Valve

Abstract

The present invention relates to a valve (1) having a valve housing (2) and a shut-off element (3). The valve housing (2) has a cavity (4) for receiving the shut-off element (3), at least one inlet (5) for fluid to flow into the cavity (4), and at least three outlets (6) for fluid to flow out of the cavity (4). The shut-off element (3) has a guide body (7) and is at least partially arranged in a movable manner in the cavity (4) of the valve housing (2). The shut-off element (3) has at least one shut-off projection (8) for shutting off at least one outlet (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve, which comprises a valve housing and a shut-off element, wherein the valve housing comprises a cavity for receiving the shut-off element, at least one inlet for fluid to flow into the cavity, and one or more outlets for fluid to flow out of the cavity, and wherein the shut-off element comprises a guide body and is at least partially arranged linearly displaceably in the cavity of the valve housing between the inlet and the outlets. The present invention also relates to a method for transporting fluid. Background Art

[0002] In many technical manufacturing processes, it is desirable to operate on a continuous flow basis using material supply lines that are always full and / or partially filled. An example in this regard is cellulose products formed from renewable raw material cellulose, such as fibers, foils, films. In this manufacturing process, the formed cellulose products are manufactured by forming a cellulose solution in an organic solvent and spinning the cellulose / solution melt to form fibers or films. The preferred form of the solvent is a tertiary amine-N-oxide, usually N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO). These cellulose solutions are generally highly viscous, with viscosities typically ranging from 50,000 to 100,000,000 mPas. Such a cellulose solution manufacturing process is described in EP0356419B1. One problem with cellulose solution processing is the required high processing temperatures (usually 80°C to 130°C) and the instability of the cellulose solution at these temperatures. Therefore, it is desirable to operate without dead zones and stagnation.

[0003] Various forms of valves are known in the prior art. DE3815897C2 discloses a start valve throttle unit having a discharge channel, which has a discharge channel widened to an extrusion tool. In the housing of the start valve throttle unit, guiding and starting holes are provided, and the start valve and the throttle valve housing are displaceable and rotatable in the guiding and starting holes in a direction of their longitudinal axes transverse to the axis of the discharge channel. The start and throttle valve housing has two closing parts, and the throttle valve housing is arranged between these two closing parts. On the inner closing part, a start valve housing is formed on a side away from the throttle valve housing. On the one hand, this should provide a seal, and on the other hand, a start discharge outlet is left in the hole, which leads from the valve throttle housing to the outside. Other valves are known, for example, from DE2751225, DE102007047726, and DE102005037268.

[0004] Furthermore, US3,817,668 and US3,746,481 describe melt pumps that use gears as a means for controlling fluid flow. However, these have proven unsuitable for the introduction, distribution, and flux control of hot liquids (especially hot plastic liquid melts) and cannot be used as switching and / or deflecting distribution valves. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to improve or eliminate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a valve and a method for transporting a fluid, in which the fluid flow is improved and the discharge port can be selectively blocked.

[0006] This object is achieved by the valve as initially described, wherein the blocking element includes at least one blocking projection for blocking at least one of the discharge ports.

[0007] This object is further achieved by a method for transporting a fluid, in which the fluid flow is regulated and / or controlled in a valve according to the present invention.

[0008] Thus, the blocking element of the valve includes at least one blocking projection for blocking at least one of the discharge ports. The fluid can flow into the cavity of the valve housing via an inlet defined by the valve housing. The blocking element is at least partially arranged in the cavity, wherein the blocking element is movable relative to the valve housing of the valve. At least one blocking projection of the blocking element is configured such that it at least partially blocks at least one discharge port. As a result, depending on the position of the blocking element, the fluid cannot flow out of the valve via the blocked discharge port or can only flow out to a limited extent or can flow out completely unhindered. By moving the blocking element in the cavity, it is possible to adjust the blocking of at least one discharge port with the help of at least one blocking projection, so that the discharge port to be blocked can be variably blocked between 0 and 100%. Thus, the fluid flowing through the discharge port can be continuously adjusted. Preferably, in the position where one discharge port is completely blocked, at least two other discharge ports are completely open.

[0009] The blocking projection of the blocking element preferably has the form of a tongue. In this case, the blocking projection is configured such that the fluid flowing through the tongue-shaped blocking projection can be controlled, so that the fluid flows towards the blocking projection and is deflected from the blocking projection in the direction of at least one open discharge port. In this way, the fluid can be transported to at least one open discharge port, in particular at least two open discharge ports, and the fluid can be prevented from escaping through at least one discharge port blocked by the blocking projection. Another possibility of operation is to configure the valve to have only one inlet and one outlet in the tongue shape, so that blocking can be performed without a dead zone. In this way, the fluid flowing through the discharge port can be controlled. Advantageously, the blocking projection is formed such that in at least one position where the first of the discharge ports is blocked by the blocking projection and the second of the inlet and the discharge ports is open for fluid flow, one edge of the blocking projection at least partially follows the circumference of the second of the discharge ports. Preferably, the blocking projection is formed such that in at least one position of the blocking projection where one of the discharge ports is blocked, at least two discharge ports are open, in particular completely open.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, the shut-off projection should be equivalent to a flow-through recess which allows fluid to flow between at least one inlet and an outlet which is not shut off by at least one shut-off projection. In this case, the flow-through recess is a recess in the shut-off element which is connected via a cavity to at least one inlet and at least one outlet, preferably at least two outlets, such that fluid can flow from at least one inlet to at least one outlet, preferably at least two outlets, via the flow-through recess.

[0011] The preferred outlet and advantageously the inlet delimit a particularly prismatic side of the cavity.

[0012] The valve according to the invention can be used for dead-space-free supply, removal, switching and / or conveying restriction of highly viscous liquids and / or melts. Due to the special construction of the shut-off element, the valve can be used in corresponding manufacturing processes for highly viscous liquids and melts in the field of partially crystalline high-performance thermoplastics, such as PEK (polyether ketone), PPEK (polyphthalazine ether ketone), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) or amorphous high-performance thermoplastics, such as PAI (polyamide-imide), PPSU (polyphenylsulfone), PSU (polysulfone) or PES (polyethersulfone). The valve according to the invention can also be used in manufacturing processes for partially crystalline and amorphous thermoplastics, such as PA (polyamide), PA6 (polyamide 6; polyamide from caprolactam), PA66 (polyamide 66; polyamide from hexamethylenediamine), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), POM (polyoxymethylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). Such methods and manufacturing processes generally include extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, coating and spraying techniques, such as, for example, the manufacture of synthetic textile fibers, plastic hoses, plastic foils and films and protective and / or insulating coatings for electrical wires.

[0013] Preferably, the valve according to the invention is used in the manufacture of cellulose or in a pipeline for conveying a cellulose solution. Particularly preferably, the valve according to the invention is used for conveying a cellulose solution which serves as an extrusion medium for a shaping process. In this case, the cellulose concentration is selected to be of the usual magnitude for the Lyocell process. The cellulose concentration in the cellulose solution can thus be 4% to 23%, preferably 6% to 20%, particularly 8% to 18% or 10% to 16% (all % information is in mass %).

[0014] Preferably, the solvent of the cellulose solution is a tertiary amine oxide (amine-N-oxide), and particularly preferably N-methylmorpholine N-oxide. Alternatively or additionally, it can be an ionic solvent. Such ionic solvents are described, for example, in WO03 / 029329; WO2006 / 000197A1; Parviainen et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 69728-69737; Liu et al., Green Chem. 2017, DOI: 10.1039 / c7gc02880f; Hauru et al., Cellulose (2014) 21:4471-4481; Fernández et al., J Membra Sci Technol 2011, S:4; etc., and preferably contain organic cations such as, for example, ammonium cations, pyridinium cations or imidazolium cations, preferably 1,3-dialkylimidazolium salts such as halides. Water is also used here, preferably as a non-solvent for cellulose. Particularly preferred is a solution of cellulose and butyl-3-methylimidazolium (BMIM), for example with chloride as the counterion (BMIMCl), or 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium (also preferably as chloride, acetate or diethyl phosphate) or 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium or 1-hexyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium (preferably with bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide anion) and water. Other ionic solvents are 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]-5-nonene, preferably acetate; 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate, 1,3-dimethylimidazolium acetate, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, 1-butyl 3-methylimidazolium acetate, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethyl phosphate, 1-methyl-3-methylimidazolium dimethyl phosphate, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium formate, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium octanoate, 1,3-diethylimidazolium acetate and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium propionate.

[0015] Advantageously, the guide has a groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide and / or the valve housing has a groove extending from the discharge port in the direction of the inlet. In particular, the groove extends in the displacement direction of the guide. When starting, pressure release can be achieved through this groove.

[0016] Preferably, the cut-off protrusion is arranged on the bottom surface of the guide and the groove extends to the bottom surface.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the cross-section of the groove continuously increases in the direction of the cut-off protrusion along the longitudinal direction of the guide, or continuously decreases from one discharge port in the direction of the inlet. In this way, a more gentle pressure release can be achieved.

[0018] Advantageously, there are provided at least two, preferably at least three, discharge openings, which are arranged in particular in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the shut-off projection has a curved abutment surface for abutting against at least one discharge opening. Advantageously, the abutment surface has the same curvature as at least one discharge opening, such that the abutment surface can abut substantially closely against the curved discharge opening in order to cover the discharge opening and thus shut it off. Particularly preferably, the curved abutment surface is simply curved with a constant radius of curvature, such that during rotation of the shut-off element, the abutment surface moves past the discharge opening at a constant distance (in particular in an abutting manner). The exemplary curvature of the discharge opening results, for example, from a groove from the limiting wall of the cavity, which cavity can be, for example, a cylinder.

[0020] In order to move the shut-off element in the cavity, it is advantageous if the valve has a drive for moving, in particular for the rotational and / or linear movement of the shut-off element. As a result, the shut-off element can move automatically. Advantageously, the shut-off element moves continuously with the aid of the drive in order to continuously shut off at least one discharge opening. Advantageously, the shut-off element can be brought by the drive into at least one position in which the discharge opening is shut off (in particular completely shut off).

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the guide body of the shut-off element is substantially cylindrical, wherein at least one shut-off projection is arranged on the bottom surface of the substantially cylindrical guide body. In this case, the shut-off projection extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the guide body. Advantageously, the shut-off element can rotate in the cavity of the valve housing. Due to the rotation of the shut-off element, the shut-off projection can move radially (rotate) in the cavity, such that the shut-off projection can move to at least one discharge opening and thus cover and shut it off, and due to the rotational movement can move away from the discharge opening and thus can be released and opened. Advantageously, the shut-off element can be brought to at least one position of each discharge opening, in which the respective discharge opening is shut off.

[0022] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the cavity is cylindrical, wherein the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical cavity coincides with the longitudinal axis of the substantially cylindrical guide body of the shut-off element. As a result, the shut-off element can be optimally accommodated in the cavity of the valve housing.

[0023] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the shut-off element in the cavity has a tolerance such that a gap through which fluid can flow is formed in the cavity between the guide body of the shut-off element and the valve housing. As a result, permanent deposition of fluid in the valve can be reduced or even avoided. Through this gap, a defined fluid flow can flow around the guide body of the shut-off element, so that no dead zones are formed in the cavity where the fluid could deposit. Due to the absence of dead zones, long residence times of the fluid in the valve according to the invention are prevented. Advantageously, the shut-off projection is configured such that no dead zones are formed during the flow and deflection of the fluid and an optimal conveyance of the fluid can be achieved.

[0024] According to another particularly preferred embodiment, a seal is arranged between the guide body of the shut-off element and the cavity for sealing the shut-off element relative to the valve housing. This has the advantage that the shut-off element can be completely sealed.

[0025] For a simple connection of the valve to a pipeline, it is advantageous if the valve housing has one or more additional cavities which are each connected to the cavity via an outlet. In this case, the one or more outlets are openings arranged on one or more inner surfaces of the valve housing adjoining the cavity. Thus, the outlets are arranged directly on the cavity. As a result, the fluid flowing into the cavity through at least one inlet can flow out through the outlets not blocked by the shut-off projection and be distributed through these outlets, so that the valve according to the invention can preferably be used as a distribution valve. According to a preferred embodiment, the one or more additional cavities are cylindrical. One shut-off projection or a plurality of shut-off projections partially or completely block the one or more outlets. By displacing the shut-off projection, other outlets can be blocked (e.g. by a rotational movement), so that a different distribution of the fluid flowing through the cavity to other outlets can be achieved - even without interrupting the fluid flow through the inlet during operation.

[0026] Furthermore, it is advantageous if an inlet is arranged on the bottom surface of the cylindrical cavity, in particular in coincidence with the bottom surface of the cylindrical cavity (where preferably at least one, particularly preferably at least two, and even more preferably at least three outlets are arranged on the side surface of the cavity protruding from the bottom surface). In this case, the inlet is preferably arranged in the longitudinal direction of the substantially cylindrical guide body of the shut-off element. Preferably, the shut-off element is arranged in the cavity such that at least one shut-off projection is arranged on the bottom surface of the guide body facing the inlet. As a result, the fluid can flow better from the inlet into the cavity.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the cavity is a cylindrical bore passing through the valve housing, where the bore forms a first orifice and a second orifice on opposite sides of the valve housing. As a result, the valve housing can be simply and inexpensively manufactured by producing the cavity through the bore. The shut-off element can thus be simply arranged in the cavity of the valve housing and removed from the cavity again for maintenance purposes.

[0028] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the first orifice forms an inlet. As a result, fluid can flow through the inlet into the cavity via the first orifice and then be dispensed with the help of the shut-off element.

[0029] To better guide the shut-off element in the cavity, the diameter of the hole is equal to the diameter of the substantially cylindrical guide body of the shut-off element, and the substantially cylindrical guide body of the shut-off element is at least partially received in the hole such that the shut-off element projects at least partially from the second orifice. Alternatively, the guide body can also be flush with the second orifice and have corresponding receiving means for movement inside the guide body.

[0030] Further advantageously, the drive is used to rotate the shut-off element about the longitudinal axis of the substantially cylindrical guide body, wherein the drive engages at the end where the shut-off element projects from the second orifice. In this way, the shut-off element can be partially arranged in the cavity of the valve housing in a space-saving manner.

[0031] In the region of the second orifice where the guide body projects from the valve housing, a sealing ring, preferably a leakage ring, can be mounted in a groove milled into the guide body. These sealing rings are preferably composed of a flexible plastic ring and a cover ring resistant to the fluid. Particularly preferably, the sealing ring is arranged on the valve housing in the second part of the cavity at the second orifice such that the sealing ring seals the gap in the cavity between the valve housing and the guide body of the shut-off element to prevent fluid leakage.

[0032] A gap can be constructed between the valve housing and the guide body such that due to the selected fit, no seal is used and the gap has a specific leakage flow of the fluid medium. As a result, any permanent deposition of the medium in the gap is prevented and a dead zone-free state is achieved.

[0033] Depending on the viscosity of the fluid conveyed in the valve, there may be a situation where the amount of fluid flowing out of the valve housing through the gap in the cavity between the valve housing and the guide body is too large. In this case, particularly preferably, sealing rings can be used and these sealing rings can be made to bulge inwards in the cavity in the direction of the guide body by tightening the fastening screws that fasten the sealing rings to the valve housing, such that the flow of fluid in the gap in the cavity between the guide body and the valve housing is reduced. In this way, the leakage flow rate can be set to the desired amount.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the valve housing has at least two outlets and the at least two outlets are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity. Advantageously, the outlets can thus be shut off by rotating the shut-off element. Preferably, the normal of the outlet is orthogonal to the normal of the inlet.

[0035] According to another preferred embodiment, at least one cut-off projection forms an extension of at least a part of the lateral surface of the substantially cylindrical guide body of the cut-off element in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the substantially cylindrical guide body. As a result, the cut-off projection can optimally cut off at least one curved discharge opening.

[0036] Preferably, the cut-off element includes a groove extending in the direction of movement of the cut-off element and / or the valve housing has a groove extending from the discharge opening in the direction of the inlet opening. In this way, overpressure in the valve housing can be avoided or reduced.

[0037] Advantageously, at least one, preferably at least two, particularly preferably at least three discharge openings are arranged perpendicular to at least one inlet opening. Advantageously, the inlet opening is thus permanently open, wherein the discharge openings can preferably be cut off by rotating the cut-off element. Preferably, the cut-off projection is formed such that in one position the inlet opening is completely or at least 50% open, and one or more discharge openings are open and one or more discharge openings are cut off.

[0038] For easy manufacture of the valve, it is preferred that the valve housing is prismatic. Particularly preferably, the valve housing is a cuboid, wherein the bottom surface is in particular square. Advantageously, four discharge openings can thus be arranged on the valve housing, wherein preferably one discharge opening is arranged on each of the four sides of the lateral surface.

[0039] Further advantageously, at least one inlet opening is arranged on at least one bottom surface, and one or more discharge openings are arranged on the lateral surface of the prismatic valve housing. Advantageously, one or more discharge openings can thus be simply cut off.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the valve housing has at least two discharge openings, and the cut-off projection is adapted to cut off at least two, preferably exactly two discharge openings. As a result, advantageously, two discharge openings can be cut off simultaneously by means of the cut-off projection. However, the cut-off projection can also be configured to cut off three, four, five or more discharge openings. In order to cut off two adjacent discharge openings in the case of four discharge openings of the valve housing, the cut-off projection preferably forms an L-shaped tongue which forms a 180° imaginary extension of the lateral surface of the substantially cylindrical guide body. For example, the cut-off projection is used to cut off m adjacent discharge openings of a valve housing (preferably prismatic) having n sides and having one discharge opening on each side of the outer shell of the valve housing (preferably prismatic), wherein the cut-off projection covers an angle of m / n * 360°.

[0041] According to another preferred embodiment, the valve housing has at least two discharge ports, and the shut-off element has two shut-off protrusions for shutting off at least two, preferably exactly two, discharge ports. The two shut-off protrusions are preferably separated from each other. As a result, preferably, the two discharge ports can be shut off by the two shut-off protrusions, wherein, in the case of a prismatic valve housing having a rectangular base and four discharge ports, the shut-off protrusions can be aligned relative to each other with an offset of 90° or 180°. However, in the case of a prismatic valve housing having a rectangular base, three shut-off protrusions can also be provided, which are, for example, offset by 90° relative to each other and are used to shut off three discharge ports. For easier manufacturing, it is advantageous to connect adjacent shut-off protrusions to each other and thus produce, for example, a shut-off protrusion that shuts off 270°. In order to shut off two opposite discharge ports in the case of four discharge ports of the valve housing, the shut-off protrusions preferably each form a tongue, which in each case forms a 90° imaginary extension of the side surface of a substantially cylindrical guide body. In the case of valve housings having different forms, the discharge ports can be offset by different angles relative to each other. For example, in the case of a valve housing having a triangular prism shape and three discharge ports, the discharge ports can be offset by 120° relative to each other. A valve housing having a hexagonal prism form can, for example, have six discharge ports that are offset by 60° relative to each other. In the case of a prismatic valve housing having n sides and one discharge port on each side of the outer shell of the prism, in the case where m discharge ports are to be shut off simultaneously, one or more shut-off protrusions cover an angle of m / n * 360° in total.

[0042] For regulating the temperature of the valve, it is advantageous for the valve housing to have heating and / or cooling means. Preferably, the valve housing has channels for conveying heating and / or cooling media.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the valve housing has a groove at at least one discharge port. Since the fluid can flow from the inlet to the discharge port via the groove, overpressure in the valve housing can be avoided.

[0044] According to another preferred embodiment, the shut-off element has a groove. Since the fluid can flow from the inlet to the discharge port via the groove, overpressure in the valve housing can also be avoided.

[0045] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the groove of the valve housing and / or the groove of the shut-off element are notches, wherein the notches particularly have a triangular or parabolic cross-section. The length of the groove of the valve housing and / or the groove of the shut-off element is preferably between 1 mm and 30 mm, particularly preferably between 3 mm and 20 mm.

[0046] Advantageously, the shut-off element of the valve swings regularly to flush the gap in the cavity between the valve housing and the guide for the shut-off element. As a result, the flushing of the gap can be improved and any bursting of the fluid in the gap can be further reduced. According to a preferred type of movement, the shut-off element swings in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical cavity in a linear movement or in a rotational movement about the axis of the cylindrical cavity. Particularly preferably, the amplitude of the swinging movement is between 3 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm, in the case of a linear movement or between ±1° and ±10°, in the case of a rotational movement, preferably between ±2° and ±5°. Description of the Drawings

[0047] The present invention will be further explained hereinafter with reference to the non-limiting exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0048] Figure 1a A valve according to the invention with a valve housing and a shut-off element is schematically shown in a perspective view;

[0049] Figure 1b A valve according to Figure 1a is schematically shown in a side view;

[0050] Figure 1c A vertical section through the valve according to Figure 1b is schematically shown;

[0051] Figure 1d A horizontal section through the valve according to Figure 1b is schematically shown;

[0052] Figure 2a and Figure 2b The valve housing of the valve according to Figure 1a is schematically shown in a perspective view and a side view respectively;

[0053] Figure 2c and Figure 2d A vertical section and a horizontal section through the valve housing according to Figure 2b are schematically shown respectively;

[0054] Figures 3a to 3d The shut-off element of the valve according to Figure 1a is schematically shown in a perspective view, a front view, a side view and a plan view respectively;

[0055] Figure 4a and Figure 4b Additional valves according to the invention are schematically shown in a perspective view or a side view respectively;

[0056] Figure 4c and Figure 4d A vertical section and a horizontal section through the valve housing according toFigure 4b The vertical and horizontal cross-sections of the valve;

[0057] Figures 5a to 5d Schematically show the shut-off element of the valve according to Figure 4a in perspective view, front view, side view and plan view respectively;

[0058] Figure 6a and Figure 6b Schematically show additional valves according to the present invention in perspective view and side view respectively;

[0059] Figure 6c and Figure 6d Schematically show the vertical and horizontal cross-sections through the valve according to Figure 6b respectively;

[0060] Figure 7a and Figure 7b Schematically show the valve housing of the valve according to Figure 6a in perspective view and side view respectively;

[0061] Figure 7c and Figure 7d Schematically show the vertical and horizontal cross-sections through the valve housing according to Figure 7b respectively;

[0062] Figure 8a and Figure 8b Schematically show the valve housing of additional valves according to the present invention in perspective view and side view respectively;

[0063] Figure 8c and Figure 8d Schematically show the vertical and horizontal cross-sections through the valve housing according to Figure 8b respectively;

[0064] Figure 9a and Figure 9b Schematically show additional valves according to the present invention in perspective view and side view respectively;

[0065] Figure 9c and Figure 9d Schematically show the vertical and horizontal cross-sections through the valve according to Figure 9b respectively;

[0066] Figures 10a to 10d Schematically show the shut-off element of the valve according to Figure 9a in perspective view, front view, side view and plan view respectively;

[0067] Figure 11a and Figure 11b Schematically show additional valves according to the present invention in perspective view and side view respectively;

[0068] Figure 11c and Figure 11d schematically show a vertical section and a horizontal section through a valve according to Figure 11b ;

[0069] Figures 12a to 12d schematically show, in perspective view, front view, side view and plan view, a shut-off element of a valve according to Figure 11a ;

[0070] Figures 13a to 13d schematically show, in perspective view, front view, side view and top view, a shut-off element of a further valve according to the present invention;

[0071] Figure 14a and Figure 14b schematically show, in perspective view and side view, a further valve according to the present invention;

[0072] Figure 14c and Figure 14d schematically show a vertical section and a horizontal section through a valve according to Figure 14b ;

[0073] Figure 15a and Figure 15b schematically show a valve arrangement having a valve according to FIG. 9 and two valves according to Figure 14a ;

[0074] Figure 16a schematically show a further valve according to the present invention having a valve housing and a shut-off element in the shut-off state;

[0075] Figure 16b schematically show a valve according to Figure 16a in the open state;

[0076] Figure 17a schematically show a cross-section of a further valve according to the present invention;

[0077] Figure 17b schematically show a cross-section of a further valve according to the present invention;

[0078] Figure 18a and Figure 18b schematically show, in plan view and perspective view, a shut-off element of a valve according to Figure 17a ;

[0079] Figure 19a and Figure 19b schematically show, in plan view and perspective view, a shut-off element of a valve according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0080] Figures 1a to 1d Figure 1 shows a valve 1 according to the invention, which comprises a valve housing 2 and a shut-off element 3. The valve housing 2 has a cavity 4 for receiving the shut-off element 3, an inlet 5 for allowing fluid to flow into the cavity 4, and four outlets 6 for allowing fluid to flow out of the cavity 4. The valve housing 2 is prismatic, with the base of the prism being square. The cavity 4 of the valve housing 2 is a cylindrical hole passing through the valve housing 2, with the hole forming a first orifice 12 and a second orifice 13 on opposite sides of the valve housing 2, and the opposite sides of the valve housing 2 forming the square base and the square top surface of the prismatic valve housing 2. In this case, the first orifice 12 forms the inlet 5 of the valve housing 1, such that the inlet 5 coincides with the bottom surface of the cylindrical cavity 4 and is arranged on the square top surface of the prismatic valve housing 2. As a result, the first orifice 12 is provided on the top surface, and the second orifice 13 is provided on the bottom surface of the prismatic valve housing 2. The diameter of the hole forming the cavity 4 and arranged perpendicular to the bottom and top surfaces of the prismatic valve housing 2 is equal to the diameter of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7 of the shut-off element 3. The inlet 5 is arranged on the top surface, and each of the four outlets 6 is accessible via one of the four sides of the side surface of the prismatic valve housing 2. As a result, the four outlets 6 are arranged perpendicular to the inlet 5 and are offset from each other by 90° in each case. In addition, the four outlets 6 are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity 4.

[0081] The guide body 7 is received in the hole such that the shut-off element 3 projects partially from the second orifice 13. The shut-off element 3 includes a guide body 7 and a shut-off projection 8 for shutting off one of the outlets 6 respectively, wherein the shut-off element 3 is movably and partially arranged in the cavity 4 of the valve housing 2. The shut-off projection 8 has a curved abutment surface 9 for abutting against the outlet 6 when shutting off the outlet 6. The shut-off projection 8 is configured such that it can deflect the medium to be conveyed in the cavity 4 without dead zones. The number and arrangement of at least one shut-off projection 8 must be matched to the function acting together with the valve housing 2. As Figure 1d shown, the guide body 7 of the shut-off element 3 is substantially cylindrical, with the shut-off projection 8 arranged on the bottom surface 10 of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7. In this case, the shut-off projection 8 forms a virtual extension of a part of the side surface of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the guide body 7 of the shut-off element 3. Thus, the curved abutment surface 9 is a virtual extension of a part of the side surface of the guide body 7. The cavity 4 is cylindrical, with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical receiving portion 4 coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7 of the shut-off element 3.

[0082] In accordance with Figures 1a to 1dIn the illustrated embodiment, the valve housing 2 has four additional cavities 11, where the additional cavities 11 are cylindrical and are each connected to the cavity 4 via one of the discharge ports 6. As a result, the longitudinal axes of the four cylindrical additional cavities 11 are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical cavity 4 and form four holes, each hole being arranged on one of the four sides of the lateral surface of the prismatic valve housing 2.

[0083] The valve 1 has Figures 1a to 1d a drive (not shown in the figure) for rotating the shut-off element 3 about the longitudinal axis of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7, where the drive engages at the end of the shut-off element 3 protruding from the second orifice 13.

[0084] As Figure 1d shown, the shut-off projection 8 is used to shut off one of the four discharge ports 6. For this purpose, the curved abutment surface 9 of the shut-off projection 8 is configured to be able to cover one discharge port 6 respectively by rotating the shut-off element 3, such that fluid cannot flow through the covered discharge port 6. When the shut-off element 3 is further rotated by 90°, the shut-off discharge port 6 is opened again, and the adjacent discharge port 6 arranged at a 90° offset is shut off by the shut-off projection 8. As a result, depending on the position of the shut-off projection 8, one of the four discharge ports 6 can be shut off and the other three discharge ports 6 can be opened. Thus, the fluid flowing in through the inlet 5 can flow out of the valve 1 through the three open discharge ports 6. Since the discharge ports 6 are all arranged at 90° offsets relative to each other, the shut-off projection 8 covers 90°, as Figure 1d shown. By rotating the shut-off element between 0° and 90°, the shut-off discharge port 6 can be gradually and partially opened. In this case, at the same time the adjacent discharge port 6 is continuously and gradually closed. In addition, by means of a linear movement of the shut-off element 3 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical cavity 4 from the second orifice 13, all the discharge ports 6 can be opened. In the case where the shut-off element 3 moves linearly in the opposite direction, i.e., in the direction of the inlet 5, all the discharge ports 6 can be shut off, whereby the guide body 7 covers and thus shuts off the four discharge ports 6.

[0085] As Figures 1a to 1d shown, the valve housing 2 has heating and / or cooling channels 14 for conducting a heating and / or cooling medium. By means of the heating and / or cooling medium, the valve 1 and thus the fluid flowing through the valve 1 can be heated or cooled. The following fluids can be used as the heating and / or cooling medium:

[0086] - aqueous heating or cooling media, such as water or water-alcohol mixtures, such as, for example, ethylene glycol

[0087] - heat-conducting oils, such as, for example, mineral oils, such as, for example, diesel oil

[0088] - air as a cooling medium

[0089] - Water vapor as the heating medium

[0090] - All other liquids or gases suitable for the application and process conditions.

[0091] In addition, the heating can also be electrical, for example, using a heating bowl or a heating tape.

[0092] Depending on the application, the temperature control can be carried out in the range between 0 and 350 °C, preferably between 60 and 170 °C, and particularly preferably between 80 and 120 °C. To avoid a sealed dead zone, the generally cylindrical shut-off element 3 has a defined tolerance adapted to the cylindrical cavity 4. Optimized for the conveying medium and the operating state (fluid pressure, temperature) of the valve 1, a defined gap can be generated between the shut-off element 3 and the valve housing 2, which results in a defined flow along the shut-off element 3. The gap is periodically flushed by this flow and prevents the permanent deposition of material in the valve housing 2, thus ensuring a dead-zone-free state. The fluid flow can be adjusted by a pressure seal on the outside of the bottom surface of the valve housing 2. Due to the periodically repeated, oscillating linear movement of the shut-off element 3 in the direction of the inlet 5 along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical cavity 4, the flushing of the gap in the cavity 4 between the valve housing 2 and the guide body 7 of the shut-off element can be improved, and any bursting of the fluid in the gap can be further reduced.

[0093] The valve 1 according to the invention can be used, for example, in the manufacturing process of a cellulose / amine oxide solution. Due to the structure of the shut-off element 3, the accumulation and decomposition of the spinning material in the dead zone of the system are prevented. Even when the spinning material is stored in the valve 1 for a relatively long time, the shut-off element 3 will not get stuck in the valve housing 2 because the shut-off element 3 can move and flush periodically. Therefore, the invention also provides a method for conveying a solution of cellulose in an aqueous tertiary amine oxide solution through the valve 1, in which the flow rate of the cellulose solution in the valve housing 2 can be periodically adjusted and changed to ensure the safe discharge, distribution, and safe transportation of the cellulose / amine oxide solution.

[0094] The following materials can be used in particular for manufacturing the shut-off element 3 and the valve housing 2, where the shut-off element 3 and the valve housing 2 can include different materials:

[0095] - Steel, tool steel, non-alloy steel, chromium-nickel steel, such as stainless steel conforming to DIN EN 10088-3, such as X5CrNi18-10 (1.4301) or

[0096] - Aluminum, such as a hardenable aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy, such as EN AW-6060 or

[0097] - Plastics, such as thermoplastics, such as PTFE or

[0098] - All other dimensionally stable materials that can withstand the required process conditions.

[0099] Figures 2a to 2d shows a valve housing 2 according to an embodiment of Figures 1a to 1d in which there are no heating and / or cooling channels 14. Four discharge ports 6 and four additional cylindrical cavities 11 can be produced by two holes guided perpendicular to each other, whereby the valve housing 2 is drilled on two mutually perpendicular sides of the outer shell of the prismatic valve housing 2. Thus, a cross-shaped cavity is formed. Perpendicular to this cross, the cavity 4 and the inlet 5, as well as the first orifice 12 and the second orifice 13, can be produced by additional holes.

[0100] Figures 3a to 3d shows a closing element 3 of an embodiment of a valve 1 according to the invention based on Figures 1a to 1d shown. The closing element 3 can also be used in combination with embodiments of the valve 1 other than the embodiment Figures 1a to 1d shown. The guide body 7 of the closing element 3 is substantially cylindrical, wherein the closing projection 8 is arranged on the substantially circular bottom surface 10 of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7 of the closing projection 8. The closing projection 8 forms an imaginary extension of a part of the side surface of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide body 7 of the substantially circular bottom surface 10. As Figures 3a to 3d shown, the closing projection 8 is substantially defined by an extension of the side surface of the cylindrical guide body 7 and a limiting plane that passes through the center point of the substantially circular bottom surface 10 and divides the bottom surface 10, for example, bisects it, and encloses an angle α with the cylindrical guide body 7, and this angle is proportional to the ratio of the bottom area 7 (D1) to the opening 11 (D2): α f(D2 / D1). In addition, the closing projection 8 has two recesses 15, and the two recesses 15 are arranged on opposite sides of the closing projection 8 and are defined by the limiting plane, the bottom surface 10, and the extension of the side surface of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7. In addition, the recess 15 has a circular-arc limiting line 16, and when closing the discharge port 6, this limiting line 16 abuts against the contours of the two discharge ports 6 adjacent to the closed discharge port 6. The recess 15 is used for the optimal flow of fluid from the inlet 5 to the discharge port 6.

[0101] Figures 4a to 4d shows a further valve 1 according to the invention, which has a valve housing 2 according to Figures 2a to 2d and a closing element 3 for closing two discharge ports 6. In this case, the closing projection 8 covers an angle of 180°, so that as Figure 4d shown, two adjacent discharge ports 6 arranged at 90° to each other can be simultaneously closed by means of the closing element 3. Therefore, the other two discharge ports 6 arranged at 90° to each other among the total four discharge ports are open, so that fluid can flow through these two discharge ports 6 from the valve 1.

[0102] Figures 5a to 5d shows the shut-off element 3 of the valve 1 according to Figures 4a to 4d . The shut-off projection 8 covers three quarters of the substantially circular base 10 of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7. The substantially circular base 10 abuts two recesses 15 of the shut-off projection 8 such that the recesses 15 are offset from each other by 90°. The recesses 15 serve to improve the fluid flow from the cavity 4 to the outlet 6, which outlet 6 is not shut off by the shut-off projection 8 and is thus open. In this case, with the help of the shut-off projection 8, in the Figures 4a to 4d valve housing 2 shown, two adjacent outlets 6 that are offset from each other by 90° out of a total of four outlets can be shut off.

[0103] Figures 6a to 6d shows a further valve 1 according to the invention, which has a shut-off element 3 according to Figures 3a to 3d . The valve housing 2 is prismatic, having a square base and a top surface, wherein the inlet 5 is arranged on the top surface of the prismatic valve housing 2. In the embodiment shown according to Figures 6a to 6d , the valve housing 2 has a further cavity 11, which has the form of an oblique cylinder and is arranged on one side of the outer shell of the prismatic valve housing 2. The further cavity 11 is connected to the cavity of the valve housing 2 via an outlet 6, wherein the outlet 6 is arranged perpendicular to the inlet 5. The further cavity 11 can be produced by drilling, such that the valve housing 2 is drilled through one side of the outer shell of the prismatic valve housing 2. By rotating the shut-off element 3 in the valve housing 2, one outlet 6 can be continuously shut off completely or partially. Starting from the open outlet 6 (wherein the shut-off projection 8 is arranged on the side of the cavity 4 opposite to this outlet 6 and wherein the outlet 6 and the shut-off projection 8 are arranged at the same height in the axial direction of the cylindrical cavity 4), the shut-off element 3 is rotated in such a way that the shut-off projection 8 moves in the direction of the outlet 6. Once the shut-off projection 8 partially covers the outlet 6 due to the rotation of the shut-off projection 8, the cross-section of the outlet 6 that is not covered by the shut-off projection 8 and is thus open becomes smaller, such that the fluid flow through the outlet 6 decreases. During further rotation of the shut-off element 3, the free cross-section of the outlet 6 further decreases, such that the fluid flow through the outlet 6 further decreases. As a result, continuous flow regulation of the fluid flow from the valve 1 through the outlet 6 can be carried out. Since the fluid flows into the cavity 4 through the inlet 5 and is further conveyed to the outlet 6 with the help of the shut-off element 3, there are no dead zones in the valve housing 2. Since the guide body 7 is flushed by the fluid flowing in the gap in the cavity 4 between the valve housing 2 and the guide body 7, there are no dead zones between the movable shut-off element 3 and the stationary valve housing 2.

[0104] Figures 7a to 7d shows according to Figures 6a to 6dThe valve housing 2 of an exemplary embodiment of the valve 1 of the invention shown. The longitudinal axis of the cylindrical cavity 4 and the longitudinal axis of the additional inclined cylindrical cavity 11 enclose an angle of approximately 75°.

[0105] Figures 8a to 8d The valve housing 2 of a further valve according to the invention is shown. Compared with the valve housing 2 of the embodiment shown according to Figures 1a to 1d the valve housing 2, the valve housing 2 has two additional cavities 11, which are arranged one above the other on one side of the housing, so that the valve housing 2 has a total of five additional cavities 11, and the five additional cavities 11 are connected to the cavity 4 of the valve housing 2 through five discharge ports 6. By rotating the shut-off element 3, two discharge ports 6 arranged one above the other can be shut off or opened together. Due to the linear movement of the shut-off element 3 in the cavity 4, the one of the two discharge ports 6 arranged one above the other that is closer to the inlet 5 can remain open, while the other can remain shut off.

[0106] Figures 9a to 9d A further valve 1 according to the invention is shown, wherein the valve housing 2 is prismatic. The bottom and top surfaces of the prism are equilateral triangles. Similar to the valve housing 2 of the embodiment shown according to Figures 1a to 1d the valve 1 has three discharge ports 6 and three additional cavities 11, wherein the additional cavities 11 are cylindrical and are respectively connected to the cavity 4 through one of the discharge ports 6. As a result, the longitudinal axes of the three cylindrical additional cavities 11 are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical cavity 4 and form three holes, and each hole is arranged on one of the three sides of the side surface of the prismatic valve housing 2. Therefore, each of the three holes encloses an angle of 120°.

[0107] Figures 10a to 10d A shut-off element 3 of the valve 1 according to Figures 9a to 9d is shown. The shut-off protrusion 8 covers two-thirds of the substantially circular bottom surface 10 of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7. Two recesses 15 of the shut-off protrusion 8 are adjacent to the substantially circular bottom surface 10, so that the recesses 15 are offset by 120° relative to each other. As a result, one of the three discharge ports 6 of the valve housing 2 of the embodiment shown according to Figures 9a to 9d can be shut off.

[0108] Figures 11a to 11d A further valve 1 according to the invention is shown, wherein the valve housing 2 is prismatic. The bottom and top surfaces of the prism are hexagonal. Similar to the valve housing 2 of the embodiment shown according to Figures 1a to 1dThe valve housing 2 of the illustrated embodiment, the valve 1 has six discharge ports 6 and six additional cavities 11, wherein the additional cavities 11 are cylindrical and are each connected to the cavity 4 through one of the discharge ports 6. Thus, the longitudinal axes of the six cylindrical additional cavities 11 are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical cavity 4 and form six holes, each hole being arranged on one of the six sides of the lateral surface of the prismatic valve housing 2. Thus, each of the six holes encloses an angle of 60°. According to Figures 11a to 11d The shut-off element 3 of the illustrated embodiment has two shut-off projections 8 and is used to shut off two opposite discharge ports 6.

[0109] Figures 12a to 12d Shows a shut-off element 3 of the valve 1 according to Figures 11a to 11d . The two shut-off projections 8 are arranged on opposite sides of the substantially circular bottom surface 10 of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7, and each has the form of a tongue. In this case, each of the shut-off projections 8 covers 60° of the extended side surface of the guide body 7, so that in the case of the prismatic valve housing 2 having a hexagonal bottom surface according to Figures 11a to 11d the illustrated embodiment, two opposite discharge ports 6 can be shut off.

[0110] Figures 13a to 13d Shows another embodiment of the shut-off element 3 according to the present invention, which, compared with the embodiment of the shut-off element 3 shown in Figures 3a to 3d , has two shut-off projections 8 of the same type. In this case, in addition to the shut-off projections 8 of the shut-off element 3 according to Figures 3a to 3d , additional shut-off projections 8 are also provided on opposite sides of the substantially circular bottom surface 10, so that one shut-off projection 8 is a mirror image of the other additional shut-off projection 8 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical guide body 7.

[0111] Figures 14a to 14d Shows another embodiment of the valve 1 according to the present invention. The valve housing 2 corresponds to two valve housings 2 arranged one above the other of the embodiment of the valve housing 2 shown in Figures 2a to 2d , wherein according to Figures 2a to 2d the lower one of the two valve housings 2 arranged one above the other, that is, the one farther from the inlet 5, has three discharge ports 6 instead of four discharge ports 6. Thus, in accordance with Figures 14a to 14dOn three sides of the outer shell of the prismatic valve housing 2, two additional cavities 11 are provided which are offset in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical cavity 4, and on one side of the outer shell, one additional cavity 11 is provided. As a result, the valve housing has four upper discharge outlets 6 and three lower discharge outlets 6, wherein the upper discharge outlets 5 are closer to the inlet 6 than the lower discharge outlets 5. If the shut-off element 3 is positioned in the cavity 4 such that the shut-off projection 8 is arranged at the same height as the four upper discharge outlets 6, the three lower discharge outlets 6 are shut off. In addition, one of the four upper discharge outlets 6 can be at least partially shut off. If the shut-off element 3 is linearly moved in the direction of the second orifice 13 such that the shut-off projection 8 is arranged at the same height as the three lower discharge outlets 6, the four upper discharge outlets 6 are opened. In addition, one of the three lower discharge outlets 6 can be at least partially shut off by means of the shut-off projection 8, while the other two lower discharge outlets are opened.

[0112] Figure 15a and Figure 15b shows a valve 1 according to the invention based on the embodiment shown in Figures 9a to 9d in which a valve 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 14a to 14d is respectively arranged on both sides of the outer shell of the prismatic valve housing 2.

[0113] Figure 16a and Figure 16b shows a further valve 1 according to the invention, which comprises a valve housing 2 and a shut-off element 3, wherein the valve housing 2 has a cavity 4 for receiving the shut-off element 3, an inlet 5 for fluid to flow into the cavity 4, and a discharge outlet 6 for fluid to flow out of the cavity 4. The shut-off element 3 comprises a guide body 7 and a shut-off projection 8 for shutting off the discharge outlet 6, and is movably arranged in the cavity 4 of the valve housing 2. The shut-off projection 8 has a curved abutment surface 9 for abutting against the discharge outlet 6. In accordance with Figure 16a and Figure 16bIn the embodiment shown, the curved abutment surface 9 is arcuate so as to be able to abut against the discharge opening 6. The inlet 5 is arranged on the side of the further cylindrical cavity 11. The inlet 5 connects the cavity 4 and the further cavity 11 which is perpendicular to the cavity 4. The guide body 7 of the shut-off element 3 is substantially cylindrical, wherein the shut-off projection 8 is arranged on the bottom surface 10 of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7. The cavity 4 has a cylindrical first part 17 and a second part 18 arranged between the first part 17 and the further cavity 11. In this case, the further cylindrical cavity 11 is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical first part 17 of the cavity 4, wherein the longitudinal axis of the further cylindrical cavity 11 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical first part 17. The shut-off projection 8 has the same shape as the second part 18 of the cavity 4. The shut-off element 3 is arranged in the cavity 4 such that the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical first part 17 of the cavity 4 coincides with the longitudinal axis of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7 of the shut-off element 3.

[0114] In accordance with Figure 16a and Figure 16b In the embodiment shown, the inlet 5 is arranged on the side of the cylindrical first part 17 of the cavity 4. The first part 17 of the cavity 4 is a cylindrical hole passing through the valve housing 2, which forms a second orifice 13 on the side opposite to the second part 18 of the cavity 4. The guide body 7 is received in the hole such that the shut-off element 3 projects partially from the second orifice 13. The valve 1 has a drive 19 for linearly moving the shut-off element 3 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7, wherein the drive 19 engages at the end of the shut-off element 3 projecting from the second orifice 13.

[0115] In Figure 16aIn this case, the valve 1 is in a closed state, where the bent abutment surface 9 of the cut-off protrusion 8 abuts against the inlet 5. In addition, the guide body 7 of the cut-off element 3 abuts against the outlet 6 and blocks it, so that no fluid can flow from the inlet 5 into the cavity 4 of the valve 1 and further to the outlet 6. In this position, the cut-off protrusion 8 is arranged in the second part 18 of the cavity 4 and the guide body 7 is arranged in the first part 17 of the cavity 4. To avoid dead zones of fluid in the valve 1, a gap can be formed in the cavity 4 between the valve housing 2 and the guide body 7, so that the fluid can flow into the cavity 4 through the inlet 5 via the gap and further to the outlet 6 and another cavity 11. As a result, a long residence time of the fluid in the valve 1 can be avoided. During the linear movement of the cut-off element 3 in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical first part 17 of the cavity 4 in the direction of the second orifice 13, the guide body 7 of the cut-off element 3 moves past the inlet 5. During the passage of the guide body 7, the inlet 5 is continuously opened, so that the fluid can flow into the cavity 4 through the partially opened inlet 5 and further to the outlet 6 and another cavity 11. In this case, the fluid in the cavity 4 is guided by the bottom surface 10 of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7 and the bent abutment surface 9 of the cut-off protrusion 8, so that the fluid flow in the cavity 4 is improved. During the further linear movement of the cut-off element 3 in the direction of the second orifice 13, the inlet 5 is further opened until the guide body 7 no longer covers the inlet 5, as Figure 16b shown, the inlet 5 is fully opened. In this case, the bottom surface 10 of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7 contacts the inlet 5 on the side away from the outlet 6. With the bottom surface 10 and the bent abutment surface 9 of the cut-off protrusion 8, the fluid is guided in the cavity 4 in the direction of the outlet 6, and the fluid flow is improved compared with the cut-off element without the cut-off protrusion 8.

[0116] To avoid overpressure inside the valve housing 2, as Figure 17a shown, the valve housing 2 can have a groove 20 at at least one outlet 6. Preferably, the groove 20 is arranged on the side of the outlet 6 facing the inlet 5.

[0117] Alternatively, as Figure 17b shown, to avoid overpressure inside the valve housing 2, the cut-off element 3 can have a groove 20. Preferably, the groove 20 is arranged on the edge between the side surface and the bottom surface 10 of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7, and the cut-off protrusion 8 is arranged on the same bottom surface 10.

[0118] Figure 18a and Figure 18b shows Figure 17bThe shut-off element 3 of the valve 1 shown in []. The groove 20 of the shut-off element 3 is a tetrahedral notch with a triangular cross-section and is arranged on the side of the substantially circular bottom surface 10 opposite to the shut-off projection 8. The groove 20 is aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7 and extends into the bottom surface 10.

[0119] Figure 19a and Figure 19b shows the shut-off element 3 of a further valve 1 according to the invention. The shut-off element 3 has a shut-off projection 8 and a groove 20 with a parabolic cross-section. The groove 20 is arranged on the side of the substantially circular bottom surface 10 of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7 opposite to the shut-off projection 8. The groove 20 is aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the substantially cylindrical guide body 7 and extends into the bottom surface 10.

Claims

1. Valve (1), comprising a valve housing (2) and a shut-off element (3), wherein the valve housing (2) comprises a cavity (4) for receiving the shut-off element (3), at least one inlet (5) for fluid to flow into the cavity (4), and one or more outlets (6) for fluid to flow out of the cavity (4), wherein the shut-off element (3) comprises a guide body (7) and is rotatably movably arranged at least partially in the cavity (4) of the valve housing (2), and the shut-off element (3) comprises at least one shut-off projection (8) for shutting off at least one of the one or more outlets (6), characterized in that, A gap is formed in the cavity (4) between the guide body (7) of the shut-off element (3) and the valve housing (2), through which gap fluid can flow, and the gap forms a leakage flow of the fluid without using a seal. The guide body (7) has a groove (20) extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide body (7) and / or the valve housing (2) has a groove (20) extending from the discharge port (6) in the direction of at least one of the one or more inlet ports (5), and the valve housing (2) includes heating and / or cooling means for regulating the temperature of the valve (1).

2. The valve (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shut-off projection (8) is arranged on the bottom surface (10) of the guide body (7), and the groove (20) extends to the bottom surface (10).

3. The valve (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cross-section of the groove (20) continuously increases in the direction of the shut-off projection (8) along the longitudinal direction of the guide body, or continuously decreases from at least one of the one or more discharge ports (6) in the direction of the inlet port (5).

4. Valve (1), comprising a valve housing (2) and a shut-off element (3), wherein said valve housing (2) comprises a cavity (4) for receiving said shut-off element (3), at least one inlet (5) for fluid to flow into said cavity (4), and one or more outlets (6) for fluid to flow out of said cavity (4), wherein said shut-off element (3) comprises a guide body (7) and is rotatably movable and at least partially arranged in the cavity (4) of said valve housing (2), said shut-off element (3) comprising at least one shut-off projection (8) for shutting off at least one of said one or more outlets (6), wherein, The valve (1) has a plurality of discharge ports (6), characterized in that the shut-off projection (8) is formed such that in at least one position where the first of the discharge ports (6) is shut off by the shut-off projection (8) and the second of the inlet port (5) and the discharge port (6) is open for fluid flow, the edge (16) of the shut-off projection (8) at least partially follows the circumference of the second of the discharge ports (6), and the valve housing (2) includes heating and / or cooling means for regulating the temperature of the valve (1).

5. The valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least two discharge ports are provided.

6. The valve (1) according to claim 5, wherein, At least three discharge ports are provided.

7. The valve (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein The discharge ports (6) are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity (4).

8. The valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The shut-off projection (8) has a curved abutment surface (9) for abutting against at least one discharge port (6).

9. The valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A drive (19) is used to move the shut-off element (3).

10. The valve (1) according to claim 9, wherein, A drive (19) is used to rotate and / or linearly move the shut-off element (3).

11. The valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The guide body (7) of the shut-off element (3) is substantially cylindrical, and at least one shut-off projection (8) is arranged on the bottom surface (10) of the substantially cylindrical guide body (7).

12. The valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The cavity (4) is cylindrical, and the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical cavity (4) coincides with the longitudinal axis of the substantially cylindrical guide body (7) of the shut-off element (3).

13. The valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The valve housing (2) has one or more additional cavities (11).

14. The valve (1) according to claim 13, wherein, The one or more additional cavities (11) are cylindrical and are each connected to the cavity (4) through one of the discharge ports (6).

15. The valve (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The inlet port (5) is arranged on the bottom surface of the cylindrical cavity (4).

16. The valve (1) according to claim 15, wherein, The inlet port (5) coincides with the bottom surface of the cylindrical cavity (4).

17. The valve (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that, The cavity (4) is a cylindrical hole passing through the valve housing (2), and the cylindrical hole forms a first orifice (12) and a second orifice (13) on opposite sides of the valve housing (2).

18. The valve (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first orifice (12) forms the inlet port (5).

19. The valve (1) according to any one of claims 17 or 18, characterized in that, The diameter of the cylindrical hole is equal to the diameter of the substantially cylindrical guide body (7) of the shut-off element (3), and the substantially cylindrical guide body (7) of the shut-off element (3) is at least partially received in the cylindrical hole such that the shut-off element (3) projects at least partially from the second orifice (13).

20. The valve (1) according to claim 9 or 19, characterized in that A drive (19) for rotating the shut-off element (3) about the longitudinal axis of the substantially cylindrical guide body (7), wherein the drive (19) engages at the end of the shut-off element (3) projecting from the second orifice (13).

21. The valve (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 20, characterized in that, At least one shut-off projection (8) forms an extension of at least a part of the side surface of the substantially cylindrical guide body (7) in the direction of the substantially cylindrical guide body (7) of the shut-off element (3).

22. A method for transporting a fluid, characterized in that, Adjusting and / or controlling the fluid flow in a valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein The shut-off element (3) of the valve (1) oscillates regularly for flushing the gap in the cavity (4) between the valve housing (2) and the guide body (7) of the shut-off element (3).

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