Valve operating key

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating key for a valve disposed in an opening, the operating key comprising: - a hollow operating shaft, extending from a proximal end to a distal end; - an epicyclic gear train, disposed at the distal end of the operating shaft, and configured to impart to a valve disposed in an opening a torque, called the output torque, whenever a torque, called the input torque, is applied to the operating shaft, the output torque being greater than the input torque. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Valve operating key FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fluid distribution networks, and more particularly to domestic gas. The present invention concerns an operating key for a valve in a distribution network. In particular, the operating key according to the present invention is configured to multiply the force exerted by an operator on said valve for the purpose of operating the latter. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The distribution of fluids, and more particularly gas, involves the implementation of a complex and branched transport and distribution network. This network, which must meet numerous requirements in terms of safety and maintainability, is equipped with valves suitably arranged to allow selected sections of the network to be isolated.

[0003] These valves, housed in inlets flush with the road surface, can be operated by means of an operating key. This key may comprise a main shaft at the end of which is a fitting into which a valve can be engaged. The operating key also includes a handle attached to the main shaft, allowing an operator to apply force to operate the valve.

[0004] However, there are situations in which the maneuverability of the valves is impaired. In particular, the valves of gas distribution networks, which are exposed to ambient humidity and dirt, can become seized, and in some cases blocked, consequently making their maneuverability by means of operating keys difficult, or even impossible.

[0005] Such situations may require the replacement of valves, thereby generating significant operating costs that may be borne by the operators of the network in question. Alternatively, the handle attached to the main shaft of the operating key can be fitted with an extension to increase the torque exerted on the valve. However, since the use of an extension does not allow for calibrating the magnitude of the force exerted on the valve, this solution is not satisfactory.

[0006] One object of the present invention is therefore to provide an operating key allowing a valve to be operated whether it is stuck or not.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a more ergonomic operating key that limits the effort an operator has to exert when operating a valve.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an operating key allowing the amplitude of the force exerted on a valve to be calibrated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The objectives of the present invention are, at least in part, achieved by an operating key for a valve disposed in an opening, the operating key comprising:

[0010] - a hollow operating shaft, which extends from a proximal end towards a distal end and defining a main direction;

[0011] - an epicyclic gear train, disposed at the distal end of the operating shaft, and configured to impose a torque, called output torque, on a valve located in an opening, whenever a torque, called input torque, is applied to the operating shaft, the output torque being greater than the input torque

[0012] - a torque meter mounted rigidly on the drive shaft and configured to measure, instantaneously, the output torque.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the torque meter is associated with a torque reading module measured by the torque meter, said reading module being configured to allow reading the output torque.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the torque meter is disposed downstream of the epicyclic gear train along the main direction.

[0015] According to one embodiment, said operating key further includes a main extension in sliding connection with the epicyclic gear train, the torque meter being integral with said main extension.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the main extension comprises, along the main direction, a first section and a second section, both extending along the main direction and linked together by the torque meter.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first section comprises at one of its ends a first half-shell and the second section comprises at one of its ends a second half-shell, the first half-shell and the second half-shell forming, when they are opposite each other, a housing for the torque meter.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the torque meter comprises a first base and a second base, the first base and the second base being fixed, respectively, to the first half-shell and the second half-shell.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the epicyclic train is of the parallel type, and comprises a planetary gear, a ring gear and at least one satellite gear, the at least one satellite gear being carried by a satellite carrier in pivot connection with the operating shaft, while the planetary gear is in fixed connection with the operating shaft and is configured to mesh with the at least one satellite gear.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the satellite carrier comprises, in the direction from the proximal end to the distal end, an upper plate and a lower plate, between which each satellite gear is mounted pivotally around a shaft, called the satellite shaft, and parallel to the operating shaft.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the satellite tree is linked by a fixed connection to both the upper and lower plates.

[0022] According to one embodiment, said operating key includes the main extension, of non-circular cross-section, configured to be mounted by means of a sliding connection with the lower plate such that the rotation of the latter also causes the main extension to rotate around the axis of extension of the operating shaft.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the lower plate includes a passage, called the central passage, the cross-section of which has a shape conforming to the cross-section of the extension.

[0024] According to one embodiment, a passage, called the main passage, is provided in the epicyclic gear train and the operating shaft coaxially with the central passage and the direction of extension of said operating shaft so as to allow the sliding of the extension.

[0025] According to one embodiment, said operating key also includes embedded means configured to prevent any rotational movement of the crown gear when the operating key is engaged to operate a valve.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the embedding means comprise an adapter plate that can be embedded against a mouth housing a valve, and pins that are mechanically attached to the crown gear and configured to be embedded in openings provided in the adapter plate.

[0027] According to one embodiment, said operating key includes an indexing means configured to indicate the angular stroke of the planetary gear during the rotational operation of the operating shaft.

[0028] According to one embodiment, said operating key further comprises a handle mechanically attached to the operating shaft and extending in a direction essentially perpendicular to said operating shaft. Brief description of the drawings

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description that follows, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0030] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an operating key according to the present invention;

[0031] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a schematic representation of an epicyclic gear train likely to be implemented within the framework of the present invention, in particular, the epicyclic train is represented according to a cutting plane parallel to the main faces of said epicyclic train;

[0032] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of the operating shaft of the [Fig.1] and to one end of which the planetary gear is fixed;

[0033] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a schematic representation of an insulated sleeve of the operating shaft and capable of being implemented within the framework of the present invention;

[0034] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of the sleeve of the [Fig.4] according to a cutting plane perpendicular to the elongation axis of said sleeve and passing through said elongation axis;

[0035] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a representation according to a cross-sectional plane of an epicyclic train implemented within the framework of the present invention;

[0036] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a schematic representation of an upper plate of a satellite door of the epicyclic train of the [Fig.6];

[0037] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is a schematic representation of a lower plate of a satellite carrier of the epicyclic train of the [Fig.6];

[0038] [Fig.9] Fig.9 is a schematic representation of an adapter plate capable of being implemented within the framework of the present invention;

[0039] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is a representation of a main extension that can be implemented within the framework of the present invention;

[0040] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] is a representation of the main extension of the [Fig. 10] according to an exploded view; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] The present invention relates to a valve operating key housed in an opening. In particular, the operating key according to the present invention incorporates an epicyclic gear train designed to multiply the force exerted by an operator when operating a valve using the operating key.

[0042] More particularly, the operating key according to the present invention comprises a hollow operating shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The operating key also comprises an epicyclic gear train, disposed at the distal end of the operating shaft, and configured to impart a torque, referred to as the output torque, to a valve disposed in an opening, whenever a torque, referred to as the input torque, is applied to the operating shaft, the output torque being greater than the input torque.

[0043] The operating key also puts into operation a torque meter configured to measure, instantaneously, the output torque.

[0044] The [Fig.1] is a representation of an operating key 10 according to the principles of the present invention.

[0045] In particular, the operating key 10 comprises an operating shaft 20 extending longitudinally from a proximal end 21 to a distal end 22 defining a principal direction. More specifically, the operating shaft 20 is hollow and may include, at its proximal end 21, a handle 23 extending in a direction essentially perpendicular to said operating shaft 20.

[0046] As an alternative to the handle, a person skilled in the art may consider a ratchet device for operating the wrench.

[0047] As an alternative to the handle, a person skilled in the art may consider a motor for operating the key.

[0048] The handle 23 may in particular include two handles 23a, 23b arranged symmetrically with respect to the elongation axis of the operating shaft 20.

[0049] The operating key 10 also includes an epicyclic gear train 30, disposed at the distal end of the operating shaft, and configured to impose on a valve disposed in an opening a torque, called output torque, when a torque, called input torque, is exerted on the operating shaft, the output torque being greater than the input torque.

[0050] In particular, the epicyclic train 30 can be planar but also spherical.

[0051] The rest of the description refers only to a planar epicyclic train, but a person skilled in the art, on the basis of this description and their general knowledge, may consider the implementation of any other type of epicyclic train.

[0052] The epicyclic gear train 30 according to the present invention comprises a plurality of gears. In particular, the epicyclic gear train comprises the following elements:

[0053] - a planetary gear

[0054] - at least one satellite gear

[0055] - a crown gear.

[0056] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], at least one satellite gear 31a, 31b and 31c (Three satellite gears in [Fig. 2]) and the planetary gear 32 are arranged internally to the ring gear 32. The satellite gears 31a, 31b, and 31c are also configured to mesh with the planetary gear 32 and the ring gear 33. In other words, the satellite gears 31a, 31b, and 31c are interposed between the planetary gear 32 and the ring gear. Furthermore, the axes of rotation of the planetary gear 32 and the ring gear 33 coincide with an axis of extension of the drive shaft.

[0057] During operation, the rotation of the planetary gear 32 in a direction of rotation, referred to as direct rotation, sets the planetary gears 31a, 31b, and 31c in motion. More specifically, this movement of the planetary gears 31a, 31b, and 31c describes a trajectory following an epicycloid. It is understood, without needing to be explicitly stated, that during operation the ring gear 33 is held fixed. In other words, the ring gear 33 is in a position that prevents any rotational movement.

[0058] According to the present invention, the planetary gear 32 is in fixed connection with the drive shaft 20. More particularly, the planetary gear 32 is arranged in the extension, by the distal end 22, of the drive shaft 20. Thus, the rotational drive of the planetary gear 32 can be obtained by rotating the drive shaft 20 around its axis of elongation.

[0059] The fixed connection between the planetary gear 32 and the drive shaft 20 can be achieved by means of a sleeve 40 in the form of a hollow tube ([Fig.3], [Fig.4] and [Fig.5]). The planetary gear 32 can be annular in shape and fitted around the sleeve 40 ([Fig.4] and [Fig.5]).

[0060] The planetary gears 31a, 31b, and 31c are also held by a planetary carrier 34a, 34b ([Fig. 6]). In this respect, the planetary carrier is pivotally connected to the drive shaft 20 and about the axis of extension of said drive shaft 20. More specifically, the planetary carrier comprises an upper plate 34a and a lower plate 34b between which the planetary gears 31a, 31b, and 31c are pivotally connected. In particular, the planetary carrier comprises, in order, from the proximal end to the distal end, the upper plate 34a and the lower plate 34b.

[0061] The upper plate 34a, shown in [Fig.7] is annular in shape and includes axial upper openings 35a and through upper retaining openings 36a.

[0062] Equivalently, the lower plate 34b, shown in [Fig.8] is annular in shape and includes axial lower openings 35b and through lower retaining openings 36b.

[0063] The upper plate 34a and the lower plate 34b are configured to be arranged opposite each other, with each axial upper opening 35a corresponding to an axial lower opening 35b, and each retaining upper opening 36a corresponding to a retaining lower opening 36b. More specifically, the upper plate 34a and the lower plate 34b retain the planetary gears 31a, 31b, and 31c together. In particular, each planetary gear 31a, 31b, and 31c is pivotally connected to one or the other of the upper plate 34a and the lower plate 34b.

[0064] In this respect, each satellite gear 31a, 31b and 31c is connected via a pivot joint through a shaft, referred to as a satellite shaft 37a, 37b and 37c, parallel to the drive shaft 20 ([Fig. 6]). Advantageously, each satellite shaft 37a, 37b and 37c cooperates with a corresponding axial upper opening 35a and an axial lower opening 35b.

[0065] The upper plate 34a and the lower plate 34b are also mechanically joined to each other. In particular, this support may employ tie rods 39a, 39b and 39c cooperating with the upper retaining openings 36a and the lower retaining openings 36b.

[0066] As specified at the beginning in the first paragraphs of this description, the operating key according to the present invention includes a torque meter configured to allow the reading of the output torque.

[0067] In particular, the torque meter, attached to the operating key, can be downstream of the epicyclic gear train in the main direction.

[0068] In this respect, the remainder of the statement will be limited to the sole consideration of a torque meter cup positioned downstream of the epicyclic gear train along the main direction. However, the invention is not limited to this single aspect, and a person skilled in the art, based on this description, may consider other configurations, and in particular consider positioning the torque meter cup upstream of the epicyclic gear train along the main direction.

[0069] Advantageously, the operating key 10 comprises a main extension 50 ([Fig. 10]), which may have a non-circular cross-section, configured to be mounted by means of a sliding connection with the lower plate 34b such that the rotation of the latter also drives the main extension in a rotational movement about the axis of extension of the operating shaft 20. For example, the main extension 50 may have a square, triangular, hexagonal, oval, or citrus-shaped cross-section. In particular, the cross-section of the main extension 50 conforms to the shape of the valve intended to be operated so as to allow coupling of the valve and the free end of the main extension 50.

[0070] By "citrus shape" is meant a shape generally circular and provided with indentations (or ridge) in at least two sections of its periphery (such as the shape of a lemon).

[0071] Also advantageously, the torque meter can be carried by the main extension 50.

[0072] In this regard, and as illustrated in [Fig. 1 1], the main extension 50 comprises, along the main direction, a first section 51 and a second section 52, both extending along the main direction and linked together by the meter couple 70.

[0073] More particularly, the first section 51 includes at one of its ends a first half-shell 81 and the second section 52 includes at one of its ends a second half-shell 82, the first half-shell 81 and the second half-shell 82 forming, when they are opposite each other, a housing for the torque meter ([Fig. 11]).

[0074] By "half-shell," we mean a hollow element delimited by a free edge belonging to a flat surface. In particular, two half-shells placed opposite each other by their free edge form a housing.

[0075] Thus, and according to the present invention, the first half-shell and the second half-shell placed opposite each other house the 70 meter couple in the housing.

[0076] It is understood that, when the first half-hull and the second half-hull put together are opposite each other by their free edge, the first section 51 and the second section 52 are in line with each other.

[0077] According to the present invention, the meter pair 70 comprises a first base 71 and a second base 72. In particular, the first base 71 is housed in the hollow of the first half-hull 81 and the second base 72 is housed in the second half-hull 82.

[0078] More particularly, the first base 71 can be mechanically attached to the first half-shell 81 via an attachment means and in particular a pin 83 intended to be inserted into the openings 85 and 86 provided, respectively, in the first half-shell 81 and the first base 71.

[0079] The second base 72, arranged in the hollow of the second half-shell, is mechanically mounted to rotate securely with the second section 52. In other words, the second base feels the same torque as the second section.

[0080] The meter couple 70 also includes an intermediate section 73 interposed between the first base 71 and the second base 72, and intended to be sensitive to the torque exerted on the second section 52.

[0081] The torque meter is associated with a reading module 90 of the torque measured by the torque meter, said reading module being configured to allow the reading of the output torque.

[0082] Advantageously, the lower plate 34b includes an annular ring 51 ([Fig.8]) which extends from a free face of the lower plate and provides a passage, called the central passage, which has a cross-section conforming to that of the main extension 50.

[0083] Advantageously, a passage, called the main passage, is provided in the epicyclic gear train and the operating shaft coaxially with the central passage PC and the direction of extension of said operating shaft so as to allow the sliding of the main extension 50. According to this configuration, it is possible to adjust the projection length of the main extension 50. It is understood, without needing to be explicitly stated, that the opening of the main passage has a surface within which the surface associated with the opening of the central passage is circumscribed. This latter aspect thus allows the rotation of the extension 51 without interacting with the planetary gear and the operating shaft.

[0084] The crown gear is also mounted in pivot connection with the drive shaft 20. This mounting may involve the implementation of secondary plates, respectively upper secondary plate 41a and lower secondary plate 41b, having an annular shape.

[0085] Each of the secondary plates is, in this respect, mechanically integral with the crown gear 33. It is understood that the crown gear is coplanar with the satellite gears and the planetary gear.

[0086] The upper plates 34a and lower plates 34b are intercalated between the secondary plates.

[0087] More specifically, the upper secondary plate 41a includes an opening through which the operating shaft 20 passes, and is disposed against the upper plate 34a. The lower secondary plate 41b includes an opening through which an annular ring 51 passes, and is disposed against the lower plate 34b.

[0088] It is understood that the arrangement of a secondary plate against either of the lower and upper plates does not constitute a servo system. In other words, a secondary plate can pivot in a direction of rotation opposite to that of the upper and lower plates.

[0089] The operating key 10 may also include locking means configured to prevent any rotational movement of the crown gear 33 when the operating key 10 is engaged to operate a valve.

[0090] By way of example, the embedding means include an adapter plate 60 that can be embedded ([Fig.9]) against an opening housing a valve, and pins 61 mechanically attached to the crown gear and configured to be embedded in openings 62 provided in the adapter plate 60. The adapter plate 60 also includes a main opening 63 through which the extension can pass in order to allow its coupling with the valve.

[0091] The implementation of the operating key 10 for the operation of a valve located at the bottom of a mouth involves first positioning an adapter plate 60 over the said mouth.

[0092] The adaptation plate 60 has a shape adapted to the mouth in question.

[0093] This step is followed by positioning the operating key 10 against the adapter plate. In particular, the pins 61 are inserted into openings 62 in the adapter plate, while the extension is coupled with the valve located at the bottom of the mouth. In this regard, it may be necessary to adjust the extension length projecting externally to the lower plate 34b.

[0094] This step thus makes it possible to fix the crown gear 33 and thus prevent its rotation when a force is exerted on the operating shaft in order to rotate it.

[0095] Finally, once the coupling between the extension and the valve is achieved, a force can be exerted on the operating shaft 20 in order to rotate it around its axis of extension; during its rotation, the operating shaft 20 drives the planetary gear 32 in the same direction and at the same speed of rotation.

[0096] By meshing effect, the satellite gears also pivot to describe an epicyclic movement and drive with them the satellite carrier, and therefore the extension, in a direction of rotation opposite to that of the operating shaft 20. In its movement, the extension drives in rotation the valve with which it is coupled.

[0097] The implementation of the epicyclic gear train thus makes it possible to limit the effort that an operator must exert to operate a valve.

[0098] Additionally, the operating key may include an indexing means configured to indicate the angular stroke of the planetary gear during the rotation of the operating shaft. This latter aspect allows control of the valve's operating range.

[0099] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and alternative embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Demands

1. A control key (10) for a valve disposed in an opening, the control key (10) comprising: - a hollow control shaft (20), extending from a proximal end (21) to a distal end (22) and defining a principal direction; - an epicyclic gear train (30), disposed at the distal end (22) of the control shaft (20), and configured to impose on a valve disposed in an opening a torque, called output torque, when a torque, called input torque, is exerted on the control shaft (20), the output torque being greater than the input torque; - a torque meter (70) mounted integrally with the control shaft and configured to measure, instantaneously, the output torque.

2. Operating key according to claim 1, wherein the torque meter is associated with a torque reading module measured by the torque meter (70), said reading module being configured to allow reading the output torque.

3. Operating key according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the torque meter (70) is disposed downstream of the epicyclic gear train along the main direction.

4. Operating key according to claim 3, wherein said operating key further comprises a main extension in sliding connection with the epicyclic train, the torque meter (70) being integral with said main extension (50).

5. Operating key according to claim 4, wherein the main extension (50) comprises, along the main direction, a first section (51) and a second section (52), both extending along the main direction and linked together by the torque meter (70).

6. Operating key according to claim 5, wherein the first section (51) comprises at one of its ends a first half-shell (81) and the second section (52) comprises at one of its ends a second half-shell (82), the first half-shell (81) and the second half-shell (82) forming, when they are opposite each other, a housing for the torque meter.

7. A wrench according to claim 6, wherein the torque meter (70) comprises a first base (71) and a second base (72), the first base (71) and the second base (72) being attached, respectively, to the first half-shell (81) and the second half-shell (82).

8. Operating key (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the epicyclic gear train (30) is of the parallel type, and comprises a planetary gear (32), a ring gear (33) and at least one satellite gear (31a, 31b, 31c), the at least one satellite gear (31a, 31b, 31c) being carried by a satellite carrier in pivot connection with the operating shaft (20), while the planetary gear (32) is in fixed connection with the operating shaft (20) and is configured to mesh with the at least one satellite gear (31a, 31b, 31c).

9. Operating key (10) according to claim 8, in which the satellite carrier comprises, in the direction from the proximal end (21) to the distal end (22), an upper plate (34a) and a lower plate (34b), between which each satellite gear (31a, 31b, 31c) is mounted pivotally about a shaft, called satellite shaft (37a, 37b, 37c), and parallel to the operating shaft (20).

10. Operating key (10) according to claim 9, wherein the satellite shaft (37a, 37b, 37c) is linked by a fixed connection to both the upper plate (34a) and the lower plate (34b).

11. Operating key (10) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said operating key (10) comprises the main extension (50), of non-circular cross-section, configured to be mounted according to a sliding connection with the lower plate (34b) such that the rotation of the latter also drives the main extension (50) in a rotational movement around the elongation axis of the operating shaft (20).

12. Operating key (10) according to claim 11, wherein the lower plate (34b) includes a passage, called central passage, the cross-section of which has a shape conforming to the cross-section of the extension (50).

13. Operating key (10) according to claim 13, wherein a passage, called main passage, is provided in the epicyclic train (30) and the operating shaft (20) coaxially with the central passage and the direction of extension of said operating shaft (20) so as to allow the extension (50) to slide.

14. Operating key (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein said operating key (10) also includes embedded means configured to prevent any rotational movement of the crown gear (33) when the operating key (10) is engaged to operate a valve.

15. Operating key (10) according to claim 14, wherein the embedding means comprise an adapter plate embeddable against an opening housing a valve, and pins mechanically attached to the crown gear (33) and configured to be embedded in openings provided in the adapter plate.

16. Operating key (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein said operating key (10) comprises an indexing means configured to indicate the angular stroke of the planetary gear (32) during the rotational operation of the operating shaft (20).

17. Operating key (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said operating key (10) further comprises a handle mechanically fixed to the operating shaft (20) and extending in a direction essentially perpendicular to said operating shaft (20).

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