HK1251638B - Valve coupling having centering support projections - Google Patents

Description

Valve coupling with centering support projection

Cross-reference to related applications

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/258,797, filed on November 23, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a fluid control device which is a combination of a valve and a mechanical coupling.

Background Art

Fluid control devices that combine mechanical couplings with valves (referred to herein 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 that do not use valve couplings require two mechanical couplings for each valve in the network, whereas valve couplings connect valves directly to pipe elements without the need for multiple mechanical couplings.

It would be advantageous if the valve element of the valve coupling were securely and reliably housed within the coupling element to ensure proper connection between the pipe elements and proper performance of the valve. It would be further advantageous if the valve coupling were easily installed into a pipe connection network. There is clearly opportunity to improve the design of valve couplings.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to a valve coupling for connecting pipe elements and controlling flow therethrough. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve coupling includes a plurality of segments attached end-to-end to each other, thereby enclosing a central space. A valve housing is clamped between the segments. A valve closing member is movably mounted within the valve housing. The valve closing member is movable between an open position that permits flow through the valve housing and a closed position that prevents flow therethrough. At least one protrusion extends from one segment into the central space. The at least one protrusion engages the valve housing and supports at least two segments in a spaced-apart relationship.

In an example embodiment, each segment includes a rear wall extending between its ends. At least one protrusion extends from the rear wall of one segment. By way of example, the at least one protrusion is tapered. In a further example, the at least one protrusion has a U-shaped cross-section. In another example, the at least one protrusion is deformable to allow the at least two segments to be pulled toward each other. In a specific example embodiment, the valve housing includes a ring. By way of further example, the valve housing may include first and second valve caps extending in respective directions away from the central space. Each valve cap extends through a respective opening in the first and second segments. In a further example, the valve housing includes at least one channel therein. The at least one channel is positioned to receive the at least one protrusion. In an example embodiment, the valve housing further includes first and second guide walls positioned on opposite sides of the at least one channel in a spaced relationship and defining the at least one channel. In an example embodiment, the guide walls protrude away from the central space. By way of example, the at least one channel includes a concave bottom surface. In another example, the valve housing further includes first and second guide walls positioned on opposite sides of the bottom surface in a spaced relationship, the guide walls protruding away from the central space.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one channel includes a first concave conical surface having a first conical axis and a second concave conical surface having a second conical axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second conical surfaces are continuous with each other. In a specific example, the first conical axis is oriented at an angle relative to the second conical axis. Another exemplary embodiment includes at least one tooth positioned within at least one channel and protruding away from the central space. By way of example, the attachment members are located at opposite ends of each segment. In an exemplary embodiment, the arcuate surfaces are positioned on opposite sides of each segment to engage with the pipe element. In a specific example, the attachment members include lugs extending outwardly from opposite ends of each segment. Each attachment lug defines a hole for receiving a fastener.

In another example embodiment, the arcuate surface projects from the segment toward an axis passing through the central space. In a specific example embodiment, the plurality of segments includes no more than two segments. Further by way of example, the valve closing member is rotatable about the rotation axis. In a specific example, the valve closing member includes a valve disc.

The present invention further includes a valve coupling for connecting pipe elements and controlling flow therethrough. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve coupling includes first and second segments attached end-to-end to each other, thereby enclosing a central space. A valve housing is positioned between the segments. A valve closing member is movably mounted within the valve housing. The valve closing member is movable between an open position that permits flow through the valve housing and a closed position that prevents flow therethrough. At least two protrusions extend from each segment into the central space. Each protrusion engages the valve housing and supports the first and second segments in a spaced-apart relationship.

In a specific example embodiment, each segment includes a rear wall extending between its ends. A protrusion extends from the rear wall of the first and second segments. In a further example, each protrusion is tapered. In another example, each protrusion has a U-shaped cross-section. By way of further example, each protrusion is deformable to allow the first and second segments to be pulled toward each other. In a specific example embodiment, the valve housing includes a ring.

In a further example embodiment, the valve housing includes first and second bonnets extending away from the central space in respective directions. Each bonnet extends through a respective opening in the first and second segments. In a particular example embodiment, the valve housing includes at least four channels therein. Each channel is positioned to receive a respective one of the protrusions.

By way of example, the valve housing further includes first and second guide walls positioned on opposite sides of the first and second channels in the channel, spaced apart from each other, and defining the first and second channels in the channel. Third and fourth guide walls are positioned on opposite sides of the third and fourth channels in the channel, spaced apart from each other, and defining the third and fourth channels in the channel. The guide walls protrude away from the central space. In a specific example, each channel includes a concave bottom surface. In the exemplary embodiment valve, the housing further includes a pair of guide walls positioned on opposite sides of each bottom surface, spaced apart from each other. The guide walls protrude away from the central space.

In an exemplary embodiment, each channel includes a first concave conical surface having a first conical axis and a second concave conical surface having a second conical axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second conical surfaces are continuous with each other. Further by way of example, the first conical axis is oriented at an angle relative to the second conical axis. The exemplary embodiment further includes a plurality of teeth. At least one tooth is positioned within each channel, the tooth protruding away from the central space.

In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment members are located at opposite ends of each segment. The arcuate surfaces are positioned on opposite sides of each segment to engage with the pipe element. In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment members include lugs extending outwardly from opposite ends of each segment. Each lug defines a hole for receiving a fastener. In an exemplary embodiment, the arcuate surfaces protrude from the segment toward an axis passing through the central space. In a further exemplary embodiment, the valve closing member is rotatable about the axis of rotation. In a specific exemplary embodiment, the valve closing member includes a valve disc. By way of example, the protrusions support the segments in a sufficiently spaced relationship to allow the pipe element to be inserted into the central space.

The present invention further includes a method of connecting a pipe element to a valve. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes:

maintaining the plurality of segments of the coupling in spaced-apart relation about the central space by engaging a plurality of projections, the projections extending from the segments and the valve housing being surrounded by the segments;

inserting the tube element into the central space;

The segments are pulled toward each other, thereby deforming the projections and engaging the segments with the pipe element.

In a specific example embodiment, the engaging includes engaging each protrusion with a corresponding channel positioned in the valve housing. Further by way of example, the engaging includes engaging each protrusion with at least one tooth positioned within each channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a valve coupling according to the present invention, the valve coupling being shown in a pre-assembled state;

FIG2 is a perspective view of an example valve housing for use with the valve coupling of FIG1 ;

FIG2A is a perspective view of a portion of the valve housing shown in FIG2 ;

2B, 2C and 2D are cross-sectional views of portions of the valve coupling shown in FIG. 1;

FIG2E is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the valve coupling shown in FIG1 ;

FIG2F is a perspective view of an example valve housing for use with the valve coupling of FIG1 ;

2G is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an example valve coupling including the valve housing shown in FIG. 2F ;

FIG3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the valve coupling shown in FIG1 ;

FIG4 is a side view of components of the valve coupling shown in FIG1 ;

FIG5 is a perspective view of components of the valve coupling shown in FIG1 ;

FIG6 is a side view of a partially assembled example of a valve coupling according to the present invention;

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the use of the valve coupling shown in Figure 1 to connect pipe elements in an end-to-end relationship; and

9 is a perspective view of the example valve coupling shown in FIG. 1 , shown in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG1 shows an example embodiment of a combination valve and mechanical coupling 10, hereinafter referred to as a valve coupling. The valve coupling 10 includes a plurality of segments, in this example, two segments 12 and 14 attached end-to-end to each other, thereby enclosing and defining a central space 16. The segments 12 and 14 are attached by adjustable attachment members 18 located at each end of each segment. In this example, the attachment members include lugs 20 extending outwardly from the segments 12 and 14, the lugs having holes 22 for receiving adjustable fasteners, such as bolts 24 and nuts 26. Tightening the nuts 26 pulls the segments 12 and 14 toward each other, as described below.

Each of segments 12 and 14 has an arcuate surface 28 positioned on opposite sides 30 and 32 of segments 12 and 14. Arcuate surfaces 28 face a longitudinal axis 34 passing through central space 16 and can engage a pipe element when the pipe element is inserted between segments 12 and 14 and into central space 16, as described below. Arcuate surfaces 28 can include protrusions, referred to as "keys," that engage circumferential grooves in the pipe elements when attachment member 18 is tightened and provide a mechanical engagement to secure the pipe elements in an end-to-end relationship to form a joint. Keys can also engage pipe elements having flat ends or having ends with shoulders and/or beads, as is known in the art.

Figures 1 and 2 show a valve housing 36 positioned within the central space 16 and sandwiched between segments 12 and 14. In this exemplary embodiment, the valve housing 36 includes a ring 38 in which a valve closure member 40 (in this example, a valve disc) is movably mounted. Other exemplary valve closure members that may be used with the present invention include ball closure members and plug closure members. As shown in Figure 3, the valve closure member 40 is rotatably mounted on valve stems 42 and 44 within the ring 38 and is rotatable about an axis 45 between an open position and a closed position (shown). The valve stems 42 and 44, which define the axis 45, are received within respective valve caps 46 and 48, which extend from the ring 38 and include bearings for the valve stems. The valve caps 46 and 48, in turn, extend through respective openings 50 and 52 in the segments 12 and 14 (see also Figure 3). The engagement of the segments 12 and 14 with the valve caps 46 and 48, where the valve caps protrude through the segments, helps stabilize the valve housing 36 within the central space 16. As shown in FIG3 , the ring 38 further houses a seal 54. The seal 54 surrounds the central space 16 and sealingly engages the valve closure member 40 when the valve closure member 40 is in the closed position. Other seals 56, shown in FIG1 and 3 , are positioned between the segments 12 and 14 and the valve housing 36. The seals 56 establish a seal between the segments 12 and 14, the valve housing 36, and the pipe elements when the joint is created by tightening the attachment member 18 to draw the segments toward each other and engage the pipe elements.

It is advantageous to support the segments 12 and 14 (as shown in FIG. 1 ) in a sufficiently spaced relationship to allow insertion of the pipe element into the central space 16 without first disassembling the valve coupling 10. FIG. 1 shows the valve coupling 10 in a so-called "pre-assembled state," as it will be supplied to the end user, with the segments 12 and 14 connected in an end-to-end relationship by the attachment members 18 (lugs 20, bolts 24, and nuts 26), but supported in a spaced relationship to allow insertion of the pipe element. This configuration allows for efficient formation of the joint, as all that is required is that the pipe element be inserted into the central space 16 (engaging the seal 56) and the nut 26 be tightened to draw the segments 12 and 14 toward each other and into engagement with the pipe element.

To hold segments 12 and 14 in a spaced-apart relationship, the segments have corresponding protrusions 58 and 60 (see Figures 4 and 5) that extend into central space 16 and cooperate with corresponding grooves 62 and 64 in the outer surface 66 of ring 38 (see Figures 2 and 6). The illustrated exemplary embodiment has four protrusions (two per segment) and four grooves. As shown in Figure 5, segments 12 and 14 (12 is shown) have a rear wall 68 from which protrusions 58 and 60 extend. In this exemplary embodiment, protrusions 58 and 60 taper and have a "U"-shaped cross-section (other shapes are certainly possible). The convex surface 70 of the "U" of each protrusion 58 and 60 faces surface 66 of ring 38 and contacts it within the corresponding grooves 62 and 64 when ring 38 is clamped between segments 12 and 14. The stiffness of tabs 58 and 60 is designed to support segments 12 and 14 in spaced relationship on ring 38 (see FIG1 ) under the forces experienced due to the weight of the segments and the inertial loads resulting from handling and installation. However, the tabs are designed to deform when forces are applied during installation due to tightening member 18 to allow the segments to be drawn toward each other and into engagement with the pipe element, as shown in FIG9 .

The channels 62 and 64, shown in detail in FIG. 2 , may be defined by or include guide walls 72 positioned in spaced relation on the ring 38 and spaced apart to receive the protrusions 58 and 60 when the valve coupling 10 is in its pre-assembled state. The bottom surface 74 of each channel 62 and 64 (which includes the portion of the outer surface 66 of the 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 conical surfaces 80 and 82. In this exemplary embodiment, the conical surfaces are continuous with one another. Conical surface 80 has an apex 84, a cone angle 86, and a cone axis 88. Conical 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 oriented at an angle relative to cone axis 94.

Conical surface 80 provides clearance to allow projections 58 and 60 to engage conical surface 82 when segments 12 and 14 are positioned to surround ring 38. As shown in Figure 2B, the parameters of conical surface 82 (apex 90, cone angle 92, and cone axis 94) are designed to receive projections (58 or 60) and cooperate with that projection to maintain a spaced relationship between segments 12 and 14, as shown in Figure 1. When projections 58 and 60 are not deformed, segments 12 and 14 maintain a spaced relationship and provide sufficient clearance to allow insertion of the tubular element. Additionally, the interaction between projections 58 and 60 and conical surface 82 keeps ring 38 centered between the two segments 12 and 14. The centering of ring 38 also ensures that seal 56 is centered between the segments so that it does not interfere during insertion of the tubular element.

The parameters of conical surface 82 (apex 90, cone angle 92, and cone axis 94) are designed to provide a locking action between protrusions 58 and 60 and ring 38 when attachment component 18 is tightened and the segments are drawn toward each other to form a joint, as shown in FIG9 . To this end, as shown in FIG2C , protrusions 58 and 60 are oriented at an angle relative to conical surface 82. In a practical example, the orientation angle 57 between conical surface 82 and convex surface 70 of protrusions 58 and 60 is approximately 3 degrees. This relative angled orientation results in a camming action (see FIG2D and 2E ), wherein the clamping force between conical surface 82 and protrusions 58 and 60 is much greater than the bolt load pulling segments 12 and 14 together. This greater clamping force deforms protrusions 58 and 60 as they interact with conical surface 82 to locate and lock ring 38 in the axial direction. The mechanical engagement between the projections 58, 60 and the ring 38 can be enhanced by positioning one or more teeth 51 within the grooves 62 and 64, as shown in Figures 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 differences in the multiple components due to casting and machining tolerances and ensure a secure fit between the segments and the ring.

In use, as shown in FIG7 , valve coupling 10 is provided in a preassembled state (see also FIG1 ), with segments 12 and 14 positioned in spaced-apart relationship and protrusions 58 and 60 received within grooves 62 and 64 of ring 38 , which engage conical surface 80 (see FIGS. 2 and 5 ) and support the segments on ring 38 . Pipe elements 96 and 98 are inserted into central space 16 between segments 12 and 14 and engage seal 56 . In this example, the pipe elements have circumferential grooves 100 that receive arcuate surfaces 28 on protruding keys 102 arranged on opposite sides 30 and 32 of the segments. As shown in FIG8 , the attachment components are tightened (nut 26 is tightened on bolt 24 , thereby engaging lug 20 , see FIG1 ) to draw segments 12 and 14 toward each other and into engagement with pipe elements 96 and 98 , with keys 102 engaging circumferential grooves 100 in the pipe elements. As segments 12 and 14 are pulled toward each other, seal 56 is compressed between segments 12 and 14, valve housing 36, and tubular elements 96 and 98 to form a fluid-tight joint. Furthermore, as shown in FIG2D , as the segments are pulled together, protrusions 58 and 60 deform and engage conical surface 82 on outer surface 66 of ring 38. The interaction between protrusions 58 and 60 and conical surface 82 locks segments 12 and 14 to valve housing 36. The mechanical engagement is further enhanced by the presence of teeth 51 (see FIG2G ). FIG9 shows the final configuration of valve coupling 10 when the coupling is installed, with the tubular elements not shown for clarity. Note that in this exemplary embodiment, when valve coupling 10 is properly installed, connecting component 18 achieves what is known as a "gasket-to-gasket" engagement. This design is advantageous because it allows for easy visual verification of proper installation and eliminates the need to tighten bolts 24 to a specific torque value.

Claims (45)

1. A valve coupling for connecting a pipe element and controlling the flow therethrough, the valve coupling comprising: Multiple segments, which are attached end-to-end to each other, thus surrounding the central space; Valve housing, which is held between the segments; A valve closing component is movably mounted within the valve housing, the valve closing component being movable between an open position that allows flow through the valve housing and a closed position that prevents flow through therein; At least one protrusion extends from one of the segments into the central space, the at least one protrusion engaging the valve housing and supporting at least two of the segments in a sufficiently spaced relationship to allow the tubular element to be inserted into the central space without first disassembling the valve coupling, wherein, in the pre-assembled state of the valve coupling, the at least one protrusion contacts the outer surface of the valve housing. 2. The valve connector according to claim 1, wherein each of the segments includes a rear wall extending between its ends, and the at least one protrusion extends from the rear wall of the segment. 3. The valve connector according to claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion is tapered. 4. The valve connector according to claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion has a U-shaped cross-section. 5. The valve connector according to claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion is deformable to allow the at least two segments to be pulled toward each other. 6. The valve connector according to claim 1, wherein the valve housing includes a ring. 7. The valve connector according to claim 1, wherein the valve housing includes first and second valve caps extending away from the central space in corresponding directions, each of the valve caps extending through corresponding openings in the first and second segments of the segment. 8. The valve connector according to claim 1, wherein the valve housing includes at least one channel therein, the at least one channel being positioned to receive the at least one protrusion. 9. The valve coupling according to claim 8, wherein the valve housing further includes first and second guide walls positioned on opposite sides of the at least one channel in a spaced-apart relationship and defining the at least one channel, the first and second guide walls protruding away from the central space. 10. The valve connector according to claim 8, wherein the at least one channel includes a bottom surface having a concave shape. 11. The valve coupling according to claim 10, wherein the valve housing further includes first and second guide walls positioned on opposite sides of the bottom surface in a spaced-apart relationship, the first and second guide walls protruding away from the central space. 12. The valve connector according to claim 8, wherein the at least one channel comprises: A first concave conical surface having a first conical axis; The second concave conical surface has a second conical axis. 13. The valve connector according to claim 12, wherein the first and second concave conical surfaces are continuous with each other. 14. The valve connector according to claim 12, wherein the axis of the first cone is oriented at an angle relative to the axis of the second cone. 15. The valve connector according to claim 8, further comprising at least one tooth positioned within the at least one channel and protruding away from the central space. 16. The valve connector according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: Attachment components, located at opposite ends of each of the segments; An arcuate surface, positioned on the opposite side of each of the segments, is used for engagement with the tubular element. 17. The valve coupling according to claim 16, wherein the attachment member includes lugs extending outward from opposite ends of each of the segments, each lug defining a hole for receiving a fastener. 18. The valve connector according to claim 16, wherein the arcuate surface protrudes from the segment toward an axis passing through the central space. 19. The valve connector according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of segments comprises no more than two of the segments. 20. The valve connector according to claim 1, wherein the valve closing component is rotatable about a rotation axis. 21. The valve connector according to claim 20, wherein the valve closing component comprises a valve disc. 22. A valve coupling for connecting a pipe element and controlling the flow therethrough, the valve coupling comprising: The first and second segments are attached end-to-end to each other, thus enclosing the central space; Valve housing, which is held between the segments; A valve closing component is movably mounted within the valve housing, the valve closing component being movable between an open position that allows flow through the valve housing and a closed position that prevents flow through therein; At least two protrusions extend from each of the segments into the central space, each of the protrusions engaging the valve housing and supporting the first and second segments in a sufficiently spaced relationship to allow the tubular element to be inserted into the central space without first disassembling the valve coupling, wherein, in the pre-assembled state of the valve coupling, the at least two protrusions contact the outer surface of the valve housing. 23. The valve coupling according to claim 22, wherein each of the segments includes a rear wall extending between its ends, and the protrusion extends from the rear wall of the first and second segments. 24. The valve connector according to claim 22, wherein each of the protrusions is tapered. 25. The valve connector according to claim 22, wherein each of the protrusions has a U-shaped cross-section. 26. The valve connector according to claim 22, wherein each of the protrusions is deformable to allow the first and second segments to be pulled toward each other. 27. The valve connector according to claim 22, wherein the valve housing includes a ring. 28. The valve coupling according to claim 22, wherein the valve housing includes first and second valve caps extending away from the central space in corresponding directions, each of the valve caps extending through corresponding openings in the first and second segments of the segment. 29. The valve connector according to claim 22, wherein the valve housing includes at least four channels therein, each of the channels being positioned to receive a corresponding protrusion. 30. The valve coupling according to claim 29, wherein the valve housing further comprises: First and second guide walls are positioned on opposite sides of the first and second channels in the channel in a spaced-apart relationship and define the first and second channels in the channel. The third and fourth guide walls are positioned on opposite sides of the third and fourth channels in the channel and define the third and fourth channels in the channel, the third and fourth guide walls protruding away from the central space. 31. The valve connector according to claim 29, wherein each of the channels includes a bottom surface having a concave shape. 32. The valve connector according to claim 31, wherein the valve housing further comprises: The first and second guide walls are positioned on opposite sides of each of the respective bottom surfaces in a spaced-apart relationship, and the first and second guide walls protrude away from the central space. 33. The valve connector according to claim 29, wherein each of the channels comprises: A first concave conical surface having a first conical axis; The second concave conical surface has a second conical axis. 34. The valve connector according to claim 33, wherein the first and second concave conical surfaces are continuous with each other. 35. The valve connector according to claim 33, wherein the axis of the first cone is oriented at an angle relative to the axis of the second cone. 36. The valve connector according to claim 29, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of teeth, at least one of the teeth being positioned within each of the channels, the teeth protruding away from the central space. 37. The valve connector according to claim 22, characterized in that it further comprises: Attachment components, located at opposite ends of each of the segments; An arcuate surface is positioned on the opposite side of each of the segments to engage with the tubular element. 38. The valve coupling according to claim 37, wherein the attachment member includes lugs extending outward from opposite ends of each of the segments, each lug defining a hole for receiving a fastener. 39. The valve connector according to claim 37, wherein the arcuate surface protrudes from the segment toward an axis passing through the central space. 40. The valve connector according to claim 22, wherein the valve closing component is rotatable about a rotation axis. 41. The valve connector according to claim 40, wherein the valve closing component comprises a valve disc. 42. The valve connector according to claim 22, characterized in that the protrusion supports the segments in a sufficiently spaced relationship to insert the tubular element into the central space. 43. A method of connecting a pipe element to a valve, the method comprising: Multiple segments of the connector are held in a spaced relationship around a central space by engaging multiple protrusions with the valve housing, the protrusions extending from the segments, the valve housing being surrounded by the segments, the spaced relationship being sufficient to allow the tubular element to be inserted into the central space, wherein, in a pre-assembled state, the multiple protrusions contact the outer surface of the valve housing; Insert the tubular element into the central space; The segments are pulled toward each other, thereby deforming the protrusion and engaging the segment with the tubular element. 44. The method according to claim 43, wherein the engagement comprises engaging each of the protrusions with a corresponding channel positioned in the valve housing. 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the engagement further comprises engaging each of the protrusions with at least one tooth positioned within each of the channels.