CONNECTING DEVICE AND MEMBRAN VALVE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a diaphragm valve and a diaphragm seat valve.

[0002] Advances in process valve technology are described.

[0003] US 2015 / 053875 A1 discloses a closure element for a fluid shut-off device and the shut-off device itself. The closure element comprises a diaphragm and a locking element projecting from the diaphragm. The locking element has an outer diameter recess designed such that the closure element can be locked by means of the outer diameter recess by means of a locking slide that can be guided substantially orthogonally to a feed axis.

[0004] EP 2 952 790 A1 discloses an intermediate piece for a diaphragm valve for fluids. A pressure piece can be arranged in the intermediate piece. The pressure piece has at least two locking slides for locking a locking element of a closure element. The intermediate piece has a cylinder in which the pressure piece can be guided axially. The intermediate piece has a recess arranged such that, in an assembly position of the pressure piece, the locking slides move into the recess and thus release the locking element.

[0005] The problem underlying the invention is solved by a diaphragm valve or diaphragm seat valve according to claim 1.

[0006] One aspect of the description concerns the following object: A connecting device for a diaphragm valve or diaphragm seat valve comprising a receptacle with a distal opening which provides a receiving space for receiving a section of a diaphragm pin of a valve diaphragm, wherein at least one laterally arranged passage of the receptacle leads into the receiving space; at least one first locking element in which at least one lateral passage is movably arranged at least perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the connecting device;and at least a second locking element which is movably mounted on the receptacle along the longitudinal axis, wherein the second locking element in a first position relative to the receptacle presses the at least one first locking element through an inner opening of the at least one passage into the receptacle space, and wherein the second locking element in a second position relative to the receptacle releases the first locking element to move out of the receptacle space.

[0007] Advantageously, the second, movable locking element, combined with the engagement of the first locking element in the receiving space, allows a force to be applied to the membrane pin. The connection device requires minimal installation space, which increases the design freedom for other components. Assembly and disassembly of the membrane are also accelerated.

[0008] According to the invention, a spring element rests against the receptacle and pushes the second locking element towards the first position.

[0009] This means that the second locking element always moves into the second position, in which at least one first locking element secures the membrane or its pin / membrane pin in the receiving space.

[0010] An advantageous example is characterized by the fact that at least one passage tapers at least partially towards the inner opening.

[0011] The tapered shape advantageously keeps the first safety element in the passage.

[0012] An advantageous example is characterized in that the second locking element comprises a boundary space which has a first diameter in a first section in order to press the first locking element through the inner opening of the at least one passage into the receiving space in the first position, wherein a second section of the boundary space has a second diameter which is larger than the first diameter in order to release the first locking element for movement out of the receiving space in the second position.

[0013] The different diameters ensure that different relative rotational positions of the second locking element and the receiver have no influence on the function of the connecting device.

[0014] An advantageous example is characterized by the fact that the second locking element includes a holding geometry for achieving the second position.

[0015] This eliminates the need for separate actuation of the second locking element. The drive can then be used to move the connecting device into a mounting position where the holding geometry is locked in place.

[0016] An advantageous example is characterized by the fact that the receiving space contains at least some protection against the membrane pin falling out. Advantageously, this protection provides haptic feedback to the installer, thus confirming correct installation.

[0017] Another aspect of the description concerns the following object: A diaphragm valve or diaphragm seat valve comprising an actuator; an actuator rod connected to the actuator, which includes the connecting device according to the previous aspect; an actuator-side body; a valve body; the diaphragm, wherein a lateral section of the diaphragm is clamped between the valve body and the actuator-side body, wherein the second locking element, in its first position relative to the receiving space, presses the first locking element through the inner opening of the at least one passage into a tapering of the diaphragm pin, which is located at least partially in the receiving space.

[0018] The locking elements couple the diaphragm pin, and thus the diaphragm, to the drive rod when the second locking element is in the first position. When the second locking element is moved to the second position, the diaphragm can be removed from the drive rod, or a new diaphragm can be installed more quickly.

[0019] The tapered section is a cross-sectional narrowing perpendicular to the actuating axis and allows a rotational degree of freedom to remain even after the diaphragm pin is fixed in the receptacle. This enables the diaphragm to be rotated even after the diaphragm pin has been inserted into the receptacle. This facilitates the implementation of a target rotational position of the diaphragm relative to a fixed component of the diaphragm valve via coding. Furthermore, the diaphragm pin can be designed to be rotationally symmetrical to the actuating axis, at least within the receptacle.

[0020] An advantageous example is characterized by the provision of a compressor which is arranged between the distal end of the intake and the membrane.

[0021] The compressor, which is freely movable along the axis of rotation, is subjected to a force from the distal end of the mount in order to close the diaphragm valve or the fluid channel.

[0022] An advantageous example is characterized by the fact that a free distance between the compressor, the membrane and the distal end of the recording is smaller than a distance between a floor of the recording space and a distal end of the membrane pin.

[0023] Advantageously, this allows a closing force to be introduced into the compressor via the distal end of the receptacle and from the compressor into the diaphragm, which presses against the valve seat. The closing force is not transmitted via the locking elements during closure. However, an opening force, which moves the diaphragm away from the valve seat, is transmitted via the first locking element to the diaphragm pin and the diaphragm.

[0024] An advantageous example is characterized by the fact that the membrane pin is movably mounted along the axis of adjustment within the recording space.

[0025] This has the advantage that, during assembly and disassembly, the first locking element can be inserted into and removed from the diameter reduction of the membrane pin in a defined manner.

[0026] An advantageous example is characterized by the fact that the drive moves the drive rod from at least one operating position to a mounting position in which the second locking element is in the second position.

[0027] Advantageously, the position of the drive rod allows the membrane pin to be set or released for insertion.

[0028] An advantageous example is characterized by the fact that the holding geometry of the second locking element meets a stop fixed to the drive rod when the drive rod transitions into the mounting position.

[0029] This secures the second locking element, while the drive rod with its receptacle continues to move into the mounting position. The second locking element then releases the receptacle for inserting or removing the diaphragm pin. To mount the valve body, the drive rod is retracted using the drive mechanism.

[0030] The drawing shows: Figure 1 a perspective view of a connecting device; Figure 2 a diaphragm valve in a schematic section; Figures 3 and 4 different operating positions of the drive rod; Figure 5 a mounting position of the drive rod.

[0031] Figure 1 and 2 show a connecting device 100. In Figure 2A diaphragm valve 300, comprising the connecting device 100, is shown in a schematic section. As an alternative to the example shown, the connecting device 100 can also be used for other types of valves, for example, for a plug-diaphragm valve, in which the shut-off element is diaphragm-like in an outer area and transitions into an inner rigid shut-off section.

[0032] A receptacle 102a-b of the connecting device 100 comprises a distal opening 104, which provides a receiving chamber 106 for receiving a section of a diaphragm pin 202 of a valve diaphragm 200, wherein at least one laterally arranged passage 108a-b of the receptacle 102a-b leads into the receiving chamber 106. The receptacle 102a is designed in the form of a socket which receives the diaphragm pin 202.

[0033] A first locking element 102a-b is movably mounted in the lateral passage 108a-b at least perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis or longitudinal axis of the connecting device 100. In its installed state, the longitudinal axis of the connecting device 100 coincides with the actuating axis S of the associated diaphragm valve 300.

[0034] A second locking element 112 is movably mounted on the receptacle 102ab along its longitudinal axis. In a first position S#1 relative to the receptacle 102a-b, the second locking element 112 presses the at least one first locking element 110a-b section by section through an inner opening of the at least one passage 108a-b into the receiving space 106. For this purpose, the first locking element 102a-b is dimensioned larger than the wall in which the passage 108a-b is located. The at least one passage 108a-b tapers towards the inner opening, at least section by section, in particular in a conical shape.

[0035] The second safety element 112 gives in a second in Figure 5 In the visible position S#2 relative to the recording 102a-b, the first safety element 110a-b is free to move out of the recording space 106. This means that the first safety element 110a-b can move into a space cleared by the second safety element 112.

[0036] A spring element 114, designed as a compression spring, is supported against the receptacle 102a-b and pushes the second locking element 112 towards the first position S#1. In the first position S#1, the second locking element 112 rests against the receptacle 102a-b.

[0037] A diaphragm valve 300 comprises an actuator 302 and an actuator rod 304 connected to the actuator 302, which includes the connecting device 100. The connecting device 100 is arranged at the distal end of the actuator rod 304. In this case, the connecting device 100 is designed with a two-part receptacle 102a and 102b. Of course, the receptacle can also be designed differently.

[0038] In the example shown, the receptacle 102b is designed as a separate part from the drive rod 304. In an example not shown, the receptacle 102b is part of the drive rod 304.

[0039] For clarity, the diaphragm valve is shown in Figure 2Shown only on the left: A drive-side body 308, for example a drive housing, and a valve body 306, arranged fixed to the drive 302. The valve body 306 comprises a fluid channel 350, which can be closed by pressing the diaphragm 200 onto a valve seat 352. A lateral section 207 of the diaphragm 200 is clamped between the valve body 306 and the drive-side body 308. In its first position S#1 relative to the receptacle 102a-b, the second locking element 112 presses the first locking element 110a-b through the inner opening of the at least one passage 108a-b, section by section, into a reduction 206 of the diaphragm pin 202, which is, for example, designed as an outer circumferential groove. The diaphragm pin 202 is located at least section by section in the receptacle 106.

[0040] The first locking elements 110a-b thus penetrate into the tapered section 206, which is located proximally to the head 204 of the diaphragm pin 202 projecting from the diaphragm 200.

[0041] A compressor 310 or a pressure piece is arranged between the distal end 124 of the receptacle 102a-b and the membrane 200.

[0042] The second locking element 112 is designed as a cap sleeve. On the drive side, the second locking element 112 comprises a receiving chamber for the spring element 114. On the diaphragm side, the second locking element 112 comprises a limiting chamber, which, in a first section 216 arranged away from the diaphragm 200, has a first diameter D_116 in order to press the first locking element 110a-b through the inner opening of the at least one passage 108a-b section by section into the receiving chamber 106 in the first position S#1. A second section 118 of the limiting chamber, arranged towards the diaphragm 200, has a second diameter D_118, which is larger than the first diameter D_116, in order to release the first locking element 110a-b for movement out of the receiving chamber 106 in the second position S#2.

[0043] The second securing element 112 comprises a laterally arranged retaining geometry 130 to achieve the in Figure 5shown second position S#2.

[0044] The receiving chamber 106 contains at least one safeguard against the diaphragm pin 202 falling out. This safeguard, for example, comprises an internal groove 120 extending in a perpendicular plane to the actuating axis S and an elastic O-ring 122 arranged therein, which has a smaller diameter than the head 204 of the diaphragm pin 202. When the diaphragm pin 202 is pressed into the receiving chamber 106, the operator initially experiences mechanical resistance resulting from the head 204 impacting the elastic O-ring 122. As the diaphragm pin 202 is pressed further into the receiving chamber 106, the mechanical resistance decreases as soon as the O-ring 122 engages in the tapered section 206 of the diaphragm pin 202. This provides a retaining feature.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, a loss prevention mechanism can also be implemented differently. For example, a magnet is arranged on a base 126 of the receiving chamber 106. The head 204 of the membrane pin 104 is magnetic and is thus held securely in place by the magnetic holding force during assembly.

[0046] A free distance A along or parallel to the positioning axis S between the compressor 310, the membrane 200 and the distal end 124 of the recording 102a-b is smaller than a distance B along or parallel to the positioning axis S between the bottom 126 of the recording space 106 and a distal end 226 of the membrane pin 202.

[0047] The diaphragm pin 202 is movably mounted within the receiving chamber 106 along the positioning axis S. The head 204 and a shaft 210 of the diaphragm pin 202 are separated from each other by the tapered section 206, wherein a first diameter of the head 204 of the diaphragm pin 202, perpendicular to the positioning axis S, and a diameter of the shaft 210, perpendicular to the positioning axis S, are matched to the corresponding inner diameter of the receiving chamber 106 such that the diaphragm pin 202 is movably mounted within the receiving chamber 106 along the positioning axis S. In particular, the inner wall of the receiving chamber 106 follows a cylindrical inner surface, and the outer walls of the head 204 and the shaft 210 follow a cylindrical outer surface. In particular, the first diameter of the head 204 and the second diameter of the shaft 210 are equal in size. In an alternative example, the first diameter of the head is 204 smaller than the second diameter of the shaft is 210.In an alternative example, the first diameter of the head 204 is larger than the second diameter of the shaft 210. The taper 206 is therefore part of a circumferential groove of the diaphragm pin 202. The circumferential groove is parallel to the adjusting axis S and larger than the free distance A, in particular larger than the maximum distance B, when the second locking element 112 is in the first position S#1.

[0048] The tapered section 206 is dimensioned parallel to the actuating axis S such that it allows axial play of the diaphragm pin 202. At the same time, the design allows rotational play.

[0049] Figure 3 and 4 The schematic sections show different operating positions B#1 and B#2 of the drive rod. Figure 3 The diaphragm 200 is lifted from the valve seat 352, with a force flow F#1 passing through the first locking elements 110a-b and the diaphragm pin 202. In Figure 4In contrast, the locking elements 110a-b are indeed arranged in the tapered section 206. However, a force flow F#2 when pressing the diaphragm 200 onto the seat does not occur via the first locking elements 110a-b. Rather, the distal end 124 of the receptacle 102a presses on the compressor 310, which transmits the applied force to the diaphragm 200.

[0050] Figure 5 Figure 302 shows a schematic section of the diaphragm valve 300 without the valve body. The actuator 302 moves the actuator rod 304 from at least one of the operating positions, in which a fluid channel is open or closed, to a mounting position M. ,in which the second locking element 112 is in the second position S#2. The retaining geometry 130 of the second locking element 112 encounters a stop 330, which is fixed to the drive rod 304, when the drive rod 304 transitions into the mounting position M, thus locking the second locking element 112 to the drive from the moment it encounters the stop 330. In the mounting position M of the drive rod shown, the spring element 114 is compressed and allows the first locking elements 110a-b to enter an external space from the narrowing 206. This allows the diaphragm pin 202 to be removed from the receiving space 106 or another diaphragm pin of a different diaphragm to be inserted into the receiving space 106.

Claims

1. A diaphragm valve (300) or a diaphragm seat valve comprising: a drive (302); a drive rod (304) connected to the drive (302), which drive rod comprises a connection device (100); the connection device (100) comprising: a receptacle (102a-b) having a distal opening (104) which releases a receiving space (106) for receiving a portion of a diaphragm pin (202) of a valve diaphragm (200), wherein at least one laterally arranged through-hole (108a-b) of the receptacle (102a-b) leads into the receiving space (106); at least one first securing element (110a-b), which is movably arranged in the at least one lateral through-hole (108a-b) at least perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the connection device (100); at least one second securing element (112), which is mounted on the receptacle (102a-b) so as to be movable along the longitudinal axis, wherein the second securing element (112), in a first position (S#1) relative to the receptacle (102a-b), presses the at least one first securing element (110a-b) into the receiving space (106) through an inner opening of the at least one through-hole (108a-b), and wherein the second securing element (112), in a second position (S#2) relative to the receptacle (102a-b), releases the first securing element (110a-b) for movement out of the receiving space (106); and a spring element (114) which is supported on the receptacle (102a-b) and presses the second securing element (112) in the direction of the first position (S#1); wherein the drive (302) transfers the drive rod (304) from at least one operating position (B#1, B#2) into a mounting position (M) in which the second securing element (112) is in the second position (S#2).

2. The diaphragm valve (300) or diaphragm seat valve according to claim 1, wherein the at least one through-hole (108a-b) tapers at least partly in the direction of the inner opening.

3. The diaphragm valve (300) or diaphragm seat valve according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second securing element (112) comprises a limiting space which has a first diameter (D_216) in a first portion (216) in order to press, in the first position (S#1), the first securing element (110a-b) into the receiving space (106) through the inner opening of the at least one through-hole (108a-b), and wherein a second portion (118) of the limiting space has a second diameter (D_118) which is larger than the first diameter (D_116) in order to release, in the second position (S#2), the first securing element (110a-b) for movement out of the receiving space (106).

4. The diaphragm valve (300) or diaphragm seat valve according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second securing element (112) comprises a retaining geometry (130) for reaching the second position (S#2).

5. The diaphragm valve (300) or diaphragm seat valve according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in the receiving space (106) there is at least one protective means to prevent the diaphragm pin (202) from falling out.

6. The diaphragm valve (300) or diaphragm seat valve according to any of the preceding claims, comprising: the drive (302); the drive rod (304) connected to the drive (302), which drive rod comprises the connection device (100); a drive-side body (308); a valve body (306); the diaphragm (200), wherein a lateral portion (207) of the diaphragm (200) is clamped between the valve body (306) and the drive-side body (308), wherein the second securing element (112), in its first position (S#1) relative to the receptacle (102a-b), presses the first securing element (110a-b) through the inner opening of the at least one through-hole (108a-b) into a taper (206) of the diaphragm pin (202) which is located at least partly in the receiving space (106).

7. The diaphragm valve (300) or diaphragm seat valve according to claim 6, comprising: a compressor (310) which is arranged between the distal end (124) of the receptacle (102a-b) and the diaphragm (200).

8. The diaphragm valve (300) or diaphragm seat valve according to the preceding claim, wherein a free distance (A) between the compressor (310), the diaphragm (200), and the distal end (124) of the receptacle (102a-b) is smaller than a distance (B) between a bottom (126) of the receiving space (106) and a distal end (226) of the diaphragm pin (202).

9. The diaphragm valve (300) or diaphragm seat valve according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the diaphragm pin (202) is mounted inside the receiving space (106) so as to be movable along the actuating axis (S).

10. The diaphragm valve (300) or diaphragm seat valve according to claim 4, wherein the retaining geometry (130) of the second securing element (112) meets a stop (330) which is stationary relative to the drive rod (304) during the transition of the drive rod (304) into the mounting position (M).

11. A use of the diaphragm valve (300) or diaphragm seat valve according to any of the preceding claims.