Valve device for SMB chromatography

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a component, comprising: a valve cartridge block (20) including a plurality of valves (25) that can be controlled via a control surface (24) of the valve cartridge block (20); a valve control block (10) having an operating surface (11), the valve control block (10) being configured to control each of the plurality of valves when the operating surface (11) is in close contact with the control surface (24) of the valve cartridge block (20) at an operating position; at least one rotary door (30) hinged to the valve control block (120) such that an open state of the rotary door (30) allows the valve cartridge block (20) to be arranged at the operating position, wherein the control surface (24) of the valve cartridge block (20) is arranged at the operating surface (11) of the valve control block, and a closed position of the rotary door (30) is configured to hold the valve cartridge block (20) at the operating position, wherein an inner surface of the rotary door (30) abuts a rear surface (26) of the valve cartridge block (26), the rear surface (26) being opposite to the control surface (24); and at least one flexible pressure tube (45) arranged at the inner surface of the rotary door (30) such that when the pressure in the pressure tube (45) increases, the pressure tube presses against the rear surface (26) of the valve cartridge block (20).

Description

Background Art

[0001] Biopharmaceutical or drug production involves the purification of solutions for extracting active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from solutions. These solutions, also known as feeds, can be produced by chemical synthesis or biogenically. The feed includes multiple components that need to be separated from each other, such as one or more target components and impurities. Chromatography is the technology used to achieve this separation process.

[0002] One implementation of chromatography for separating two components is a simulated moving bed (SMB). The SMB system includes multiple columns connected to a valve switching system. The valve system controls the fluid delivery to the multiple columns through the inlets and outlets of the corresponding columns.

[0003] Sartorius's BioSMB system for performing SMB chromatography includes a valve device that includes two separate blocks: a valve control block and a valve cassette block. The valve control block regulates valve switching, and the valve cassette block includes multiple valves. The valve cassette block is the only component in contact with the fluid and can be conveniently replaced after each use to avoid a cumbersome cleaning process.

[0004] The connection between the valve control block and the valve cassette block needs to be airtight. Generally, multiple screws and washers tightened in a predetermined order are used. For example, first at 2 Nm and then at 3.5 Nm, the valve cassette block is pressed against the valve control block. This process requires a calibrated torque wrench and a long installation time (about 45 minutes).

[0005] Another conventional method for fixing the valve cassette block to the valve control block is to use a hydraulically pressurized door, which can apply the required sealing pressure. The hydraulically pressurized door is very heavy, large in volume, and has a large number of components. Therefore, this process involves a very complex design and is costly. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect, a valve device or assembly is provided. The assembly includes:

[0007] A valve cassette block including multiple valves that can be controlled via a control surface of the valve cassette block;

[0008] A valve control block having an operating surface, and the valve control block is configured to (selectively) control (such as open and close) each of the multiple valves when the operating surface is in close contact with the control surface of the valve cassette block in the operating position;

[0009] At least one rotary door, hinged to the valve control block such that an open state of the rotary door allows the valve cartridge block to be arranged in an operating position where its control surface is disposed at the operating surface of the valve control block, while a closed position of the rotary door is configured to hold the valve cartridge block in the operating position, wherein an inner surface of the rotary door abuts a rear surface of the valve cartridge block opposite to its control surface; and

[0010] At least one flexible pressurized tube, disposed at the inner surface of the rotary door such that when the pressure in the pressurized tube increases, the pressurized tube presses against the rear surface of the valve cartridge block.

[0011] In one example, the valve cartridge block may include a plurality of fluid connectors (in a view perpendicular to the control surface and the rear surface) provided along its peripheral edge. The fluid connectors may be adapted to connect to external fluid pipes. The plurality of fluid connectors may include an inlet connector and an outlet connector. When the assembly is in an operating state, i.e., when the valve cartridge block is in the operating position, the at least one rotary door may be hinged to the valve control block by a hinge provided at a portion of the peripheral edge of the valve control block, and in a view / projection perpendicular to the operating surface, the hinge does not overlap any of the plurality of fluid connectors (or a straight-line extension portion of the fluid connectors along their connection direction where external pipes may be connected). This allows for very convenient installation of the valve cartridge block because when installing the valve cartridge block onto the valve control block, the fluid connectors or any pipes connected thereto will not collide with the hinge. Specifically, with this arrangement, when the at least one rotary door is open, the peripheral edge of the valve control block remains free at the location of the fluid connectors of the valve cartridge block.

[0012] In some examples, the at least one rotary door may include at least a pair of rotary doors, which are symmetrically hinged to the valve control block, such as rotationally symmetric and / or mirror symmetric.

[0013] In some examples, the peripheral edges of the valve control block (and optionally also the peripheral edges of the valve box block) may each define a rectangular shape. The at least one rotating door may include two rotating doors (i.e., a pair of rotating doors) that are hinged to the valve control block via respective hinge members, the respective hinge members being disposed on opposite sides of the diagonal adjacent to the diagonal of the peripheral edge, such as the left edge and the right edge respectively, one being disposed adjacent to the lower corner and the other being disposed adjacent to the upper corner of the respective edge side. Each of these hinge members extends along its respective edge (e.g., the left edge or the right edge) not more than half of its respective edge (i.e., not more than the middle of its respective edge). The rotation axis may be parallel to these edges (i.e., parallel to the respective sides of the rectangular shape). When installed, each of the rotating doors of the pair of rotating doors may cover approximately half of the rear surface of the valve box block, such as the upper half and the lower half respectively. With a vertical rotation axis, the rotating doors can rotate horizontally, which makes the operation quite easy because the rotating doors can stay in any position when installing the valve box block (no additional fixation is required). Additionally, this arrangement keeps half of each of the bottom, top, left, and right edges of the assembly free for the fluid connectors of the valve box block.

[0014] In some instances, the peripheral edges of the valve control block (and optionally also the peripheral edges of the valve box block) may each define a rectangular shape. The at least one rotating door may include two rotating doors (i.e., a pair of rotating doors) that are hinged to the valve control block via respective hinge members disposed at two (e.g., adjacent) corners of the peripheral edge, the two (e.g., adjacent) corners being such as the lower left corner and the lower right corner, or the upper left corner and the upper right corner. The rotation axis may be at a 45° angle with respect to the edge between two adjacent corners (of the rectangular shape), which may be the lower edge in one example. Such angled rotating doors keep most of the peripheral edges of the assembly free for the fluid connectors of the valve box block. Since the angled rotating doors may cause the doors not to rotate horizontally but to have at least a partial vertical component, a balance (gas) spring may support the rotation action against gravity.

[0015] In some examples, the at least one rotating door may be locked in the closed state by a latch mechanism provided at one end of the rotating door, the one end being opposite to the end where the rotating door is hinged to the valve control block. Such a latch mechanism supports the rotating door to be reliably held in the closed state while being easy to operate, even when pressure is applied through the pressurized tube.

[0016] In some examples, the inner surface of the at least one rotating door may include at least one tube receiving channel formed in the form of a recess to receive the at least one pressurized tube. In some examples, the at least one pressurized tube may include a plurality of parallel (e.g., equally spaced) pressurized tubes. In some examples, the at least one pressurized tube may be adapted to be pressurized using air. However, any gas or liquid is feasible.

[0017] According to another aspect, a method for assembling a valve device or assembly is provided. The method includes:

[0018] providing a valve cartridge block including a plurality of valves that can be controlled via a control surface of the valve cartridge block;

[0019] providing a valve control block having an operating surface, the valve control block configured to (selectively) control (e.g., open and close) each of the plurality of valves when the operating surface is in close contact with the control surface of the valve cartridge block in an operating position, the valve control block including at least one second positioning member and a pair of articulated arms;

[0020] providing at least one rotary door hinged to the valve control block such that an open state of the rotary door allows the valve cartridge block to be arranged in the operating position, wherein the control surface of the valve cartridge block is arranged at the operating surface of the valve control block, and a closed position of the rotary door is configured to hold the valve cartridge block in the operating position, wherein an inner surface of the rotary door abuts a rear surface of the valve cartridge block opposite to its control surface;

[0021] providing at least one flexible pressure tube disposed at an inner surface of the rotary door such that when the pressure in the pressure tube increases, the pressure tube presses against the rear surface of the valve cartridge block;

[0022] installing the valve cartridge block in the operating position in an open state of at least one rotary door;

[0023] locking at least one rotary door in a closed state, wherein the valve cartridge block is in the operating position; and

[0024] pressurizing the at least one pressure tube such that the at least one pressure tube presses against the rear surface of the valve cartridge block, thereby pushing the valve cartridge block, wherein its control surface abuts the operating surface of the valve control block.

[0025] In one example, pressurizing the at least one pressure tube may include: filling the at least one pressure tube with compressed air. However, any gas or liquid is feasible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Details of the exemplary embodiments are described below in conjunction with the exemplary drawings. Other features will be apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. However, it should be understood that although the embodiments are described separately, the individual features of different embodiments may also be combined into further embodiments.

[0027] Figure 1 An example of a valve cartridge block is shown.

[0028] Figure 2a and Figure 2b An example of a valve control block is shown.

[0029] Figure 3a Shows a portion of an exemplary valve cassette block including a valve and a channel.

[0030] Figure 3b Shows the function of an exemplary valve.

[0031] Figure 4a and Figure 4b Shows an example of a rotary door.

[0032] Figure 5a and Figure 5b Shows an example of a pressurized tube array.

[0033] Figure 6a and Figure 6b Shows an example of a combination of a rotary door and a pressurized tube array.

[0034] Figure 7a and Figure 7b Shows an example of a partially assembled valve device.

[0035] Figure 8a and Figure 8b Shows an example of an almost fully assembled valve device.

[0036] Figure 9a and Figure 9b Shows an exemplary cross-section of a valve device. Detailed Description

[0037] The examples will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the examples can be variously modified. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the elements of one example can be combined and used in other examples to form new examples.

[0038] The following description relates to components that make up a valve device for use in an SMB chromatographic separation method. Exemplarily, the chromatographic separation method can be performed to purify recombinant protein products, monoclonal antibodies, viral vectors, or DNA products.

[0039] The component includes two modules: a valve cassette block including a plurality of valves and a valve control block for controlling the plurality of valves. Figure 1 Shows an example of the valve cassette block 20, and Figure 2a and Figure 2b Shows an example of the valve control block 10.

[0040] The valve cassette block 20 includes a plurality of valves 25 ( Figure 1 not shown), such as membrane valves or diaphragm valves. The valves 25 can be controlled (e.g., switched between an open state and a closed state, or between a connected state and a disconnected state) via the control surface 24 of the valve cassette block 20. In Figure 1In the example, the control surface 24 is on the distal side of the valve cartridge block 20 and is opposite the rear surface 26 of the valve cartridge block 20. The plurality of valves may be arranged in a regular array along the control surface 24. For example, each of the valves may be separately addressed (controlled) from the other valves.

[0041] The valve control block 10 includes a plurality of control elements 15 arranged at the operating surface 11 of the valve control block 10, such as a plurality of solenoids, for controlling the valves 25 in the valve cartridge block 20, wherein each solenoid is configured to control (open / close) the corresponding valve 25 when the control surface 24 of the valve cartridge block 20 is in close contact with the operating surface 11 of the valve control block 10. Thus, the valve cartridge block 20 may include n valves 25, and the valve control block 10 may include n control elements 15, such as including solenoids.

[0042] The control surface 24 may be a substantially flat surface of the valve cartridge block 20. Similarly, the operating surface 11 may be a substantially flat surface of the valve control block 10. The arrangement of the valves 25 on the valve cartridge block 20 may be consistent with the arrangement of the control elements on the valve control block 10, such that when the valve cartridge block 20 is placed close to the valve control block 10, each valve 25 may be aligned with its corresponding control element 15. Exemplarily, the plurality of valves 25 (and similarly the control elements 15) may be arranged according to a grid including rows and columns. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that alternative arrangements are possible.

[0043] The valve cartridge block 20 includes a plurality of channels that may be connected or disconnected by actuating the valves 25. Figure 3a A cross-sectional portion of the valve cartridge block 20 is shown, which includes diaphragm valves 25 and two mutually orthogonal channels. The structure of the valve cartridge block 20 may include a plurality of parts such as Figure 3a shown, in order to provide interconnected pipes forming flow paths and a variety of valves 25.

[0044] Figure 3b The function of an exemplary diaphragm valve 25 in the valve cartridge block 20 controlled by the corresponding solenoid in the valve control block 10 is shown. In particular, the valve control block 10 may further include a plurality of air chambers, each air chamber associated with a corresponding solenoid, such that the solenoid is used as a pneumatic actuator for the corresponding valve 25. The air chambers may include one or more cavities, such as a cavity on the surface of the valve control block 10 configured to receive the diaphragm valve. The air chambers may further include cavities that serve as inlets and outlets for air channels.

[0045] For example, the solenoid may be a normally open (NO) solenoid, which means the diaphragm valve is normally closed ( Figure 3b left side). When the solenoid is switched from open to closed, the air pressure on the diaphragm valve is removed, and then the diaphragm valve opens, thereby connecting the pipes in the valve cartridge block 20 ( Figure 3bOn the right side).

[0046] In other words, the valve control block 10 and the valve cassette block 20 cooperate to switch the flow path, thereby switching the connection of the inlets and outlets for the feed and the solvent. The valve control block 10 and the valve cassette block 20 are formed separately and are then mechanically connected to form an operating position. One advantage of this configuration is that the valve control block 10 can be a permanent (i.e., reusable) component of the chromatography system, and the valve cassette block 20 can be a single-use component.

[0047] Figure 3b The dashed line in the left side shows the interface between the valve control block 10 and the valve cassette block 20. To ensure the correct operation of the valve device, the valve control block 10 and the valve cassette block 20 must be in airtight sealing contact with each other. For this purpose, a combination of a rotating door and a pressurized tube array as described below can be used.

[0048] Continuing to refer to Figure 1 , the valve cassette block 20 can further include at least one first positioning member 22. Exemplarily, the valve cassette block 20 can include two first positioning members 22. Further details regarding the at least one first positioning member 22 will be provided below.

[0049] The valve cassette block 20 can include inlet and outlet connectors 28 for connection to external components such as a chromatography column, a membrane device, or a collection container. In particular, the valve cassette block can include two sets of inlets and outlets. One set of inlets and outlets can provide fluid connection for buffer and feed flow, elution, and / or washing components. The other set of inlet and outlet connectors can connect the inlet and outlet of the valve cassette block and the chromatography column / membrane adsorber. Exemplarily, the valve cassette block 20 can include an integrally formed central body (e.g., made of a plastic such as acrylic resin) and one or more components, with the valve 25 located on the central body, and the one or more components being connected to the central body, such as the at least one first positioning member 22 and the inlet / outlet connector 28 (fluid connector).

[0050] In particular, the inlet and outlet connectors 28 can be positioned laterally with respect to the valve, e.g., on the side of the central body. For example, the central body can be generally cube-shaped, where a pair of opposite surfaces with the maximum extension include a rear surface 26 and a control surface, and the valve 25 is located on the control surface. The inlet / outlet connectors 28 can be located on one or more of the remaining (four) side surfaces.

[0051] Exemplarily, if the valve 25 is arranged in a grid with x columns and y rows, each row can have one inlet / outlet connector 28, and each column can have one inlet / outlet connector 28. Thus, each side surface extending parallel to the rows can have x inlet / outlet connectors 28 corresponding to the positions of the columns, while the side surface extending parallel to the columns can have a total of y inlet / outlet connectors 28 corresponding to the positions of the rows.

[0052] The valve box block 20 may further include a pair of handles located on two opposite side surfaces, for example, arranged along a second direction B relative to the central body, and the second direction B is perpendicular to the first direction A. During the process of transporting and installing the valve box block 20 onto the valve control block 10, the handles enable comfortable and safe operation.

[0053] Continuing to refer Figure 2a and Figure 2b the valve control block 10 may include at least one second positioning member 12 and a pair of articulated arms 16. The at least one second positioning member 12 may be configured to cooperate with the at least one first positioning member 22 to connect the valve box block 20 to the valve control block 10. In particular, the interaction between the at least one second positioning member 12 and the at least one first positioning member 22 allows for precise positioning of the valve box block 20 relative to the valve control block 10. Specifically, the valve 25 and the control element 15 are correspondingly arranged.

[0054] Thus, by engaging the at least one first positioning member 22 with the at least one second positioning member 12, the valve box block 20 can be positioned adjacent to the valve control block 10. In particular, the substantially flat surface of the valve box block 20, that is, the operating surface 24 on which the valve 25 is placed, contacts the substantially flat surface of the valve control block 10 on which the control element 15 is placed.

[0055] The at least one first positioning member 22 and the at least one second positioning member 12 may have complementary features that enable the valve box block 20 to be stably but removably connected to the valve control block 10. Exemplarily, the features (such as shape) and / or positions of the at least one first positioning member 22 and the at least one second positioning member 12 may be such that gravity holds the valve box block 20 in place relative to the valve control block 10. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one first positioning member 22 and the at least one second positioning member 12 may interlock with each other to create a stable connection.

[0056] As described above, the valve control block 10 may further include a pair of articulated arms 16, that is, two articulated arms. The articulated arms 16 may be integrally formed with the valve control block 10 or attached to the valve control block. Each articulated arm 16 is configured to provide a device for movably connecting a corresponding rotating door to the valve control block 10.

[0057] In fact, the assembly may further include a pair (i.e., two) of rotating doors 30, and each rotating door 30 is articulated to the valve control block 10 through a respective hinge, that is, through the articulated arm 16. Figure 4a and Figure 4b An example of the rotating door 30 is shown. Figure 4a The rotating door 30 of may be configured to be connected to Figure 2aThe articulated arm 16 (first example) shown, while Figure 4b the rotating door 30 can be configured to be connected to Figure 2b the articulated arm 16 shown (second example).

[0058] Due to the articulated connection, each rotating door 30 can be opened and closed by a corresponding rotational movement about a corresponding articulation axis. Any form of pivot mechanism can be employed in the articulation. Each articulation can have a corresponding articulation pin 17 that connects a stop joint 18 formed in a corresponding articulated arm in the valve control block to a corresponding door joint 38 on the rotating door 30 and defines the articulation axis.

[0059] Each rotating door 30 is articulated to the valve control block 20 such that the open state of the rotating door 30 allows the valve cartridge block 20 to be arranged in an operating position where the control surface 24 of the valve cartridge block is disposed at the operating surface 11 of the valve control block. When the rotating door 30 is brought to its closed position, the rotating door holds the valve cartridge block in the operating position where the inner surface of the rotating door 30 abuts the rear surface 26 of the valve cartridge block 20. Thus, the valve cartridge block 20 can be clamped between the rotating door 30 and the valve control block 10, as will be shown in more detail with reference to Figure 8a and Figure 8b When the rotating door is closed, the rotating door can (collectively) cover at least 50%, or at least 75%, or even at least 90% of the rear surface 26 of the valve cartridge block. In some examples, they can even substantially cover the entire rear surface 26. Thus, pressure can be applied over most or all of the valve cartridge block 20.

[0060] Each rotating door 30 can include at least one tube receiving channel 35 configured to receive at least a portion of a pressurized tube array 40, an example of which is shown in Figure 5a and Figure 5b The rotating door 30 in Figure 4a can be configured to receive Figure 5a the pressurized tube array 40 in Figure 4b while the rotating door 30 in Figure 5b can be configured to receive

[0061] the pressurized tube array 40 in

[0062] Exemplarily, asFigure 5a and Figure 5b As shown in Figure 5b , the pressurized tube 45 may include: a braided tube wall made of, for example, metal or plastic; and a filler made of an open-cell foam such as polyurethane foam 44. The air pressure used to inflate the pressurized tube 45 may be between approximately 4 bar and approximately 10 bar, preferably between approximately 5 bar and approximately 8 bar, and more preferably approximately 6 bar. For example, the number of pressurized tubes 45 may be equal to the number of columns in the grid of valves 25.

[0063] The tube receiving channel 35 may include at least one recess in the rotating door 30. In particular, one or more recesses may be located on the inner surface of the rotating door 30. In other words, there may be one or more depressions in the inner surface. The pressurized tube array 40 is at least partially inserted into the tube receiving channels 35 of the respective rotating doors 30. In particular, at least the plurality of pressurized tubes 45 are inserted into the tube receiving channels 35.

[0064] With reference to the inward main surface, the tube receiving channel 35 may have a depth corresponding to 1.5 times the thickness of the compressed pressurized tube 45, such that when the compressed pressurized tube 45 is inserted into the tube receiving channel 35, the pressurized tube is substantially flush with the inward main surface of the rotating door 30. Conversely, once the pressurized tube 45 is inflated with compressed air, the pressurized tube will protrude beyond the level of the inward main surface.

[0065] The combination of each rotating door 30 and the corresponding embedded pressurized tube array 40 may be referred to as a "pressurized door". Figure 6a and Figure 6b An example of a pressurized door is shown.

[0066] Figure 7a and Figure 7b An example of a partially assembled valve device including the above elements is shown, where the pressurized door is in the open state. Exemplarily, in this open configuration, the valve cartridge block 20 may be connected to the valve control block 10.

[0067] It can be seen that the valve cartridge block 20 in this example includes a plurality of fluid connectors 28 (specifically shown in Figure 1 ), which are arranged along its peripheral edge (in a view perpendicular to the control surface 24 and the rear surface 26). The fluid connectors 28 are adapted to connect to external fluid pipes. The plurality of fluid connectors 28 include inlet connectors and outlet connectors. In Figure 7a and Figure 7b In two examples, two (symmetrically arranged) rotating doors 30 are used.

[0068] In Figure 7a In the example of, the height of each rotating door 30 is approximately half the height of the valve cartridge block 20. In particular, the two rotating doors 30 according to this first embodiment are horizontally adjacent to each other in the closed state. InFigure 7b In the example, the width of each rotary door 30 is approximately half of the width of the valve box block 20. In particular, two rotary doors 30 according to this second embodiment are vertically adjacent to each other in the closed state.

[0069] In these two examples, the rotary doors 30 are hinged to the valve control block 10 by respective hinge members provided on a portion of the peripheral edge of the valve control block 10 which, when the assembly is in the operating state, i.e., when the valve box block is in the operating position, do not overlap with any of the plurality of fluid connectors in a view / projection perpendicular to the operating surface (or with the straight-line extension portion of the fluid connectors along their connection direction where external pipes can be connected). This makes the installation of the valve box block very convenient since when installing the valve box block onto the valve control block, the fluid connectors or any pipes connected thereto will not collide with the hinge members. Specifically, with this arrangement, when at least one rotary door is open, the peripheral edge of the valve control block can remain free at the location of the fluid connectors of the valve box block.

[0070] In these two examples, the rotary doors are symmetrically hinged to the valve control block, such as rotationally symmetric (first instance) and / or mirror symmetric (second instance).

[0071] More specifically, the peripheral edge of the valve control block (and the valve box block) in at least these two examples defines a rectangular shape. In the first example, the hinge members are arranged at opposite sides of the diagonal adjacent to the diagonal on the peripheral edge, i.e., on the left adjacent to the lower corner and on the right adjacent to the upper corner. Each of these hinge members extends along its respective edge by no more than half of the corresponding edge (i.e., not exceeding the middle of the corresponding edge). The rotation axes are parallel to these edges and are thus vertical in the assembly. When closed, each of the rotary doors 30 covers approximately half of the rear surface of the valve box block, i.e., the upper half and the lower half respectively. With the vertical rotation axes, the rotary doors can be rotated horizontally, which makes the operation quite easy since the rotary doors can stay in any position when installing the valve box block (no additional fixing is required). Additionally, this arrangement leaves the bottom and top edges of the assembly and half of the left and right edges free for the fluid connectors of the valve box block.

[0072] In the second example, the hinge members are arranged at the two lower corners of the peripheral edge, or alternatively at the two upper corners of the peripheral edge. The rotation axes are oriented at an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the lower edge and thus also at an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the horizontal direction. Such angled rotary doors leave most of the edges of the assembly free for the fluid connectors of the valve box block. Since the angled rotary doors cause the doors not to rotate horizontally but to have at least a partial vertical component, balance (gas) springs can support against the gravity rotation action.

[0073] To press the valve cartridge block 20 against the valve control block 10, the rotary door 30 is in the closed state such that the pressurizing tube(s) contact the rear surface of the valve cartridge block 20. Figure 8a and Figure 8b An example of an almost fully assembled valve device is shown, in which the rotary door 30 is closed. The valve cartridge block 20 is sandwiched between the valve control block 10 on one side and a pair of pressurizing doors on the other side. Exemplarily, the entire control surface of the valve cartridge block 20 provided with the valve 25 may be adjacent to the operating surface of the valve control block 10 provided with the control element 25. Similarly, the entire rear surface of the valve cartridge block 20 may be adjacent to the inner surface of the rotary door 30 and the pressurizing tube 45 inserted therein.

[0074] Once the valve cartridge block 20 is enclosed by the rotary door 30, each rotary door 30 may be locked by a latch mechanism such that the door may remain stably closed during pressurization of the tube. In particular, this may prevent the rotary door 30 from moving away, especially when the pressurizing tube 45 expands. Thus, the valve control block 10 may include a plurality of block-side screw holes 13, and each rotary door 30 may include at least one door-side screw hole 33, and the at least one door-side screw hole 33 may be configured to be fastened to a corresponding one of the plurality of block-side screw holes 13. Exemplarily, each door-side screw hole 33 may be fastened to the block-side screw hole 13 by a latch bolt 14. Thus, the valve device in the fully assembled state may further include a plurality of latch bolts 14.

[0075] Those skilled in the art will be able to easily identify alternative designs for fastening and locking the valve cartridge to a control module including different hole arrangements. As another example, there may also be a door fastening design similar to the bolt arrangement described in the following "Another Example" (related to Figure 2b , Figure 4b and Figure 5b ). Such a design may use four block-side screw holes and four rotary door-side screw holes similar to 13.

[0076] In another example (e.g., as Figure 2b , Figure 4b and Figure 8b ), the valve control block 10 may include a plurality of block-side screw holes 13 (e.g., four), and each rotary door 30 may include a plurality of door-side screw holes 33 (e.g., four). Each block-side screw hole 13 may include a hole in the surface of the valve control block 10 (on which there is a control element 15), and each door-side screw hole 33 may include a hole in the rotary door 30. The assembly may further include a plurality of latch bolts 14 (e.g., four).

[0077] Two of the block side screw holes 13 may be located at the upper corners of the valve control block 10, the third may be located at the midpoint between the first two and the fourth block side screw hole 13, and the fourth block side screw hole 13 may be vertically aligned with the third but located in the lower part of the valve control block 10. In other words, the fourth block side screw hole 13 may be located at the midpoint between the two hinge arms 16. In other examples (not shown), the number and arrangement of the block side screw holes 13 may be different.

[0078] As shown, in these examples, the latch mechanism is at least partially provided at one end of the swing door, which is opposite to the end where the swing door is hinged to the valve control block. The latch mechanism supports the swing door to stably hold it in the closed state, even when pressure is applied through the pressure pipe, while being easy to operate. Additionally, the outer surface of the swing door 30 includes a plurality of ridges to stabilize the swing door 30 through increased stiffness.

[0079] When the valve device is assembled, i.e., the valve cartridge block 20 is between the valve control block 10 and the swing door 30, the pair of pressure pipe arrays 40 are filled with compressed air and push the valve cartridge block 20 against the valve control block 10. In particular, the pressure pipes 45 of the pressure pipe array 40 can be inflated to push the valve cartridge block 20 against the valve control block 10. Figure 9a and Figure 9b An exemplary cross-section of the assembled valve device is shown. As described above, the pressure pipes 45 are configured to expand when compressed air flows into the pressure pipes and apply pressure on the valve cartridge block 20, so that the valve cartridge block forms a required airtight contact with the valve control block 10. Thus, the valve cartridge block 20 can be sufficiently pressed against the valve control block 10 to provide an operating valve device. During operation, as Figure 9a and Figure 9b shown, all the pipes 45 are compressed to be nearly flat. This increases the compressed contact surface, thus ensuring the uniformity of the applied force. In one possible implementation, when the door is closed, the door compresses / squeezes the pipes, causing the initial circular shape of the pipes to change into an oval shape. Alternatively, custom pipes of the required oval shape as shown can be used.

[0080] The above pneumatic method for installing the valve cartridge block 20 (i.e., functionally connecting it to the valve control block 10) is simple and intuitive and requires minimal effort. In particular, compared with the traditional method of directly fixing the valve cartridge block 20 to the valve control block 10 using screws, the assembly time is significantly reduced. Additionally, compared with a hydraulic installation system, the cost and complexity of this method are greatly reduced.

Claims

1. A component, comprising: A valve box block including a plurality of valves that can be controlled via a control surface of the valve box block; A valve control block having an operating surface, the valve control block configured to control each of the plurality of valves when the operating surface is in close contact with the control surface of the valve box block at an operating position; At least one rotating door hinged to the valve control block such that an open state of the rotating door allows the valve box block to be arranged at the operating position, wherein the control surface of the valve box block is arranged at the operating surface of the valve control block, and a closed position of the rotating door is configured to hold the valve box block at the operating position, wherein an inner surface of the rotating door abuts a rear surface of the valve box block, the rear surface being opposite to the control surface; And At least one flexible pressurized tube arranged at the inner surface of the rotating door such that when the pressure in the pressurized tube increases, the pressurized tube presses against the rear surface of the valve box block.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The valve box block includes a plurality of fluid connectors arranged along its peripheral edge, and wherein the at least one rotating door is hinged to the valve control block by a hinge, the hinge being arranged on a portion of the peripheral edge of the valve control block, and in a view perpendicular to the operating surface, the hinge does not overlap any of the plurality of fluid connectors.

3. The component according to claim 1, wherein The at least one rotating door includes at least a pair of rotating doors symmetrically hinged to the valve control block.

4. The component according to claim 1, wherein The peripheral edge of the valve control block defines a rectangular shape; and Wherein the at least one rotating door includes two rotating doors hinged to the valve control block by respective hinges, the hinges being arranged on opposite sides of a diagonal adjacent to the diagonal on the peripheral edge, and wherein each hinge extends along its respective edge by no more than half of its respective edge, and wherein the rotation axis is parallel to the respective edge.

5. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The peripheral edge of the valve control block defines a rectangular shape; and Wherein the at least one rotating door includes two rotating doors hinged to the valve control block by respective hinges, the hinges being arranged at two adjacent corners of the peripheral edge, and the rotation axis is at an angle of 45° with respect to the edge between the two adjacent corners.

6. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one rotating door can be locked in a closed state by a latching mechanism arranged at an end of the rotating door opposite to the end where the rotating door is hinged to the valve control block.

7. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The inner surface of the at least one rotating door includes at least one tube receiving channel formed as a recess to receive the at least one pressurized tube.

8. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one pressurized tube includes a plurality of parallel pressurized tubes.

9. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one pressurized tube is adapted to be pressurized with air.

10. The component according to claim 1, wherein The at least one pressurized tube includes a filler made of open-cell polyurethane foam.

11. A method for assembling a valve device, the method comprising: Providing a valve box block including a plurality of valves that can be controlled via a control surface of the valve box block; A valve control block is provided having an operating surface configured to control each of the plurality of valves when the operating surface is in close contact with the control surface of the valve cartridge block. The valve control block includes at least one second positioning member and a pair of articulated arms; At least one rotary door is provided, the at least one rotary door being articulated to the valve control block such that the open state of the rotary door allows the valve cartridge block to be arranged in the operating position, wherein the control surface is arranged at the operating surface of the valve control block, and the closed position of the rotary door is configured to hold the valve cartridge block in the operating position, wherein the inner surface of the rotary door abuts the rear surface of the valve cartridge block, the rear surface being opposite the control surface; At least one flexible pressurized tube is provided, the at least one flexible pressurized tube being arranged at the inner surface of the rotary door such that when the pressure in the pressurized tube increases, the pressurized tube presses against the rear surface of the valve cartridge block; With the at least one rotary door in the open state, the valve cartridge block is mounted to the operating position; The at least one rotary door is locked in the closed state, wherein the valve cartridge block is in the operating position; and The at least one pressurized tube is pressurized such that the at least one pressurized tube presses against the rear surface of the valve cartridge block, thereby pushing the valve cartridge block, wherein the control surface of the valve cartridge block abuts the operating surface of the valve control block.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Pressurizing the at least one pressurized tube includes: filling the at least one pressurized tube with compressed air.

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