Valve controller

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve controller suitable for connecting or disconnecting piping by applying linear force by the user, comprising a guided longitudinal movement push button that moves from a start position to an end position, a push button mechanism suitable for transforming longitudinal movement into rotary movement, a guide shaft comprising a shaft mechanism and an actuator that transmits the rotary motion from the shaft mechanism to a closure element that connects or disconnects the piping. The controller also comprises a housing that accommodates the push button and a spring suitable for pushing the push button to its starting position.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] VALVE CONTROL

[0003] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0004] The present invention relates to a valve handle that allows its use with any type of valve whose opening and closing is achieved by a rotation, whether 90°, 180°, or any other value (for example, angle or ball valves). It is especially advantageous for facilitating the use of faucets and similar devices for users with some type of movement limitation or difficulty, or in situations where the valve is difficult to access, since it can be operated using a simple tool (canes, crutches, or even a stick) suitable for applying a linear force to the handle.

[0005] The invention is in the sector of valves and valve controls for fluid control, being of special application in sanitary taps as well as in all types of fluid circuits such as those that, as an example, we can find in machinery and industrial installations.

[0006] STATE OF THE ART

[0007] Several types of valves actuated by longitudinal movement are known in the prior art, such as the diaphragm valve described in US patent 4771985, whose opening / closing is caused by the longitudinal displacement of a stem. To actuate it, the user must place their hand in the dispensing area, thus limiting its use. Furthermore, it cannot be used on an intermediate valve in a pipeline, but only on outlet valves. Moreover, the described actuator is part of the valve itself, and therefore cannot be adapted to valves already installed.

[0008] Valve actuators with a timed push button are also available. These actuators open the valve against a damped return system. The valve then closes automatically after a variable time, usually a few seconds.

[0009] Also common are those based on the rotation of a locking element around an axis. This locking element rotates a value that, most often, corresponds to a quarter turn (90°), although this value is not unique.

[0010] Some valves, when moved longitudinally by the handle, cause the opening and closing element to rotate. Previous patents, such as US2012138825A1, US2011108140A1, and ES2676144, describe disc systems with a high degree of assembly and repair complexity due, among other things, to their large number of parts. Furthermore, the mechanism they describe is complex and not suitable for installation on standard or pre-existing valves. Additionally, the aforementioned patents are not valid when the connections are arranged at right angles.

[0011] In patent US5456448A, the longitudinal movement is converted into a rotary movement to displace a stop that opens or closes the fluid passage by combining the minimum rotary movement with a flexible element arranged in the closing element, increasing the number of elements and parts that make up the opening and closing mechanism.

[0012] US patent 8602058B1 describes a rotary multi-valve whose closure does not occur by returning to a starting point but rather by the closing element advancing to different positions. This valve is simple but imprecise and requires specific pre-installation, making it unsuitable for all applications.

[0013] To solve the problems described, a very simple valve is proposed, suitable for use in practically all current installations, with ease of assembly and disassembly and which also optionally features some of its elements segmented to facilitate its replacement, thus surpassing the cited state of the art.

[0014] BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] To solve the problems described, the invention relates to a valve control suitable for connecting or disconnecting pipes by applying a linear force to the control, being adaptable to the main types of passages. It can be installed in-line in a pipe as a stop valve, or installed in an outlet closure such as a tap or other type of pipe end (cisterns or, purge valves, among others).

[0016] The control mechanism moves the locking element from an open to a closed position by rotating it. The degree of rotation (90°, 180°, or any other value) will be appropriate to the required angle of the locking element, with 90° and 180° (a quarter turn and a half turn, respectively) being the most common.

[0017] To that end, the command includes:

[0018] - A push button suitable for longitudinal movement without rotation from a start position to an end position. The push button comprises a push button mechanism suitable for operation with a shaft mechanism arranged on the shaft portion.

[0019] - A casing that guides the push button in its travel, preventing it from rotating during normal use.

[0020] - A guide shaft, arranged downstream of the push button, in contact with the push button and preferably coaxial with it, which in turn comprises:

[0021] - A part of a conversion mechanism, which we will call the shaft mechanism, located in the area closest to the push button. This shaft mechanism is complementary to another mechanism located in the push button, and the coordinated action of both is suitable for transforming the longitudinal movement of the push button into rotary movement of the guide shaft.

[0022] - An actuator whose movement is coordinated to the shaft mechanism that rotates in unison with it.

[0023] - A locking element that rotates together with the actuator and the shaft mechanism.

[0024] - A spring suitable for moving the push button from an end-of-stroke position to a start-of-stroke position. The spring may comprise one or more elastic or deformable elements suitable for accumulating energy during part of a cycle and then releasing it.

[0025] - A stop that prevents the longitudinal displacement of the closing element, forcing its only possible movement to be rotary.

[0026] The housing is anchored to a hollow connector body that supports the conduits and at least the closing element.

[0027] The term "conduits" will refer generically to the outlet and inlet of fluids from that hollow body.

[0028] The fluid inlet and outlet pipes can be facing each other, at right angles, or in any other relative position.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the shaft mechanism, the actuator, and the locking mechanism comprise the guide shaft and operate as a unit. If this guide shaft is made in a single piece, we will call it a one-piece guide shaft; if it is made in several pieces, we will call it a segmented guide shaft.

[0030] In the segmented guide shaft, at least the closing element is independent of the rest, although it rotates in unison with them.

[0031] In the segmented guide shaft, the closing element is joined to the other components via durable and robust connections such as bayonets, bolts, complementary pressure fittings, or any other method that ensures a secure connection and the correct transmission of rotation from the actuator to the closing element. The segmented guide shaft offers great versatility by allowing the actuator and shaft mechanism to be coupled to pre-existing closing elements in the valve, enabling adjustments to their length and desired configuration.

[0032] In either of the two variants (one-piece or segmented) the closing element rotates together with the guide shaft assembly causing the opening and closing of the valve by means of rotations of fractions or portions of 360° (60°, 90°, 180°...).

[0033] In this execution, the closing element is suitable to occupy totally or partially (depending on its position) the interior section of the body, plugging or communicating the conduits.

[0034] The addition of a stop prevents longitudinal displacement of the locking element and keeps it in its housing while allowing rotation. This stop can be the locking element's own geometry, with areas narrower than others, preventing longitudinal movement within the hollow body, or it can be an external element such as a clip, clamp, screw, or any other suitable component that prevents longitudinal displacement but allows rotation.

[0035] The closing element has one of its bases attached to the actuator and the other free, and its geometry is suitable for communicating or isolating, totally or partially, the fluid inlet and outlet depending on its position.

[0036] In a valve with opposing fluid inlet and outlet pipes, the closing element will preferably have a through-hole, perpendicular to its rotational movement, such that when this through-hole is aligned with the pipes, the valve will be open, and when this through-hole is perpendicular to these pipes, the valve will be closed. We will call a through-hole any geometry that, in the open position of the closing element, is suitable for connecting the pipes, and in the closed position, can block the flow of fluid between them. Examples include a butterfly valve or a ball valve, among others.

[0037] The transition from open to closed in the vahante of facing conduits will be obtained by a 90° rotation of the closing element.

[0038] In another possible configuration, the pipes are arranged at a right angle (90° to each other). In this configuration, the closing element has its free base open and constantly aligned with one of the pipes. This open base leads to an internal cavity in the closing element, which has at least one lateral orifice. When this lateral orifice is aligned with the other pipe, the valve is open; otherwise, it is closed. In this configuration, where the closing element has only one lateral orifice, the opening and closing cycle requires a 180° rotation of the closing element.

[0039] In another possible implementation, the closing element is gradual, meaning it can regulate the flow rate. For example, the closing element can have orifices of different sizes, so the flow rate through the valve will be higher or lower depending on which orifice is aligned with the pipe at any given time. Between at least two of these orifices, there must be a solid area, without orifices, large enough to seal the pipe and stop the flow of fluid.

[0040] In another possible example, the sealing element may have a hole that occupies most of it, leaving at least a solid portion, without any hole, large enough to plug the pipe. Thus, depending on the position of the sealing element, this hole will be not at all, fully, or partially aligned with the pipe, allowing for either complete closure or a greater or lesser flow of fluid.

[0041] Preferably, the inner cavity of the closing element has two opposing outlet holes, thus simplifying its opening and closing as it will require a 90° turn

[0042] To achieve the rotation of the closing element, the control works as follows.

[0043] The push button has an internal recess suitable for inserting the shaft mechanism at a certain point in the cycle. This recess has at least one protruding pin. The recess and the pin will be referred to generically as the push button mechanism.

[0044] The push button is at rest at the beginning of its travel. When a linear force is applied to the push button, it moves longitudinally towards the guide axis. The push button's movement is guided by the housing, preventing rotation during normal use as a linear push button. This guidance is achieved either by the presence of guides or by the inherent geometries of the housing and push button.

[0045] As the push button moves toward the guide shaft, the shaft mechanism advances within the push button recess and interacts with the push button mechanism. During this relative movement of the push button and shaft, at least one pin moves along a groove in the shaft mechanism.

[0046] As it moves, the pin presses on the edges of the broken groove, causing the shaft mechanism to rotate and, therefore, the entire guide shaft.

[0047] Simultaneously, the push button, in its longitudinal movement, forces a spring that accumulates energy, which is released when the push button reaches the end of its travel, returning it to the beginning of its travel. We will call any geometry suitable for moving laterally or rotating when pivoted on an axis, as in this case, a "broken groove."

[0048] Preferably, the broken groove has a crown shape, with peaks and valleys. The peaks are the parts closest to the push button in its rest position, and the valleys are those closest to the actuator. The distance between two consecutive valleys or peaks corresponds to the portion of the rotation that the closing element will make.

[0049] In this memory we will call the point of the slot closest to the closing element “valley”, but it should be considered that this is a definition without technical consequences, simply to facilitate the understanding of the memory.

[0050] The edges of this broken groove are offset; that is, the valley on one side of the groove does not coincide longitudinally (it is not aligned with the longitudinal direction of the handle) with the valley on the other side. The broken groove can be straight or curved.

[0051] At least one pin moves from one peak to the next, according to the direction of rotation, forcing the shaft mechanism to rotate the portion of the turn defined by the distance between peaks.

[0052] To achieve this, the push button, in its longitudinal movement, first pushes the pin in the groove from a peak to a valley. Since the valleys are offset, it then moves to the next valley, and once there, the spring pushes the push button in the opposite direction, taking that pin to the next peak and returning the push button to the beginning of its stroke. In this peak=>valley=>valley+1=>peak+1 cycle, the guide shaft, and with it the actuator and the closing element, have rotated enough for the closing element to change its position, connecting or isolating the conduits.

[0053] One possible execution has been explained so far, although it is not the only one.

[0054] In another possible embodiment, the push-button mechanism replaces the pin with ramps that align with existing ramps on the shaft mechanism, which, in this case, lacks a grooved groove. The push-button and shaft ramps are complementary in that they are designed to slide against each other and have a length equal to the portion of a turn required to actuate the valve and move it from the open to the closed position or vice versa.

[0055] At the start of the cycle, the shaft and push-button mechanisms, in this case the ramps, are locked together and cannot rotate due to the existence of guides arranged on the inner face of the housing that are inserted into channels present in the push-button and the shaft mechanism.

[0056] When a linear force is applied to the push button, it advances towards the guide shaft. The push button mechanism pushes the shaft mechanism, releasing it from the guides, but the push button remains constrained by these guides, preventing its rotation. Once the shaft mechanism is released, it rotates due to the pressure of the push button ramps against the shaft ramps. As the shaft mechanism rotates, the guide shaft and the closing element rotate together, causing the valve to open or close.

[0057] At that point in the cycle, a spring returns the push button to the start of its stroke and pushes the shaft mechanism against the push button.

[0058] Positioners located in the shaft mechanism reinsert the guides into the shaft mechanism's channels, thus preventing both the shaft and push-button mechanisms from rotating until a force is applied to the push-button, pushing the shaft mechanism and releasing it from the guides. This rotation, being linked to the rotation of the closing element, will cause it to change position from closed to open or vice versa.

[0059] In this second implementation, the shaft mechanism exhibits some longitudinal movement along the guide shaft (in this case, segmented) in addition to the rotational movement it transmits to the guide shaft. The guide shaft participates in the rotational movement of the shaft mechanism but not in its longitudinal movement. To prevent longitudinal movement of the guide shaft, a stop is provided on the guide shaft.

[0060] This entire assembly, consisting of a push button, push button mechanism, shaft mechanism, shaft, and springs, is housed in a casing closed by a lid with a hole suitable for anchoring to an existing valve, so that the rotational movement generated by this control inside the casing can be transmitted to an external closing element arranged in a fluid circuit.

[0061] In this implementation, the shaft mechanism can be associated with a secondary spring or an elastic band that forces it against the push-button mechanism, ensuring its contact at all times.

[0062] Optionally, in either of the two described versions, the control includes a damping system that reduces the spring's action, making it smoother. The damping system comprises elastic components such as springs, polymers, hydraulic systems, pneumatics, and levers.

[0063] Optionally, in either of the two described implementations, the push button can be rotated to force the valve open or close. This option may be advisable if the internal mechanism fails due to limescale buildup or any other cause, and the valve needs to be opened or closed. To achieve this, the push button has a guide around its inner perimeter that allows it to rotate and limits its travel. Similarly, a complementary geometry transfers the rotary motion of the push button to the shaft, so that the rotation of the push button causes the shaft to rotate. The simplicity of the proposed invention facilitates assembly (with a consequent reduction in tools and installation time) and reduces the need for maintenance due to the fewer moving parts and robust structural integrity, thus extending the system's lifespan.The segmented shaft allows for the repair and replacement of individual segments, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs.

[0064] The operational stability of the valve is also improved, ensuring safe and precise operation since the guide shaft provides a firm and stable guide for the movement of the closing element.

[0065] The possibility of quick repairs is improved due to the simplicity of the coupling design, for example in the case of a segmented guide shaft, where the internal components of the valve have very easy access and can be replaced without difficulty, thus reducing downtime.

[0066] Preferably, the actuator is connected to the closing element by means of an interchangeable connector.

[0067] This report makes no mention of sealing gaskets, plugs or any other type that the final installation may require to prevent fluid leaks, although the use of them is considered obvious to an expert in the field.

[0068] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0069] For a better understanding of the invention, the following figures are included, showing exemplary embodiments.

[0070] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the different elements of the control unit (1). The housing (2) is designed to contain the push button (3), which can be moved longitudinally by pressing the spring (4). This push button interacts with the guide shaft (9), specifically with the shaft mechanism (5), causing it to rotate. This rotation, in turn, rotates the actuator (6) and the locking element (7). The hollow body (8), designed to house the guide shaft and allow its rotation by the push button, is also visible. The hollow body contains the channels (10), in this case at right angles, through which the fluid enters or exits.

[0071] Figure 2 shows in detail an embodiment in which the guide shaft (9) is segmented, with the locking element (7) and the assembly formed by the shaft mechanism (5) and the actuator (6) being separate parts, and suitable joining means (11) being provided to connect both parts. Figure 3 shows the push button (3) with its internal recess (12) from which the pin (13) protrudes. Its external geometry (14), in this case with edges, is also shown, preventing the push button from rotating within the housing.

[0072] Figure 4 shows the guide shaft (9) with its shaft mechanism (5), the actuator (6), and the locking element (7), which in this case has its free base (15) open and connected to an internal cavity also accessed through a hole (16) positioned across the guide shaft. This figure shows the shaft mechanism (5), which includes the groove (17) with its offset peaks (18) and valleys (19) designed to allow the pin (not shown here) to slide along them, forcing the rotation of the guide shaft. The end of the shaft mechanism has positioners (20) to guide the pin into the groove.

[0073] Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the second embodiment described. The housing (2) contains guides (21), shown here outside the housing, a push button (22) with a push button mechanism (23) featuring ramps (24) and channels, and a shaft mechanism with ramps (23) and channels (24) aligned with the ramps and channels of the push button mechanism. The spring (4) and the guide shaft (9) attached to the actuator (26) are also visible. The actuator is referenced differently in this embodiment, as its shape and arrangement differ from that of the actuator in the first embodiment. A stop (27) prevents the shaft from moving longitudinally, keeping it within the housing at all times. The assembly is closed with a cover (28) with an opening (29) suitable for accessing the actuator.

[0074] FIG.6 shows the gradual closing element (30) in a possible embodiment in which it has three outlet holes of different diameters so that depending on which one is aligned with one of the pipes, the flow rate will be greater or lesser.

[0075] DESCRIPTION OF A MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0076] Next, a brief description is given of one way of carrying out the invention, as an illustrative and non-limiting example thereof.

[0077] The valve control device shown in the first embodiment comprises a push button (3), which is actuated by the user in a longitudinal direction. The push button (3) is limited to longitudinal movement from a start position to an end position and cannot rotate under any circumstances. To prevent rotation, the push button runs inside a housing (2) that guides it. For this purpose, the internal geometry of the housing and the external geometry (14) of the push button incorporate elements that act as stops to prevent rotation.

[0078] The push button has a recess (12) with a protruding stud (13) on its inner wall.

[0079] The push button slides longitudinally inside the housing in search of the guide axis.

[0080] (9), specifically its shaft mechanism (5). In its longitudinal stroke, the pin (13) hits the edges of the broken groove and, since the pin's stroke is guided and its rotation is not possible, it forces the rotation of the guide shaft, which does have the possibility of rotation.

[0081] The rotation of the guide shaft implies the rotation of the closing element (7) which thus varies its position, communicating or isolating the conduits (10).

[0082] The movement of the closing element is determined by the movement of the guide shaft, and this is conditioned by the path of the pin in the grooves and the shape and dimensions of these.

[0083] In the option described, the broken groove (17) has a crown shape with peaks (18) and valleys (19) where the distance (in degrees) between the peaks will determine the rotation of the guide shaft since the pin in its stroke will first travel the path from peak A to valley A and then, due to the phase shift between the valleys, to valley A+1 and travel the distance to peak A+1.

[0084] The first stroke of the pin (from peak A to valley A) is driven by the user by causing the longitudinal movement of the push button. During this first stroke, a spring deforms and stores energy; this energy is released when the pin reaches valley A+1, and the spring then moves the pin in its second stroke, returning the push button to its starting position, the point furthest possible from the locking element.

[0085] In this way, the longitudinal movement caused by the user when pressing the button is converted into rotary movement, allowing the closing element to move from an open position to a closed position or vice versa.

[0086] To optimize movement, the pin must slide snugly through the broken groove, so the width of this groove must allow the pin to pass through without any play.

[0087] If the push button (3) has several pins (13), they will be arranged so that they are in the same position or height within the broken groove (17). Thus, for example, if one pin (13) is in a valley (19), the others will also be in the same valley (19).

[0088] The housing (2) and the push button (3) may have markings indicating whether the valve is open or closed.

[0089] The closing element is disposed within the hollow body (8) between the conduits. In a preferred embodiment, this closing element comprises its free base (15) open to an internal cavity which, in turn, has two opposing holes (16) such that, with each quarter turn, the opposing holes either connect or block the conduits. The distance between two consecutive valleys (19) or two consecutive peaks (18) of the broken groove (17) will correspond to the same value. Thus, if the closing element (8) needs to be rotated 90° to move from one position to another, two consecutive peaks (18) of the broken groove (17) will be 90° apart.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- VALVE CONTROL suitable for communicating or isolating conduits (10) by applying a linear force from the user, characterized in that it comprises: - A push button (3) with longitudinal movement suitable for moving between a start position and an end position, this push button comprising elements that, in its normal use, guide it, preventing its rotation. - A push-button mechanism suitable for, acting in conjunction with a shaft mechanism (5) arranged on the guide shaft (9), transforming longitudinal motion into rotary motion. - A guide shaft (9) arranged longitudinally below the push button and comprising two zones: - A shaft mechanism (5) suitable for, acting in conjunction with the push-button mechanism, transforming the longitudinal movement of the push-button into rotary movement of the guide shaft. - An actuator (6), (26) suitable for transmitting rotary motion from the shaft mechanism (5) to a closing element (7). - A closing element (7) which, depending on its position, connects or disconnects the conduits (10). - A housing (2) suitable for housing the push button and guiding its trajectory, preventing its rotation in its preferred use. - A spring (4) suitable for pushing the push button from an end-of-stroke position to a start-of-stroke position. - A stop element that prevents the longitudinal movement of the closing element. 2.- VALVE CONTROL according to claim 1 characterized in that the push button mechanism comprises a recess (12) open at its base facing the guide shaft (9) and a pin (13), the recess being suitable for housing the shaft mechanism (5). 3.- VALVE CONTROL according to claim 1 characterized in that the shaft mechanism (5) comprises a broken groove (17) suitable for a pin (13) to slide through it. 4.- VALVE CONTROL according to claim 3 characterized in that the broken groove has a crown shape with peaks (18) and valleys (19) the edges of said groove being offset and where the distance between peaks is equal to the rotation portion of each cycle. 5.- VALVE CONTROL according to claim 1 characterized in that the shaft mechanism (5), the actuator (6) and the closing element (7) act as a block. 6.- VALVE CONTROL according to claim 1 characterized in that the shaft mechanism (5) and the push button mechanism comprise ramps (23) the ramps of the shaft mechanism being opposite the ramps of the push button mechanism in such a way that pressing one against the other causes relative rotation between them. 7.- VALVE CONTROL according to claim 1 characterized in that the housing (2) has on its inner face a series of fixed guides (21) suitable for insertion into channels (24) existing in the push button mechanism and in the shaft mechanism. 8.- VALVE CONTROL according to claim 7 characterized in that the shaft mechanism (5) moves longitudinally on the shaft and in that the push button, in its stroke, moves longitudinally the shaft mechanism (5) until it is released from the guides (21). 9.- VALVE CONTROL according to claim 1 characterized in that the stop (27) is arranged on the shaft. 10.- VALVE CONTROL according to claim 1 characterized in that the housing has a cover (28) on the base opposite the push button and in that said cover has an opening (29) suitable for accessing the actuator (26). 11.- VALVE CONTROL according to claim 1 characterized in that the closing element (7) has its free base (15) open, this base communicating the conduit (10) with the inner cavity of the closing element and this cavity has two opposing holes (16) on its sides. 12.- .- VALVE CONTROL according to claim 1 characterized in that the closing element (7) has its free base (15) open, this base communicating the conduit (10) with the inner cavity of the closing element and this cavity has holes of different diameters on its sides and, at least between two of them, a solid space sufficient to plug the conduit. 13.- VALVE CONTROL according to claim 1 characterized in that the push button also has rotary motion and in that this rotary motion is transmitted to the shaft, the actuator and the closing element.

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