Abstract:
A device for a flow regulation and a measurement of a medium in a heating or cooling system, which device comprises a multifunctional valve, which comprises a collector ( 1 ) with measuring outlets and an adapter for discharge and which is mounted jointly with a flow control part ( 2 ), the one part being rotatable in relation to the other part but locked in an axial direction.

Description:
[0001]    This is a national stage completion of PCT/SE2006/000187 filed Feb. 13, 2006 which claims priority from Swedish Application Serial No. 0500537-6 filed Mar. 10, 2005. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a flow regulation valve with a rotatable positioning of measuring outlets in relation to the flow regulating function, and in a design, which meets the requirements of the market place. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Modern constructions of valves, which as to certain functions are similar to the design described in the following text, have a few drawbacks, which now can be eliminated by the present invention. 
         [0004]    Thus, U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,549 relates to a valve with an integrated, replaceable venturi part, which is mounted in the same valve body as the measuring outlets, which belong to the venturi, and in the same valve body as the flow-limiting ball valve, which also belongs to it. This means, that the position of the measuring outlets always is the same in relation to the ball valve. 
         [0005]    Another valve construction, with the same functional build-up as the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,549, is described in WO 01/71289 A1. The similarity between the US patent and this patent application is the same in principle, since the two constructions are based on a valve body, which contains the two measuring outlets and the flow regulating function. Thus, also in the later case all the adapters are locked in their position in relation to each other 
         [0006]    In the market place solutions have been developed, which have comprised two valve bodies, one of which has comprised the regulation function and the other one has comprised the measuring function, i.e. a venturi part plus a measuring outlet. These parts have subsequently been screwed together with an internal and external thread. The problem with this type of solution is, that the measuring outlets not always will end up in the same position in relation to the ball valve or the handle/lever of the regulation part, but this position will be determined by the position of the threaded inlets in the two valve bodies. Also, in a mounted position the relative position of the measuring outlets and the handle/lever of the flow regulation function is locked. 
         [0007]    The drawbacks of the constructions described above are several. The most important one of them is, that no such construction results in a flexibility, as regards the positions of the measuring outlets in relation to the regulation function. 
         [0008]    The market place requirements have been clearly stated: An as large as possible freedom of choice is aimed at, as regards the mounting position of this type of valves, without forgoing the accessibility during service or adjustment work. Also, there are other requirements regarding the functions, which are not met by the modern constructions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The object of the present invention is to counteract and as far as possible remove the above-mentioned drawbacks. Also, one object of the invention is to develop the art in this technical field, within other application areas as well as for other applications of valves, which are not specifically mentioned in the present patent application. 
         [0010]    These objects are attained by constructing a multifunctional valve in such a way, as is defined herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    Additional characterizing features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the following description, reference being made to the enclosed drawings, which show a few not limiting embodiments. 
           [0012]    The drawings show in detail in: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  an external front view of the valve; 
           [0014]      FIG. 1A  an external left side view of the valve; 
           [0015]      FIG. 1B  an external top view of the valve; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  a sectional view; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  a detailed view of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  an additional detailed view of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  a sectional view of an alternative embodiment; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  a detailed view of  FIG. 5 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]      FIGS. 1 ,  1 A,  1 B show only one example of how a valve according to the present invention may look. Of course, embodiments according to the present invention may differ from the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A,  1 B, while achieving the same function as the embodiment, described in the present text. Examples of this function are shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
         [0022]    Thus,  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A,  1 B show external views of a complete multifunctional valve array, in which a collector  1  is rotatably connected to a flow control part  2 , forming a unit. The multifunctional valve is provided with an inlet  5  and an outlet  6 . 
         [0023]    It is shown in the drawings, that the collector  1  is provided with several lateral adapters. There are two adapters  3  having mounted nipples  19 , which are disposed on the periphery of the collector and are normally at somewhat different distances from the adapter plane  7  of collector  1  and are preferably at a 90° angle with respect to the outlets. In the same plane as measuring outlet  3 , which is disposed very close to adapter plane  7  of collector  1 , there is also an adapter for a discharge  4 , which preferably is disposed at a 180° angle with respect to the last-mentioned measuring outlet. There is an axial distance=a between the two measuring outlets, which is determined by the design of venturi part  8 , which is mounted in collector  1 . Collector  1  can of course be provided with an additional adapter, not just adapters  3  and  4 , e.g. for ventilation, and this adapter may be disposed in almost the same axial plane as the adapter for discharge. 
         [0024]    These figures also show a lever  17 , by means of which a closing device  14  of a flow control part  2  is controlled, and a recess  38 , in which a locking ring  36 , for locking the collector  1  to the flow control part  2 , has its ends, and is accessible from the outside. 
         [0025]      FIG. 2  shows a sectional view through the complete unit. 
         [0026]    The flow path through the unit extends from the inlet  5  to the outlet  6 . The inlet has an adapter  20  with an outer thread  21  for connection and mounting the unit in a tube system or the like, the thread  21  being adjusted to a standardized overflow nut or a similar attachment part. The attachment part is sealed against the collector  1  by an O-ring  22 , which is fitted into a machined O-ring groove  23 .  FIG. 2  also shows adaptors  3  for retaining measuring nipples  19  and an adapter  4  for discharge, respectively. Measuring nipples  19  are described in earlier patent documents, e.g. in SE 465 636. In order to obtain a measuring signal to the two measuring nipples  19 , a drilled hole  9  is used, in contact with a first zone in collector  1  and is disposed immediately in front of venturi part  8 , and which directs a static pressure, from this zone up to the measuring outlet. The second measuring outlet, which is disposed further away from the adapter plane  7 , obtains its pressure signal via a corresponding hole  10 , which runs into space  11 , which in turn contacts an inlet zone  12  of the venturi part  8 , in which a few—preferably 4—holes  13  forward the pressure, present in this zone out into the measuring outlet. In order to obtain the right pressure level and consequently also the right pressure signal in space  11 , the venturi part  8  is provided with O-rings  31  and  32  in the two end portions. 
         [0027]    The venturi part maybe a separate element, mounted in the collector or maybe is an internally machined part in the collector  1 , and designed in such a way, that the venturi function is obtained. In this case, a hole  10  is drilled directly into the zone of the venturi part, corresponding to the place, where holes  13  are disposed according to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0028]    The venturi part  8  comprises various geometries, which are adapted partly to the various sizes and various inner diameters as well as partly to various volume streams within one and the same dimension of the collector, in which consequently various requirements as to the venturi part and its measuring areas can be met. This means, that it must be possible to mount various venturi parts according to current customer requirements. The venturi part is mounted in collector  1 , before the latter is connected to venturi part  2 . During mounting the venturi part is pressed into the collector, and its rear part, and to such an extent, that the front part of the venturi part is stopped by collar  40 , which is present in the collector. Thus, the collector has a somewhat larger—preferably about 1 mm—diameter in the section, in which the venturi part is to be placed. When collector  1  has been united with the valve part  2 , the venturi part will be held in place also in its rear part, since the wall  25  limits it in this direction. 
         [0029]    The flow control part  2  has an outlet end  6  with an internal thread  39 . A closing device  14 , preferably a ball, is mounted in the flow control part  2 . A sealing element  15  is positioned on the inner side of ball  14 , when seen from outlet  6 , and is limited by its outer end of wall  25 , which is present within the flow control part. 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  shows, how a second sealing element  16  is pressed against the ball  14  by a locking ring  24 , which is mounted on thread  27  by a socket head key, via a socket head recess  26 . In order to guarantee, that locking ring  24  is mounted in its right axial position, the locking ring is provided with an outer ring portion  28  in its front end. This ring portion  28  has a thickness of about 0.2-1.5. The dimensions are chosen to let the ring be guided externally by means of a turned groove  30 , which is machined up to flow control part  2 , its inner diameter in the front portion of the ring portion at the same time being communicating with the sealing element  16  at its outer diameter. In this correct axial mounting position metallic contact between the ring portion  28  and its front end face  41  is obtained, which extends towards collar  42 , which is retained, where the turned groove  30  ends. In this mounting position correct forces have been applied against sealing elements  15  and  16  and the tightness and the fixing of closing device  14  have been secured. 
         [0031]    The construction with a separate locking ring  24  results in a degree of freedom, as far as the finished mounting of the multifunctional valve in an installation is concerned. 
         [0032]    In modern constructions, often a combination of adapter portions are used, which are mounted in the thread  39 — FIG. 2 . The adapter portions are then designed in such a way, that they partly are sealings  15  and  16  pressing against the closing device  14  and simultaneously function as an adapter portion for the tube system. 
         [0033]    By means of the construction now described the installation contractor will be able to select the type of adapter principle/adapter portion, which is suitable, precisely in the present case, e.g. a tube directly threaded to the valve, a tube connection for steal tubes or a connection for soldering. 
         [0034]    In  FIG. 2  it is shown, that the closing device/ball is turned into the suitable closing or adjustment position by means of a lever  17 , which via a top piece  18  transmits the torsional moment for closing the device/ball  14 . 
         [0035]    This portion of the construction is to be designed in a known, normal way and is not described in detail in this specification. 
         [0036]    In  FIG. 4  it is shown, how the two main components  1  and  2  are mounted and joined into one unit. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  shows, that the collector  1 , in its end portion, which faces the flow control part  2 , is designed in such a way, that its outer diameter can be mounted into the end of the flow control part, which faces the collector. The collector  1  is provided at this end with externally machined grooves  34 , adapted to an O-ring  33  and also a machining—a groove  35 —in which a resilient, open locking ring  36  is mounted. 
         [0038]    Flow control part  2  also has a machining  37 , which is internally positioned and positioned in such a way, that this groove  37  will lie in the middle of groove  35  in the collector, when parts  1  and  2  are jointly mounted. 
         [0039]    In order to be able to jointly mount parts  1  and  2 , first one part is to be fitted into the other, the collector then being able to enter the flow control part. When part  1  has been introduced such a long way, that the locking ring  36  abuts part  2  and its end face, it is possible, with a mounting tool, to press locking ring  36  inwards in a radial direction in order to make it more or less abut groove  35  and its internal surface. When locking ring  36  lies in this pressed-in position, it is possible to bias the collector  1  further into the part  2 , and in this way the locking ring  36  will tend to expand outwards, and when it has arrived into a position, where part  2  and its groove  37  are positioned opposite locking ring  36 , the locking ring will spring outwards and lock the two parts  1  and  2  in a radial direction. 
         [0040]    In principle, the outer groove  37  may be designed in such a way, that it is possible to remove the locking ring, and in this way, when e.g. servicing is carried out, enabling the replacement any of parts  1  and  2 . One solution for being able to do this is, that on about 30-45° of the periphery of part  2  there is a machining, e.g. a cutter grinding, carried out, which means, that a recess  38  is formed and extends all the way up to groove  37 —see also  FIG. 1B . In this circular segment it is also possible, in this case, to manufacture the locking ring  26  and its end parts in such a way, that it is possible with a special tool to compress the locking ring and its diameter in such a way, that it is exposed in relation to groove  37 . 
         [0041]    When the two parts  1  and  2  are united as a unit, it is always possible to rotate the two parts in relation to each other. This possibility gives the construction a degree of freedom, which no valve with the corresponding or similar functions has been able to offer so far. 
         [0042]    Alternatives of the solution, which are available on known constructions, are based on the possibility of joining the two parts  1  and  2  using expensive threaded joints, which partly are costly and require a lot of space and which also result in a certain leakage risk. 
         [0043]    Thus, according to the present invention, flexibility is obtained with a simple locking ring, and at the same time a seal against an outer leakage is guaranteed through O-ring  33 , which has been found to be a reliable sealing element, provided the geometrical relationships between the O-ring and the groove, in which it is mounted, have been chosen in the correct way. 
         [0044]    The inventive construction, which has been described and shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , can of course be modified within the scope of the present invention. Thus, the flow control part can e.g. be provided with a mushroom valve as the closing device, and the measuring nipples and the venturi part can also be changed as to their part design, but the main function will nevertheless remain the same. 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  shows an alternative design, with regard to how the two main components  1  and  2  are mounted and joined to each other into a unit. 
         [0046]    In this case, the flow control part  2  has been provided with an external thread  43  in the end, which meets collector  1 , in order to, by means of an overflow nut  44 , jointly mount the two parts  1  and  2 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 6  shows, that the collector  1 , at the end that faces the flow control part  2 , is designed in such a way, that its outer diameter is introduced into the flow control part. The sealing function is secured in this design in the same way, as has already been described, by means of the O-ring  33 , which is mounted in an O-ring groove  34 . In collector  1 , a groove  45  is made, in which a locking ring  46  is mounted. The groove  45  has the same diameter as the locking ring, and a depth, which is roughly the same as the locking ring radius. The overflow nut  44  has a machined groove  47 , which is positioned about 3 mm from the end face  48  of the nut and has a depth of about 5 mm and a width, which is about 1 mm larger than the diameter of locking ring  46 . 
         [0048]    Mounting of the overflow nut is done such that it firstly is introduced onto the end of the collector and up to adapters  3  and  4 , the locking ring then being mounted on top of the collector and is forced upwards onto cylindrical part  49 , where groove  45  is positioned. When the locking ring reaches the groove  45 , the locking ring snaps into the groove. In the next step an O-ring  33  is mounted. 
         [0049]    The collector  1  can now be introduced into the flow control part and the nut  44  can now be moved up to thread  43  in the flow control part and the two parts  1  and  2  can be united by means of threads. When the nut  44  with the groove  47  and its rear edge  50  reach the locking ring, the locking ring and the collector are pressed against the flow control part, the front part  51  of the collector finally being stopped by wall  25  in the flow control part. 
         [0050]    Also, with this design it is always possible to rotate the two parts  1  and  2  in relation to each other in order to offer the technician/the installation the flexibility, which is required in order to, in a particular case, be able to place e.g. measuring nipples  19  and adapter  4  for discharge and lever  17  for the flow control part respectively in the suitable positions. The rotation of parts  1  and  2  can be done by loosening the overflow nut  44 . When the rotation has been carried out, a suitable tightening moment can be applied again. 
       ELEMENT LIST 
       [0000]    
       
           1 =collector (header) 
           2 =flow control part 
           3 =adapter for a measuring nipple 
           4 =adapter for a discharge 
           5 =inlet 
           6 =outlet 
           7 =adapter plane 
           8 =venturi part 
           9 =hole 
           10 =hole 
           11 =space between  8  and  1   
           12 =inlet zone 
           13 =hole 
           14 =closing device 
           15 =sealing element 
           16 =sealing element 
           17 =lever 
           18 =top piece 
           19 =measuring nipple 
           20 =adapter 
           21 =thread 
           22 =O-ring 
           23 =O-ring 
           24 =locking ring 
           25 =wall 
           26 =socket head cup (screw) 
           27 =thread 
           28 =ring portion (part) 
           29 =inner wall 
           30 =groove 
           31 =O-ring 
           32 =O-ring 
           33 =O-ring 
           34 =groove 
           35 =groove 
           36 =locking ring 
           37 =groove 
           38 =recess (cut) 
           39 =thread 
           40 =collar (shoulder) 
           41 =end face 
           42 =diameter reduction 
           43 =thread 
           44 =overflow nut 
           45 =groove 
           46 =locking ring 
           47 =groove 
           48 =end face 
           49 =cylindrical portion 
           50 =rear edge