 is fixedly arranged in the housing 4, in housing part 4a. The rotatable discs 12 and 14 are arranged to rotate relative to the fixedly arranged valve disc 10. In this embodiment, the valve discs 10, 12, 14 each have two through-openings 10b, 10c, 12b, 12c, 14b, 14c. The through-openings 10b, 10c, 12b, 12c, 14b, 14c are each essentially designed as circular sectors and have opening angles α (see figure). Fig. 1c ) of 120° each. In this case, the valve discs 10, 12, 14 are in the second relative position 64, in which the flow of the medium (not shown) is maximally open. That is, in this position 64, the overlap of the valve discs 10, 12, 14 in the flow direction (double arrow in Fig. 1c ) minimal.

[0086] As shown here, the 10b, 10c, 12b, 12c, 14b, 14c in the second relative position 64 give an opening area 20 (see Fig. 4b ) of more than 60% of the area of ​​the flow cross-section 22 (see Fig. 1a ) free. With precise geometric dimensions, the opening area can be more than 66%, up to 2 / 3, of the area of ​​the flow cross-section 22. The pressure loss through the valve 2 can be significantly reduced by the opening area 20 being more than 60% of the area of ​​the flow cross-section 22.

[0087] In Fig. 1b Further parts of the valve 2 can be seen. In this embodiment, the valve 2 has an insert 8, which is rotatable relative to the housing 4, a housing part 4a in which the rotationally fixed valve disc 10 is arranged, a housing part 4b, and a handle 6. The handle 6 is designed such that it engages with the insert 8 and, when the handle 6 is turned, can easily cause the insert 8 to rotate. Thus, the valve 2 can be moved from the first position 62 (see Fig. 4a ), valve closed, in the second position 64, valve fully open (see Fig. 4b ), and can be adjusted to intermediate positions where the valve is at least partially open.

[0088] The handle 6 can be easily attached to the housing 4, for example by means of a fastening element, such as a screw or a pin (not shown), for example by fastening it to the insert 8. For this purpose, receptacles 76, 78 for a fastening element are provided on the handle 6 and on the insert 8 in the present embodiment (see Fig. 1b By providing a recess 74 on the housing part 4a, here in the form of a slot extending circumferentially by 240° along the outside of the housing part 4a, the rotation of the handle 6 enables the rotation of the insert 8 by 240°. This allows for easy opening and closing of the valve 2 using the handle 6, and the open position of the valve 2 is also clearly visible.

[0089] Furthermore, sealing rings 26a, 26b are provided, with which the insert 8 is sealed against the housing 4, a sealing ring 28 is provided for sealing the rotationally fixed valve disc 10 against the housing 4 and a sealing ring 30 is provided for sealing the housing parts 4a, 4b against each other (see also Fig. 2 ).

[0090] In the Fig. 1a bis 1d In the embodiment shown, the driver construction 66 is formed by the design of the insert 8 together with the valve discs 10, 12, 14 and the housing part 4a.

[0091] In Fig. 1c und 1d The arrangement of the valve discs 10, 12, 14 in the housing 4 is shown. At the position of the valve discs 10, 12, 14, the drive mechanism 66 is located as part of the drive assembly 66. Fig. 1d The guide rails 32a, 32b provided in housing 4 and the guide rails 36a, 36b provided in operation are shown. The valve disc 12 is rotatably arranged along these guide rails.

[0092] Furthermore, it shows in particular Fig. 1d the diameter ds of the flow cross-section 22 of the valve, which is essentially the inner circle diameter d K of the through-openings 10b, 10c, 12b, 12c, 14b, 14c designed as circular sectors (see Fig. 3b ) corresponds, so that a maximum opening area 20 in relation to the flow cross-section 22 can be achieved in the second relative position 64.

[0093] Fig. 2 now shows a partially cut-away side view through the housing 4 of valve 2. Fig. 1a bis 1d In this view, the positions of the sealing rings 26a, 26b, which seal the insert 8 against the housing 4, the sealing ring 28 for sealing the rotationally fixed valve disc 10 against the housing 4, and the sealing ring 30 for sealing the housing parts 4a, 4b against each other are clearly visible. The flow cross-section 22 of the valve, shown here by the specified flow diameter ds, is essentially constant along the longitudinal axis of the housing 4. The sliding ring 24, designed here as a PTFE ring, reduces the friction between the insert 8 and the housing part 4b when the insert 8 rotates and reduces the actuating forces of the valve 2.

[0094] In Fig. 3a und 3b Exemplary embodiments of the valve discs 10, 12, 14 according to the invention are shown. Fig. 3a Figure 1 shows a valve disc 10, 12, 14 with a through-opening 10a, 12a, 14a, which is designed as a circular sector and has an opening angle α of 240°. When the valve discs 10, 12, 14 are rotated relative to each other about the common axis 60, they can be arranged in a first position 62 such that the flow of the medium is blocked. In a second position 64, a maximum opening area 20 can be set, corresponding to a circular sector with an opening angle of 240°. Thus, with respect to a circular flow cross-section 22 with the same diameter ds as the inner diameter d K of the circular sector through-openings 10a, 12a, 14a, an opening area of ​​2 / 3 can be achieved.

[0095] Fig. 3b Figure 1 shows a valve disc 10, 12, 14 with two through-openings 10b, 10c, 12b, 12c, 14b, 14c, each formed as a circular sector and having an opening angle α of 120°. A web 40, 42, 44 is provided between the two through-openings. Sections 10g, 12g, 14g of the valve discs 10, 12, 14 each denote closed surfaces that block the flow of a medium.

[0096] When the valve discs 10, 12, 14 are rotated relative to each other about the common axis 60, the valve discs 10, 12, 14 can be in a first position 62 (see Fig. 4a ) arranged so that the flow of the medium is blocked. In a second position 64 (see Fig. 4b In contrast, a maximum opening area 20 can be set, which corresponds to a circular sector with an opening angle Ω of almost 240°, i.e., almost 2 / 3 of the flow cross-section 22, since the width of the web 40, 42, 44 must be subtracted from the opening area 20. For valve discs with one through-hole 10a, 12a, 14a each with an opening angle of 240° (see Fig. 3a ) in contrast, no bridge needs to be taken into account for the maximum opening area and a maximum opening area 20 of up to 2 / 3 of the flow cross-section 22 can be achieved.

[0097] It can therefore be used for the in Fig. 3b The valve discs shown, with respect to a circular flow cross-section 22 with the same diameter ds as the inner diameter d K of the circular sector through-holes 10b, 10c, 12b, 12c, 14b, 14c, achieve an opening area of ​​almost 2 / 3 of the area of ​​the flow cross-section. The inclusion of a web 40, 42, 44 in each disc increases the stability of a single valve disc 10, 12, 14. Simultaneously, the maximum opening area is at least more than 50% of the area of ​​the flow cross-section 22, which represents a significant reduction in pressure loss compared to valves, particularly ceramic disc valves, from the prior art.

[0098] Furthermore, in Fig. 3a und Fig. 3b It can be seen that the valve discs 10, 12, 14 each have projections 50a, 50b, 52a, 52b, 54a, 54b which interact with the end stops 34a, 34b, 38a, 38b in the insert 8 and in the housing part 4a (see Fig. 5 and 6), so that the rotation of the valve discs 10, 12, 14 is limited to a maximum angle β, γ. The projections 52a, 52b, 54a, 54b, together with the end stops 34a, 34b, 38a, 38b, ensure that the rotatable valve disc 12 is driven within the drive assembly 66. The projections 50a, 50b ensure that the valve disc 10 is fixed in the housing part 4a.

[0099] In the Fig. 4a The first relative position 62 of the valve discs 10, 12, 14 is shown, in which the flow of the medium in the valve 2 is blocked. The openings 10b, 10c, 12b, 12c, 14b, 14c of the valve discs 10, 12, 14 are not directly above one another, but rather each opening 10b, 10c, 12b, 12c, 14b, 14c, i.e., an open circular sector of a valve disc 10, 12, 14, is covered by a portion of another valve disc 10, 12, 14 that does not have an opening 10b, 10c, 12b, 12c, 14b, 14c.

[0100] Fig. 4b Figure 64 now shows the second relative position 64 of the valve discs 10, 12, 14, in which the opening area 20 for the flow of the medium in the valve 2 is maximized. The through-holes 10b, 10c, 12b, 12c, 14b, 14c of the valve discs 10, 12, 14 are positioned so that the through-holes 10b, 10c, 12b, 12c, 14b, 14c of the valve discs 10, 12, 14 are arranged congruently one behind the other in the direction of flow.

[0101] Based on the Fig. 5 and 6 The actuation of valve 2 is now shown, in which the valve discs 10, 12, 14 move from a second position 64, in which the flow of the medium is maximally open, to a first position 62, in which the flow of the medium is blocked.

[0102] Fig. 5a-c show the deployment of 8 in perspective view, Fig. 6a-c show housing part 4a in perspective view.

[0103] In Fig. 5a The insert 8 is shown with the valve disc 14, which is fixedly arranged within it but rotatable relative to the housing 4. The projections 54a, 54b hold the valve disc 14 in the insert 8 in a rotationally fixed manner. When the insert 8 is rotated, the valve disc 14 rotates by the same angle. The insert 8 also has guide rails 36a, 36b in which the rotatable valve disc 12 (shown in Fig. 5b ) can rotate. End stops 38a, 38b are also provided to limit the rotational movement of the rotatable valve disc 12.

[0104] In the second position 64, the through-holes 10b, 10c, 12b, 12c, 14b, 14c of the valve discs 10, 12, 14 are arranged congruently above one another, with maximum overlap. If the insert 8 is now rotated relative to the housing 4, for example by means of the handle 6 or a stepper motor (not shown), the valve disc 14 rotates with the insert 8. Fig. 5b The insert 8 with the valve discs 10, 12 is shown before rotation.

[0105] During the rotation of the handle 6 and thus of the insert 8 in the angular range from 0° to 120°, the valve disc 12 does not initially rotate (see Fig. 5c The projections 52a, 52b of the valve disc 12 move within this angular range in the guide rails 36a, 36b, which in this case each form a circular arc. κ The valve disc 14 describes an angle of 120° and is limited by the end stops 38a, 38b, relative to the insert 8 and is simultaneously fixed relative to the guide rails 32a, 32b of the housing part 4a. After a rotation of the insert 8 by 120°, the valve disc 14 in the insert 8 has rotated by 120° relative to the valve disc 12.

[0106] After a rotation (direction of rotation according to rotation arrow R in Fig. 5c ) of the insert 8 at 120° the projections 52a, 52b of the valve disc 12 are located at the end stops 38a, 38b (see Fig. 5c ), wherein the end stop 38b rests against the projection 52a and the end stop 38a rests against the projection 52b. Now only the passage surface 12b is not covered by the valve disc 14.

[0107] If the insert 8 is now rotated further within an angle range of 120° to 240°, caused by turning the handle 6, relative to the rotationally fixed valve disc 10, the valve disc 12 is locked in the direction of rotation relative to the insert 8 and the valve disc 14 by means of the projections 52a, 52b and the end stops 38a, 38b. This is in Fig. 5d shown.

[0108] At the same time, the valve disc 12 is rotated relative to the housing part 4a, the projections 52a, 52b move in the guide rails 32a, 32b of the housing part 4a (see Fig. 6b und 6c ). Fig. 6a shows the housing part 4a with the valve disc 10 arranged in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the housing 4. In Fig. 6b The valve disc 12 is additionally shown before, during and after the rotation of the insert 8 by 120°, since the valve disc 12 does not rotate in this angular range.

[0109] When the insert 8 is rotated within an angular range of 120° to 240°, the movement of the valve disc 12 is caused by being driven along by the insert 8, whereby the force transmission between the insert 8 and the valve disc 12 is realized by means of the end stops 38a, 38b of the insert 8 and the projections 52a, 52b of the valve disc 12.

[0110] After a rotation of the handle 6 and thus of the insert 8 by 240°, the projections 52a, 52b of the valve disc 12 abut both the end stops 38a, 38b of the insert and the end stops 34a, 34b of the housing part 4a, with projection 52a abutting end stop 34b and projection 52b abutting end stop 34a. This is in Fig. 6c shown where only the through-hole 12c is not covered by the valve disc 10. In conjunction with Fig. 5d Where only the through-hole 12b is not covered by the valve disc 14, then every through-hole 12b, 12c of the valve disc 12 is now covered. In this first position 62, the valve 2 is therefore completely closed. The overlap of the through-holes 10b, 10c, 12b, 12c, 14b, 14c is now minimal and the flow cross-section 22 is closed.

[0111] When the insert 8 with the valve disc 14 is rotated 240° relative to the housing 4 and thus to housing part 4a, the valve disc 12 is rotated 120° relative to the valve disc 14 and simultaneously also 120° relative to the valve disc 10. The rotation of the valve disc 12 takes place in housing part 4a along the guide rails 32a, 23b and is limited by the end stops 34a (opposite 34b, concealed by housing part 4a), 34b. The guide rails 32a, 23b each also describe a circular arc. κat an angle of 120°. During this rotation, the valve disc 14 is therefore rotated 240° relative to the valve disc 10. Overall, the insert 8 is rotated 240° relative to the housing 4.

[0112] In addition, stepless control is possible between the positions 62 and 64 shown, so that the valve 2 is at least partially open for the flow of the medium in the intermediate positions.

Claims

1. Valve (2) for regulating the flow of a medium, - with a housing (4) and - with at least three valve discs (10, 12, 14), - wherein at least one valve disc (10) is arranged in the housing (4) so as to be rotationally fixed, - wherein at least two valve discs (12, 14) are arranged so as to be rotatable relative to the at least one valve disc (10) arranged so as to be rotationally fixed, - wherein the valve discs (10, 12, 14) each have at least one passage opening (10a, 10b, 10c, 12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b, 14c), - wherein the passage openings (10a, 10b, 10c, 12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b, 14c) are designed in such a way that in a first relative position (62) of the valve discs (10, 12, 14) the flow of the medium is blocked and in a second relative position (64) it is maximally open and - wherein the passage openings (10a, 10b, 10c, 12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b, 14c) are designed in such a way that in the second relative position (64) the passage openings (10a, 10b, 10c, 12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b, 14c) of the valve discs (10, 12, 14) expose an opening area (20) of more than 50 %, preferably more than 60 %, particularly preferably more than 65 %, of the area of the flow cross-section (22), - wherein the valve discs (10, 12, 14) have a an identical geometry, - wherein end stops (34a, 34b, 38a, 38b) are provided to limit the rotational movement of the rotatable valve discs (12, 14), characterised in - that the end stops (34a, 34b, 38a, 38b) limit the rotational movement of the rotatable valve discs (10, 12) relative to each other of adjacent valve discs (10, 12) in terms of absolute value to the same maximum angle δ, preferably δ = 120°, and - that the rotatable and the rotationally fixed valve discs (10, 12, 14) are identical valve discs (10, 12, 14).

2. Valve according to claim 1, characterised in that the valve discs (10, 12, 14) include a ceramic material.

3. Valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in - that the passage openings (10a, 12a, 14a) are essentially designed in the form of circular sectors, and - that the circular sectors each have an opening angle α of greater than 180°, preferably greater than 200°, particularly preferably 240°.

4. Valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in - that the valve discs (10, 12, 14) each have at least two passage openings (10b, 10c, 12b, 12c, 14b, 14c), - that the passage openings (10b, 10c, 12b, 12c, 14b, 14c) are essentially designed in the form of circular sectors, and - that the circular sectors each have an opening angle α of greater than 90°, preferably greater than 100°, particularly preferably 120°.

5. Valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in - that a driver structure (66) is provided for rotating the rotatable valve discs (12, 14) from the first position (62) into the second position (64) of the valve discs (10, 12, 14), and - that the driver structure (66) causes the rotation of at least one second rotatable valve disc (12), preferably all further rotatable valve discs (12), upon rotation of at least one first rotatable valve disc (14).

6. Valve according to claim 5, characterised in - that the housing (4) has a rotatable insert (8), and - that the first rotatable valve disc (14) is arranged in the insert (8) so as to be rotationally fixed.

7. Valve according to claim 6, characterised in - that a handle (6) is provided on the outside of the housing (4), and - that the actuation of the handle (6) causes the insert (8) to rotate.

8. Valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the end stops (34a, 34b, 38a, 38b) limit the rotational movement of a first rotatable valve disc (14) to a rotation through a maximum angle β, preferably β = 240°, relative to the at least one rotationally fixed valve disc (10) and limit the rotational movement of at least one further rotatable valve disc (12) to a rotation through a maximum angle γ, preferably γ = 120°, relative to the at least one rotationally fixed valve disc (10).