Valve

Abstract

A valve has a valve housing (1) which has an inlet bore (10), an outlet bore (11) and a cavity (15) through which fluid can flow and which connects the inlet bore (10) to the outlet bore (11). The valve housing (1) forms a valve seat (18). The cavity (15) defines a longitudinal central axis (L). A control element (6, 7, 8, 9) can be moved back and forth along the longitudinal central axis (L) within the cavity (15) between an open position of the valve and a closed position of the valve. It has a sealing surface (80) which, in the open position of the valve, is spaced apart from the valve seat (18) and which, in the closed position of the valve, makes sealing contact with the valve seat (18). The movable control element (6, 7, 8, 9) is formed in at least two parts, wherein the movable control element has a first part, which is designed as a first shaft (6), and a second part, which is designed as a second shaft (7). The two shafts (6, 7) are fixedly connected to one another in the cavity (15) through which fluid can flow. The two shafts (6, 7) preferably hold a sealing element (8) which forms the sealing surface (80). The valve is suitable as a high-pressure valve and can be assembled in a simple manner.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] VALVE

[0003] TECHNICAL AREA

[0004] The present invention relates to a valve, in particular a shut-off valve. It is preferably a high-pressure shut-off valve, preferably a high-pressure shut-off valve for gaseous hydrogen.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Valves are used to change the flow rate of a fluid through a fluid supply system or to interrupt the fluid flow. Control valves, also called shut-off valves, can be used for both purposes. They each have a control element that, depending on the design, can be operated manually or by a motor to actuate the valve. If the control valve serves not only to shut off the flow but also to change the flow rate, it is often called a regulating valve or a control valve.

[0007] High-pressure shut-off valves must close reliably despite the pressure acting on the control element. Particularly when used with hydrogen (H2), for example at hydrogen filling stations, the valves are subject to stringent requirements. They must seal leak-free even at pressures of up to 800 bar, and in some cases over 1,000 bar, while still requiring as little maintenance as possible.

[0008] Known check valves feature a multi-part valve body with a cavity connected to an inlet and an outlet. Within this cavity, also called the fluid chamber, a control element is movably guided, allowing it to move back and forth between a sealing position and an open position. To ensure adequate sealing, seals are clamped between the individual body parts or between insert elements. US 11,566,712 B2 describes a high-pressure control valve with a two-part valve body through which a one-piece control element in the form of a shaft is penetrated. A sealing element, which seals against the control element, is clamped between the two body parts. An annular support element stabilizes the sealing element to prevent deformation.For this purpose, the support element has an inclined surface that rests on a corresponding inclined surface of the sealing element. The support element is attached to one of the two housing parts. Due to the large number of components and the required seals between them, this valve is relatively complex to manufacture and assemble.

[0009] PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Therefore, one of the aims of the invention is to create a valve that seals reliably even in high-pressure applications and is easy to assemble.

[0011] This task is fulfilled by a valve with the features of claim 1 and a method with the features of claim 21.

[0012] The valve according to the invention comprises a valve housing having an inlet bore, an outlet bore, and a fluid-flowable cavity connecting the inlet bore and the outlet bore. The valve housing forms a valve seat. The cavity defines a longitudinal center axis. The valve further comprises a control element that is movable back and forth along the longitudinal center axis within the cavity between an open position and a closed position of the valve. The control element has a sealing surface that is spaced apart from the valve seat when the valve is in the open position and that seals against the valve seat when the valve is closed. The movable control element is formed in at least two parts, comprising a first part designed as a first shaft and a second part designed as a second shaft.The two shafts are rigidly connected or connectable to each other in the fluid-flowing cavity, preferably in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0013] The fluid-flowable cavity is also called the fluid chamber. The two shafts of the control element are thus connected to each other within the fluid chamber, or they can be rigidly connected to each other within the cavity. The valve according to the invention is preferably a shut-off valve. It is preferably a high-pressure shut-off valve, more preferably a high-pressure shut-off valve for gaseous, non-oxidizing fluids, such as hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, and gas mixtures. Areas of application include, for example, mobile gas transport, gas storage systems, and stationary or mobile refueling systems, in particular stationary hydrogen filling stations.

[0014] In this text, the term "high pressure" refers to pressure ranges above 30 bar.

[0015] Depending on the design, the shut-off valve serves only to open and close a fluid line, or it also serves to adjust the flow rate.

[0016] Preferably, it can be used as a bi-directional valve, so that, depending on the type of use, the inlet bore serves as an inlet or as an outlet and the outlet bore accordingly as an outlet or as an inlet.

[0017] The valve according to the invention is robust and reliable. It can also be designed to be compact.

[0018] Preferably, the control element forms a conical shape for a conical seal.

[0019] Preferably, the first and second parts of the control element are detachably connected. This not only simplifies assembly of the valve but also maintenance, in particular the replacement of a sealing element.

[0020] The connection between the two shafts can be made in different ways. Preferably, the second shaft is screwed into a threaded bore of the first shaft, or vice versa. In other embodiments, a screw is provided that connects the two shafts.

[0021] In preferred embodiments, the two shafts are guided within the cavity and are movable along the longitudinal center axis. The guidance is preferably cylindrical and preferably takes place in both end regions of the control element.

[0022] Instead of two waves, three or more waves can be connected to form a common wave that can be moved back and forth along the longitudinal central axis.

[0023] Preferably, the cavity is shaped such that the control element is guided within the cavity in a pressure-balanced manner. The resulting gas forces are therefore of equal magnitude. This is achieved through equal effective areas and an equal applied gas pressure. This can be achieved in particular by using dynamic seals that ideally all have the same diameter.

[0024] If the sealing diameters of the dynamic seals and the control element are exactly the same, the resulting gas forces cancel each other out. Diameter deviations lead to resulting gas forces that act on the control element. An additional closing force is required to close the sealing element, and especially to seal it. Gas pressure forces do not assist in closing or sealing.

[0025] Preferably, the dynamic seals are held in grooves and recesses in the wall of the cavity, i.e., in the interior of the valve housing. Alternatively, some or all of the dynamic seals can be arranged on the circumference of the control element. The dynamic seals are preferably sealing rings or sealing assemblies.

[0026] Thanks to the multi-part design of the control element and the one-piece design of the valve body, the dynamic seals can be installed without radial deformation. This minimizes the risk of damage to the dynamic seals during assembly and reduces wear.

[0027] The use of a multi-part control element that can be assembled in the valve body makes it easy to create a pressure-balanced valve, even if the valve body is a single piece.

[0028] The sealing surface, also called the seating surface, is designed to be hard, semi-hard or soft, depending on the design.

[0029] In some embodiments, the sealing surface is formed by one of the two shafts. For example, one shaft is shaped to form a metallic cone for a conical seal. This design is particularly suitable for a valve used as a pressure relief valve.

[0030] In some embodiments, a coating is present on one of the two shafts, the coating preferably having an elastic or other sealing-promoting property.

[0031] In other embodiments, the metallic cone or sealing element is provided with a circumferential sealing lip, which is preferably formed integrally with the cone or sealing lip. The sealing lip enables the formation of an optimally pressure-balanced valve.

[0032] An annular sealing element with a circumferential sealing surface in the form of a conical surface with a circumferential sealing lip formed on the conical surface, wherein the sealing element is designed for arrangement on a one- or multi-part control element of a valve, is hereby claimed as an independent invention.

[0033] The valve seat is preferably made of a hard material, for example steel or another metallic material. Alternatively, the valve seat is coated, the coating preferably having an elastic or other sealing-enhancing property.

[0034] In other embodiments, the valve seat is formed by a sealing ring arranged in the valve housing. The valve ring preferably consists of a soft material, such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone) or PU (polyurethane).

[0035] If the valve housing is made up of two or more parts, the sealing ring can be attached between two housing parts, for example by clamping it.

[0036] Preferably, however, the valve seat is formed by the valve housing and is thus integrally formed with the valve housing. It is preferably formed by a circumferential inclined surface that forms a wall of the cavity.

[0037] The valve seat and sealing surface designs and arrangements described above can be used in various combinations. In some embodiments, the seal is designed as a flat gasket. Preferably, however, it has a conical shape. The conical shape promotes an ideal flow channel with minimal fluid deflection. Pressure losses are thus minimized.

[0038] The control element preferably has, in addition to the at least two shafts, a sealing element that forms the sealing surface. It is held fixed between the first and second parts by means of the first and second parts.

[0039] Thanks to the multi-part design of the control element and the placement of the sealing element between two parts of the control element, the sealing element can be securely fixed in place. It is not stretched during valve assembly. This reduces wear on the sealing element and extends its service life.

[0040] Furthermore, the sealing element is very easy to install, as it can be mounted on the first or second part of the control element before its insertion and then inserted into the cavity together with the first or second part. This also simplifies maintenance, since the sealing element only needs to be removed together with the first or second part of the control element and replaced either with a new sealing element or with a combination of a new first or second part and a new sealing element. Disassembly of the valve housing is not necessary. This prevents leaks after maintenance. In preferred embodiments, the sealing element can be inserted mounted on only one of the two control elements, but not the other.

[0041] If a sealing ring, preferably an O-ring, is arranged between the sealing element and the first or second part of the control element, the sealing element cannot be displaced uncontrollably in the axial direction thanks to the high frictional force of the sealing ring or O-ring. This further simplifies assembly and maintenance.

[0042] In preferred embodiments, the sealing element, or at least the sealing surface, is made of a soft or semi-rigid material, for example PEEK (polyetheretherketone), PU (polyurethane), Teflon® or Vespel®. The sealing element can also be metallic.

[0043] Preferably, the second part forms a circumferential step on its circumference to support the sealing element. This allows the sealing element to be slid onto the second part without stress or excessive stretching. Thanks to the step, the sealing element is held securely enough on the second part to be inserted into the valve housing together with it. In preferred embodiments, however, the sealing element is attached to the first part of the control element and is inserted together with it.

[0044] Preferably, the second part from this stage to one end of the second part has a smaller diameter than the stage, so that no expansion of the sealing element is necessary to push the sealing element from this end to the stage.

[0045] In preferred embodiments, the first part forms a circumferential inner step at one end to receive the sealing element. The sealing element is thus partially covered and protected by the first part. The first part stabilizes the sealing element during the opening and closing of the valve and, together with the second part, prevents excessive deformation of the sealing element during operation. The radial inner step of the first part prevents the sealing element from expanding radially when the first and second parts are assembled and thus during the resulting axial compression of the sealing element. This allows the sealing element to maintain its circular geometry, which is essential for optimal sealing performance.

[0046] Preferably, the sealing element is ring-shaped, surrounding and abutting the outer circumference of the second part. The sealing element is enclosed by the inner step of the first part and by a lug-like wall of the inner step of the first part. A gap exists between the first and second parts, which is filled by the sealing surface of the sealing element. This arrangement secures, shapes, and protects the sealing element between the two parts of the control element. The sealing surface, also called the seat surface, is brought into a desired, optimal shape by the shape of the two parts and the clamping arrangement of the sealing element between them. This ensures a consistently tight seal and minimizes wear.

[0047] Preferably, the sealing element has a cylindrical base body with a chamfered circumferential flange, wherein a circumferential surface of the chamfered circumferential flange forms the sealing surface. This shape allows for optimal arrangement between the two stages of the two parts of the control element.

[0048] Preferably, the sealing element has a rounded base for resting in a circumferential, preferably curved, groove of the second part. This groove is also called edge rounding. This ensures that the sealing element is optimally held when the second part is inserted into the valve housing.

[0049] In preferred embodiments, the sealing element has an internal groove in which the sealing ring, in particular the O-ring, is arranged. The sealing ring or O-ring serves as a static seal between the sealing element and the second part of the control element. It is preferably made of a soft, flexible material. The material of the O-ring is selected according to the application range of the valve.

[0050] In other embodiments, the second part of the control element, in particular the second shaft, has a receiving groove on its outer circumference for receiving the sealing element, in particular the O-ring. The function and design of the sealing ring are the same as when arranged in the groove of the sealing element.

[0051] The valve housing can be designed in various ways. However, the multi-part design of the control element and the arrangement of the sealing element between two parts of the control element allow for a one-piece valve housing with a through-opening that forms the cavity. In some embodiments, the valve housing is formed as a single piece around the fluid chamber. In preferred embodiments, the entire valve housing is formed as a single piece.

[0052] One-piece valve bodies can withstand higher pressures in the fluid chamber. They are therefore more durable and safer. They are also more cost-effective to manufacture.

[0053] The one-piece design also offers the advantage of fewer parting lines, thus requiring fewer seals. This helps to prevent leaks. As mentioned previously, the valve body does not need to be disassembled for maintenance. Maintenance is simpler and saves time.

[0054] If the valve body has a through-hole, the first and second parts of the control element can be inserted into the cavity from two different sides. This simplifies assembly. Furthermore, there are only two points that need to be sealed, namely the two ends of the bores. Preferably, two dynamic seals, preferably with the same diameter, are arranged at these two points to create a pressure-balanced valve.

[0055] Preferably, the cavity is hourglass-shaped with an internal inclined surface that forms the valve seat. The seal is preferably conical. The valve seal is therefore preferably a conical seal. Hourglass-shaped flow chambers enable optimal flow with minimal deflection and allow for a sealing seat with a small diameter. Thanks to the two- or multi-part control element that can be assembled in the fluid chamber, it is possible to use an hourglass-shaped fluid chamber together with a one-piece valve body, and the valve can also be pressure-balanced.

[0056] The valve body can be designed as a cuboid, cube, or in another shape that allows for simple connection via flanges. Other connection options are possible.

[0057] Preferably, the control element protrudes from the valve housing. It can be easily connected to an actuating element for operating the control element. Thanks to this arrangement, the same valve housing can be combined with different types of actuating mechanisms. For example, the control element can be connected to a manual actuator, such as a handwheel, a pneumatic actuator, a magnetic actuator, or an electric actuator. The actuators can also be combined. Return springs or damping springs can also be combined with the control element. The valve housing is preferably designed such that the actuating unit can be attached to the valve housing, for example, by means of screws, and is already integrated into its own actuator housing.

[0058] Depending on the embodiment, the inlet and outlet bores in the valve housing are arranged differently. Preferably, at least one of them, and even more preferably both bores, open tangentially to the longitudinal center axis into the cavity or fluid chamber. They run perpendicular to or at an angle to the longitudinal center axis. The tangential opening enables a swirling flow. The pressure distribution around the circumference is more uniform than with a radial opening, and flow losses are lower. Furthermore, wear on the sealing element is more uniform. An arrangement can also be achieved in which the sealing element is located in the slipstream, and the incoming fluid thus acts on the sealing element with less force. In particular, particles transported in the fluid flow impact the sealing surface less frequently and at lower velocities.

[0059] In the inventive process for manufacturing the valve, at least the following are provided:

[0060] - the valve body with an inlet bore, an outlet bore and a through-hole, wherein the through-hole comprises the fluid-flowable cavity with the valve seat and defines the longitudinal center axis,

[0061] - a first part and a second part of the control element and

[0062] - a first and a second lid.

[0063] The first part is partially inserted into the valve housing at one end of the through-opening, and the second part is fully inserted into the valve housing at the other end. The first and second parts are firmly connected to each other within the through-opening, preferably in a rotationally fixed manner. The first end of the through-opening is sealed tightly to the outside with the first cover in such a way that one end of the first part of the control element protrudes from the valve housing and is slidably movable. The second end of the through-opening is sealed tightly to the outside with the second cover in such a way that the second part is fully and slidably held within the valve housing.

[0064] This method allows for time-saving and simple assembly of the valve and facilitates maintenance. Potential leaks are minimized, and the assembled valve module can be fitted with any actuator without modification, such as a manual, pneumatic, magnetic, or motor-driven actuator.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the method, a sealing element is provided, which is fitted onto the first part. The first part, together with the sealing element, is then inserted into the valve housing. During the connection of the first and second parts, the sealing element is fixed and held between the two parts. This allows a separate element to be used as the seat, which can be easily installed and replaced. Furthermore, it is not stretched during installation. In another embodiment of the method, the sealing element is fitted onto the second part and inserted into the valve housing together with the second part, where the second part is connected to the first part. If a sealing ring is also provided, it can be mounted on the same shaft as the sealing element, or, depending on the embodiment, on the other shaft.

[0066] Valves, especially high-pressure valves, have the disadvantage that particles from the valve can detach through abrasion and disrupt the operation of the valve.

[0067] It is therefore an object of the invention to create a valve in which such particles cannot cause damage.

[0068] This problem is solved by a valve, in particular a high-pressure valve, with the features of claim 24.

[0069] The valve according to the invention comprises a valve housing and a control element, the valve housing having an inlet bore, an outlet bore, and a fluid-permeable cavity connecting the inlet bore to the outlet bore. The valve housing forms a valve seat, and the cavity defines a longitudinal center axis. The control element is movable back and forth within the cavity along the longitudinal center axis between an open position of the valve and a closed position. The control element has a sealing surface that is spaced apart from the valve seat when the valve is in the open position and that seals against the valve seat when the valve is closed. The valve has at least one particle trap arranged between a dynamic seal and the cavity.

[0070] Preferably, a particle trap is arranged at both ends of the fluid-flowable cavity between the respective dynamic seal and the cavity.

[0071] The particle trap is a preferably circumferential unit that captures particles. Preferably, it is a circumferential groove in the valve housing filled with a particle-capturing material, for example, PTFE.

[0072] This valve is claimed as an independent invention. However, it can be combined with the features of the valve mentioned above. In particular, it can be combined with the features of the dependent claims without the features of claim 1.

[0073] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0074] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which serve only for illustration and are not to be interpreted restrictively. The drawings show:

[0076] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a valve according to the invention with a manual drive unit according to a first embodiment;

[0077] Figure 2 shows a side view of the valve with drive unit according to Figure 1;

[0078] Figure 3 shows a first longitudinal section through the valve according to Figure 1 in the closed position;

[0079] Figure 4 shows a second longitudinal section through the valve according to Figure 1 in the closed position;

[0080] Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the valve section according to Figure 3;

[0081] Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of the valve section according to Figure 4;

[0082] Figure 1 shows a first longitudinal section through the valve in the open position;

[0083] Figure 8 shows a second longitudinal section through the valve according to Figure 1 in the open position;

[0084] Figure 9 shows an enlarged view of the valve section according to Figure 7;

[0085] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the section of the valve according to Figure 8; Figure 11 is a side view of a valve housing of the valve according to Figure 1;

[0086] Figure 12 shows a top view of the valve housing according to Figure 11;

[0087] Figure 13 shows a longitudinal section through the valve housing according to Figure 12 along AA;

[0088] Figure 14 shows a section through the valve housing according to Figure 13 along JJ;

[0089] Figure 15 shows a section through the valve housing according to Figure 13 along KK;

[0090] Figure 16 shows a section through the valve housing according to Figure 12 along GG;

[0091] Figure 17 shows a section through the valve housing according to Figure 12 along 11;

[0092] Figure 18 shows a longitudinal section through part of the valve according to Figure 1 in an exploded view;

[0093] Figure 19 shows a perspective view of the part according to Figure 18 in an exploded view;

[0094] Figure 20 shows an enlarged section of the valve according to Figure 1 in the open position according to one variant;

[0095] Figure 21 shows a longitudinal section through a part of the valve according to the invention in a second embodiment in an exploded view;

[0096] Figure 22 shows a perspective view of the part according to Figure 21 in an exploded view;

[0097] Figure 23 shows an enlarged section of the valve according to Figure 21 in the open position and

[0098] Figure 24 shows the enlarged section according to Figure 23 in the closed position. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTIONS

[0099] The figures illustrate a preferred embodiment of the valve according to the invention, which is described below. The alternative embodiments mentioned in the chapter "Description of the Invention" can, for example, be implemented individually or in combination in this valve.

[0100] The valve is shown in Figures 1 and 2. It comprises a valve housing 1 and an actuator housing 2, preferably detachably connected to it. The actuator housing 2 is preferably fixed to the valve housing 1 by means of screws 23.

[0101] In this example, the drive is manual. A handwheel 3 protrudes from the drive housing 2. However, the drive housing 2 can also accommodate another type of drive, either additionally or alternatively.

[0102] The valve housing 1 preferably has a cuboid base. Other shapes are also possible. An inlet bore 10 is provided on one side, and an outlet bore 11 on the opposite side. Fluid lines, not shown in Figures 1 and 2, can be easily attached to the valve housing 1 by means of flanges and tightly connected to the inlet bore 10 and the outlet bore 11, respectively. Corresponding threaded bores are indicated by reference numeral 14 in Figures 1 and 2.

[0103] Reference numbers 12 and 13 denote vent holes to prevent a pressure increase in the event of a leak in the system.

[0104] Figures 3 to 6 show the valve in the closed position, figures 7 to 10 show it in the open position.

[0105] The valve housing 1 is formed in one piece. It is preferably made of steel or another metal. It has a central through-opening that defines a longitudinal center axis L. The through-opening has an inlet-side and an outlet-side cylindrical section and is hourglass-shaped or convergent-divergent in the area between them. The hourglass-shaped section has two widening sections and a tapered section between them. The tapered section thus forms a neck. The hourglass-shaped area forms a fluid-flowable cavity 15, also called a fluid chamber. As can be seen in Figures 4 and 6, and particularly in Figures 13, 14, and 17, the inlet bore 10 opens tangentially into the lower widening section of the hourglass-shaped section. The outlet bore 11 opens tangentially into the upper widening section of the hourglass-shaped section.This is clearly visible in Figures 4, 6, 13, 15, and 16. The section planes of Figures 13, 16, and 17 are shown in Figure 12 in combination with Figure 11. The section planes of Figures 14 and 15 are shown in Figure 13.

[0106] Since the valve is bidirectional, the inlet bore 10 can serve for both the inflow and outflow of a fluid. The same applies in reverse to the outlet bore 11. The tangential arrangement is preferably such that a swirl or spiral flow forms around the control element during tangential inflow within the cavity. The fluid flow passes the main sealing seat, i.e., the valve seat 18, in this spiral flow. This results in rotationally symmetrical flow conditions around the control element and around the longitudinal center axis L in the region of the valve seat 18. Subsequently, the fluid flow flows tangentially into the outlet bore 11 without changing the direction of swirl rotation. This arrangement of the inlet and outlet bores 10 and 11 reduces the pressure losses in the valve.

[0107] A valve seat 18 is formed on a conical section of the inner wall of the fluid chamber 15 (see Figure 6). It is formed by the wall of the valve housing 1. Preferably, it is a flat surface. In other embodiments, it is, for example, coated or it is a sealing element inserted into a groove of the valve housing 1.

[0108] The through-opening is tightly sealed by a first and a second cover 16, 17. The covers 16, 17 are preferably provided with external threads that engage with corresponding internal threads in the valve housing 1. The first vent bore 12 leads from the outside to the first cover 16 and through the first cover 16 to a first shaft 6 of a control element of the valve, which is described further below. The second vent bore 13 leads through the valve housing 1 to the second cover 17. This is clearly visible in Figure 4.

[0109] The first cover 16 has a central through-hole. The second cover 17 has a blind hole. A control element e, 7, 8, 9 is arranged in the valve housing 1. The control element is multi-part. It has the first shaft 6 and a second shaft 7 detachably connected to it. The first shaft 6 passes through the through-hole of the first cover 16. It serves to transmit the force for switching the valve.

[0110] A first seal 41, preferably an O-ring, seals the first shaft 6 against the first cover 16. The first shaft 6 is displaceable along the longitudinal center axis L relative to the first cover 16 and to the valve housing 1.

[0111] A second dynamic seal 42 seals between an inner wall of the upper cylindrical region of the valve housing 1 and the first shaft 6, thus separating the upper cylindrical region from the hourglass-shaped region. The second dynamic seal 42 is preferably a sealing arrangement located in a recess in the inner wall adjacent to the first cover 16.

[0112] A third dynamic seal 43 seals between an inner wall of the lower cylindrical region of the valve housing 1 and the second shaft 7, thus separating the lower cylindrical region from the hourglass-shaped region. The third dynamic seal 43 is preferably also a sealing arrangement located in a recess in the inner wall adjacent to the second cover 17.

[0113] The second and third dynamic seals 42, 43 preferably have the same inner diameter and ensure that the valve is pressure balanced.

[0114] The second shaft 7 projects into the blind hole 170 of the second cover 17. A fourth seal 44 seals the second shaft 7 against the second cover 17. The first and fourth seals 41, 44 preferably also have the same inner diameter as the second and third dynamic seals 42, 43.

[0115] In particular, the second and third dynamic seals 42, 43 can be easily replaced during maintenance because they are freely accessible after removing the first and second covers 16, 17, respectively. They simply rest on a circumferential step of the valve housing 1 and are not recessed in a groove.

[0116] Between the second and third dynamic seals 42, 43, two dirt traps, also called particle traps 5, are arranged. A first particle trap 5 is located in the first cylindrical section of the through-hole at the boundary with the hourglass-shaped section and adjacent to the first shaft 6. A second particle trap 5 is located in the second cylindrical section of the through-hole at the other end of the hourglass-shaped section and adjacent to the second shaft 7. The two particle traps 5 are each formed by a groove in the inner wall of the valve housing 1, the groove being provided with a ring containing a particle-trapping material. This material is, for example, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). These particles may already be present in the incoming fluid or they may be particles from the valve itself, generated by abrasion.The arrangement of the particle traps 5 in the immediate vicinity of the hourglass-shaped fluid chamber 15 protects the two dynamic seals 42, 43 located in the area of ​​the covers from particles from the fluid chamber 15.

[0117] The first shaft 6 protrudes from the first cover 16 with a first end 61. The first end 61 is provided with an outwardly open first receiving opening 610. This first end 61 can be connected to a drive for actuating the control element 6, 7, 8, 9.

[0118] In this example, a shaft assembly of the hand drive, connected to the handwheel 3, is connected to the first shaft 6. A cover 20 with a through-opening is provided in the drive housing 2 for this purpose. The cover 20 is sealed against the drive housing 2 by an outer seal 21, preferably an O-ring. It is sealed against the shaft assembly by means of an inner seal 22, which is also preferably an O-ring.

[0119] The shaft assembly comprises an outer shaft 32 with a flange 320, which rests on a step of the drive housing 2, and an inner shaft 34, which passes through the outer shaft 32 and is rotatably connected to it via a thread. The inner shaft 34 is preferably sealed against the outer shaft 32 by means of at least one dynamic seal 33.

[0120] The outer shaft 32 is fixedly, preferably rotationally, connected to the handwheel 3 by means of a nut 30 and a washer 31. The inner shaft 34 is connected to the first shaft 6 by means of a coupling element 35, here a stud bolt. A rotation of the handwheel 3 thus causes a rotation of the outer shaft 32 and results in a preferably purely translational displacement of the inner shaft 34 in the direction of the longitudinal center axis L. This causes the first and the second shafts 6, 7 of the control element to also move purely translationally along the longitudinal center axis L. This is clearly visible by comparing Figures 3 and 7 and 4 and 8, respectively.

[0121] This drive is merely an example. The protruding end of the first shaft 6 of the control element can be connected to other types of drives.

[0122] The second shaft 7 is, as mentioned, rigidly, preferably rotationally, connected to the first shaft 6. The connection can be designed in various ways. It allows the two parts 6 and 7 to be joined when the two parts 6 and 7 are inserted into the valve housing 1, preferably in the hourglass-shaped area. Preferably, the connection is also detachable in the inserted state.

[0123] In this embodiment, the first shaft 6 has a second receiving opening 620 with an internal thread at its second end 62. A first end 71 of the second shaft 7 has an external thread. At the second end 72 of the second shaft 7, a polygonal bore 720 is provided for receiving a socket wrench, e.g., a Torx wrench. This allows the second shaft 7 to be easily inserted into the valve housing 1 with the second cover 17 removed and screwed into the first shaft 6, which has already been inserted into the valve housing 1 from the other side, thus connecting it firmly, preferably rotationally, to the first shaft 6.

[0124] The first shaft 6 is preferably substantially cylindrical with sections having different diameters. The portion of the first shaft 6 projecting into the hourglass-shaped area preferably has a pressure equalization bore 60, which is clearly visible in Figures 3 and 5. This bore serves to ventilate the space between the first and second shafts.

[0125] The second shaft 7 also has a substantially cylindrical base body with sections of different diameters. In the region of the valve seat 18, there is a taper 70 which is not stepped but continuous. Preferably, it has a tapered conical section, a subsequent neck, and a subsequent widening conical section. This taper 70 is preferably located in an expanded section of the hourglass-shaped area, i.e., in a bulge of the fluid chamber 15.

[0126] The control element further comprises a sealing element 8, here in the form of an annular valve cone. The sealing element 8 surrounds the second shaft 7. During assembly, it can be slipped over the second shaft 7 from the first end 71 of the second shaft 7. Depending on the design of the cavity 15, it is inserted into the valve housing 1 either together with the second shaft 7 or with the first shaft 6. In the illustrated embodiment, it is preferably inserted with the first shaft 6.

[0127] The sealing element 8 is preferably made of a soft material, for example PEEK, PU, ​​Teflon ® or Vespel®.

[0128] The annular sealing element 8, here the valve cone, has an outer surface that forms a sealing surface 80. Preferably, the sealing element 8 has a conical section for this purpose. The sealing surface 80 runs obliquely to the longitudinal center axis L. Preferably, it runs parallel to the valve seat 18. It thus has the opposite inclination, so that they are in contact when the valve is closed.

[0129] With this sealing surface 80, the sealing element 8 rests against the valve seat 18 when the valve is closed, thereby separating the inlet bore 10 from the outlet bore 11 by dividing the fluid chamber 15. It thus forms the main seal of the valve. Preferably, a circumferential, thin sealing lip 800 is formed on the sealing surface 80, creating a linear sealing point against the valve seat 18. The sealing lip 800 is visible in Figures 5, 9, 10, and 18. Thanks to this sealing lip 800, an optimally pressure-balanced valve can be created, as it defines the location of the sealing effect. This is in contrast to a simple cone-cone sealing seat, in which the sealing diameter shifts radially and varies with the usual tolerances.

[0130] A cylindrical section is formed onto the conical section of the sealing element 8 via a step 81. This is clearly visible in Figure 9. At the opposite end of the conically inclined sealing surface 80, the sealing element 8 transitions into an inclined surface 82.

[0131] Preferably, the sealing element 8 has an inner groove 83 oriented towards the second shaft 7, in which a sealing ring 9 is arranged, sealing against the second shaft 7. The sealing ring 9 is preferably an O-ring. The sealing ring 9 is clearly visible in Figures 18 and 19. Its sealing effect can be seen by looking at Figures 5, 9, and 10 together. The sealing ring 9 also prevents the sealing element 8 from shifting axially relative to the first shaft 6 or the second shaft 7 during assembly of the valve. The groove 83 is dimensioned such that it accommodates the sealing ring 9 with a clearance 84. This prevents the sealing ring 9 from being compressed. In a variant of this embodiment, there is no clearance 84. The sealing ring 9 almost completely fills the inner groove 83. This is shown in Figure 20.

[0132] The second shaft 7 has a sealing element receptacle in its central region, here referred to as the valve cone receptacle 73. It is clearly visible in Figure 5. The valve cone receptacle 73 has an axial surface 730 extending parallel to the longitudinal center axis L, which transitions towards the second end 72 into a circumferential bearing surface 731 and towards the first end 71, and thus towards the first shaft 6, into an inwardly inclined, outer inclined surface 732. The bearing surface 731 is preferably channel-shaped and curved. The curvature of the bearing surface 731 preferably corresponds to the curvature of the inclined surface 82 of the sealing element 8, so that the sealing element is received in the channel of the second shaft 7.

[0133] The bearing surface 731 forms the area with the largest diameter, at least on the side towards the first end 71 of the second shaft 7. Preferably, it forms the area with the largest diameter over the entire length of the second shaft 7. However, areas towards the second end 72 of the second shaft 7 can also have the same or a larger diameter, but preferably only in the area between the taper 70 and the second end 72 of the second shaft 7.

[0134] When the sealing element 8 is fitted over the second shaft 7 during valve assembly, it does not need to be stretched. Thanks to the curved groove, which serves as a bearing surface 731, the sealing element 8 is securely held in place when the second shaft 7 is inserted into the valve housing 1 and cannot shift. The same applies when the second shaft 7 is attached to the first shaft 6.

[0135] Preferably, however, the sealing element 8 is placed onto the first shaft 6 and inserted into the valve housing 1 together with the first shaft 6. In some embodiments, the sealing element 8 can only be inserted into the cavity 15 of the valve housing 1 together with the first shaft 6 and not together with the second shaft 7.

[0136] The first shaft 6 forms a sealing element support at its second end 62, here called a valve cone support 63. The valve cone support 63 serves to secure the position of the sealing element 8 and prevents deformation of the sealing element 8, in particular the sealing surface 80, when the valve is closed and opened.

[0137] The valve cone support 63 forms an inner inclined surface 632, which transitions into a step 630 towards the second end 62 of the first shaft 6, thus forming an outer circumferential nose 631. The circumferential nose 631 forms the outermost end of the first shaft 6. This is clearly visible in Figure 5.

[0138] The cylindrical section of the sealing element 8 is received in this stage 630 and is covered on the outside by the nose 631. The inclined sealing surface 80 of the sealing element 8 is left exposed. When the first and second shafts 6, 7 are assembled, the sealing element 8 is slightly compressed, i.e., clamped, so that it lies as close to free play as possible between the corresponding surfaces of the two shafts 6, 7.

[0139] As can be clearly seen in Figures 5, 6, 9 and 10, the sealing surface 80 is freely accessible between the first and second shafts 6, 7 when the two shafts 6, 7 hold the sealing element 8 in place.

[0140] The sealing element 8 is held in place by the design of the two shafts 6 and 7, which shapes it and fixes it in this form. If the valve is closed too forcefully, e.g., by excessive torque on the handwheel, the sealing element 8 is only elastically deformed until the cone support of the first shaft 6 contacts the cone on the valve seat 18 of the valve housing 1. The valve cone support 63 and the valve cone receptacle 73, both made of a hard material, preferably metal, prevent the sealing element 8 from being deformed further. The sealing element 8 is thus protected against overload.

[0141] The shape shown in the figures thus corresponds exactly, or at least essentially, to the shape of the sealing element 8 before the assembly of the valve.

[0142] Figures 7 to 10 show the valve in the open position. As can be clearly seen in these figures, the circumferential shape of the first and second shafts 6, 7, together with the sealing element 8 arranged between them, forms a counterpart to the shape of the valve housing 1 in the area of ​​the sealing seat 18, and thus between the inlet bore 10 and the outlet bore 11. There are no steps; instead, the shape changes continuously to ensure optimal flow and to prevent pressure losses due to flow separation or turbulence. This applies in particular to the circumference of the valve cone support 63, the sealing surface 80, the valve cone receptacle 73, the tapered section 70, and the subsequent widening of the second shaft 7. The control element with the first and second shafts 6, 7 and the sealing element 8, on the one hand, and the cavity 15 in the valve housing 1, on the other hand, form a flow-optimized fluid channel.

[0143] Figures 21 to 24 show a second embodiment. The valve is essentially constructed the same way as in the first embodiment. Therefore, reference is made to its description and drawings.

[0144] The second embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in the design of the sealing element 8 and the arrangement of the sealing ring 9. Instead of the inner groove 83, the sealing element 8 has a contact surface 85. The contact surface 85 is preferably flat and runs parallel to the longitudinal center axis L. The inclined surface 82 of the sealing element 8 abuts this contact surface 85. The second shaft 7 has a circumferential receiving groove 74 on its outer circumference for receiving the sealing ring 9. The receiving groove 74 is clearly visible in Figure 21.

[0145] During valve assembly, the sealing ring 9 can be inserted into the receiving groove 74 of the second shaft 7 and pushed into the valve housing 1 from below. The sealing element 8 can be placed onto the first shaft 6 and, together with it, pushed into the valve housing 1 from the opposite side.

[0146] In the example shown, the sealing ring 9 fills the entire receiving groove 74. This is a simplified representation. Preferably, the receiving groove 74 is not completely filled by the sealing ring 9, i.e., the fill level is usually not 100%.

[0147] The valve according to the invention can be used in high-pressure applications and can be assembled in a simple manner. Reference Mark List

[0148] 1 Valve housing

[0149] 10 Entry bore

[0150] 11 Exit bore

[0151] 12 first vent hole

[0152] 13 second vent hole

[0153] 14 threaded holes

[0154] 15 Cavity

[0155] 16 first lid

[0156] 17 second lid

[0157] 170 blind hole

[0158] 18 Valve seat

[0159] 2 drive housings

[0160] 20 lids

[0161] 21 outer sealing ring

[0162] 22 inner sealing ring

[0163] 23 screw

[0164] 3 Handwheel

[0165] 30 mother

[0166] 31 disc

[0167] 32 outer shaft

[0168] 320 flange

[0169] 33 dynamic seal

[0170] 34 inner shaft

[0171] 35 Coupling element

[0172] 41 first seal

[0173] 42 second seal

[0174] 43 third seal

[0175] 44 fourth seal

[0176] 5 particle traps 6 first wave

[0177] 60 Pressure equalization bore

[0178] 61 first end

[0179] 610 first recording opening

[0180] 62 second end

[0181] 620 second recording opening

[0182] 63 Valve cone support

[0183] 630 level

[0184] 631 Nose

[0185] 632 inner inclined surface

[0186] 7 second wave

[0187] 70 Rejuvenation

[0188] 71 first end

[0189] 72 second end

[0190] 720 multi-sided bore

[0191] 73 Valve cone holder

[0192] 730 Axial area

[0193] 731 Contact area

[0194] 732 outer inclined surface

[0195] 74 recordings

[0196] 8 Sealing element (valve cone)

[0197] 80 sealing surface

[0198] 800 sealing lip

[0199] Level 81

[0200] 82 inclined surface

[0201] 83 Nut

[0202] 84 Free space

[0203] 85 m² of installation area

[0204] 9 Sealing ring

[0205] L Longitudinal axis

Claims

25 PATENT CLAIMS 1. Valve with a valve housing (1) having an inlet bore (10), an outlet bore (11) and a fluid-flowable cavity (15) connecting the inlet bore (10) with the outlet bore (11), wherein the valve housing (1) forms a valve seat (18) and wherein the cavity (15) defines a longitudinal center axis (L), and with a control element (6, 7, 8, 9) which is movable back and forth within the cavity (15) between an open position of the valve and a closed position of the valve along the longitudinal center axis (L) and which has a sealing surface (80) which is spaced apart from the valve seat (18) when the valve is in the open position and which seals against the valve seat (18) when the valve is in the closed position, characterized in that the movable control element (6, 7, 8, 9) is formed in at least two parts, wherein it has a first part which is a first shaft (6) is formed, and wherein the control element has a second part,which is designed as a second wave (7), and that the two waves (6, 7) are firmly connected to each other in the fluid-flowable cavity (15).

2. Valve according to claim 1, wherein the control element forms a conical shape (80) for a conical seal.

3. Valve according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the valve is pressure balanced.

4. Valve according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control element has a sealing element (8) which forms the sealing surface (80), wherein the sealing element (8) is held between the first and the second part (6, 7) by means of the first and second part (6, 7).

5. Valve according to claim 4, wherein a sealing ring (9), in particular an O-ring, is arranged between the sealing element (8) and the second shaft (7).

6. Valve according to claim 5, wherein the sealing element (8) or the second shaft (7) has a groove (83, 74) for receiving the sealing ring (9).

7. Valve according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second part (7) forms a circumferential step (731) on its circumference for supporting the sealing element (8) and / or wherein the first part (6) forms a circumferential inner step (630) at an end of the first part (6) for protecting the sealing element (8).

8. Valve according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the sealing element (8) is annular, wherein the sealing element (8) surrounds and abuts the outer circumference of the second part (7), wherein the sealing element (8) is surrounded by the inner step (630) of the first part (6) and by a wall of the inner step (630) of the first part forming a nose (631). (6) is surrounded, and wherein there is a gap between the first and second part (6, 7) which is filled by the sealing surface (80) of the sealing element (8).

9. Valve according to claim 8, wherein the sealing element (8) is annular in shape with a cylindrical base body having a chamfered circumferential flange, wherein a circumferential surface of the chamfered circumferential flange forms the sealing surface (80).

10. Valve according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the sealing element (8) has a rounded base for resting in a circumferential groove (731) of the second part (7) 11. Valve according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first shaft (6) and the second shaft (7) are movable along the longitudinal central axis (L) and wherein the guidance is cylindrical and takes place in both end regions of the control element.

12. Valve according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the valve housing (1) is formed in one piece with a bore which forms the cavity (15) and into which the first and second parts (6, 7) can be inserted.

13. Valve according to claim 12, wherein the bore is a through-hole and the first part (6) is opened from a first side and the second part (7) from a second side are importable.

14. Valve according to claims 11 and 13, wherein the through-opening has an inlet-side and an outlet-side cylindrical area and is hourglass-shaped in between, and wherein the first shaft (6) and the second shaft (7) have cylindrical sections which are guided in the cylindrical areas of the through-opening.

15. Valve according to claim 14, wherein dynamic seals (5) are arranged in the cylindrical area of ​​the through-opening between the first shaft (6) and the valve housing (1) and between the second shaft (7) and the valve housing (1).

16. Valve according to one of claims 12 or 15, wherein the cavity (15) is hourglass-shaped with an inner inclined surface forming the valve seat (18).

17. Valve according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first shaft (6) is detachably connected to the second shaft (7).

18. Valve according to claim 17, wherein the first shaft (6) has a threaded bore (620) into which the second shaft (7) can be screwed, or wherein the second shaft (7) has a threaded bore into which the first shaft (6) can be screwed.

19. Valve according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the control element projects from the valve housing (1) and is connected to an actuating element (3) for actuating the control element.

20. Valve according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the inlet bore (10) and / or the outlet bore (11) open tangentially to the longitudinal central axis (L) into the cavity (15).

21. Method for manufacturing a valve according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein at least the following is provided: - the valve housing (1) with an inlet bore (10), an outlet bore (11) and with a through-hole, wherein the through-hole provides the fluid-flowable 28 cavity (15) encompasses the valve seat (18) and defines the longitudinal center axis (L), - a first part (6) and a second part (7) of the control element and - a first and a second cover (16, 17), wherein the first part (6) is partially inserted into the valve housing (1) at a first end of the through-opening, wherein the second part (7) is inserted into the valve housing (1) at a second end of the through-opening, wherein the first and the second part (6, 7) are firmly connected to each other, wherein the first end of the through-opening (10) is tightly closed to the outside by means of the first cover (16) such that one end (61) of the first part (6) protrudes slidably from the valve housing (1) along the longitudinal central axis (L), and wherein the second end (72) of the through-opening is tightly closed to the outside by means of the second cover (17) such that the second part (7) is completely slidably received in the valve housing (1).

22. Method according to claim 21, wherein furthermore the sealing element (8) of the control element is provided, wherein the sealing element (8) is placed on the second part (7) before the second part (7) is inserted, wherein the second part (7) is pushed into the valve housing (1) together with the sealing element (8), and wherein the sealing element (8) is held fixed between the first and the second part (6, 7) when the first and the second part (6, 7) are connected together.

23. Method according to claim 21, wherein furthermore the sealing element (8) of the control element is provided, wherein the sealing element (8) is placed on the first part (6) before the first part (6) is inserted, wherein the first part (6) is inserted into the valve housing (1) together with the sealing element (8), and wherein the sealing element (8) is held fixed between the first and the second part (6, 7) when the first and the second part (6, 7) are connected together.

24. Valve, in particular a valve having the features of claims 1 to 20, wherein the valve has a valve housing (1) and a control element (6, 7, 8, 9), wherein the valve housing (1) has an inlet bore (10), an outlet bore (11) and a fluid-flowable cavity (15) connecting the inlet bore (10) with the outlet bore (11), wherein the valve housing (1) forms a valve seat (18) and wherein the cavity (15) defines a longitudinal center axis (L), and wherein the control element within the cavity (15) is movable back and forth between an open position of the valve and a closed position of the valve along the longitudinal center axis (L) and which has a sealing surface (80) which is spaced apart from the valve seat (18) when the valve is in the open position and which seals against the valve seat (18) when the valve is in the closed position, characterized in that at least one particle trap (5) is provided which is arranged between a dynamic seal (42, 43) and the cavity (15).

25. Ring-shaped sealing element for arrangement on a one- or multi-part control element of a valve with a circumferential sealing surface in the form of a conical surface, characterized in that a circumferential sealing lip is formed on the conical surface.

Images