Valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve (1) comprising a valve housing (2), a flow opening (4) which is surrounded by an annular housing wall (3) of the valve housing (2), and a valve disc (5), wherein the valve disc (5) is mounted in the flow opening (4) so as to be able to pivot back-and-forth between a maximum open position and a maximum closed position by means of a pivot axle (6) of the valve (1), and the pivot axle (6) is mounted on the housing (2) so as to run transversely through the flow opening (4), wherein the valve disc (4) releases a respective sub-region of the flow opening (4) on opposing sides (7, 8) of the pivot axle (6) in the maximum open position and wherein the valve (1) has at least one heating device (9), which surrounds the annular housing wall (3) at least in some regions, for heating the annular housing wall (3), wherein the heating device (9) has at least one support body (10), a heating wire (12) being arranged in the support body surface (11) which faces the annular housing wall (3).

Description

[0001] 33640 / 34 / ss

[0002] 20251117

[0003] 1

[0004] valve

[0005] The present invention relates to a valve with a valve housing and a flow opening surrounded by an annular housing wall of the valve housing and a valve disc, wherein the valve disc is pivoted between a maximum

[0006] The valve is mounted in the flow opening in a pivotable position between the open and a maximum closed position, and the pivot axis is mounted on the valve housing extending transversely through the flow opening, wherein the valve disc, in the maximum open position, releases a partial area of ​​the flow opening on opposite sides of the pivot axis, and wherein the valve has at least one heating device surrounding the annular housing wall, at least partially, for heating the annular housing wall.

[0007] Various heating devices are known for valves of the type mentioned. In the prior art, both the annular housing wall and the valve disc are often heated. The aim is to heat both the valve disc and the housing wall to such a temperature that as few deposits as possible form on the housing wall and the valve disc from the fluids passing through the flow opening.

[0008] A valve of this type is known, for example, from EP 0 640 784 A1. The object of the invention is to design valves of the type mentioned above with a heating device that surrounds the annular housing wall at least partially, such that the annular housing wall surrounding the flow opening can be heated to the optimal temperature.

[0009] To solve this problem, the invention proposes a valve according to claim 1.

[0010] It is therefore provided according to the invention that the heating device has at least one support body in whose support body surface, which points towards the annular housing wall, a heating wire is arranged.

[0011] The heating wire and its arrangement on the support surface facing the annular housing wall make it particularly easy to precisely control the temperature of the annular housing wall as required for the specific process for which the valve is used. This is due, firstly, to the precise controllability of the heat output by the heating wire and, secondly, to the immediate proximity of the heating wire to the annular housing wall.

[0012] In principle, the heating wire in valves according to the invention could also be arranged directly in or adjacent to the surface of the support body. However, a particularly preferred and also easily manufactured variant provides that a heating wire receiving channel, open towards the annular housing wall, is formed in the surface of the support body, in which the heating wire is arranged. In order to heat the annular housing wall as uniformly as possible, preferred embodiments provide that the heating wire receiving channel is designed in a meandering, bifilar, or circular shape in the surface of the support body.

[0013] Meandering describes the arrangement of the heating wire receiving channels in the support body surface in successive loops. Bifilar describes two adjacent paths. It is particularly preferred that the heating wire is arranged in a meandering, bifilar, or circular pattern in the support body surface facing the annular housing wall. The correspondingly shaped heating wire preferably runs flat within the correspondingly shaped heating wire receiving channel.

[0014] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that a meandering, bifilar, or circular arrangement of the heating wire in the support surface is also conceivable without the presence of heating wire receiving channels.

[0015] Preferably, for the sake of optimal heat transfer, the support surface and / or the heating wire are designed to be in direct contact with the annular housing wall, at least in certain areas. This direct contact could also be described as immediate contact. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that a thermally conductive paste is placed between the support surface and the annular housing wall.

[0016] Alternatively, an electrically insulating intermediate layer could be placed between the support surface and the annular housing wall, or between the support and the valve housing. This intermediate layer should have good thermal conductivity. It could be made of ceramic, for example, or as a thin film, such as foil or paste. This would be particularly advisable if the flow of electrical current through the valve housing is to be prevented. However, if the heating wire itself is sufficiently well electrically insulated, this intermediate layer can be omitted.

[0017] Regarding the term "ring shape" of the annular housing wall, it should be noted that a ring is fundamentally a closed body that surrounds a through-opening. It does not necessarily have to be a perfectly circular shape. Both the inner and outer surfaces of a ring can deviate from a circular shape, either partially or completely. This also applies to the annular housing wall of the valve housing.

[0018] Preferred embodiments of the invention provide that the support surface and / or the heating wire bear directly against the annular housing wall, at least in certain areas. A ring segment is a part of a ring; the ring segment is therefore curved accordingly but not circumferentially closed. Instead of ring-segment shaped, one could also describe it as ring-sector shaped.

[0019] Preferred embodiments of the invention, however, provide that the annular housing wall has, at least in some areas, the shape of a circular cylinder. In particular, the areas of the annular housing wall through which the pivot axis of the valve disc passes could also be shaped differently from an annular form. To ensure the best possible contact between the support element and the annular housing wall, particularly preferred variants provide that the surface of the support element, apart from any heating wire receiving channel, is designed as a partial area of ​​a circular cylinder in the area where it contacts the annular housing wall. Generally speaking, however, the surface of the support element should be adapted to the shape of the annular housing wall as closely as possible.

[0020] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the support body, with its support body surface, preferably rests against the annular housing wall on the side opposite the flow opening.

[0021] Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention provide that the valve has two heating devices arranged on opposite sides of the annular housing wall. This ensures that a heating device rests against the annular housing wall wherever there is no pivot point for the valve disc. In preferred embodiments, the heating device is detachably attached to the annular housing wall or the valve housing. It is particularly preferred that the heating device is pressed against the annular housing wall by means of at least one screw connection. In particularly preferred variants, the respective support body is pressed against the annular housing wall by means of the at least one screw connection.For this purpose, suitable mounting flanges with corresponding holes, screws, or nuts for fastening can be provided, preferably at opposite ends of the support body. It is particularly preferred that the valve housing forms a U-shaped profile in a cross-section extending through the annular housing wall, and that the support body is arranged within the U-shaped profile with its surface abutting the annular housing wall. The support body can be replaced by means of a detachable fastening within the U-shaped profile of the valve housing.

[0022] This allows the support body to be replaced or exchanged. It is also possible to accommodate various support bodies or heating devices within the U-shaped profile of the valve housing. This even makes it possible to replace the support bodies or exchange them for others.

[0023] To measure the instantaneous temperature of the annular housing wall, preferred embodiments of the invention provide that the valve has a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the annular housing wall and / or the supporting body. Multiple temperature sensors can also be provided to measure the temperature of the annular housing wall at different locations. The temperature of the annular housing wall measured in this way can be used to control the heating wire via a corresponding control system. Thus, the valve can be provided with a controller for regulating the heating wire depending on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

[0024] The valve disc of the valve according to the invention can be heated or unheated. Various methods for heating a valve disc are known in the prior art. All of these can also be used in valves according to the invention.

[0025] It should be noted that, so far, the respective features or components of the valves according to the invention have generally only been mentioned in the singular. This has no limiting effect, but ultimately only describes the minimum number. The corresponding features and components can also be present in greater numbers in order to form valves according to the invention. In this sense, the word "one" should be understood, where technically appropriate, as "at least one", etc.

[0026] Valves in which the valve disc is pivotally mounted in the flow opening between a maximum opening position and a maximum closed position by means of the valve's pivot axis, and the pivot axis is mounted transversely through the flow opening on the valve housing, are generally referred to as butterfly valves. Therefore, valves according to the invention can also be called butterfly valves. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the pivot axis can be mounted directly or indirectly on the valve housing. The mountings for the pivot axis of the valve disc can thus be attached directly or indirectly to or within the valve housing. The valve housing, and therefore also the annular housing wall, can be made, for example, of aluminum or a suitable steel or stainless steel.The same applies to the support body, with stainless steel versions being particularly preferred. The wall thickness of the annular housing wall is preferably in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm, and particularly preferably between 3.5 mm and 4.5 mm. The width of the heating wire receiving channel is usually adapted to the thickness of the heating wire. In preferred embodiments, the width of the heating wire receiving channel is in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm, and particularly preferably between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm. The distance between two adjacent sections of the heating wire, and thus, in preferred embodiments, also the distance between two adjacent sections of the heating wire receiving channel, is preferably in the range of 3 mm to 6 mm, and more preferably between 4 mm and 5 mm. Valves according to the invention can be used in a wide variety of applications. However, the valves according to the invention are particularly preferably so-called vacuum valves.These are valves used in vacuum technology. Vacuum technology, and therefore vacuum valves, are specifically used when working with pressure levels of less than or equal to 0.001 mbar (millibar) or 0.1 Pascal. However, the term vacuum technology and vacuum valves can also be used when working with pressures below normal atmospheric pressure, i.e., below one bar.

[0027] Further features and details of preferred embodiments of valves according to the invention are explained below using an exemplary embodiment as an example. The illustrations show:

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a valve according to the invention;

[0029] Fig. 2 shows a vertical section through the valve housing of the valve from Fig. 1;

[0030] Fig. 3 shows the arrangement from Fig. 2 in an exploded view;

[0031] Fig. 4 shows a support body of the valve from Fig. 1 with heating wire;

[0032] Fig. 5 shows only the heating wire;

[0033] Fig. 6 shows the support body from Fig. 4 without the heating wire;

[0034] Figs. 7 and 8 are sectional views showing the U-shaped profiles of the valve body of the valve from Fig. 1.

[0035] The valve 1 according to the invention, described below, is a vacuum valve. However, as already explained, this is not necessarily the case with the invention.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a side view of valve 1 of this embodiment. It is a butterfly valve.

[0037] The valve 1 comprises a valve housing 2 with a flow opening 4 surrounded by an annular housing wall 3 of the valve housing 2 and a valve disc 5. The valve disc 5 is pivotally mounted in the flow opening 4 by means of a pivot axis 6 of the valve 1, allowing it to pivot back and forth between a maximum opening position and a maximum closed position. The pivot axis 6 extends transversely through the flow opening 4 and is mounted on the valve housing 2, as is known per se. In its various opening positions, and especially in its maximum position, the valve disc 5 can pivot back and forth between a maximum opening position and a maximum closed position.

[0038] In the open position, the valve plate 5 on opposite sides 7 and 8 of the pivot axis 6 each releases a partial area of ​​the flow opening 4.

[0039] In the maximum closed position, shown in Fig. 1, the valve disc 5 can, depending on the embodiment of the valve 1 according to the invention, completely close the flow opening 4, i.e., also pressure-tight. However, it is also possible that even in the maximum closed position, a certain gap remains between the valve disc 5 and the annular housing wall 3 surrounding it in the closed position. Particularly in valves 1 for regulating the volume flow, it can be provided, as is known per se, that the valve disc 5 does not seal the flow opening 4 pressure-tight or completely even in the maximum closed position. In Fig.Figure 1 does not yet show that the valve 1 has at least one heating device 9, which surrounds the annular housing wall 3 at least partially, for heating the annular housing wall 3, wherein, according to the invention, the heating device 9 has a support body 10, in the surface 11 of which, facing the annular housing wall 3, a heating wire 12 is arranged. This will be shown and explained below with reference to the figures described further below.

[0040] First, it should be noted that the valve housing 2 of this embodiment has through-holes 19 through which the valve 1 or the valve housing 2 can be fastened to fluid lines, process chambers, or the like by means of screws or the like. This is known per se and is mentioned here only for the sake of completeness.

[0041] At the upper end of the valve housing 2, a drive housing 20 is shown in Fig. 1. This drive housing 20 contains the drive mechanism, known per se, for rotating the pivot axis 6 about its longitudinal direction and thus pivoting the valve disc 5 between its maximum opening position and its maximum closed position.

[0042] In this embodiment, a connection housing 21 is shown below the valve housing 2.

[0043] This may contain, for example, the electrical connections for the heating device 9 and, in particular, the heating wire 12, but also for a temperature sensor 18 or the like, which will be mentioned later. The drive housing 20 and the connection housing 21, as well as the drives and electrical connections located therein, do not require further explanation, as they can be designed in a manner known in the prior art. Accordingly, the drive housing 20 and the connection housing 21 are not shown in the following figures.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows a vertical section through the valve housing 2 in a section plane extending perpendicular to the annular housing wall 3, in which the heating devices 9 provided according to the invention with their support bodies 10 are also clearly visible. It can also be seen here that the previously mentioned through-holes 19 extend partially through the support bodies 10. This is possible, but of course not mandatory.

[0045] Each of the two support bodies 10 present here has a heating wire 12 in its support body surface 11, which faces the annular housing wall 3, as is shown more clearly in Figures 4 to 6. In the support body surface 11 of each support body 10, a heating wire receiving channel 13 is formed, open towards the annular housing wall 3. The respective heating wire 12 is arranged in this heating wire receiving channel 13. Both the heating wire receiving channel 13 and the heating wire 12 run in a meandering pattern. Alternatively, bifilar or circular paths would also be possible. All of this is particularly well illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, where Figure 4 shows the support body 10 with the heating wire 12 arranged in the heating wire receiving channel 13, while Figure 5 shows only the heating wire 12 and Figure 6 shows only the support body 10.

[0046] To ensure optimal heat transfer between the heating wire 12, the support body 10, and the annular housing wall 3, this embodiment provides that the support body surface 11 and the heating wire 12 are in direct contact with the annular housing wall 3, at least in certain areas. Alternatively, as mentioned earlier, an electrically insulating intermediate layer (not shown here) can be arranged between the support body 10 and the valve housing 2. If present, this intermediate layer should have a correspondingly high thermal conductivity. In this embodiment, the support bodies 10 are segment-shaped.

[0047] Figures 2 and 3 clearly show that the annular housing wall 3, in this embodiment at least partially—specifically, apart from the axle mounts 22—is designed as a circular cylindrical shell wall. To ensure optimal contact and thus the best possible heat transfer, the support bodies 10 are also designed such that their respective support body surfaces 11, apart from the heating wire receiving channel 13, are formed as a partial circular cylindrical shell wall in the area where they contact the annular housing wall 3. For the sake of completeness, however, it should be noted again that this is not mandatory.

[0048] In Fig. 2 as well as in the exploded view according to Fig. 3 it can be seen particularly well that in this preferred embodiment of a valve 1 according to the invention two heating devices 9 are provided, which are arranged on opposite sides 14 and 15 of the annular housing wall 3.

[0049] As explained above, the support bodies 10 are advantageously detachably attached to the valve housing 2. In the embodiment shown here, a mounting flange with holes 24 is provided at each of the opposite ends of the support body 10. Screws can be passed through these holes 24 to press the respective support body 10 against the annular housing wall 3 by means of the screw connection 16.

[0050] The support bodies 10, with their support body surfaces 11, rest as fully as possible against the annular housing wall 3 on the side opposite the flow opening 4. Advantageously, only the area in which the axle mounts 22 are located, in which the pivot axis 6 of the valve disc 5 is rotatably mounted, is left uncovered.

[0051] Figures 7 and 8 further show that, in preferred embodiments, the valve housing 2 forms a U-shaped profile 17 in a cross-section extending through the annular housing wall 3. As can be clearly seen in Figure 7, the support bodies 10 are arranged in the U-shaped profiles 17 with their respective support body surfaces 11 abutting the annular housing wall 3.

[0052] This, along with the detachable fastening of the support bodies 10 to the valve housing 2, makes it possible to replace the support bodies 10 and thus the heating devices 9 for maintenance or replacement purposes. If no heating device 9 is required, the support bodies 10 and thus the heating devices 9 can also be omitted entirely.

[0053] Fig. 8 shows an exploded view of how the support bodies 10 can be removed from the u-shaped profiles 17.

[0054] For the sake of completeness, the temperature sensor 18 visible in Fig. 2 is mentioned in conclusion. This sensor serves to measure the temperature of the annular housing wall 3 and / or the support body 10. In the embodiment shown here, the temperature of the annular housing wall 3 is measured indirectly by first measuring the temperature of the support body 10. However, due to the corresponding thermally conductive contact, this temperature also corresponds to that of the annular housing wall 3. Of course, in a different embodiment than shown here, several temperature sensors 18 can also be provided. These can also be arranged directly on or in the annular housing wall 3 in order to measure the temperature of the annular housing wall 3 directly. The temperature measured in this way can be used via a controller (not shown here) to regulate the temperature emitted by the heating wire 12. Legend

[0055] Regarding the reference numbers:

[0056] valve

[0057] Valve housing

[0058] housing wall

[0059] Flow opening

[0060] Valve plate

[0061] Swivel axis

[0062] Page

[0063] Page

[0064] Heating device

[0065] Supporting body

[0066] load-bearing body surface

[0067] heating wire

[0068] Heating wire intake channel

[0069] Page

[0070] Page

[0071] screw connection

[0072] U-shaped profile

[0073] temperature sensor

[0074] Through hole

[0075] drive housing

[0076] Connection housing

[0077] axle mount

[0078] Mounting flange

[0079] Hole

Claims

3364 0 / 34 / ss 20251117 16 Patent claims 1. Valve (1) with a valve housing (2) and a flow opening (4) surrounded by an annular housing wall (3) of the valve housing (2) and a valve disc (5), wherein the valve disc (5) is pivoted by means of a pivot axis (6) of the valve (1) between a maximum The valve (1) is pivotably mounted in the flow opening (4) in the open position and a maximum closed position, and the pivot axis (6) is mounted on the valve housing (2) extending transversely through the flow opening (4), wherein the valve disc (4) in the maximum open position releases a partial area of ​​the flow opening (4) on opposite sides (7, 8) of the pivot axis (6), and wherein the valve (1) has at least one heating device (9) for heating the annular housing wall (3), which surrounds the annular housing wall (3) at least partially, characterized in that the heating device (9) has at least one support body (10) in the surface (11) of which, facing the annular housing wall (3), a heating wire (12) is arranged. is.

2. Valve ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein a heating wire receiving channel ( 13 ) is formed in the support body surface ( 11 ) which is open towards the annular housing wall ( 3 ) and in which the heating wire ( 12 ) is arranged.

3. Valve ( 1 ) according to claim 2, wherein the heating wire receiving channel ( 13 ) is formed in a meandering or bifilar or circular shape in the support body surface ( 11 ).

4. Valve ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating wire ( 12 ) is arranged in a meandering or bifilar or circular manner in the support body surface ( 11 ) facing the annular housing wall ( 3 ).

5. Valve ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support body surface ( 11 ) and / or the heating wire ( 12 ) is or is in contact at least partially directly with the annular housing wall ( 3 ).

6. Valve ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support body ( 10 ) is designed in the shape of an annular segment.

7. Valve ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the annular housing wall ( 3 ) has at least partially the form of a circular cylinder shell wall.

8. Valve ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the support body surface ( 11 ), apart from the heating wire receiving channel ( 13 ) that may be present, is designed in the area of ​​its contact with the annular housing wall ( 3 ) as a partial area of ​​a circular cylinder shell wall.

9. Valve ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the valve ( 1 ) has two of the heating devices ( 9 ), which are arranged on opposite sides ( 14, 15 ) of the annular housing wall ( 3 ).

10. Valve ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heating device ( 9 ) is pressed against the annular housing wall ( 3 ) by means of at least one screw connection ( 16 ).

11. Valve ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the valve housing ( 2 ) forms a u-shaped profile ( 17 ) in a cross-section extending through the annular housing wall ( 3 ) and the support body ( 10 ) is arranged with its support body surface ( 11 ) abutting the annular housing wall ( 3 ) in the u-shaped profile ( 17 ).

12. Valve ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein an electrically insulating intermediate layer is arranged between the support body ( 10 ) and the valve housing ( 2 ).

13. Valve ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the valve ( 1 ) has a temperature sensor ( 18 ) for measuring a temperature of the annular housing wall ( 3 ) and / or the support body ( 10 ).

14. Valve ( 1 ) according to claim 13, wherein the valve ( 1 ) has a controller for regulating the heating wire ( 12 ) depending on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor ( 18 ).

15. Valve ( 12 ) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the heating device ( 9 ), preferably the support body ( 10 ), is detachably attached to the valve housing ( 2 ), preferably to the annular housing wall ( 3 ).

Images