Mechanical functional unit for passive operation of a shock wave protection valve and shock wave protection valve

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mechanically operated passive functional unit (1) for a shock wave protection valve, in particular for a ventilation system, having a duct (2) with a flow-through area (4) through which a ventilation flow can flow in a flow direction (S), and in case of a fault, a shock wave propagating in the opposite direction (X) can cause the flow-through area to be blocked in the opposite direction (X). The functional unit further includes a blade-shaped valve flap (7) which is held in an open position (O) and, in case of a fault, can be deflected by the shock wave to a closed position (C) so as to enter the flow-through area at least partially transversely to the flow direction (S), in which closed position the flow-through area is blocked by the valve flap in the opposite direction (X). The functional unit is characterized in that the valve flap is oriented in the flow direction (S) in the open position (O) substantially between the stagnation volume (5) and the flow-through area, the stagnation volume being arranged in the duct and opening in the opposite direction to the opposite direction (X), such that in case of a fault, when the shock wave passes through, a pressure can be established in the stagnation volume by the shock wave, which pressure pushes the valve flap at least partially transversely to the flow direction (S) and deflects the valve flap into the flow-through area so that the valve flap reaches the closed position (C). The present invention also relates to a shock wave protection valve.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical functional unit for a shock wave protection valve, in particular for a ventilation system, which is passive-operated and has a flow channel with a flow-through area through which ventilation air can flow in a flow direction, and in case of an interruption, a shock wave propagating in a blocking direction can cause the flow-through area to be blocked in the blocking direction. Furthermore, the functional unit includes a blade-shaped valve flap which is held in an open position and, in case of an interruption, can be deflected by the shock wave to a closed position so as to enter the flow-through area at least partially transversely to the flow direction, in which closed position the flow-through area is blocked by the valve flap in the blocking direction. The present invention also relates to a shock wave protection valve including such a functional unit, a ventilation system and a test system having such a shock valve. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for measuring the closing pressure and / or flow resistance of such a shock wave protection valve and its use in a test laboratory. Background Art

[0002] Shock wave protection valves are mainly used in areas where ventilation is required, but there is a risk of injury or damage to personnel or systems due to compressed air shock. For example, shock wave protection valves are used as explosion wave protection for the air inlets and outlets of ventilation ducts in shelters for personnel or systems, nuclear power plants, offshore facilities or military buildings. The shock wave protection valve provides effective protection against the effects of explosion waves caused, for example, by nuclear explosions or conventional explosions and prevents the explosion wave from propagating into or out of the ventilation ducts of the ventilation system.

[0003] There is a difference between active and passive shock wave protection valves: Active shock wave protection valves require external energy and a controller for pressure-resistant closing. With the help of sensors, they record the pressure increase caused by the incoming shock wave, and thus trigger the valve closing by an actuator. In contrast, passive shock wave protection valves can operate without external energy and a controller, react only to the effects of the shock wave, and due to their physical properties, prevent the propagation of pressure in the pipeline and adjacent system components.

[0004] Such a passive shock wave protection valve in the intake or exhaust air duct of a boiler in the military field is known, for example, from US 3,139,108. This has a plurality of elastic valve plates which are arranged between adjacent channel openings for the air flow. In the open position, the valve plates project obliquely outwards into the inflowing or outflowing air flow relative to the flow direction. Due to the influence of an externally incoming shock wave, the valve flaps bend over the channel openings into the closed position, so that they are closed. After the shock wave has passed, the elastic valve plates automatically return to the open position again. The disadvantage of this is that the valve plates have to project into the air flow at a rather large inclination in order to have a sufficient shock wave impact surface. However, this is associated with a rather large flow resistance. In addition, in order to close, the valve plates have to bend away from the open position relatively greatly, which entails the risk of undesired plastic deformation and the valve plates require particularly expensive materials. In addition, the above application relates to the military sector and is therefore not easily applicable, for example, to the civilian sector in a simple and economical manner. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Accordingly, the problem solved by the present invention is to create a passive-operated mechanical functional unit and a shock wave protection valve belonging to the technical field described at the beginning for a shock wave protection valve, which overcomes the defects of the prior art. In particular, the problem solved by the present invention is to provide such a cost-effective and structurally simple functional unit for a shock wave protection valve and in particular such a shock wave protection valve for a ventilation space, which ventilation space, although having good barrier properties, has a relatively low flow resistance. The present invention also solves the problem of providing a method for measuring the closing pressure and / or the flow resistance and the use of such a shock wave protection valve.

[0006] The solution to this problem is defined by the features of the independent claims. According to the present invention, a passive-operated mechanical functional unit for a shock wave protection valve, in particular for a ventilation system, comprises a flow channel having a flow-through region through which ventilation air can flow in the flow direction, and in the event of an interruption, a shock wave propagating in the blocking direction can cause the flow-through region to be blocked in the blocking direction. In addition, the functional unit comprises a blade-shaped valve flap which is held in the open position and, in the event of an interruption, can be deflected by the shock wave into the closed position so as to enter the flow-through region at least partially transversely to the flow direction, in which closed position the flow-through region is blocked by the valve flap in the blocking direction. The functional unit is characterized in that the valve flap is oriented substantially in the flow direction in the open position and is arranged between a stagnant space and the flow-through region, the stagnant space being arranged in the flow channel and opening in a direction opposite to the blocking direction, such that, in the event of an interruption, when the shock wave passes, a pressure can be established in the stagnant space which at least partially pushes the valve flap transversely to the flow direction and deflects it into the flow-through region so that the valve flap enters the closed position.

[0007] The dimension in the flow direction is herein referred to as "length", while the two dimensions perpendicular to the flow direction and perpendicular to each other are referred to as "width" and "height". In this case, the height represents the dimension in the direction along which the valve flap is arranged between the stagnant space and the flow-through region.

[0008] A "flow channel" means a part of a functional unit that extends in the flow direction and has openings extending substantially over its entire end-side cross-section on both sides in the longitudinal direction. The cross-section of the flow channel can be constant or vary in the flow direction. In principle, the cross-section can be circular or polygonal, in particular rectangular. During operation, the flow channel can be subjected to an incident flow generated by the ventilation flow passing through the openings over its entire end-side cross-section. Generally, the flow channel is surrounded by one or more boundary walls and is delimited by the one or more boundary walls perpendicular to the flow direction.

[0009] The "flow-through region" denotes the region of the flow channel through which the air flow can flow substantially unobstructed in the flow direction if there is no interruption. The flow-through region forms a sub-region of the flow channel and has an effective cross-section which, if there is no interruption, is continuous for the air flow along the entire length of the flow channel in the flow direction. If, for example, an explosion wave or a shock wave generated by an explosion or deflagration enters the ventilation flow, there is an interruption and the functional unit is provided and designed to block the explosion wave or shock wave. If there is no interruption during operation, this is herein referred to as normal operation.

[0010] The term "laminar" herein means that the valve flap is constructed as a plate having two main surfaces which are delimited by relatively thin edges at the periphery. The valve flap can be manufactured, for example, from a metal sheet, such as a stainless steel sheet. The valve flap can be deflected at least partially transversely to the flow direction into the flow-through region. For this purpose, the valve flap can, for example, be rigid and pivotable about a pivot axis, or it can be flexible and deflected by at least partially bending into the flow-through region.

[0011] The "open position" denotes the position in which the valve flap is arranged in the normal state, in particular during normal operation. In the open position, the valve flap is oriented substantially in the flow direction, which means that the main faces of the valve flap are arranged substantially parallel to the flow direction. Substantially parallel here can include a slight deviation from the parallel position, up to a maximum of 15°. Thus, when the valve flap is in the open position, the effective cross-section of the flow-through region is not reduced or only insignificantly reduced or obstructed by the valve flap.

[0012] The "closed position" denotes the position of the valve flap in which the flow-through region is more or less completely closed by the valve flap such that the ventilation flow can no longer flow at least in the blocking direction. It goes without saying that an airtight seal is not necessary in the closed position. What is important is that in the closed position, the flow-through region is blocked such that an explosion wave, in particular a shock wave, of sufficient strength in the ventilation flow cannot pass through.

[0013] "Blocking direction" means the direction in which the functional unit can block the passage of a shock wave. In this case, the blocking direction can point in the same direction as the flow direction or in the opposite direction, depending on whether the functional unit is used as a pressure valve or a check valve, respectively.

[0014] According to the invention, a stagnant space is formed in the flow channel in the vicinity of the valve flap such that the valve flap is arranged between the flow-through region and the stagnant space. The stagnant space defines a stagnant volume in the flow channel and covers a sub-region of the cross-section of the flow channel that is subjected to the incident flow generated by the ventilation flow. Opposite to the blocking direction, i.e., opposite to the direction in which the shock wave to be blocked propagates, the stagnant space is at least partially open such that the stagnant volume defined by the stagnant space communicates with the ventilation flow. The stagnant space is substantially separated from the remainder of the flow channel, in particular from the flow-through region, along the blocking direction and along a direction transverse to the flow direction, thus forming a blind zone in the flow channel through which flow cannot pass. The stagnant space can be closed, for example, in the width direction by boundary walls, in particular by boundary walls of a shock wave protection valve housing, for example, or by separate partition walls arranged therefor.

[0015] Due to the dynamic pressure of the incident flow associated with the shock wave entering along the blocking direction, a stagnant pressure is established in the stagnant space as compared to the continuous flow-through region. Thus, a pressure difference is generated between the stagnant space and the flow-through region, i.e., an overpressure is generated in the stagnant space, and this pressure difference acts on the valve flap arranged between them. In this case, the valve flap is deflectable such that the overpressure must exceed a certain threshold in order for the valve flap to deflect from the open position to the closed position. The threshold of the overpressure defines the transition from normal operation to interruption.

[0016] Since the valve flap is arranged between the stagnant space and the flow-through region according to the invention, the overpressure established in the stagnant space can act directly and extensively on the valve flap. In the case of an incident flow on a relatively small cross-section of the stagnant space, a relatively large force can thus be exerted on the valve flap. As a result, given a low flow resistance, the valve flap deflects reliably into the flow-through region and into the closed position in the event of an interruption.

[0017] In addition, the pressure of the shock wave entering in the blocking direction is converted by the stagnation space into a force acting on the valve flap transverse to the flow direction. Thus, compared with known related devices, the valve flap in the open position does not need to have any attacking surface pointing at the incoming shock wave for deflection, which means that, for example, there is no need for an angle of incidence relative to the flow direction. Accordingly, the valve flap in the open position can be arranged to be oriented along the flow direction. Thus, the valve flap does not protrude into the flow-through area in the open position and does not impede the effective cross-section of the flow-through area due to the low flow resistance. Similarly, according to the invention, the valve flap is held in the open position, i.e., it is not fastened, such that in the absence of external forces, the valve flap remains in the open position and thus does not or does not need to absorb flow energy from the ventilation flow for the purpose of remaining open when the ventilation flow passes through.

[0018] Overall, therefore, a shock wave protection valve functional unit with a simple structure is provided, which has reliable blocking performance and low flow resistance. The functional unit according to the invention is preferably used for indoor ventilation. The functional unit is particularly suitable for low-pressure applications, where the ventilation flow exhibits a pressure of, for example, on the order of about 200 Pa during normal operation and, in the event of an interruption, the pressure is, for example, in the region of about 300 Pa. Generally, the invention is particularly suitable for applications where the pressure loss in the valve during normal operation is at most 600 Pa.

[0019] Specific embodiments are described below. Accordingly, these features are optional.

[0020] "Elastic valve flap" option:

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the valve flap can be elastically deflected to the closed position. In this case, the valve flap is preferably elastically deflectable such that a restoring force is exerted on the valve flap, which returns the valve flap from the deflected position, especially from the closed position, to the open position. Thus, once the interruption condition is no longer met, the mechanical functional unit can automatically return to the open position again after transitioning to the interruption. The elastically deflectable valve flap can be implemented such that the valve flap, for example, at least partially or completely has spring-elastic flexibility. Similarly, the valve flap can be rigid and can be deflected by a spring-loaded hinge or joint. Of course, a combination of a spring-loaded joint and a spring-elastic valve flap is also conceivable.

[0022] Alternatively, the valve flap can be at least partially plastically deformable such that the valve flap is permanently deformed during deflection and remains in the closed position after the interruption. However, such functional units require maintenance work or replacement of the valve flap after the interruption.

[0023] "Foot area along the blocking direction" option:

[0024] Preferably, the valve flap is fastened in the flow channel by a foot region pointing in the blocking direction and extends from the foot region in the opposite direction to the blocking direction. Once the valve flap is at least partially deflected into the flow-through region by the overpressure in the stagnation space during an interruption, the valve flap has at least partially a certain angle of incidence relative to the flow direction, so that it can be captured by the incident flow associated with the incoming shock wave. Due to the associated deflection of part of the incident flow at the valve flap, an additional force is generated on the valve flap, which supports or accelerates the transition to the closed position.

[0025] Option "valve flap with spring elasticity":

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the foot region of the valve flap is fixedly fastened in the flow channel and the valve flap is at least partially flexible. In this case, the deflectability of the valve flap is achieved by flexibility. This has the advantage that the deflectability of the valve flap does not require any moving parts that need maintenance, which may lose their function over time, for example due to contamination or corrosion. As mentioned, in a preferred embodiment, the valve flap has spring-elastic flexibility such that it automatically returns to the open position after an interruption.

[0027] Option "valve hinged in the foot region":

[0028] Alternatively and as required, it is also preferred that the foot region of the valve flap can be fastened in the flow channel in a hinged manner. In this case, the entire valve flap can be deflected about the joint. This has the advantage that the valve flap can be rigid and thus a robust structure is possible. However, fastening by means of a joint does not prevent the valve flap from also being flexible, especially having spring-elastic flexibility. As mentioned, the valve flap is preferably elastically fastened in a hinged manner, which means that the joint is spring-loaded in order to automatically return the valve flap to the open position after an interruption.

[0029] Option "trailing edge at the free end of the valve flap":

[0030] Preferably, the valve flap has a trailing edge at the free end opposite to the blocking direction, against which the valve flap abuts against the boundary wall of the flow-through region in the closed position. When the valve flap is in the open position, the boundary wall against which the valve flap abuts in the closed position is usually located opposite the valve flap with respect to the flow-through region. In this case, the trailing edge forms the defined contact surface of the valve flap for abutting against the boundary wall. The trailing edge can be formed, for example, by an inclined region on the free end of the valve flap, against which the valve flap abuts flatly in an inclined position for better sealing. The inclined region also helps to strengthen the free end of the valve flap.

[0031] Instead of or in addition to the trailing edge on the valve flap, a valve seat can also be formed on the boundary wall, where the trailing edge is arranged in the closed position for better sealing.

[0032] Option of "the valve flap is elastically preloaded towards the stagnation space":

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the valve flap is elastically preloaded towards the stagnation space in the open position, in particular with at least one stop element being formed in the stagnation space against which the valve flap abuts in the open position. The valve flap is thus elastically preloaded against the stop element in the open position. The stop element is formed such that the valve flap is oriented in the flow direction when it abuts the stop element in its open position. The stop element prevents the valve flap from being deflected from the open position into the stagnation space.

[0034] The stop element may include a stop rib oriented in the flow direction and having a stop edge against which the valve flap abuts. Similarly, pin-shaped or block-shaped elements can be envisaged which prevent the valve flap from being deflected into the stagnation space. The stop element can be fastened, for example, to the boundary wall or to the bracket to which the valve flap is fastened (see below).

[0035] The elastic preloading has the effect that a spring force acts on the valve flap towards the stagnation space. The functional unit may include additional spring elements, or, if present, the same spring elements may apply a spring load towards the stagnation space to allow the valve flap to elastically deflect into the flow-through area. Similarly, in the case of a valve flap with spring elastic flexibility, it can itself be designed such that the spring force acts towards the stagnation space in the open position. For this purpose, the valve flap can be inclined towards the stagnation space, such that in the relaxed state, i.e. if there is no stop element, it deflects at least partially into the stagnation space. In particular, the valve flap can be inclined towards the stagnation space in the foot area for this purpose.

[0036] Since in this particular embodiment, the valve flap is elastically preloaded towards the stagnation space and abuts the stop element in the open position, the valve flap is not completely free and it can be prevented from deflecting into the stagnation space or from experiencing unwanted vibrations caused by the ventilation air flow during normal operation. In this case, the spring load can be adapted to the specific requirements of the air flow.

[0037] Option of "at least two support ribs":

[0038] During an interruption, for example in the case of an incoming blast wave or shock wave, a considerable force acts on the valve flap. Preferably, the mechanical functional unit thus includes at least two support ribs oriented in the flow direction and arranged in the flow-through area, each support rib having at least one contact edge for the valve flap and the valve flap closing position abutting against each support rib. In this case, the contact edges are preferably arranged spaced apart from each other in the width direction and are designed such that they support the valve flap in the closing position against the blocking direction. In this case, the valve flap preferably abuts the contact edge with one of its main surfaces in the closing position.

[0039] Depending on the width of the flow-through area, it can be advantageous in this case to provide at least 4 or at least 8 support ribs to ensure sufficient support of the valve flap over the entire width. Preferably, in this case, the support ribs have a constant spacing in the width direction. As a further preferred embodiment, the support ribs are pairwise connected together by fastening bridges, in particular with a U-shaped cross-section, so that in each case two support ribs can be mounted in the flow channel by means of a fastening bridge. In addition, due to the pairwise connection of the support ribs, the structural stability of the support ribs is increased. Adjacent pairs of connected support ribs can be tightened together, for example, at the adjacent support ribs by means of a stabilizing intermediate layer to further increase the structural stability. The pairs of support ribs connected by the fastening bridges can be made of sheet metal, in particular stainless steel sheet, such as stamping bends.

[0040] It goes without saying that, especially in the case of smaller structural dimensions, it may only be necessary to have one support rib, or even no support rib at all, or in the case of a particularly wide valve flap, more than 8 support ribs can be advantageous.

[0041] Option "Contact edge of the support rib is inclined":

[0042] It has been found that the valve flap is advantageously inclined in the closing position in the blocking direction relative to the flow direction in order to be able to absorb particularly well the forces acting due to the incoming shock wave in the event of an interruption. Advantageously, the contact edge of the support rib is thus also inclined in the blocking direction relative to the flow direction. In this way, the contact edge can optimally support the valve flap deflected into the flow-through area in the inclined closing position. Preferably, in this case, the inclination angle of the contact edge is less than 45°, preferably less than 30°, so that the valve flap is supported in a particularly resistant direction in the closing position. Preferably, the contact edge extends up to the boundary wall of the flow-through area, which is opposite the valve flap relative to the flow-through area when the valve flap is in the open position.

[0043] Option "Continuously increasing the inclination angle of the contact edge":

[0044] Especially in the case of a flexible valve flap, it is advantageous for the contact edge to extend in a curved manner with an inclination angle that continuously increases relative to the flow direction. In particular, the flexible valve flap can thus abut against the contact edge with an increasing inclination upstream when transitioning from the foot area to the free end into the closed position. Due to the curvature, a uniform abutment can be achieved without kinking the flexible valve flap. Especially in the case of a spring-elastic valve flap, it is thus possible to prevent exceeding the elastic range, and the valve flap will not undergo plastic deformation in the event of an interruption.

[0045] Option "The height of the valve flap is at least twice the height of the flow-through area":

[0046] A further preferred embodiment is where the valve flap has a length that is at least twice the height of the flow-through area in the flow direction. In this case, the height of the flow-through area refers to the maximum vertical distance between the valve flap in the open position and the opposing boundary wall of the flow-through area. Since the length of the valve flap is at least twice the height of the flow-through area, a relatively small deflection is required to completely close the flow-through area. In particular, given that the valve flap deflects without bending from the open position directly adjacent to the flow-through area, due to the length being twice as large, the inclination angle relative to the flow direction only needs to be approximately 30° to completely close the flow-through area. Additionally, since the length of the valve flap is relatively large for a given height of the flow-through area, one face of the valve flap can be designed to be relatively large for a large force to act on it, and the overpressure that can be established in the stagnation space acts on this face.

[0047] Option of "the valve flap as the boundary wall of the stagnation space":

[0048] In order for the pressure established in the stagnation space during an interruption to act on the valve flap easily and as directly as possible, in a preferred embodiment, the valve flap forms the boundary wall of the stagnation space especially in the open position. Preferably, the valve flap forms the boundary wall of the stagnation space facing the flow-through area and preferably simultaneously forms the boundary wall of the flow-through area facing the stagnation space. In this way, the overpressure that can be established in the stagnation space can act directly on one main face of the valve flap and thus exert a direct force that pushes the valve flap into the flow-through area. The other boundary walls of the stagnation space can be formed, for example, by the boundary walls of the flow channel or by separate wall elements and are preferably rigid and unchanging. In this case, the valve flap forms a variable boundary wall of the stagnation space, and its stagnation volume changes during the deflection of the valve flap, i.e., during the transition from the open position to the closed position.

[0049] Option of "stagnation space and valve flap geometry":

[0050] In order to exert the largest possible force on the valve flap, according to a preferred embodiment, the stagnation space extends transversely to the flow direction substantially over the entire width of the valve flap. In this way, the force generated by the overpressure that can be established in the stagnation space can act over the entire width of the valve flap. For the same reason, it is also advantageous when the stagnation space extends substantially along the entire length of the valve flap in the flow direction. In this way, the force acting on the valve flap can be maximized. However, it goes without saying that the stagnation space can in principle also be narrower or shorter than the valve flap. For example, if the expected pressure increase during an interruption would result in an excessive force acting, it will act on the entire main face of the valve flap.

[0051] Option of "the valve flap covers the entire width of the flow-through area":

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the valve flap extends transversely to the flow direction substantially over the entire width of the flow-through area. In this way, it can be ensured that the flow-through area can be completely closed by the valve flap. Preferably, the valve flap and in particular also the flow-through area extend over the entire width of the flow channel. In this way, the flow channel can be optimally utilized, ultimately enabling a compact size of the functional unit.

[0053] Option "the height of the stagnation space is less than the flow-through area":

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the height of the stagnation space is less than the height of the flow-through area. In this way, for a given cross-section of the flow channel, the effective cross-section of the flow-through area can be relatively large, while the stagnation space only occupies a small part of the inlet cross-section of the flow channel.

[0055] Option "the flow direction and the blocking direction are in the same direction":

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the functional unit, the flow direction is in the same direction as the blocking direction during the envisaged operation. In this case, an explosion wave or shock wave passing along the direction of the flowing air stream can be blocked, so that the functional unit is suitable for use as a pressure valve.

[0057] Option "the flow direction and the blocking direction are in opposite directions":

[0058] Alternatively and depending on the application, it is also preferably that the flow direction is in the opposite direction to the blocking direction during the envisaged operation. In this case, an explosion wave or shock wave passing in the opposite direction to the flowing air stream can be blocked, so that the functional unit is suitable for use as a check valve.

[0059] Option "integrating a mechanical unit into the shock wave protection valve"

[0060] The invention also relates to a shock wave protection valve for a ventilation system, comprising at least one mechanical functional unit, which was initially defined as the solution to the problem and can have further optional features.

[0061] Option "the housing defines the flow channel":

[0062] In a shock wave protection valve, the at least one functional unit is preferably arranged in a housing having two air flow openings, which are connected by a flow channel of the at least one functional unit. The housing is advantageously arranged as a channel mounting assembly for mounting in a ventilation channel of a ventilation system. In this case, the shock wave protection valve can be connected to or inserted into the ventilation channel through one or two air flow openings, so that the ventilation flow can flow against the flow channel of the at least one functional unit and through the flow-through area. For connection to the ventilation channel, the housing preferably has fastening means, such as fastening flanges or lugs for screw fasteners, in the region of one or two air flow openings. In this case, the housing can be designed according to relevant standards so as to be able to be integrated into an existing standardized ventilation system. The housing can additionally at least partially delimit the at least one functional unit and optionally also delimit its flow-through area, thus allowing for a simplified construction.

[0063] Option of "two parallel functional units":

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the shock wave protection valve includes at least one additional functional unit of the same type, which is arranged parallel to the at least one functional unit. Since at least one additional functional unit of the same type in the shock wave protection valve is arranged parallel to the at least one functional unit, the ventilation flow entering the shock wave protection valve can flow against the two flow channels of the functional unit. In this way, for example, the flow resistance of the shock wave protection valve can be reduced. In addition, the functional unit can be in the form of a module, for example, so that the shock wave valve is easy to expand and adapt to different requirements. In particular, more than two functional units of the same type can also be provided in a parallel arrangement.

[0065] Option of "functional unit with a common stagnation space":

[0066] Given two or more function units arranged in parallel, constructive synergies can also be exploited. For example, in a preferred embodiment of a shock wave protection valve, the stagnation spaces of the at least one function unit and the at least one further function unit form a common stagnation space, which is arranged between the valve flaps of the at least one function unit and the at least one further function unit. In this way, a compact design can be achieved because only one stagnation space is required to deflect the valve flaps of the two function units into the corresponding flow-through regions. Preferably, the valve flaps laterally delimit the stagnation space on two opposite sides transverse to the flow direction, so that the force action can be exerted as directly as possible due to the overpressure that can be established in the stagnation space. It goes without saying that more than two, in particular 4 or 8, function units arranged in parallel can also be provided in the shock wave protection valve, and each function unit has a common stagnation space in pairs. In this way, the structural dimensions of the shock wave valve can be designed to be more compact, or, given the structural dimensions, an effective cross-section of the largest possible available flow-through area can be provided.

[0067] Option of "valve flap on a common support":

[0068] Furthermore, preferably, the valve flaps of the at least one function unit and the at least one further function unit can be fastened to a common support via corresponding foot regions, and the common support is arranged in particular transverse to the flow direction between the function units. In this way, the structure of the shock wave protection valve can be further simplified because the components are used jointly. The common support can be, for example, in the form of a crossbeam having, for example, a rectangular cross-section, which extends substantially across the entire width through the housing.

[0069] Option of "common support as a closure of the stagnation space":

[0070] Preferably, in this case, the common support also forms a closure of the common stagnation space. For this purpose, the common support has a height that substantially corresponds to the height of the stagnation space. In this case, the foot regions of the two valve flaps can be fastened, for example, to two opposite sides of the support in the height direction, so that the stagnation space is delimited by the valve flaps and the support.

[0071] Option of "function units arranged in mirror symmetry":

[0072] Advantageously, the shock wave protection valve is designed such that the passage of an explosion wave or a shock wave is blockable in both directions along the flow direction. To this end, for each functional unit, there is preferably another functional unit that is mirror-symmetrical with respect to a plane transverse to the flow direction and is connected in series therewith. In this case, preferably, the flow-through areas of each pair of serially connected functional units are adjacent to each other in a mutually communicating and completely overlapping manner and form a continuous flow-through area. Due to the mirror-symmetrical configuration of the functional units, the blocking directions of the serially connected functional units are opposite to each other. However, the serially connected functional units are flowed through by the air flow in the same assumed flow direction.

[0073] Option of "series functional units with continuous support ribs":

[0074] In the case of pairs of serially connected functional units, constructive synergies can also be exploited. For example, each pair of serially connected functional units preferably has at least 2, especially at least 4, preferably at least 8 common support ribs that are continuous in the flow direction, and each support rib has a contact edge for the valve flaps of each pair of functional units. In this way, the support ribs of each pair of functional units can be in the form of, for example, a continuous guiding surface, which simplifies the structure. As described above, the continuous support ribs can be connected to each other in pairs by, especially, U-shaped fastening bridges, so that in each case, two continuous support ribs can be installed in the flow channel by one fastening bridge. Preferably, in this case, the support ribs are fastened to the above-mentioned common bracket, and the valve flaps of the parallelly arranged functional units are also fastened to this common bracket. In this case, the continuous support ribs connected in pairs by the fastening bridges can also be made of stamped and bent parts of a metal sheet, especially a stainless steel sheet.

[0075] Option of "continuous metal sheet as the valve flap of series functional units":

[0076] In a further preferred embodiment, the valve flaps of each pair of serially connected functional units are in the form of a common blade that is continuous in the flow direction, especially a continuous metal sheet, preferably a stainless steel sheet. The valve flap that is flexible in this case, especially has spring-elastic flexibility, can thus be easily manufactured integrally. The central region of the continuous metal sheet in the longitudinal direction can form a common foot region of the two valve flaps, and the valve flaps extend from this foot in opposite directions along the flow direction. Preferably, in this case, the common foot region is fastened to the above-mentioned common bracket, and the valve flaps of the parallelly arranged functional units and / or the continuous support ribs are also fastened to this common bracket.

[0077] Ventilation system according to the invention:

[0078] The invention also relates to a ventilation system having at least one ventilation duct and at least one shock wave valve connected thereto as described above. The ventilation system can be used for indoor ventilation, for example in a residential or office building, or as a technical ventilation system, for example for recooling, or for the intake of a diesel generator set, or for a nuclear power plant, a refinery or a drilling rig.

[0079] Test system with shock wave protection valve according to the invention:

[0080] The invention also relates to a test system having a shock wave generator and a shock wave protection valve as described above. The test system is preferably used for testing the closing pressure and / or flow resistance of the shock wave valve. The test system preferably includes a ventilation duct through which the shock wave protection valve is connected to the shock wave generator. The shock wave generator is used to generate a shock wave that propagates through the ventilation duct and enters the shock wave valve in the blocking direction. The test system can also have an air flow generator that generates an air flow in the ventilation duct, which flows through the shock wave valve and corresponds to the envisaged normal operation. In addition, the test system preferably has one or more sensors by means of which the pressure drop at the shock wave protection valve can be measured. Preferably, at least one pressure sensor is present upstream and downstream of the shock wave protection valve for this purpose. The preferably present evaluation unit can be used to evaluate the measured values determined by the sensors and compare them with, for example, predefined values or values determined during normal operation in order to determine whether the shock wave protection valve closes as expected in the event of an interruption. For this purpose, the evaluation unit can be configured to determine the flow resistance of the shock wave protection valve based on the measured values determined during normal operation and use the determined flow resistance as a comparison value for the flow resistance in the event of an interruption.

[0081] Measuring method for the shock wave protection valve according to the invention:

[0082] The invention also relates to a method for measuring the closing pressure and / or flow resistance of a shock wave protection valve as described above. The method comprises the following steps:

[0083] a) Insert the shock wave protection valve into the shock wave tube;

[0084] b) Generate a constant air flow in the shock wave tube;

[0085] c) Determine the measured value of the air flow;

[0086] d) Generate a shock wave in the shock wave tube;

[0087] e) Determine the measured value of the pressure drop;

[0088] f) Compare the measured values with predefined values to determine whether the shock wave protection valve is closed.

[0089] Preferably, the method according to the invention is carried out on a test system according to the invention.

[0090] Use of a shock wave protection valve according to the invention:

[0091] The invention further relates to the use of a shock wave protection valve as described above in a test laboratory for explosion protection regulations. The use in a test laboratory for explosion protection regulations can include the use of a test system according to the invention as described above.

[0092] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention can be derived from the following detailed description and the entire claims. Description of the Drawings

[0093] In the drawings for explaining the exemplary embodiments:

[0094] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a mechanical functional unit for passive operation of a shock wave protection valve according to the invention is schematically shown, wherein the valve flap is in the open position;

[0095] Figure 2 Is schematically shown Figure 1 A plan view of the functional unit in, wherein the viewing direction is the blocking direction X;

[0096] Figure 3 Is schematically shown during an interruption Figure 1 The functional unit in, wherein the rigid valve flap has been deflected to the closed position;

[0097] Figure 4 Is schematically shown during an interruption Figure 1 The functional unit in, wherein the valve flap with spring-elastic flexibility has been deflected to the closed position;

[0098] Figure 5 A functional unit according to the invention is schematically shown, which has a valve flap with spring-elastic flexibility in the open position and support ribs for supporting the valve flap in the closed position;

[0099] Figure 6 Is schematically shown along Figure 5 A plan view of the blocking direction of the functional unit in;

[0100] Figure 7 A shock wave protection valve according to the invention having two functional units of the same type is schematically shown, and the two functional units are arranged parallel to each other;

[0101] Figure 8 A shock wave protection valve according to the invention having two functional units of the same type is schematically shown, and the two functional units are connected in series with each other;

[0102] Figure 9 Schematically shows a schematic view of a shock wave protection valve according to the present invention having four functional units of the same type, which four functional units are connected in series in pairs and arranged in parallel.

[0103] Figure 10 Schematically shows an external perspective view of a shock wave protection valve according to the present invention having 8 functional units.

[0104] Figure 11 Schematically shows along Figure 10 a plan view of the shock wave protection valve in the blocking direction;

[0105] Figure 12 Schematically shows a longitudinal section through the shock wave protection valve in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction and the width direction Figure 10 in;

[0106] Figure 13 Schematically shows in a plane parallel to Figure 10 the longitudinal direction and the height direction of the shock wave protection valve in;

[0107] Figure 14 Schematically shows Figure 10 an outer view of the shock wave protection valve in;

[0108] Figure 15 Schematically shows the arrangement of two pairs of support ribs, which are respectively connected by fastening bridges and have straight contact edges;

[0109] Figure 16 Schematically shows the arrangement of two pairs of support ribs, which are respectively connected by fastening bridges and have curved contact edges;

[0110] Figure 17 Schematically shows according to Figure 16 the arrangement of three pairs of support ribs, which are respectively connected by fastening bridges;

[0111] Figure 18 Schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a mechanical functional unit for passive operation of a shock wave protection valve according to the present invention, wherein the valve flap is in the open position;

[0112] Figure 19 Schematically shows Figure 18 a plan view of the functional unit in, wherein the viewing direction is along the blocking direction X.

[0113] In principle, the same components have the same reference numerals in the figures. Detailed Description

[0114] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a mechanical functional unit 1 for passive operation of a shock wave protection valve 100 according to the invention (see, for example, Figure 7 ). The functional unit 1 includes a flow channel 2 that extends in the flow direction S (dash-dotted line) and is delimited by a boundary wall 3. The boundary wall 3 can form part of the functional unit 1 or can be provided, for example, by the housing 103 of the shock wave protection valve 100 in which the functional unit 1 is arranged (see Figure 7 ). The flow direction S corresponds to the longitudinal direction L. In the flow channel 2, there is a flow-through region 4 through which ventilation flow can pass. A stagnation space 5 is also formed in the flow channel 2 adjacent to the flow-through region 4. One side of the stagnation space 5 in the longitudinal direction L is closed by a closure 5.1 and is open in the opposite direction with an inlet opening 5.2. The inlet opening 5.2 points in a direction opposite to the blocking direction X along which a shock wave can be blocked through the functional unit 1. The blocking direction X represents a direction parallel to the flow direction S in which the incoming shock wave propagates. The closure 5.1 of the stagnation space 5 in the blocking direction X is formed by a bracket 6 that extends along one of the boundary walls 3.

[0115] A valve flap 7 is arranged between the flow-through region 4 and the stagnation space 5 and extends substantially parallel to the flow direction S. The valve flap 7 is fastened to the bracket 6 by a foot region 7.1 and extends in a direction opposite to the blocking direction X. The valve flap 7 is held in the open position O, in which its fastening is configured such that the valve flap 7 remains in the open position O without external force.

[0116] The free end 7.2 of the valve flap 7 is arranged at the inlet opening 5.2 of the stagnation space 5. The valve flap 7 delimits the stagnation space 5 in the direction transverse to the flow direction S (here called the height direction H) towards the flow-through region 4 and is defined by the above-mentioned direction transverse to the flow direction S or the longitudinal direction L, where the flow-through region 4, the valve flap 7, and the stagnation space 5 are arranged overlapping each other. The flow-through region 4 can flow freely along both S directions.

[0117] The flow channel 2 has a height h1 in the H direction. The stagnation space 5 has a height h3 that is substantially defined by the bracket 6. The bracket 6 terminates with the valve flap 4 in a direction opposite to the direction H, that is, it does not extend beyond the valve flap 7 into the flow-through region 4. The inlet opening 5.2 of the stagnation space 5 also has a height h3. The flow-through region 4 has a height h2 that is much larger than the height h3 of the stagnation space 5. Preferably, the length l of the valve flap 7 in the longitudinal direction L is at least twice the height h2 of the flow-through region 4.

[0118] Figure 2A top view of functional unit 1 is schematically shown, with the viewing direction along the blocking direction X. The boundary wall 3 defines the functional unit 1 in all directions transverse to the flow direction S. The valve flap 7 separates the stagnation space 5 in the flow channel 2 from the flow-through region 4. Although flow can freely pass through the flow-through region 4 in both directions along the flow direction S, the stagnation space 5 is closed along the blocking direction X by a closure 5.1 formed by the support 6.

[0119] The valve flap 7 extends through the entire flow channel 2 in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction S, which is also perpendicular to H. This direction is referred to herein as the width direction B. Thus, the valve flap 7 subdivides the entire flow channel 2 into the flow-through region 4 and the stagnation space 5. The cross-section of the flow channel 2 transverse to the flow direction S is thus more or less completely covered by the cross-sections of the flow-through region 4 and the stagnation space 5, except for the end face of the free end 7.2 of the valve flap 7. The stagnation space 5 is defined and closed along the width direction B by the boundary wall 3 arranged along the width direction B.

[0120] Figure 3 Functional unit 1 is shown during an interruption, in which the valve flap 7 has been deflected into the closed position C due to a shock wave entering the flow-through region 4 along the blocking direction X.

[0121] In Figure 3 the embodiment, the valve flap 7 is rigidly fastened to the support 6 via its foot region 7.1 by means of a joint 7.3. In this case, the joint 7.3 is spring-loaded (not shown) such that the valve flap 7 remains in the open position O without an interruption (see Figure 1 ), and on the other hand, returns from the closed position C to the open position O after the interruption has ended.

[0122] In the closed position C, the valve flap 7 has pivoted outwards about a joint axis G arranged transverse to the flow direction S in the width direction B into the closed position C. The free end 7.2 of the valve flap 7 abuts against the boundary wall 3.1 opposite to the open position O with respect to the flow-through region 4. Thus, the valve flap 7 is inclined at a substantially constant angle α with respect to the flow direction S (it may sag due to the load). Since the length l of the valve flap 7 is preferably at least approximately twice the height h2 of the flow-through region 4, the angle α is not greater than approximately 30°.

[0123] The valve flap 7 thus closes the flow-through region 4 over its entire cross-section and, together with the closure 5.1 of the stagnation space 5, forms a complete closure of the flow channel 2. The shock wave passing through the functional unit 1 along the blocking direction X is thus blocked.

[0124] The reason for the deviation of the valve flap 7 from the open position O lies in the overpressure P in the stagnation space 5, which is built up due to the incoming shock wave. The overpressure P is generated by the incoming flow associated with the incoming shock wave at the inlet opening 5.2 of the stagnation space 5. Due to the dynamic pressure of the incoming flow, it is possible, due to the closure 5.1 in the blocking direction X, to build up a stagnation pressure in the stagnation space 5 laterally enclosed by the boundary wall 3. In contrast, in the flow-through region 4, no stagnation pressure is built up due to the same incoming flow because it is freely continuous. The resulting pressure difference between the flow-through region 4 and the stagnation space 5 generates the overpressure P. This overpressure P acts on the face of the valve flap 7 facing the stagnation space 5 and thus generates a force action in a direction perpendicular to the face of the valve flap 7. The force action FP deflects the valve flap 7 into the flow-through region 4 and pushes it from the open position O into the closed position C. With increasing deflection, the valve flap 7 additionally provides an impact surface that is struck by the incoming flow associated with the shock wave, which generates an additional force on the valve flap 7 that supports the deflection.

[0125] In Figure 4 the embodiment of the functional unit 1 shown, a valve flap 7 is shown which is fixedly, i.e. immovably, fastened to the support 6 by its foot region 7.1 and has spring-elastic flexibility, for example made of spring steel sheet. Without interruption, the spring-elastic valve flap 7 remains in the open position oriented in the flow direction S due to its nature, as Figure 1 shown.

[0126] Due to the overpressure P built up in the stagnation space 5 described in connection with Figure 3 the spring-elastic valve flap 7 is pushed from the open position O into the flow-through region 4 and into the closed position C against the spring force transverse to the flow direction S in the event of an interruption. Due to the spring-elastic flexibility of the valve flap 7, it deflects not in a straight line but in a curved manner towards the opposite boundary wall 3.1. The curvature increases towards the boundary wall 3.1 in the illustration of Figure 4 The maximum inclination angle αm of the valve flap 7 relative to the flow direction S is achieved at the free end 7.2. The angle αm is preferably at most 45°, especially only at most 30°.

[0127] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the functional unit 1 is shown, in which the valve flap 7 is fixedly, i.e. immovably, fastened to the support 6 by its foot region 7.1 and has spring-elastic flexibility. The valve flap 7 is in the open position O in Figure 5 shown. Figure 6 shown is Figure 5 the plan view of the functional unit in the blocking direction in

[0128] Figure 5 Figure 5In the embodiment, two support ribs 8 are arranged in the flow-through area 4. The support ribs 8 are in the form of slats, which are oriented along the flow direction S and extend substantially along the entire length l of the valve flap 7. Each support rib 8 has a contact edge 8.1, which points towards the valve flap 7 and is inclined towards the boundary wall 3.1 in a curved manner. In particular, the local inclination of the contact edge 8.1 with respect to the flow direction S increases towards the boundary wall 3.1 due to the curvature. If the valve flap 7 described in Figure 4 is deflected into the closed position C, the face of the valve flap 7 facing the flow-through area 4 abuts against the contact edge 8.1. The support rib 8.1 is supported on the boundary wall 3.1, so that the force exerted by the incoming shock wave on the valve flap 7 can be dissipated to the boundary wall 3.1 through the support rib 8.1. Since the two (or more) support ribs 8 are preferably arranged adjacent to each other in the flow-through area 4 in a uniformly spaced manner from each other in the B direction, it is additionally possible to prevent the valve flap 7 from being excessively deformed and indented due to the shock wave in the closed position C. The number of support ribs 8 and their spacing are adapted to the requirements of the pressure shock.

[0129] Figure 7 Fig. shows a shock wave protection valve 100 according to the invention, which has a tubular housing 103 (not shown) with a rectangular cross-section, in which two functional units 10 and 10' of the same type are arranged parallel to each other and mirror-symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal plane F. The housing 103 has air flow openings 110 and 111 at each longitudinal end in the longitudinal direction L, i.e. in the flow direction S. The air flow openings 110 and 111 adjoin the flow channels 12 and 12' of the functional units 10 and 10'. A beam-shaped bracket 16 extends in the housing 103 and is arranged centrally between two side walls (not shown) in the width direction B of the shock wave protection valve 100 with respect to the height direction H of the shock wave protection valve 100. The bracket 16 is arranged in the H direction between the functional units 10 and 10' at the distal longitudinal end of the housing 103 as seen in the blocking direction X. The bracket 16 is fastened to the side walls (not shown) by its longitudinal ends. All the other components of the functional units 10 and 10' and their orientation basically correspond to those of the components of the functional unit 1 in Figure 5 , where the arrangement and orientation of the components of the functional units 10 and 10' are mirror images of each other with respect to the longitudinal plane F, in which the bracket 16 extends, and which is oriented along the flow direction S.

[0130] The valve flaps 17 and 17' of the functional units 10 and 10' are fastened to the support 16 in a mirror-symmetrical manner on both sides of the longitudinal plane F in the height direction H transverse to the flow direction S by means of the foot regions 17.1 and 17.1'. In their open position O, the valve flaps 17 and 17' extend substantially parallel to each other in the flow direction S, in a direction opposite to the blocking direction X. Between the valve flaps 17 and 17' and the boundary walls 103.1 and 103.1' of the housing that delimit the housing towards the outside in the height direction H, the flow-through regions 14 and 14' of the functional units 10 and 10' are arranged. The strip-shaped support ribs 18 and 18' are arranged in the flow-through regions 14 and 14' in a manner oriented in the flow direction S. The support ribs 18 and 18' have contact edges 18.1 and 18.1' starting from the foot regions 17.1 and 17.1' of the valve flaps 17 and 17', which extend in a curved manner in a direction opposite to the blocking direction X towards the boundary walls 103.1 and 103.1' of the housing 103.

[0131] The region delimited in the height direction H by the valve flaps 17 and 17' and in the blocking direction X by the support 16 forms a stagnation space 15, which has an inlet opening 15.2 in a direction opposite to the blocking direction X, which is delimited in the height direction H by the free longitudinal ends 17.2 and 17.2' of the valve flaps 17 and 17'. The support 16 forms a closure 15.1 for the region between the valve flaps 17 and 17'.

[0132] The stagnation space 15 thus forms a common stagnation space 15 for the two functional units 10 and 10'. Due to the mirror-symmetrical arrangement of the two functional units 10 and 10' with respect to the longitudinal plane F, structural synergies can be used in order to dimension the shock wave valve 100 as a whole in a more compact manner, and for a given dimension, the largest possible effective cross-section of the flow-through regions 14 and 14' can be provided. It goes without saying that the valve flaps 17 and 17' and the flow-through regions 14 and 14' extend substantially over the entire width between the side walls (not shown) of the housing 103 in the width direction B (i.e., also substantially over the entire width of the support 16). The stagnation space 15 is thus delimited and closed in the width direction B by side walls (not shown).

[0133] Figure 8 A shock wave protection valve 200 with a tubular housing 203 is shown, which has a rectangular cross-section (not shown), in which two functional units 20 and 20' of the same type, which are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the transverse plane E, are connected in series with each other. The shock wave protection valve 200 has two opposite blocking directions X1 and X2.

[0134] The housing 203 has air flow openings 210 and 211 at each longitudinal end in the flow direction S. The air flow openings 211 and 210 are adjacent to the flow ends of the flow channels 22 and 22' of the functional units 20 and 20' respectively. The flow channels 22 and 22' are connected to each other in the housing 203 through their respective other flow ends. The beam-shaped bracket 26 extends between two opposite side walls (not shown) of the housing 203, and these two opposite side walls are adjacent to the boundary wall 203.2 of the housing 203 in the width direction B of the shock wave protection valve 200. The bracket 26 is arranged in the center of the housing 203 in the longitudinal direction L, in the direction L between the functional units 20 and 20'. The bracket 26 is fastened to the side walls (not shown) through its longitudinal ends. All other components of the functional units 20 and 20' and their orientations basically correspond to Figure 5 the components of the functional unit 1 in

[0135] wherein the arrangement and orientation of the components of the functional units 20 and 20' are mirror images of each other with respect to the transverse plane E, in which the bracket 26 extends, and this transverse plane is oriented perpendicular to the flow direction S.

[0136] Therefore, the valve flaps 27 and 27' of the functional units 20 and 20' are fastened to the bracket 26 through the foot regions 27.1 and 27.1'. In their open position O, the valve flaps 27 and 27' extend in opposite directions from the foot regions 27.1 and 27.1' in the flow direction S, and each delimits a stagnation space 25 and 25' in the H direction. The stagnation spaces 25 and 25' are closed by the bracket 26 in the flow direction S along the directions X1 and X2 respectively. The valve flap 27 of the functional unit 20 extends in the opposite direction to the blocking direction X1, and the valve flap 27' extends in the opposite direction to the blocking direction X2. The valve flaps 27 and 27' are in the form of a continuous blade in the longitudinal direction L, especially in the form of a continuous metal plate. The length l' of the continuous blade basically corresponds to the length of the housing 203 in this case. The valve flaps 27 and 27' thus have a common foot region 27.1 / 27.1', through which they are fastened to the bracket 26.

[0137] The lath-shaped support ribs 28 and 28' are arranged in the flow-through regions 24 and 24' in a manner oriented along the flow direction S. The support ribs 28 and 28' have contact edges 28.1 and 28.1' starting from the foot regions 27.1 and 27.1' of the valve flaps 27 and 27', which extend in a curved manner in opposite directions along the longitudinal direction L and in each case opposite to the blocking directions X1 and X2 towards the boundary wall 203.1. The support ribs 28 and 28' are in the form of continuous laths, in particular in the form of continuous metal sheets, which extend into the two flow-through regions 24 and 24'.

[0138] Figure 9 A shock wave protection valve 300 with a tubular housing 303 (not shown) having a rectangular cross-section is shown, in which there are four functionally identical functional units 30, 30', 30'' and 30''' arranged in pairs mirror-symmetrical to each other with respect to a transverse plane E and a longitudinal plane F. For subsequent reference, the combination of the four functional units 30, 30', 30'' and 30''' is referred to as unit 39. The shock wave protection valve 300 forms Figure 7 and Figure 8 the functional combination of the shock wave valves 100 and 200 shown. In this case, for each of the functional units 30 and 30' corresponding to and arranged parallel to the functional units 10 and 10' of the shock wave protection valve 100, a pair of functionally identical functional units 30'' and 30''' formed mirror-symmetrical with respect to the transverse plane E similar to the functional units 20 and 20' of the shock wave protection valve 200 are connected in series. The blocking directions X1 of the functionally units 30 and 30' arranged parallel to each other face in the opposite direction to the blocking directions X2 of the functionally units 30'' and 30''' arranged parallel to each other in this case. In the following, only certain specific features of the shock wave protection valve 300 are described, and additional features can be referred to Figure 7 and Figure 8 the above-described embodiments.

[0139] In the housing 303 of the shock wave protection valve 300, a beam-shaped support 36 extends in the width direction B of the shock wave protection valve 300 between two side walls (not shown) of the housing 303. The support is arranged centered with respect to the height direction H and the longitudinal direction L of the shock wave protection valve 300 in each case. The support 36 is fastened to the side walls (not shown) of the housing 303 by its longitudinal ends. The valve flaps 37' and 37'' as well as 37 and 37''' are each formed as continuous blades along the longitudinal direction L, in particular as continuous metal sheets, similar to Figure 8The valve flaps 27 and 27' therein. The continuous vanes are fastened to the support symmetrically mirror-image in the height direction H transverse to the flow direction S on both sides of the longitudinal plane F. The valve flaps 37' and 37'', and 37 and 37''' each extend in opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal direction L from the common foot regions 37.1' and 37.1'', and 37.1 and 37.1''', respectively, where the valve flaps 37 and 37' extend in the opposite direction to the blocking direction X1, while the valve flaps 36'' and 37''' extend in the opposite direction to the blocking direction X2.

[0140] Thus, two stagnation spaces 35 and 35' are formed between the continuous vanes of the valve flaps 37, 37', 37'' and 37''', and each of these two stagnation spaces is closed by the support in the longitudinal direction along the blocking directions X1 and X2, respectively. The stagnation space 35 forms the common stagnation space of the functional units 30 and 30', while the stagnation space 35' forms the common stagnation space of the functional units 30'' and 30'''. The stagnation spaces 35 and 35' are closed in the width direction B by the side walls (not shown) of the housing 303 (similar to Figure 2 the illustration in

[0141] Flow-through regions 34, 34', 34'' and 34''' are formed between the continuous vanes of the valve flaps 30 and 30''', and 30' and 30'', and between the respectively opposing boundary walls 303.1. The flow-through regions 34 and 34''', and 34' and 34'' are formed continuously in pairs and are connected in series with each other. In the flow-through regions 34 and 34''', and 34' and 34'' connected in series with each other, support ribs 38 and 38'', and 38'' and 38''' are formed along the closing direction C respectively oriented in the flow direction S and having contact edges 38.1, 38.1', 38.1'', 38.1''' for the valve flaps 37, 37', 37'', 37'''. The support ribs 38.1 and 28.1''', and 38.1' and 38.1'' of the mutually adjacent flow-through regions are in the form of continuous slats along the longitudinal direction L.

[0142] As a result of the series arrangement of the functional units 30' and 30'', and 30 and 30''' respectively, a shock wave protection valve 300 is provided, which is blockable in both directions in which flow can occur, and due to the parallel arrangement of the functional units 30 and 30', and 30'' and 30''' respectively, it simultaneously has a relatively large effective cross-section in which flow can occur. It goes without saying that the unit 39 formed by the four functional units 30, 30', 30'' and 30''' can exist in multiple numbers in terms of flow in a parallel arrangement with each other in the shock wave valve according to the present invention.

[0143] Figures 10 to 14 A view showing a specific embodiment of the shock wave protection valve 400, in which in combination with Figure 9Two functional units 39 described schematically are arranged parallel in terms of flow in a housing 403 screwed together. Figures 10 to 14 are described together.

[0144] Figure 10 An external perspective view of a shock wave protection valve 400 is shown. The housing 403 has air flow openings 410 and 411 at its ends, where the air flow opening 411 is provided with a fastening flange 411.1 for connecting to a ventilation channel of, for example, a ventilation system. Two units 49 and 49' are arranged inside the housing 403, each unit being formed substantially similarly to unit 39 and not being described in detail here. Unit 49 has four functional units 40.1 to 40.4 formed and arranged in the same way as unit 39, while unit 49' similarly has four functional units 40.1' to 40.4' (see, for example Figure 13 ). The functional units 40.1 and 40.2, 40.1' and 40.2' have a blocking direction X1, while the functional units 40.3 and 40.4, 40.3' and 40.4' have a blocking direction X2 oriented in the opposite direction.

[0145] In the shock wave protection valve 400, the two units 49 and 49' are separated from each other by a partition wall 403.3, which extends through half of the housing 403 in the direction H along the entire width parallel to the flow direction B. The side wall 403.4 delimits the housing 403 towards the outside in the width direction B, while the wall 403.1 delimits the housing towards the outside in the H direction.

[0146] The units 49 and 49' are arranged one above the other in the H direction, and the partition wall 403.3 forms the boundary wall for the internal functional units 40.2 and 40.3 as well as 40.2' and 40.3'. The two units 49 and 49' are formed mirror-symmetrically with respect to the plane defined by the partition wall 403.3.

[0147] Figure 11 A plan view of the air flow opening 411 of the shock wave protection valve 400 in the direction of the blocking direction X1 is shown. Two brackets 46 and 46' extend through the entire housing 403 in the width direction B transverse to the flow direction S and are fastened to the side wall 403.4. The brackets 46 and 46' are both arranged centrally between the partition wall 403.3 and the side wall 403.1 of the housing 403 in the H direction. The continuous vanes of the valve flaps 47.1 to 47.4 and 47.1' to 47.4' of the functional units 40.1 to 40.4 and 40.1' to 40.4' are fastened to both sides of the brackets 46 and 46' in the height direction H. The valve flaps 47.1 to 47.4 and 47.1' to 47.4' are in Figures 10 to 14 their open position O.

[0148] The support ribs 48.1 to 48.4 and 48.1' to 48.4' which are connected in pairs by the fastening bridge 48.2 (see Figure 15 and 16 ) are also fastened to the brackets 46 and 46' in the flow-through areas 44.1 to 44.4 and 44.1' to 44.4' of the functional units 40.1 to 40.4 and 40.1' to 40.4'. The support ribs 48.1 and 48.4, 48.2 and 48.3, 48.1' and 48.4', 48.2' and 48.3' are all in the form of continuous slats along the longitudinal direction L.

[0149] Figure 12 The cross-section in the longitudinal plane in which the bracket 46 extends and is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction L is shown. The beam-shaped bracket 46 (and similarly the bracket 46') is fastened to the housing 403 by a direct axial screw fastener 46.2 which projects from the outside through the side wall 403.4. The holes 46.1 for fastening the screws to the bracket 46 are for fastening the continuous blades of the support ribs 48.1 to 48.4 and the valve flaps 47.1 to 47.4.

[0150] Figure 13 The cross-sectional view in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction L and the height direction H is shown. The free longitudinal ends of the valve flaps 47.1 to 47.4 and 47.1' to 47.4' all have trailing edges 47.5 which are formed by inclined portions in the end regions (for example as shown at the free ends of the valve flaps 47.1 and 47.2). The valve flaps 47.1 to 47.4 and 47.1' to 47.4' respectively abut against the wall 403.1 or the partition wall 403.3 in their closed positions C through the inclined regions. Between the valve flap pairs 47.1 and 47.2 and 47.3 and 47.4 and similarly the valve flap pairs 47.1' and 47.2' and 47.3' and 47.4', common stagnant spaces 45.1, 45.2, 45.3 and 45.4 are respectively arranged for each pair.

[0151] Figure 14 The external view of the shock wave protection valve 400 along the width direction B on one of the side walls 403.4 is shown. The screw fasteners 46.2 and 46.2' of the brackets 46 and 46' respectively extending from the outside through the side walls 403.4 are recognizable. In addition, the three fastening tongues 403.31 of the partition wall 403.3 are recognizable, which engage in the corresponding incisions in the side wall 403.3 and thus hold the partition wall 403.3 in the housing 403.

[0152] Figure 15 An embodiment of two pairs of support ribs 58 of the same type is schematically shown, with each pair of support ribs connected by a fastening bridge 58.2. When the rigid valve flaps (see for example Figure 3)When in the closed position C, the paired support ribs 58 straighten the contact edge 58.1 for the rigid valve flap. The support ribs 58 are provided for, for example, two functional units of the same type arranged in series according to the embodiments in Figure 9 where the support ribs extend into two flow-through regions in the flow direction S. The fastening bridge 58.2 has a through-hole 58.3 which is arranged for fastening to a shock wave protection valve, for example for screwing to a bracket 56 (shown in dashed lines). The fastening bridge 58.2 defines the spacing d of the respective support ribs of a pair of support ribs 58 in the width direction B. Two pairs of support ribs 58 are arranged at the same spacing d from each other, thus forming a constant spacing d for all support ribs.

[0153] Figure 16 An embodiment of two pairs of support ribs 68 is schematically shown, each connected by a fastening bridge 68.2, similar to Figure 15 , except that the contact edge 68.1 is curved and has a variable inclination along the flow direction S.

[0154] Figure 17 Another embodiment of three pairs of support ribs 68 is schematically shown, each pair of support ribs being connected by a fastening bridge 68.2, as shown in Figure 16 . Contrary to the illustration in 16, the mutually facing support ribs of adjacent pairs of support ribs 68 are arranged directly adjacent to each other and are screwed together by screw fasteners 68.4. The directly adjacent support ribs can abut against each other or have an intermediate layer (not shown) that strengthens the support ribs. In this way, the structural stability of the support ribs can be improved by the screw fasteners and optionally by the reinforcement layer. The continuous valve flap leaf 67 is additionally shown by dashed lines in Figure 17 , and the continuous valve flap leaf 67 is clamped between a bracket 66 (also shown by dashed lines) and the fastening bridge 68.2 of the pair of support ribs. Screw fasteners (not shown) passing through the through-hole 68.3 into the bracket 66 for fastening to the bracket 66 can thus also be used to fix the valve flap leaf 67. The valve flap leaf 67 has corresponding through-holes for this purpose.

[0155] Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of another passively operated mechanical functional unit 50 for a shock wave protection valve according to the present invention is shown, which shock wave protection valve has a stop rib 59 in the stagnant space 55. Figure 18 The cross-section in passes through one of the stop ribs 59. Figure 19 A plan view of the functional unit 50 is schematically shown, with the viewing direction along the blocking direction X. Figure 18 and 19 are described together below.

[0156] The formation of the functional unit 50 is largely similar to Figure 1a functional unit 1, and includes a flow channel 52 extending in the flow direction S. There is a flow-through area 54 in the flow channel 52 through which a ventilation flow can flow, and the flow-through area is separated from a stagnation space 55 arranged in the flow channel 52 by a valve flap 57 also arranged in the flow channel 52 in the flow direction.

[0157] Furthermore, compared to the functional unit 1, a stop element 59 is arranged in the stagnation space 55 in the form of a stop rib oriented in the flow direction S. The stop rib 59 forms a stop for the valve flap 57, which in the open position abuts against a stop edge 59.1 of the stop rib 59 facing the flow-through area 54. The valve flap 57 is in this case preloaded by spring loading in the direction of the stagnation space 55, such that it is pushed towards the stop edge 59.1 by the spring force.

[0158] If the valve flap 57 has spring-elastic flexibility, the preloading can be achieved because the valve flap 57 is formed to be inclined towards the stagnation space 55 in the foot area 57.1 in the relaxed state. In other words, in the absence of the stop rib 59, the valve flap 57 would in this case project into the stagnation space 55, for example, in an inclined manner with respect to the flow direction S, as Figure 18 shown by the dashed line as position U. If the valve flap 57 is fastened in a hinged manner, an additional spring element (not shown) or a spring element of the joint that holds the valve flap 57 in the open position O can be used, for example, to apply the preloading.

[0159] If two functional units are arranged in parallel and have a common stagnation space, for example, as Figure 7 shown, the stop rib can extend in the common stagnation space and have stop edges on both sides in the height direction H, such that the two valve flaps abut against the same stop rib from both sides (not shown). If two functional units are connected in series, for example, as Figure 8 shown, the stop rib can extend as a continuous strip into the two stagnation spaces of the two connected functional units (not shown).

[0160] In summary, it can be noted that the passively operated mechanical functional unit according to the invention forms a universal basic unit for a shock wave protection valve. In particular, in a shock wave protection valve, functional units that are more or less the same in terms of flow can be arranged in parallel and in series, thereby achieving a relatively low flow resistance, and the shock wave can be effectively blocked in one or more directions along the flow direction.

Claims

1. A passively operated mechanical functional unit (1, 10, 10') for a shock wave protection valve (100, 200, 300), comprising: a) a flow channel (2, 12, 12') having a flow-through area (4, 14, 14') through which ventilation flow can pass along a flow direction (S), and in the event of an interruption, a shock wave propagating along a blocking direction (X) can cause the flow-through area to be blocked along the blocking direction, b) a vane-like valve flap (7, 17, 17') which is held in an open position (O), and in the event of an interruption, the vane-like valve flap can be deflected by the shock wave to a closed position (C) so as to enter at least partially transversely to the flow direction (S) into the flow-through area (4, 14, 14'), in the closed position, the flow-through area (4, 14, 14') is blocked by the valve flap (7, 17, 17') along the blocking direction (X), characterized in that c) the valve flap (7, 17, 17') is oriented substantially along the flow direction (S) in the open position (O), and d) the valve flap (7, 17, 17') is arranged between a stagnant space (5, 15) and the flow-through area (4, 14, 14), the stagnant space is arranged in the flow channel (2, 12, 12') and opens opposite to the blocking direction (X), such that e) in the event of an interruption, when the shock wave passes through, a pressure (P) can be established in the stagnant space (5, 15), the pressure at least partially pushes the valve flap (7, 17, 17') transversely to the flow direction (S) and deflects it into the flow-through area (4, 14, 14') so that the valve flap (7, 17, 17') enters the closed position (C).

2. The mechanical functional unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The valve flap (7, 17, 17') can be elastically deflected to the closed position (C).

3. The mechanical functional unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve flap (7, 17, 17') is fastened in the flow channel (2, 12, 12') by a foot region (7.1, 17.1, 17.1') and extends from the foot region (7.1, 17.1, 17.1') opposite to the blocking direction (X).

4. The mechanical functional unit according to claim 3, characterized in that The foot region of the valve flap ( 7.1, 17.1, 17.1') is fixedly fastened in the flow channel (2, 12, 12'), and the valve flap (7, 17, 17') is at least locally flexible.

5. The mechanical functional unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The valve flap (7, 17, 17') is at least locally spring-elastic.

6. The mechanical functional unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The valve flap (7, 17, 17') is elastically fastened in the flow channel (2, 12, 12') in a hinged manner by the foot region (7.1, 17.1, 17.1').

7. The mechanical functional unit according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The valve flaps (7, 17, 17') have trailing edges (47.5) at the free ends (7.2, 17.2, 17.2') opposite to the blocking direction (X), and the valve flaps abut against the boundary walls (3.1, 103.1) of the flow-through regions (4, 14, 14') via the trailing edges in the closed position (C).

8. The mechanical functional unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The valve flaps (7, 17, 17') are elastically preloaded towards the stagnation spaces (5, 15, 15') in the open position (O), and at least one stop element is formed in the stagnation spaces (5, 15, 15'), and the valve flaps (7, 17, 17') abut against the stop element in the open position (O).

9. The mechanical functional unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, At least two support ribs (8, 18, 18') are oriented along the flow direction (S) and arranged in the flow-through regions (4, 14, 14'), and each of the support ribs (8, 18, 18') has at least one contact edge ( 8.1, 18.1, 18.1') for the valve flaps (7, 17, 17'), and the valve flaps (7, 17, 17') abut against the support ribs in the closed position (C).

10. The mechanical functional unit according to claim 9, characterized in that, The contact edges ( 8.1, 18.1, 18.1') of the support ribs (8, 18, 18') are each inclined relative to the flow direction (S).

11. The mechanical functional unit according to claim 10, characterized in that, The inclination angle (α) of the contact edges (8.1, 18.1, 18.1') relative to the flow direction (S) is less than 45°.

12. The mechanical functional unit according to claim 11, characterized in that, The inclination angle (α) of the contact edges (8.1, 18.1, 18.1') relative to the flow direction (S) is less than 30°.

13. The mechanical functional unit according to claim 10, characterized in that, The contact edges (8.1, 18.1, 18.1') extend in a curved manner with an inclination angle (α) that continuously increases relative to the flow direction (S).

14. The mechanical functional unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The valve flaps (7, 17, 17') have a length (l) along the flow direction (S), and the length is at least twice the height (h2) of the flow-through regions (4, 14, 14').

15. The mechanical functional unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The valve flaps (7, 17, 17') form the boundary walls of the stagnation spaces (5, 15).

16. The mechanical functional unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The stagnation spaces (5, 15) extend transversely to the flow direction (S) and substantially across the entire width of the valve flaps (7, 17, 17').

17. The mechanical functional unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The stagnation spaces (5, 15) extend substantially along the entire length (l) of the valve flaps (7, 17, 17') in the flow direction (S).

18. The mechanical functional unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The valve flaps (7, 17, 17') extend transversely to the flow direction (S) and substantially across the entire width of the flow-through regions (4, 14, 14').

19. The mechanical functional unit according to claim 18, characterized in that, The valve flaps (7, 17, 17') extend transversely to the flow direction (S) and across the entire width of the flow channels (2, 12, 12').

20. The mechanical functional unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The stagnation spaces (5, 15, 15') have a lower height than the flow-through regions (4, 14, 14').

21. The mechanical functional unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The flow direction (S) is in the same direction as the blocking direction (X) during operation.

22. The mechanical functional unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The flow direction (S) is in the opposite direction to the blocking direction (X) during operation.

23. A shock wave protection valve (100, 200, 300) for a ventilation system, comprising at least one mechanical functional unit (1, 10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

24. The shock wave protection valve (100, 200, 300) according to claim 23, characterized in that, The at least one mechanical functional unit (1, 10, 20) is arranged in a housing (103, 203, 303) having two air flow openings (110, 111, 210, 211, 310, 311), and the two air flow openings are connected by a flow channel (2, 12, 22) of the mechanical functional unit (1, 10, 20).

25. The shock wave protection valve (100, 200, 300) according to claim 24, characterized in that, The housing (103, 203, 303) at least partially defines the flow channel (2, 12, 22) of the at least one mechanical functional unit (1, 10, 20).

26. The shock wave protection valve (100) according to claim 23, comprising at least one additional mechanical functional unit (10') of the same type arranged parallel to the at least one mechanical functional unit (10).

27. The shock wave protection valve (100) according to claim 26, characterized in that, The stagnation spaces of the at least one mechanical functional unit (10) and the at least one additional mechanical functional unit (10') form a common stagnation space (15), and the common stagnation space is arranged between the valve flaps (17, 17') of the at least one mechanical functional unit (10) and the at least one additional mechanical functional unit (10'), wherein the valve flaps (17, 17') define the common stagnation space (15) transversely to the flow direction (S) on two opposite sides transversely to the flow direction (S).

28. The shock wave protection valve (100) according to claim 27, characterized in that, The valve flaps (17, 17') of the at least one mechanical functional unit (10) and the at least one additional mechanical functional unit (10') are fixed to a common support (16) through corresponding foot regions (17.1, 17.1), and the common support is arranged transversely to the flow direction (S) between the at least one mechanical functional unit (10) and the at least one additional mechanical functional unit (10').

29. The shock wave protection valve (100) according to claim 28, characterized in that, The common support (16) forms a closure (15.1) of the common stagnation space (15).

30. The shock wave protection valve (200, 300) according to any one of claims 23 to 29, characterized in that, For each mechanical functional unit (20, 30, 30'), there is an additional mechanical functional unit (20', 30'', 30''') that is mirror-symmetrical to it with respect to a plane (E) transverse to the flow direction (S) and is connected in series with it.

31. The shock wave protection valve (200, 300) according to claim 30, characterized in that, Each pair of serially connected mechanical functional units (20 / 20', 30 / 30'', 30 / 30''') has at least two common support ribs (28 / 28', 38 / 38'', 38 / 38'''), the common support ribs are continuous along the flow direction (S), and each common support rib has a contact edge (28.1 / 28.1', 38.1 / 38.1'', 38.1 / 38.1''') for the valve flaps (27, 27', 37, 37', 37'', 37''') of each pair of serially connected mechanical functional units (20 / 20', 30 / 30'', 30 / 30''').

32. The shock wave protection valve (200, 300) according to claim 30, characterized in that, The valve flaps (27, 27', 37, 37', 37'', 37''') of each pair of serially connected mechanical functional units (20 / 20', 30' / 30'', 30 / 30''') are in the form of a continuous common metal sheet along the flow direction (S).

33. A ventilation system having at least one ventilation duct and at least one shock wave protection valve (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of claims 23 to 32 connected thereto.

34. A test system having a shock wave generator and a shock wave protection valve (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of claims 23 to 32.

35. A method for measuring the closing pressure and / or flow resistance of a shock wave protection valve (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of claims 23 to 32, comprising the steps of: a) inserting the shock wave protection valve (100, 200, 300, 400) into a shock wave tube; b) generating a constant air flow in the shock wave tube; c) determining a measured value of the air flow; d) generating a shock wave in the shock wave tube; e) determining a measured value of the pressure drop; f) comparing the above measured values with predefined values to determine whether the shock wave protection valve is closed.

36. Use of a shock wave protection valve (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of claims 23 to 32 in a test laboratory for explosion protection regulations.

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