DE102012107840A1 - Device for temporarily partial closing/locking of flow channel i.e. exhaust gas passage in exhaust system of combustion engine, has sealing parts engaged with flap edges and formed in transformed region of wall of channel - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a flap (14) comprising flap edges (15, 15'/), where the flap is pivotable around a flow channel (12) passing transversely through a pivotal axis (16). Sealing parts (17, 17 '/) are engaged with the flap edges during closing the device. The sealing parts are formed in a transformed region of a wall (18) of the flow channel. An elastic material layer is coated at inner side of the flow channel and/or the flap where the layer thickness is less than 1 mm. The transformed region of the wall is extended over an angle of 300 to 350 degree. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for manufacturing of a butterfly valve in a flow channel (2) a transfer valve (3) a method for manufacturing a transfer valve.

Description

The present application relates to a device for temporary, at least partial closing of a flow channel, and to a method for their preparation. The flow channel may be, for example, an exhaust pipe of an exhaust system and the device may be a butterfly valve. Further, the present application also relates to a device for temporarily bypassing a flow of a fluid (such as exhaust gas), and more particularly a switching valve.

A butterfly valve is a valve for controlling the flow of a fluid in a pipeline. It has a rotatable disc arranged in the interior of the pipeline, by means of which the flow cross section of the pipeline can be changed. When the butterfly valve is fully open, the rotatable disc is aligned parallel to the flow direction of the fluid. The pivot point of the disc can be centrally located in the middle of the seat and the center of the pipeline, or be single or multiple eccentric. In the case of a simply eccentric seat, the pivot point of the rotatable disk is displaced in the extension direction of the pipeline, but remains in the middle of the pipeline. In the double eccentric seat, the pivot point of the rotatable disk is displaced in the extension direction of the pipeline, and is not in the middle of the pipeline.

In order to allow rotation of the rotatable disc, it is necessary in the centric, single eccentric and double eccentric seat to provide some clearance between the rotatable disc and the inner wall of the tubing. The leakage of the shut-off valve due to this play is often alleviated or prevented by placing elastic seal materials on the outer edge of the rotatable disk or on the inside of the pipe. Elastomer or polymer (eg, polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE) is usually used as elastic sealing materials.

From the German patent application DE 102 17 468 A1 It is known to improve the sealing properties of a valve disposed in an intake valve by the fact that in the inner surface of a suction or suction pipe made of aluminum or plastic, a sealing contour for the installation of a rotatable resilient flap blade is machined or incorporated by molding, or arranged special inserts at the site of the plant become.

It is further from the international publication WO 2010/034450 A1 It is known to improve the sealing properties of a three-way exhaust valve for controlling an exhaust gas volume flow by means of sealing stops inserted into a hollow mold.

These known devices and methods are unsatisfactory in practical terms, since it can be complicated to arrange the required sealing contours or sealing stops accurately. In addition, the production is often associated with high costs.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a shut-off flap with sealing element and a device for temporarily redirecting a flow of a fluid, which are simple and inexpensive to produce and yet have a satisfactory sealing property, and to provide the corresponding manufacturing method.

Embodiments of a device for temporary, at least partial closing of a flow channel have a flap with a flap edge and a sealing contour for resting the flap edge when the device is closed. The particular rigid flap is pivotable about a flow channel transversely passing through the pivot axis. In this case, the pivot axis can penetrate the wall of the flow channel on one side or on both sides. The sealing contour is formed by a deformed region of the wall of the flow channel and thus formed integrally with the wall of the flow channel.

Since the sealing contour is formed by the deformed region of the wall of the flow channel, the provision of a separate sealing contour can be dispensed with. Since no separate sealing contour has to be adapted to the inside of the flow channel and fastened there, the number of parts needed to produce the device is reduced. Furthermore, detachment of the sealing contour from the wall is reliably prevented. The sealing property of such devices is good to very good and sufficient, for example, for use in an exhaust duct.

According to one embodiment, the sealing contour on each side of the flap comprises a region of the wall of the flow channel which is radially inwardly or outwardly deformed. As a result, a system is available for each flap wing, which has a favorable effect on the sealing effect and avoids one-sided loading of the flap.

According to one embodiment, the formed area extends over a circumferential angle of a total of 300 ° -350 °, whereby a storage area of the pivot axis can be recessed.

According to one embodiment, the pivot axis in the storage area on a bearing seal and in particular a shaft seal or mechanical seal or stuffing box. In this way, leakage of a fluid guided in the flow channel, such as, for example, an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine in the storage area, can be prevented.

According to one embodiment, the flow channel has a rectangular cross section and the flap has a rectangular shape. According to an alternative embodiment, the flow channel has a circular cross-section, and the flap is a circular disk. According to a further alternative embodiment, the flow channel has an oval cross-section and the flap is an oval disc.

According to one embodiment, the pivot axis is arranged in the middle of the flow channel. In this case, the pivot axis can run in the middle of the flap, or be displaced relative to the flap in the longitudinal direction of the flow channel.

According to one embodiment, the inside of the flow channel and / or the outside of the flap is coated, for example by spraying with elastic material. This may increase the sealing effect between the deformed area of the wall and the flap and / or dampen noise when the flap edge is applied to the deformed area of the wall. The layer thickness of the elastic material is less than 1 mm and in particular less than 0.5 mm.

According to one embodiment, the elastic material is plastic material such as elastomer or polymer (eg polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE). Such materials can be provided and applied inexpensively.

According to one embodiment, the elastic material is closed-cell metal foam, which can be applied, for example, by flame spraying, or to metal mesh or to metal mesh or to a metal fiber fleece or to a metal fiber felt. Such materials have better resistance to high temperatures compared to plastic.

Embodiments of a method for producing a butterfly valve in a flow channel include the steps of inserting a bearing for a pivot axis of the butterfly valve in the flow channel, the one, two or more at least partially peripheral incision of a wall of the flow channel from the outside in the storage area, so that the resulting incision at least partially surrounds the flow channel in the circumferential direction, and the inward forming or outward reshaping of the wall of the flow channel on one side of the incision or each of the incisions such that the butterfly valve on the inwardly-deformed part or on the non-outwardly formed part comes to rest when the butterfly valve is closed.

Such a method is well suited to the manufacture of the device described above.

According to one embodiment, a plurality of opposing incisions are made in the axial direction in front of and behind the mounting of the pivot axis, and the forming is carried out in each case on the side of the incision to the opposite incision. Thus, the portion of the wall of the flow channel adjoining the incision is pressed from the outside into the interior of the flow channel, and can thus serve as a stop for the flap edge of the flap. Or the region of the wall of the flow channel adjoining the incision is pressed from the inside to outside of the flow channel, so that the undeformed region of the wall of the flow channel can serve as an abutment for the flap edge of the flap.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises sealingly welding a post-forming gap in the wall of the flow channel from the outside to ensure the stability and tightness of the resulting device after cutting and forming.

According to embodiments, a switching valve for temporarily redirecting a fluid flow comprises a valve body having a wall, a flap having a flap edge, which flap is pivotable about a pivot axis passing centrally through the valve body, and a sealing contour formed by a wall of the valve body for seating the valve body Flap edges when redirecting or when not redirecting, on. The sealing contour is formed by a deformed region of the wall of the valve body.

Such switching valves can be used, for example, in exhaust systems to selectively integrate latent heat storage.

In one embodiment, the valve body is generally spherical or cylindrical in shape, and the valve body is inwardly reformed along two opposing medians.

According to one embodiment, the valve body is composed of two half-shells, the edge of which forms the reshaped median. In this variant, the body can be easily made of sheet steel or cast iron.

According to an alternative embodiment, the valve body is composed of two half-shells, wherein the inward transformations are made off the edge of the half-shells.

According to one embodiment, the half-shells have half spherical and half spheroidal shape.

According to one embodiment, the deformed region of the wall extends over a circumferential angle of a total of 300 ° -350 °, and thus leaves free in particular only the storage area of the pivot axis.

According to one embodiment, at least one of the inside of the valve body is coated with elastic material at least in the deformed region of the wall and the outside of the flap, the layer thickness being less than 1 mm and in particular less than 0.5 mm. In this way, the sealing effect between the flap edge and the deformed region of the wall can be improved and the occurrence of noise when the flap edge strikes the deformed region of the wall can be avoided.

According to one embodiment, the elastic material is plastic material such as elastomer or polymer (eg polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE). Such materials can be provided and applied inexpensively.

According to one embodiment, the elastic material is closed-cell metal foam, which can be applied, for example, by flame spraying, or to metal mesh or to metal mesh or to a metal fiber fleece or to a metal fiber felt. Such materials have better resistance to high temperatures compared to plastic.

Embodiments of a method of manufacturing a switching valve include the steps of forming two half shells of a valve body, each of the two half shells providing two ports and having a bearing, inserting a flap of the valve pivotable about a pivot axis into the bearings of the half shells and assembling the shells both half-shells, and the partially peripheral inwardly reshaping the wall of the two half-shells such that the edge of the flap at the inwardly-deformed part comes to rest when the valve is set to bypass or on flow.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of fitting together and welding the two half shells from the outside along a circumferential line running around a pivot axis of the flap.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the claims and the figures. In the figures, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments but determined by the scope of the appended claims. In particular, the individual features in embodiments according to the invention can be realized in a different number and combination than in the examples given below. In the following explanation of an embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying figures, of which

1 shows a cross section through a flow channel with a butterfly valve and inwardly-formed sealing contours according to a first embodiment;

2 shows a cross section through a flow channel with outwardly deformed sealing contours for temporary shut-off according to a second embodiment;

3 shows a cross section through a switching valve with marginal, inwardly-formed sealing contours according to a third embodiment;

4 shows a cross section through a switching valve with inwardly-formed sealing contours off the halves edge according to a fourth embodiment;

5 a flow diagram of a method for producing a flow channel with a shut-off valve and inwardly-formed sealing contours shows; and

6 a flowchart of a method for producing a switching valve shows.

In 1 is a first embodiment 10 of the invention shown in cross-sectional view using the example of a butterfly valve.

A flow channel 12 has a center in the flow channel 12 arranged hinged flap 14 on.

In the embodiment shown, the flow channel is 12 around a straight exhaust pipe with a rectangular cross-section made of sheet steel, which leads exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. However, the present invention is not limited to straight exhaust pipes or a rectangular cross section of the flow channel. Next, the flow channel may also be formed of plastically deformable plastic.

At the flap 14 In the embodiment shown, this is a rigid metal sheet whose shape basically corresponds to the cross section of the flow channel 12 corresponds, but is slightly smaller. In this case, "slightly smaller" means that based on the cross section of the flow channel 12 between the flap gives a game of greater than 0.1 mm and less than 2 mm.

In the geometric center of the flap 14 is a pivot axis 16 arranged, which with the flap 14 rotatably connected and in opposite walls of the flow channel 12 is rotatably mounted. By applying a rotational force to the pivot axis 16 Can the flap 14 be pivoted in the directions M.

The pivot axis 16 adjacent is the wall 18 of the flow channel 12 peripherally cut over an angular range of about 170 °.

The incision does not take place in the first embodiment along the shortest circumferential line of the flow channel 12 but along a line containing the pivot axis 16 cuts and relative to a flow direction S in a flow channel 12 guided fluid includes an angle α greater than 45 ° and less than 90 °. In the embodiment shown, the angle α is about 80 °.

On the facing sides of the incisions 11 . 11 ' is the wall 18 each by applying a force F from outside the flow channel by about the simple wall thickness W inwardly formed. At the same time the wall becomes 18 in the extension direction of the flow channel 12 on one side 17 . 17 ' of the incision 11 . 11 ' permanently formed by applying a force F, F ', whereas the wall 18 at the with respect to the extension direction of the flow channel 12 other side 19 . 19 ' of the incision 11 . 11 ' remains undeformed. Starting from the pivot axis 16 is in the circumferential direction of the flow channel 12 above the pivot axis 16 lying half circumference of the flow channel 12 with respect to the flow direction S in the flow channel 12 led fluid the upstream side 17 of the incision 11 Inverted, and is over the below the pivot axis 16 lying half circumference of the flow channel 12 with respect to the flow direction S, the downstream side 17 ' of the incision 11 ' transformed inwards.

The resulting gap is tightly welded from the outside 13 . 13 ' ,

It is emphasized that the present invention is not limited to an angular range of 170 ° for the incision. In general, this range can be for example between 150 ° and 175 °. Further, the present invention is not limited to forming around the simple wall thickness W. Rather, the degree of deformation, for example, be half to one and a half times the wall thickness W of the flow channel.

In a shut-off position (solid line in 1 ) the flap 16 lies their flap edge 15 . 15 ' thus at the inward-transformed areas 17 . 17 ' the wall 18 of the flow channel 12 at. The area left without forming 19 . 19 ' the wall 18 can be involved to the outside of the sealing contour. The open position of the flap 14 is in 1 indicated by dashed lines.

In 2 is a second embodiment 10a of the invention shown in cross-sectional view. This embodiment has a great similarity to the above first embodiment, so that in particular differences and otherwise referred to the above.

Also in the second embodiment, the wall 18a of the flow channel 12a adjacent the pivot axis 16a cut in, and is in the extension direction of the flow channel 12a the wall 18a on one side 17a . 17a ' of the incision 11a . 11a ' by applying a force Fa, Fa 'permanently transformed, whereas the wall 18a at the with respect to the extension direction of the flow channel 12a other side 19 . 19a ' of the incision 11a . 11a ' remains undeformed, and an emerging gap is closed.

However, unlike the above first embodiment, the incision is made along the shortest circumferential line of the flow passage 12 that the pivot axis 16 cuts, and with a flow direction S one in the flow channel 12 guided fluid includes an angle α of 90 °.

Further, in contrast to the first embodiment, the force Fa, Fa 'for forming the wall 18a not from outside the flow channel 12a but from within the flow channel 12a applied. Accordingly, the flap edge comes 15a . 15a ' the flap 14a in the shut-off position (solid line in 2 ) against the wall left without forming 19a . 19a ' of the flow channel 12a to lie, and is each the other area 17a . 17a ' the wall 18a transformed to the outside.

The outwardly formed area of the wall allows the movement of the flap 14a , but may also be involved in the sealing contour.

Unlike the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the resulting gap is not welded tightly, but sealed 13a . 13a ' ,

A method of manufacturing a flow channel with a butterfly valve according to the first or second embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart 5 described.

In a first step S1, a bearing for a pivot axis of a butterfly valve is inserted into a provided flow channel.

In the following step S2, a wall of the flow channel is circumferentially cut from the outside in the axial direction before and behind the storage of the pivot axis. This can be done in one go or in the form of multiple cuts. The only requirement is that the resulting incision at least partially surrounds the flow channel in the circumferential direction. It should be understood by "at least partially" that the incision comprises at least 90% of the part of the flow channel in the circumferential direction, which is free of the bearing of the pivot axes.

Subsequently, in step S3, either an inward forming (see first embodiment of 1 ) or outward forming (see second embodiment 2 ) of the wall of the flow channel on one side of the incision or each of the incisions towards the opposite notch such that the butterfly valve abuts against the inwardly-deformed part and the non-outward-deformed part, respectively, when the butterfly valve is closed.

Finally, in step S4, sealing welding or sealing soldering of a gap resulting after forming in the wall of the flow channel takes place from outside before the method ends.

It is emphasized that the step S4 of the seal welding or sealing soldering can also be dispensed with if the wall is not completely broken in the step of cutting and forming.

In 3 is a third embodiment 30 of the invention shown in cross-sectional view.

It is one of two half-shells 31 . 31 ' formed switching valve 30 shown. The dividing line between the two halves runs in 3 vertical, the joints are crimped together.

Each of the two half-shells 31 . 31 ' makes two connections I . II . III and IV ready, which allow the entry or exit of fluid in a cavity defined by the half-shells.

In the middle of the two half-shells 31 . 31 ' formed hollow body is a pivot axis 39 arranged, which rotatable in the half-shells 31 . 31 ' stored and rotationally fixed with a valve disposed in the interior of the hollow body 35 connected is. The flap 35 is by actuation of the pivot axis 39 pivotable about 90 ° along the direction M, and thus connects in a first position (in 3 shown by a solid line) in pairs the connections I and IV such as II and III , and in a second position (in 3 shown with dashed line) the connections I and II such as III and IV ,

Each of the half-shells is inwardly deformed at its median by about twice the wall thickness W, around there a sealing stop 33 . 33 ' for the flap 35 to build.

In the example shown here is at the other, shown in dashed extreme position of the flap 35 also a sealing stop 37 . 37 ' formed, of a part of a connecting flange of the respective half-shell 31 . 31 ' by means of which half-shells 31 . 31 ' connected to each other.

To improve the tightness and to damp the stop of the flap 35 are the half-shells 31 . 31 ' inside with a 0.1 mm thin layer T of polytetrafluoroethylene coated. However, the present invention is not limited to a layer of plastic for improving the sealing properties. Alternatively, for example, be provided a layer of closed-cell metal foam or metal mesh or metal mesh or a metal fiber fleece or a metal fiber felt.

In 4 is a fourth embodiment 40 of the invention shown in cross-sectional view. This embodiment has a great similarity to the above third embodiment, so that in particular differences and otherwise referred to the above.

As with the in 3 shown in the third embodiment 4 one of two half-shells 41 . 41 ' formed switching valve 40 shown which one about a pivot axis 49 along a direction of movement M pivotable flap 45 having. The dividing line between the two half-shells 41 . 41 ' runs in 4 horizontal.

Each of the half-shells 41 . 41 ' is inwardly deformed at its median by about three times the wall thickness, around there a sealing stop 43 . 43 ' for the flap 45 to build. In this embodiment, at the other extreme position (in 4 dashed) the flap 45 no sealing stop formed. Rather, the half shells 41 . 41 ' there on its edge 47 . 47 ' plugged together or welded.

Further, in this embodiment, the flap 35 coated on the outside with a 0.1 mm thin layer Ta of polytetrafluoroethylene, and have the half shells 41 . 41 ' no corresponding coating on. However, the present invention is not limited to a layer of plastic for improving the sealing properties. Alternatively, for example, be provided a layer of closed-cell metal foam or metal mesh or metal mesh or a metal fiber fleece or a metal fiber felt.

A method of manufacturing a switching valve according to the third or fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart 6 described.

In a first step S10, two half shells of a valve body are formed, each of the two half shells providing two connections and having a bearing for a pivotable flap. The molding of the two half shells can be done for example by deep drawing from a sheet material or by casting. The provision of the bearings can be done for example by pressing ball or plain bearings.

In the following step S11, a flap of the valve, which can pivot about a pivot axis, is inserted into the bearings of the half shells and an assembly of the two half shells along a circumferential line which extends around a pivot axis of the flap. The joining of the two half shells can be done for example by welding, soldering or flanging the two half-shells from the outside.

Subsequently, in step S12, a partial peripheral inward forming of the wall of the two half-shells takes place such that the edge of the flap comes into contact with the inwardly-deformed part when the valve is set to bypass or to flow.

The step S12 may also be executed before the step S11 together with the step S10.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that certain refinements and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, the proposed measures are also advantageously applicable to a three-way valve. Further, the bearings of the flaps can be sealed and / or provided with a drive for the pivot axis.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10217468 A1 [0004]
• WO 2010/034450 A1 [0005]

Claims (14)

Device for the temporary, at least partial closing of a flow channel ( 12 ) and in particular exhaust ducts, comprising: a flap ( 14 ) with a flap edge ( 15 . 15 ' ), the flap ( 14 ) around a flow channel ( 12 ) transversely passing through pivot axis ( 16 ) is pivotable; and a sealing contour ( 17 . 17 ' ) for the installation of the flap edge ( 15 . 15 ' ) with the device closed, wherein the sealing contour ( 17 . 17 ' ) of a reshaped area of the wall ( 18 ) of the flow channel ( 12 ) is formed. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing contour ( 17 . 17 ' ) on both sides of the flap ( 14 ) each have a radially inwardly or outwardly formed area of the wall ( 18 ) of the flow channel ( 12 ). Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the deformed area of the wall ( 18 ) extends over a circumferential angle of a total of 300 ° -350 °. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow channel ( 12 ) has a rectangular cross-section and the flap ( 14 ) has a rectangular shape, or the flow channel ( 12 ) has a circular cross-section and the flap ( 14 ) is a circular disk or the flow channel ( 12 ) has an oval cross-section and the flap ( 14 ) is an oval disc; and wherein the pivot axis in the middle of the flow channel ( 12 ) is arranged. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inside of the flow channel ( 12 ) and / or the flap ( 14 ) is coated with elastic material, wherein the layer thickness is less than 1 mm and in particular less than 0.5 mm. Method for producing a shut-off flap in a flow channel and in particular an exhaust gas channel, in particular the device according to one of claims 1 to 5, the method comprising: (S1) inserting a bearing for a pivot axis of the butterfly valve in the flow channel; (S2) one, two or more times at least partially peripheral cutting a wall of the flow channel from the outside in the storage area, so that the resulting incision at least partially surrounds the flow channel in the circumferential direction; and (S3) inwardly deforming or outwardly reshaping the wall of the flow channel on a side of the sipe or incisions such that the butterfly valve abuts against the inwardly-deformed portion and the non-outward-deformed portion, respectively the butterfly valve is closed. The method of claim 5, wherein a plurality of opposed incisions in the axial direction in front of and behind the bearing of the pivot axis are made, and the forming is carried out in each case on one side of the incision to the opposite incision. The method of claim 5 or 6, the method further comprising: (S4) sealing welding of a resulting after forming gap in the wall of the flow channel from the outside. Switching valve ( 30 ; 40 ) for temporarily redirecting a fluid flow and in particular an exhaust gas flow, comprising: a valve body having a wall ( 31 . 31 '; 41 . 41 ' ); a flap ( 35 ; 45 ) with a flap edge, which flap ( 35 ; 45 ) about a valve body centrally passing through the pivot axis ( 39 ; 49 ) is pivotable; and a sealing contour formed by a wall of the valve body ( 33 . 33 '; 43 . 43 ' ) to create the flap edge when diverting or not diverting; wherein the sealing contour ( 33 . 33 '; 43 . 43 ' ) through a reshaped area of the wall ( 31 . 31 '; 41 . 41 ' ) of the valve body is formed. Switching valve ( 30 ; 40 ) according to claim 9, wherein the valve body has a generally spherical or cylindrical shape or spheroidal shape and is formed inwardly along two opposing medians. Switching valve ( 30 ; 40 ) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the deformed area of the wall ( 31 . 31 '; 41 . 41 ' ) extends over a circumferential angle of a total of 300 ° -350 °. Switching valve ( 30 ; 40 ) according to any one of claims 9, 10 or 11, wherein the inside of the valve body ( 12 ) at least in the formed area of the wall ( 31 . 31 '; 41 . 41 ' ) and / or the flap ( 35 ; 45 ) is coated with elastic material, wherein the layer thickness is smaller than 1 mm. A method of manufacturing a switching valve, in particular the valve according to claim 9 to 12, the method comprising: (S10) forming two half-shells of a valve body, each of the two half-shells providing two terminals and having a bearing for a flap pivotable about a pivot axis; (S11) inserting the pivot axis in the bearings of the half-shells and joining the two half-shells; and (S12) partially peripherally inwardly reshaping the wall of the two half-shells valve body such that the edge of the flap abuts the inwardly-deformed portion when the valve is set for bypass or flow. The method of claim 13, further comprising (S13) plugging and welding the two half-shells from the outside along a circumferential line that extends around the pivotal axis of the flap.

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