Process valve

Abstract

A process valve having a plug-in and turn locking mechanism between a drive unit (100) and a valve body (200) is provided, wherein an electrical contacting mechanism integrated in the locking mechanism comprises, on the drive side, a plurality of electrical contacts (102a, 102b) and, on the valve body side, a plurality of electrical mating contacts (202a, 202b) for the contacts (102a, 102b), and wherein the electrical contacts (102a, 102b) and the electrical mating contacts (202a, 202b) are mechanically and electrically contacted during a relative rotation of the valve body (200) and the drive unit (100) in relation to each other in a locking direction (V) and are mechanically and electrically separated from one another during a relative rotation of same in relation to each other in an unlocking direction (E).

Description

[0001] Title: Process valve

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention concerns advances in the field of process valves.

[0004] Process valves such as diaphragm valves and seat valves are well known.

[0005] The problems of the prior art are solved by a process valve according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments can be found in the subclaims, the description and the figures. One aspect of the description relates to the following subject matter: A process valve with a plug-in / turn-locking mechanism between a drive unit and a valve body and with an electrical contacting mechanism which comprises a plurality of electrical contacts on the drive side and a plurality of electrical mating contacts for the contacts on the valve body side, wherein the electrical contacts and the electrical mating contacts are mechanically and electrically contacted upon relative rotation of the valve body and the drive unit against one another in a locking direction and are mechanically and electrically separated from one another upon relative rotation against one another in an unlocking direction.

[0006] This advantageously eliminates the need for additional cables and connectors for the electrical connection between the drive unit and the valve body. Integrating the electrical contact into the locking mechanism simplifies the installation of the process valve.

[0007] An advantageous example is characterized by the fact that an electrical connection is established between a control unit of the drive unit and another control unit of the valve body and / or a sensor of the valve body via the contacts and counter-contacts. This allows the sensor in the valve body to be read or the control unit in the valve body to be controlled in a simple manner.

[0008] An advantageous example is characterized in that at least some of the plurality of contacts are arranged on a drive-side receiving body which is at least partially electrically insulating, wherein the drive-side receiving body is received in a housing of the drive unit and is fixed to the housing.

[0009] Advantageously, the housing allows for separate manufacturing. This decoupling results in structural advantages in the arrangement of the contacts.

[0010] An advantageous example is characterized in that a valve membrane comprises a clamping section which surrounds a functional area of ​​the valve membrane, wherein the valve body comprises a clamping surface for contacting the clamping section of the valve membrane, wherein a clamping piece in a locking state and at least during operation of the membrane valve clamps the clamping section of the membrane between itself and the clamping surface of the valve body.

[0011] Advantageously, the seal to the outside is achieved via the internal clamping piece. An advantageous example is characterized in that the drive unit comprises a clamping unit that is fixed to the housing of the drive unit and that, in particular by means of a clamping drive, for example an electric motor, and a self-locking gear, introduces a clamping force via the clamping piece into the clamping section of the valve membrane or relaxes the clamping section.

[0012] The integrated tensioning unit enables automatic or manual tensioning of the membrane.

[0013] An advantageous example is characterized in that the drive-side receiving body has an internal guide contour in which the clamping piece for clamping the valve membrane is arranged so as to be movable along an actuating axis of the membrane valve.

[0014] This provides a space-saving design in which the drive-side receiving body realizes both a contact holding function and a guiding function for the clamping piece.

[0015] An advantageous example is characterized in that the inner guide contour of the drive-side receiving body and a counter contour of the clamping piece prevent rotation of the clamping piece about the adjusting axis.

[0016] This reduces or prevents shear stress on the bracing section of the diaphragm. An advantageous example is characterized in that the housing of the drive unit has a collar projecting in the direction of the valve body with a circumferentially arranged interruption into which a contact section of the drive-side receiving body, exposing the contacts, engages in a form-fitting manner, particularly in the circumferential direction.

[0017] Advantageously, the contact section exposes the contacts to the outside, whereas the remaining part of the receiving body is arranged protected within the housing.

[0018] An advantageous example is characterized in that the contact section of the drive-side receiving body follows an outer contour of the collar, in particular a surface which is set back relative to an adjacent locking projection.

[0019] Advantageously, the contact section is not subjected to any force during the plug-and-turn movement and is protected from wear.

[0020] An advantageous example is characterized in that at least some of the plurality of mating contacts are arranged on an electrically insulating, valve-body-side receiving body, wherein the valve-body-side receiving body is received and secured in the valve body. Advantageously, the receiving body can be manufactured separately. This decoupling results in design advantages in the arrangement of the mating contacts.

[0021] An advantageous example is characterized in that the drive-side receiving body and / or the valve-body-side receiving body comprises at least one inner guide channel for electrical lines, wherein the electrical lines arranged at least in sections in the guide channel lead away from the electrical contacts and / or the electrical counter-contacts in the direction of a drive-side control unit or in the direction of a valve-body-side control unit or a valve-body-side sensor.

[0022] Advantageously, a defined routing of the electrical lines away from the contacts or counter contacts is realized via the respective guide channel.

[0023] An advantageous example is characterized in that the drive-side receiving body and / or the valve-body-side receiving body is made at least in sections from a plastic material, wherein the valve body and the housing of the drive unit are made from a metal alloy.

[0024] The metal alloy advantageously ensures the stability of the

[0025] Twist-and-plug connection available, whereas the

[0026] Plastic material keeps the contacts and mating contacts electrically insulated. This device is particularly compact.

[0027] An advantageous example is characterized in that the drive-side control unit detects a locking state when a current flow is detected via two of the contacts which are assigned to the two connected counter contacts or a counter contact covering two contacts.

[0028] This allows functions such as tensioning the membrane or an operating mode to be released as soon as the locking state has been detected.

[0029] An advantageous example is characterized in that the plurality of contacts, in particular when rotating in the locking direction, run in imaginary vertical planes of the adjusting axis that are spaced apart from one another by a distance, wherein the plurality of counter-contacts, in particular when rotating in the locking direction, run in the vertical planes that are spaced apart from one another by the distance.

[0030] This advantageously prevents the contacts themselves from being electrically connected to one another during the plug-and-turn movement. At the same time, it prevents unintentional contact between two contact partners, in the sense of contact and counter-contact, that are not assigned to one another.An advantageous example is characterized in that the drive unit comprises a collar which runs in a circumferential direction to the actuating axis and projects from the housing, which collar comprises on its outer wall a plurality of locking projections which run in sections in the shape of a ring and offset in the circumferential direction therefrom the plurality of contacts, wherein the valve body comprises a counter-collar which runs in a circumferential direction to the actuating axis and projects from the valve body, which counter-collar comprises on its inner wall a plurality of grooves for the engagement of the associated locking projection and offset in the circumferential direction therefrom the plurality of counter-contacts.

[0031] The collar engaging the counter collar advantageously provides a simple plug-and-turn connection for assembly. The valve body and the drive unit are securely locked upon relative rotation in the locking direction, and are unlocked upon relative rotation in the unlocking direction, allowing the drive unit to be removed from the valve body.

[0032] An advantageous example is characterized in that the valve-side receiving body for the counter-contacts provides a stop in the circumferential direction for a counter-stop of an associated locking projection. The locking position, which is advantageously recognizable by touch, is advantageously achieved, particularly in the plastic design of the valve-side receiving body.

[0033] The drawing shows:

[0034] Figure 1 shows a plug-and-turn locking mechanism for a diaphragm valve in a schematic perspective view;

[0035] Figure 2 the diaphragm valve in assembled state;

[0036] Figure 3 shows the diaphragm valve in a schematic section;

[0037] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a valve body-side interface of a drive unit; and

[0038] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the diaphragm valve of Figure 2.

[0039] Figure 1 shows an example of a process valve for controlling a process fluid in the form of a diaphragm valve 2 with a plug-and-turn locking mechanism between a drive unit 100 and a valve body 200. For reasons of clarity, details such as fluid connections of the valve body 200 are not shown.

[0040] Of course, the features shown can also be applied to seat valves or other process valves that have a mechanical interface in the form of a plug-and-turn locking mechanism between the valve body and the drive unit. In these cases, there is also a desire to transmit data between the valve body 200 and the drive unit 100.

[0041] An electrical contacting mechanism, particularly integrated into the plug-and-turn locking mechanism, comprises a plurality of electrical contacts 102a, 102b on the drive side and a plurality of electrical mating contacts 202a, 202b for the contacts 102a, 102b on the valve body side. The electrical contacts 102a, 102b and the electrical mating contacts 202a, 202b are mechanically and electrically contacted upon relative rotation of the valve body 200 and the drive unit 100 in a locking direction V, and are mechanically and electrically separated from one another upon relative rotation in an unlocking direction E.

[0042] The drive unit 100 comprises a collar 140 which extends in a circumferential direction to the actuating axis S and protrudes from the housing 112, which collar has on its outer wall 146 a plurality of locking projections 150a, 150b which extend in sections in a circular ring shape and the plurality of contacts 102a, 102b offset in the circumferential direction with respect to the actuating axis S. The valve body 200 comprises a counter-collar 240 which extends in a circumferential direction to the actuating axis S and protrudes from the valve body 200, which collar has on its inner wall 246 a plurality of grooves 250a, 250b for engagement of the associated locking projection 150a, 150b and the plurality of counter-contacts 202a, 202b offset in the circumferential direction.

[0043] A respective one of a plurality of grooves 250a, 250b is formed such that it receives an associated one of the plurality of locking projections 150a, 150b when connecting the valve body 200 and the drive unit 100.

[0044] During assembly, the collar 140 is inserted into the counter collar 240 in a plug-in movement along the actuating axis S of the diaphragm valve 2, and then the drive unit 100 is rotated in the locking direction V until it reaches a stop. This provides the plug-in / turn locking mechanism.

[0045] After locking, i.e., the tensile-proof fixing of valve body 200 and drive unit 100, a valve membrane inserted between drive body 100 and valve body 200 is tensioned, whereby the connection between collar 140 and counter-collar 240 is subjected to force. This is explained in more detail in Figure 3.

[0046] To provide the electrical contacting mechanism, at least a part of the plurality of contacts 102a, 102b is arranged on a drive-side receiving body 106 which is at least partially electrically insulating, wherein the drive-side receiving body 106 is arranged in a housing 112 of the

[0047] Drive unit 100 is received and fixed to the housing 100.

[0048] To provide the electrical contacting mechanism, at least a part of the plurality of mating contacts 202a, 202b is arranged on an electrically insulating, valve-body-side receiving body 206, wherein the valve-body-side receiving body 206 is received and fixed in the valve body 200.

[0049] The valve body-side receiving body 206 for the counter contacts 202a, 202b provides a stop 252a for a counter stop 152a of an associated locking projection 150a in the circumferential direction with respect to the actuating axis S.

[0050] The drive-side receiving body 106 and / or the valve-body-side receiving body 206 comprise / comprises at least one inner guide channel (not shown) for electrical lines. The inner guide channel can, for example, be designed in sections as a through-opening and / or as an open groove in the respective receiving body 106, 206. The electrical lines arranged at least in sections in the guide channel lead from the electrical contacts 102a, 102b or the electrical mating contacts 202a, 202b, pointing away in the direction of a drive-side control unit or in the direction of a valve-body-side control unit or a valve-body-side sensor.

[0051] The drive-side receiving body 106 and / or the valve-body-side receiving body 206 are / is made at least in sections from a plastic material, wherein the valve body 200 and the housing 112 of the drive unit 100 are made from a metal alloy.

[0052] In an alternative example, the drive-side receiving body 106 and / or the valve-body-side receiving body 206 are / is made at least in sections from a plastic material, wherein the valve body 200 and the housing 112 of the drive unit 100 are also made from the same or another plastic material.

[0053] The plurality of contacts 102a, 102b run, in particular when rotating in the locking direction V, in imaginary vertical planes of the adjusting axis S spaced apart from one another by a distance, wherein the plurality of counter contacts 202a, 202b run, in particular when rotating in the locking direction V, in the vertical planes spaced apart from one another by the distance.

[0054] The exposed contacts 102a, 102b and the exposed mating contacts 202a, 202b have a longitudinal extension in the circumferential direction that is larger than an extension parallel to the actuating axis S. The plurality of contacts 102a, 102b and / or the respectively associated mating contact 202a, 202b comprises a spring mechanism that, in the locked state, presses the contact 102a, 102b and / or the mating contact 202a, 202b with a spring force in the direction of the mating contact 202a, 202b or in the direction of the contact 102a, 102b. This advantageously ensures an electrical connection.

[0055] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the diaphragm valve 2 from Figure 1. An electrical connection between the control unit 104 of the drive unit 100 and the further control unit of the valve body 200 and / or the sensor 204 of the valve body 200 is established via the contacts 102a, 102b and mating contacts 202a, 202b. The sensor 204 is, for example, a flow sensor that generates a signal that characterizes the flow between two fluid connections 290 and 292.

[0056] The valve body 200 comprises two fixed optical indicators 280 and 282 on the outer surface, which, in conjunction with an associated indicator 180 on the outer surface of the drive housing 112, signal the locking state and the release state depending on the rotational position between the valve body 200 and the drive unit 100. The drive-side control unit 104 detects the locking state when a current flow is detected via two of the contacts 102a, 102b, which are assigned to the two connected mating contacts 202a, 202b or a mating contact covering two contacts 102a, 102b.

[0057] For example, at least two of the mating contacts 202a, 202b are electrically connected to one another or a mating contact covers an area of ​​two contacts 102a, 102b.

[0058] In another example, the sensor 204 and / or the control unit in the valve body 200 is detected via the contacted contacts and counter contacts, or a signal originating therefrom is detected in order to detect the locking state.

[0059] A cylindrical surface of the housing 112 of the drive unit 100 follows an imaginary cylindrical extension of a cylindrical surface of the valve body 200 in the area of ​​the plug-and-turn locking mechanism. This improves cleanability.

[0060] Furthermore, a light-transparent circular ring 400 is arranged between the valve body 200 and the drive unit 100. A light source (not shown) connected to the circular ring 400 in a light-conducting manner is controlled by the control unit 104 in order to inform the fitter or the service personnel about the activity of a function, an operating state, such as the detected

[0061] Locking state, or to signal an error.

[0062] Figure 3 shows a schematic section of the diaphragm valve 2. A drive 170 applies a driving force to the valve diaphragm 300 via a valve rod 172 extending along the actuating axis S and movable along the actuating axis.

[0063] The valve diaphragm 300 comprises a clamping section 310 which surrounds a functional region 320 of the valve diaphragm 300. The valve body 200 comprises a clamping surface 210 for contacting the clamping section 310 of the valve diaphragm 300. In a locked state and at least during operation of the diaphragm valve 2, a clamping piece 110 clamps the clamping section 310 of the diaphragm 300 between itself and the clamping surface 210 of the valve body 2. The clamping surface 210 surrounds a functional opening 220 of the valve body 200, via which a valve seat (not shown) can be reached. In the closed state of the diaphragm valve 2, the valve diaphragm 300 presses against the valve seat and thus limits the flow of process fluid through the diaphragm valve 2.

[0064] The drive unit 100 comprises a clamping unit 120 which is fixed to the housing 112 of the drive unit 100 in the sense of a clamping assembly, which in particular by means of a clamping drive 122, for example an electric motor or a manual drive, and a self-locking gear 124, introduces a clamping force via the clamping piece 110 into the clamping section 310 of the valve membrane 300 or relaxes the clamping section 310.

[0065] The clamping unit 120 is supported on the valve body 200 via the locked plug-and-turn connection between the drive unit 100 and the valve body 200 and presses the clamping piece 110 and the bracing section 310 onto the valve body 200 in order to create a tight seal to the outside.

[0066] The control unit 104 arranged in the drive unit 100 operates at least the valve drive 170 and in particular also the tensioning unit 120 in dependence on a signal 500 which is guided from the valve body 200, in particular from the sensor 204, via electrical lines and the electrical contacting mechanism to the drive unit 100.

[0067] Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the drive-side receiving body 106, which follows a circular ring shape, for holding the contacts 102a, 102b.

[0068] The collar 140, which projects toward the valve body 200, comprises a circumferentially arranged interruption 142, into which a contact portion 144 of the drive-side receiving body 106, exposing the contacts 102a, 102b, engages in a form-fitting manner, particularly in the circumferential direction relative to the actuating axis S. The contact portion 144 of the drive-side receiving body 106 follows an outer contour of the collar 140, particularly a surface 146 that is recessed relative to an adjacent locking projection 150a.

[0069] The drive-side receiving body 106 comprises an internal guide contour 108 in which the clamping piece 110 is movably arranged for clamping the valve diaphragm 300 along the actuating axis S of the diaphragm valve 2. The inner guide contour 108 of the drive-side receiving body 106 with projections running parallel to the actuating axis and a counter-contour 116 of the clamping piece 110 with receiving grooves for the aforementioned projections prevent rotation of the clamping piece 110 about the actuating axis S.

[0070] Figure 5 shows, in addition to Figure 2, an exploded view of the diaphragm valve 2. The valve body is closed with a cover 260, facing away from the drive unit 100. A sealing ring 262 is arranged between the valve body 200 and the cover 260. The cover 260 closes an opening which leads into a dry interior space 264 of the valve body 200. For example, at least one sensor and / or another control unit is arranged in the interior space 264. Electrical lines which are electrically connected to the electrical mating contacts 202a, 202b lead into the interior space 264.

Claims

A process valve, in particular a diaphragm valve (2) or a seat valve, with a plug-in / rotary locking mechanism between a drive unit (100) and a valve body (200) and with an electrical contacting mechanism which comprises a plurality of electrical contacts (102a, 102b) on the drive side and a plurality of electrical mating contacts (202a, 202b) for the contacts (102a, 102b) on the valve body side, wherein the electrical contacts (102a, 102b) and the electrical mating contacts (202a, 202b) are mechanically and electrically contacted upon relative rotation of the valve body (200) and the drive unit (100) against one another in a locking direction (V) and are mechanically and electrically separated from one another upon relative rotation against one another in an unlocking direction (E).The process valve according to claim 1, wherein an electrical connection is established between a control unit (104) of the drive unit (100) and a further control unit of the valve body (200) and / or a sensor (204) of the valve body (200) via the contacts (102a, 102b) and counter contacts (202a, 202b).

3. The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the plurality of contacts (102a, 102b) is arranged on a drive-side receiving body (106) which is at least partially electrically insulating, and wherein the drive-side receiving body (106) is received in a housing (112) of the drive unit (100) and is fixed to the housing (100).

4. The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a valve membrane (300) comprises a clamping section (310) which surrounds a functional area (320) of the valve membrane (300), wherein the valve body (200) comprises a clamping surface (210) for contacting the clamping section (310) of the valve membrane (300), and wherein a clamping piece (110) in a locked state and at least during operation of the process valve clamps the clamping section (310) of the membrane (300) between itself and the clamping surface (210) of the valve body (2).

5. The process valve according to claim 4, wherein the drive unit (100) comprises a clamping unit fixed to the housing (112) of the drive unit (100) (120) which, in particular by means of a tensioning drive (122), for example an electric motor, and a self-locking gear (124), introduces a tensioning force via the tensioning piece (110) into the tensioning section (310) of the valve membrane (300) or relaxes the tensioning section (310). The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive-side receiving body (106) has an internal guide contour (108) in which the clamping piece (110) for clamping the valve membrane (300) is movably arranged along an actuating axis (S) of the process valve. The process valve according to claim 6, wherein the internal guide contour (108) of the drive-side receiving body (106) and a counter-contour (116) of the clamping piece (110) prevent rotation of the clamping piece (110) about the actuating axis (S). The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (112) of the drive unit (110) has a collar (140) projecting in the direction of the valve body (200) with an interruption (142) arranged in the circumferential direction, into which a contact section (144) of the drive-side receiving body (106) exposing the contacts (102a, 102b) engages in a form-fitting manner, in particular in the circumferential direction.The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact portion (144) of the drive-side receiving body (106) corresponds to an outer contour of the collar. (140), in particular a surface (146) which is recessed relative to an adjacent locking projection (150a).

10. The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the plurality of mating contacts (202a, 202b) is arranged on an electrically insulating, valve-body-side receiving body (206), and wherein the valve-body-side receiving body (206) is received and fixed in the valve body (200).

11. The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive-side receiving body (106) and / or the valve-body-side receiving body (206) comprises at least one inner guide channel for electrical lines, wherein the electrical lines arranged at least partially in the guide channel lead away from the electrical contacts (102a, 102b) and / or the electrical counter-contacts (202a, 202b) in the direction of a drive-side control unit (104) or in the direction of a valve body-side control unit or a valve body-side sensor (204).

12. The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive-side receiving body (106) and / or the valve-body-side receiving body (206) is made at least in sections from a plastic material, and wherein the valve body (200) and the housing (112) of the drive unit (100) are made from a metal alloy.

13. The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive-side control unit (104) comprises a The locking state is detected when a current flow is detected via two of the contacts (102a, 102b) which are assigned to the two connected mating contacts (202a, 202b) or to a mating contact covering two contacts (102a, 102b). The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of contacts (102a, 102b), in particular when rotated in the locking direction (V), run in imaginary vertical planes of the actuating axis (S) which are spaced apart from one another by a distance, and wherein the plurality of mating contacts (202a, 202b), in particular when rotated in the locking direction (V), run in the vertical planes which are spaced apart from one another by the distance.The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (100) comprises a collar (140) which runs in a circumferential direction to the actuating axis (S) and projects from the housing (112), which collar comprises on its outer wall (146) a plurality of locking projections (150a, 150b) which run in a circular ring shape in sections and the plurality of contacts (102a, 102b) offset in the circumferential direction, wherein the valve body (200) has a collar (140) which runs in a circumferential direction to the actuating axis. (S) and protruding from the valve body (200), which comprises on its inner wall (246) a plurality of grooves (250a, 250b) for engaging the associated locking projection (150a, 150b) and circumferentially offset therefrom, the plurality of mating contacts (202a, 202b).

16. The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve body-side receiving body (206) for the mating contacts (202a, 202b) provides a stop (252a) for a counter-stop (152a) of an associated locking projection (150a) in the circumferential direction.

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