Abstract:
A valve coupling for joining pipe elements includes a valve housing surrounded by coupling segments. Projections extend from the segments and engage channels in the valve housing. Engagement between the projections and the channels guides the segments as they are drawn together to engage the pipe elements and secures the valve housing between the segments.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is based upon and claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/258,797, filed Nov. 23, 2015 and hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to fluid control devices that are combinations of valves and mechanical couplings. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Fluid control devices which combine mechanical couplings with valves (herein referred to as “valve couplings”) are advantageous because they allow for more efficient piping network designs by reducing the number of components in the network. Prior art networks not using valve couplings require two mechanical couplings for each valve in the network, whereas a valve coupling couples a valve directly to pipe elements without the need for multiple mechanical couplings. 
         [0004]    It is advantageous for the valve elements of a valve coupling to be securely and reliably housed within the coupling elements to ensure proper coupling between the pipe elements and proper performance of the valve. It is further advantageous if the valve coupling is easy to install into the piping network. There is clearly an opportunity to improve the design of valve couplings. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The invention concerns a valve coupling for joining pipe elements and controlling flow therethrough. In one example embodiment the valve coupling comprises a plurality of segments attached to one another end to end surrounding a central space. A valve housing is captured between the segments. A valve closing member is movably mounted within the valve housing. The valve closing member is movable between an open position permitting flow through the valve housing and a closed position preventing flow there through. At least one projection extends from one of the segments into the central space. The at least one projection engages the valve housing and supports at least two of the segments in spaced relation. 
         [0006]    In an example embodiment, each of the segments comprises a back wall extending between the ends thereof. The at least one projection extends from the back wall of the one segment. By way of example the at least one projection is tapered. In a further example the at least one projection has a U-shaped cross section. In another example the at least one projection is deformable to permit the at least two segments to be drawn toward one another. In a specific example embodiment the valve housing comprises a ring. Further by way of example the valve housing may comprise first and second bonnets which extend in respective directions away from the central space. Each bonnet extends through a respective opening in a first and a second of the segments. In a further example the valve housing comprises at least one channel therein. The at least one channel is positioned to receive the at least one projection. In an example embodiment the valve housing further comprises first and second guide walls positioned in spaced relation to one another on opposite sides of and defining the at least one channel. The guide walls projects away from the central space in an example embodiment. By way of example the at least one channel comprises a floor surface having a concave shape. In another example the valve housing further comprises first and second guide walls positioned in spaced relation to one another on opposite sides of the floor surface, the guide walls projecting away from the central space. 
         [0007]    In an example embodiment the at least one channel comprises a first concave cone surface having a first cone axis and a second concave cone surface having a second cone axis. In an example embodiment the first and second cone surfaces are contiguous with one another. In a particular example the first cone axis is angularly oriented with respect to the second cone axis. Another example embodiment comprises at least one tooth positioned within the at least one channel and projecting away from the central space. By way of example attachment members are located at opposite ends of each segment. Arcuate surfaces are positioned on opposite sides of each the segment for engagement with the pipe elements in an example embodiment. In a specific example the attachment members comprise lugs extending outwardly from opposite ends of each segment. Each attachment lug defines a hole for receiving a fastener. 
         [0008]    In another example embodiment the arcuate surfaces project from the segments toward an axis passing through the central space. In a specific example embodiment the plurality of segments comprises no more than two the segments. Further by way of example the valve closing member is rotatable about an axis of rotation. In a specific example the valve closing member comprises a disk. 
         [0009]    The invention further encompasses a valve coupling for joining pipe elements and controlling flow therethrough. In an example embodiment the valve coupling comprises first and second segments attached to one another end to end surrounding a central space. A valve housing is captured between the segments. A valve closing member is movably mounted within the valve housing. The valve closing member is movable between an open position permitting flow through the valve housing and a closed position preventing flow there through. At least two projections extend from each of the segments into the central space. Each of the projections engages the valve housing and supports the first and second segments in spaced relation. 
         [0010]    In a specific example embodiment each of the segments comprises a back wall extending between the ends thereof. The projections extend from the back wall of the first and second segments. In a further example each one of the projections is tapered. In another example each one of the projections has a U-shaped cross section. Further by way of example each one of the projections is deformable to permit the first and second segments to be drawn toward one another. In a specific example embodiment the valve housing comprises a ring. 
         [0011]    In a further example embodiment the valve housing comprises first and second bonnets which extend in respective directions away from the central space. Each bonnet extends through a respective opening in a first and a second of the segments. In a particular example embodiment the valve housing comprises at least four channels therein. Each channel is positioned to receive a respective one of the projections. 
         [0012]    By way of example the valve housing further comprises first and second guide walls positioned in spaced relation to one another on opposite sides of and defining a first and a second of the channels. Third and fourth guide walls are positioned in space relation to one another on opposite sides of and defining a third and fourth of the channels. The guide walls project away from the central space. In a specific example each one of the channels comprises a floor surface having a concave shape. In an example embodiment the valve housing further comprises a pair of guide walls positioned in spaced relation to one another on opposite sides of each one of the floor surfaces. The guide walls project away from the central space. 
         [0013]    In an example embodiment each one of the channels comprises a first concave cone surface having a first cone axis and a second concave cone surface having a second cone axis. In an example embodiment the first and second cone surfaces are contiguous with one another. Further by way of example the first cone axis is angularly oriented with respect to the second cone axis. A example embodiment further comprises a plurality of teeth. At least one tooth positioned within each one of the channels, the teeth projecting away from the central space. 
         [0014]    In an example embodiment attachment members are located at opposite ends of each segment. Arcuate surfaces are positioned on opposite sides of each segment for engagement with the pipe elements. In one example embodiment the attachment members comprise lugs extending outwardly from opposite ends of each the segment. Each lug defines a hole for receiving a fastener. In an example embodiment the arcuate surfaces project from the segments toward an axis passing through the central space. In a further example embodiment the valve closing member is rotatable about an axis of rotation. In a specific example embodiment the valve closing member comprises a disk. By way of example the projections support the segments in spaced relation sufficient to insert the pipe elements into the central space. 
         [0015]    The invention further encompasses a method of joining pipe elements to a valve. In one example embodiment the method comprises: 
         [0016]    holding a plurality of segments of a coupling in spaced relation about a central space by engaging a plurality of projections extending from the segments with a valve housing surrounded by the segments;
       inserting the pipe elements into the central space;   drawing the segments toward one another thereby deforming the projections and engaging the segments with the pipe elements.       
 
         [0019]    In a specific example embodiment the engaging comprises engaging each the projection with a respective channel positioned in the valve housing. Further by way of example the engaging comprises engaging each projection with at least one tooth positioned within each the channel. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an example embodiment of a valve coupling according to the invention, the valve coupling being shown in a pre-assembled state; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of an example valve housing used with the valve coupling of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2A  is an isometric view of a portion of the valve housing shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 2B, 2C and 2D  are cross sectional views of portions of the valve coupling shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2E  is a partial sectional view of a portion of the valve coupling shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2F  is an isometric view of an example valve housing used with the valve coupling of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2G  is a cross sectional view of a portion of an example valve coupling comprising the valve housing shown in  FIG. 2F ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a longitudinal sectional view of the valve coupling shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a side view of components of the valve coupling shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a component of the valve coupling shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a partially assembled example of a valve coupling according to the invention; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate use of the valve coupling shown in  FIG. 1  to connect pipe elements in end to end relation; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the example valve coupling shown in  FIG. 1  as it would appear in use. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]      FIG. 1  shows an example embodiment of a combination valve and mechanical coupling  10 , hereafter referred to as a valve coupling. Valve coupling  10  comprises a plurality of segments, in this example, two segments  12  and  14  attached to one another end to end to surround and define a central space  16 . Attachment of segments  12  and  14  is effected by adjustable attachment members  18  located at each end of each segment. In this example the attachment members comprise lugs  20  which extend outwardly from the segments  12  and  14 , the lugs having holes  22  that receive adjustable fasteners, such as bolts  24  and nuts  26 . Tightening of the nuts  26  draws the segments  12  and  14  toward one another as described below. 
         [0034]    Segments  12  and  14  each have arcuate surfaces  28  positioned on opposite sides  30  and  32  of segments  12  and  14 . Arcuate surfaces  28  face a longitudinal axis  34  that passes through the central space  16  and are engageable with pipe elements when they are inserted between the segments  12  and  14  and into central space  16  as described below. The arcuate surfaces  28  may comprise projections, known as “keys”, which engage circumferential grooves in the pipe elements upon tightening of the attachment members  18  and provide mechanical engagement to secure the pipe elements in end to end relation to form a joint. The keys may also engage pipe elements having plain end, or ends having a shoulder and/or a bead as are known in the art. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show a valve housing  36  that is positioned within central space  16  and captured between segments  12  and  14 . In this example embodiment valve housing  36  comprises a ring  38  in which a valve closing member  40 , in this example a disk, is movably mounted. Other example valve closing members usable with this invention include ball closing members and plug closing members. As shown in  FIG. 3 , valve closing member  40  is rotatably mounted on valve stems  42  and  44  within ring  38  and rotatable about an axis  45  between an open position and a closed position (shown). Stems  42  and  44 , which define axis  45 , are received within respective bonnets  46  and  48  that extend from the ring  38  and comprise bearings for the valve stems. The bonnets  46  and  48  in turn extend through respective openings  50  and  52  (see also  FIG. 3 ) in segments  12  and  14 . Engagement of segments  12  and  14  with bonnets  46  and  48  where the bonnets protrude through the segments helps to stabilize the valve housing  36  within the central space  16 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , ring  38  further houses a seal  54 . Seal  54  surrounds the central space  16  and sealingly engages the valve closing member  40  when it is in the closed position. Other seals  56 , shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , are positioned between the segments  12  and  14  and the valve housing  36 . Seals  56  establish a seal between the segments  12  and  14 , the valve housing  36  and pipe elements when a joint is created by tightening the attachment members  18  to draw the segments toward one another and engage the pipe elements to create a joint. 
         [0036]    It is advantageous to support segments  12  and  14  in spaced apart relation (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) sufficient to permit insertion of pipe elements into the central space  16  without the need to first disassemble the valve coupling  10 .  FIG. 1  shows the valve coupling  10  in the so-called “pre-assembled state”, as it would be supplied to the end user, with the segments  12  and  14  connected in end to end relation by the attachment members  18  (lugs  20 , bolts  24  and nuts  26 ) yet supported in spaced relation to permit pipe element insertion. This configuration allows for efficient formation of a joint, as all that is required is for the pipe elements to be inserted into the central space  16  (in engagement with seals  56 ) and the nuts  26  tightened to draw segments  12  and  14  toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements. 
         [0037]    To hold the segments  12  and  14  in spaced apart relation the segments have respective projections  58  and  60  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) that extend into the central space  16  and cooperate with respective channels  62  and  64  in the outer surface  66  of ring  38  (see  FIGS. 2 and 6 ). The example embodiment illustrated has four projections (two per segment) and four channels. As shown in  FIG. 5 , segments  12  and  14  ( 12  shown) have a back wall  68  from which the projections  58  and  60  extend. In this example embodiment the projections  58  and  60  are tapered and have a “U” shaped cross section (other shapes are of course feasible). The convex surface  70  of the “U” of each projection  58  and  60  faces the surface  66  of ring  38  and contacts it within respective channels  62  and  64  when the ring  38  is captured between the segments  12  and  14 . The stiffness of the projections  58  and  60  is designed to support the segments  12  and  14  in spaced relation on the ring  38  (see  FIG. 1 ) under forces experienced due to the weight of the segments and inertial loads due to handing and installation. However, the projections are designed to deform when force is applied by tightening the connection members  18  to permit the segments to be drawn toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements during installation as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0038]    Channels  62  and  64 , shown in detail in  FIG. 2 , may be defined by or have guide walls  72  positioned in spaced relation on the ring  38  and spaced to receive the projections  58  and  60  when the valve coupling  10  is in its pre-assembled state. The floor surface  74  of each channel  62  and  64 , which comprises a portion of the outer surface  66  of ring  38  between the guide walls  72 , is divided into two concave regions  76  and  78 . As shown in  FIG. 2A  each concave region  76  and  78  forms a portion of a cone surface  80  and  82 . In this example embodiment the cone surfaces are contiguous with one another. Cone surface  80  has an apex  84 , a cone angle  86 , and a cone axis  88 . Cone surface  82  has an apex  90 , a cone angle  92 , and a cone axis  94 . Apex  84  is different from apex  90 ; cone angle  86  is different from cone angle  92 ; and cone axis  88  is angularly oriented with respect to cone axis  94 . 
         [0039]    Cone surfaces  80  provide clearance to permit projections  58  and  60  to engage cone surfaces  82  when the segments  12  and  14  are positioned surrounding the ring  38 . As shown in  FIG. 2B , the parameters of cone surface  82  (apex  90 , cone angle  92  and cone axis  94 ) are designed to receive a projection ( 58  or  60 ) and cooperate with that projection to maintain the segments  12  and  14  in spaced relation as shown in  FIG. 1 . In the absence of deformation of projections  58  and  60  the segments  12  and  14  are maintained in spaced apart relation and provide sufficient clearance to permit insertion of pipe elements. Additionally, interaction between the projections  58  and  60  and the cone surfaces  82  keeps the ring  38  centered between the two segments  12  and  14 . Centering of ring  38  also ensures that the seal  56  is centered between the segments so that it does not cause interference during insertion of the pipe elements. 
         [0040]    The parameters of cone surface  82  (apex  90 , cone angle  92  and cone axis  94 ) are designed to provide a locking action between the projections  58  and  60  and the ring  38  when the attachment members  18  are tightened and the segments are drawn toward one another to form the joint as shown in  FIG. 9 . To this end, as shown in  FIG. 2C , the projections  58  and  60  are angularly oriented with respect to the conical surfaces  82 . In a practical example, the orientation angle  57  between the conical surfaces  82  and the convex surfaces  70  of projections  58  and  60  is approximately 3 degrees. This relative angular orientation causes a camming effect (see  FIGS. 2D, 2E ) wherein the clamping force between the conical surfaces  82  and projections  58  and  60  is much greater than the bolt load which draws the segment  12  and  14  together. That greater clamping force deforms the projections  58  and  60  as they interact with the conical surfaces  82  to locate and lock the ring  38  in the axial direction. Mechanical engagement between the projections  58 ,  60  and the ring  38  may be augmented by positioning one or more teeth  51  within the channels  62  and  64  as shown in  FIGS. 2F and 2G . The teeth  51  bite into the convex surfaces  70  of the projections  58  and  60  to lock the segments  12  and  14  to the ring  38 . The teeth  51  also compensate for dimensional variations of the various parts due to casting and machining tolerances and ensure a secure fit between the segments and the ring. 
         [0041]    In use, as shown in  FIG. 7 , a valve coupling  10  is provided in the pre-assembled state (see also  FIG. 1 ) with segments  12  and  14  positioned in spaced apart relation, the projections  58  and  60  received within channels  62  and  64  of ring  38 , the projections engaging cone surfaces  80  (see  FIGS. 2 and 5 ) and supporting the segments on the ring  38 . Pipe elements  96  and  98  are inserted into the central space  16  between the segments  12  and  14  and into engagement with seals  56 . In this example, the pipe elements have circumferential grooves  100  that receive arcuate surfaces  28  on projecting keys  102  arrayed on opposite sides  30  and  32  of the segments. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the attachment members are tightened (nuts  26  tightened on bolts  24  engaging lugs  20 , see  FIG. 1 ) to draw the segments  12  and  14  toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements  96  and  98 , the keys  102  engaging circumferential grooves  100  in the pipe elements. As the segments  12  and  14  are drawn toward one another the seals  56  are compressed between the segments  12  and  14 , the valve housing  36  and the pipe elements  96  and  98  to form a fluid tight joint. Further, as shown in  FIG. 2D , as the segments are drawn together the projections  58  and  60  deform and engage cone surfaces  82  on the outer surface  66  of ring  38 . Interaction between the projections  58  and  60  and the cone surfaces  82  locks the segments  12  and  14  to the valve housing  36 . Mechanical engagement is further enhanced if teeth  51  are present (see  FIG. 2G ).  FIG. 9  shows the final configuration of the valve coupling  10  upon joint installation, the pipe elements not shown for clarity. Note that in this example embodiment the connection members  18  meet in what is known as “pad to pad” engagement when the valve coupling  10  is properly installed. This design is advantageous because it permits ready visual inspection confirming proper installation, and eliminates the need to tighten the bolts  24  to a specific torque value.