Valve arrangement for simulated moving bed chromatography

Abstract

There is provided an assembly comprising: at least one valve cartridge block (20) comprising a plurality of valves (25) controllable 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) configured to control each of the plurality of valves (25) when the operating surface (11) is in contact with the control surface (24) of the at least one valve cartridge block (20), the valve control block (10) comprising at least one sliding groove (14) formed in the operating surface (11); at least one sliding member (30) configured to slidably interlock with the at least one sliding groove (14) such that the at least one sliding member (30) is movable relative to the valve control block (10) in a sliding direction parallel to the operating surface (11); at least one traction bracket (40, 50) configured to surround the at least one valve cartridge block (20) and to interact with the at least one sliding member (30) such that a sliding movement of the at least one sliding member (30) in the at least one sliding groove (14) causes the traction bracket (40, 50) to pull the at least one valve cartridge block (20) with its control surface (24) against the operating surface (11) of the valve control block (10).

Description

Background Art

[0001] Biopharmaceutical or drug production involves the purification of solutions from which the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) are extracted. These solutions, also called feeds, can be chemically synthesized or produced bioorganically. The feeds include multiple components that need to be separated from each other, for example, one or more target components and impurities. Chromatography is a technique used to perform this separation process.

[0002] One embodiment of the chromatography for separating two components is a simulated moving bed (SMB). The SMB system includes multiple columns connected in series or in parallel, two inlets (one for feed and one for buffer) and two outlets (one for each component of the feed). The position of the inlet and outlet is moved at regular intervals in a given direction to simulate the movement of the column in the opposite direction. The conversion of the position of the inlet and outlet requires a set of appropriately controlled valves.

[0003] The BioSMB system for SMB chromatography includes a valve assembly comprising two separate blocks: a valve control block that regulates the switching of the valves and a valve cartridge block comprising a plurality of valves. The valve cartridge block is the only component in contact with the fluid and can be conveniently replaced after each use to avoid cumbersome cleaning procedures.

[0004] The connection between the control block and the valve box block needs to be airtight. Typically, the valve box block is pressed against the control block using a number of screws and washers tightened in a predetermined sequence, for example first with 2 Nm and then with 3.5 Nm. This step requires a calibrated torque wrench and a long installation time (approximately 45 minutes).

[0005] Another conventional method for securing the valve box block to the control block is to use a rotating gate with an array of hydraulic cylinders that applies the required sealing pressure. This process involves very complex design and high costs. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to one aspect, there is provided a valve device or assembly, the valve device or assembly comprising:

[0007] - at least one valve box block comprising a plurality of valves controllable via a control surface of the valve box block;

[0008] - a valve control block having an operating surface, the valve control block being configured to (selectively) control (e.g., open and close) each of the plurality of valves when the operating surface is in close contact with a control surface of the at least one valve box block, the valve control block comprising at least one sliding groove formed in the operating surface;

[0009] at least one sliding member configured to be slidably interlocked (e.g., engaged) with the at least one sliding groove, such that the at least one sliding member is movable relative to the valve control block in (particularly, only in one) sliding direction parallel to the operating surface, the sliding direction being defined as the length direction of the sliding groove,

[0010] - At least one traction bracket, configured to surround the at least one valve box block and interact with the at least one sliding component, so that the sliding movement of the at least one sliding component in the at least one sliding groove (relative to the valve control block and the at least one traction bracket in the sliding direction) causes the at least one traction bracket to pull the at least one valve box block, wherein its control surface abuts against the operating surface of the valve control block.

[0011] The valve control block may even include a plurality of sliding grooves formed in the operating surface. The assembly may further include a plurality of sliding components, each of which is configured to be slidably interlocked with the corresponding sliding groove (so that each sliding component is movable relative to the valve control block in a (corresponding) sliding direction parallel to the operating surface). The sliding components are all capable of moving parallel to each other (i.e., in the same sliding direction). In one example, the plurality of sliding grooves may be formed parallel to each other, and they may even be at least partially equidistant from each other. In addition, the assembly may also include a plurality of traction brackets, each of which is configured to surround the at least one valve box block and interact with the corresponding sliding components of the sliding components, so that the sliding movement of the corresponding sliding component in the corresponding sliding groove (relative to the valve control block and the traction bracket along the corresponding sliding direction) causes the corresponding traction bracket to traction the at least one valve box block, wherein its control surface abuts against the operating surface of the valve control block.

[0012] The at least one sliding component may include two lateral shoulders as an embodiment of the interlocking structure of the sliding component, wherein the two lateral shoulders may be adapted to engage with corresponding undercut recesses formed in corresponding sliding grooves of the valve control block. Alternatively, other geometries of the interlocking structure of the sliding component may be used, as further explained below.

[0013] In any case, the sliding component(s) may be engaged with the sliding groove(s) such that in the engaged state, the sliding component(s) are movable relative to the valve control block in a sliding direction. In particular, the engagement may prevent or at least limit the movement of the sliding component(s) relative to the valve control block in a direction perpendicular to the operating surface. Thus, the sliding component may receive and transmit traction between the valve control block and the valve box block in a direction perpendicular to the operating surface, wherein the direction perpendicular to the operating surface is the traction direction.

[0014] The movement of the traction bracket(s) relative to the valve control block in the sliding direction may be restricted so that the sliding movement of the sliding component(s) in the sliding groove(s) in the sliding direction results in a relative movement between the sliding component(s) and the corresponding traction bracket(s). In an assembled state (i.e., in operation), the sliding component(s) and the corresponding traction bracket(s) are movably coupled via a fastening mechanism, which enables an interaction that results in the traction bracket pulling at least one valve box block toward the valve control block in the event of a sliding movement of the sliding component. In other words, the fastening mechanism converts the sliding movement of the sliding component in the sliding direction into a movement of the traction bracket in the traction direction, i.e., a movement perpendicular to the operating surface of the valve control block.

[0015] The at least one sliding component may comprise a ridge, wherein the ridge comprises a portion of a fastening mechanism enabling interaction between the sliding component and the pulling bracket. In an example, the at least one pulling bracket may comprise a U-shaped beam configured to at least partially receive the ridge of the corresponding sliding component, and the U-shaped beam may comprise a complementary portion of the fastening mechanism enabling said interaction between the sliding component and the pulling bracket.

[0016] In addition, the fastening mechanism can be implemented so that one of the sliding member and the traction bracket includes a sliding surface inclined relative to the sliding direction (and the traction direction), and the other of the sliding member and the traction bracket includes or accommodates an abutment element to slideably abut the inclined sliding surface. The relative movement of the sliding member and the traction bracket causes the abutment element to slide along the inclined direction of the sliding surface, thereby causing a traction force between the sliding member and the traction bracket, which traction force pulls the valve box block, wherein its control surface abuts against the operating surface of the valve control block. In other words, the inclined sliding surface together with the abutment element converts the sliding movement of the sliding member into a movement of the traction bracket perpendicular to the operating surface of the valve control block.

[0017] The assembly may further include a tensioning screw to control the forced sliding movement of the sliding component relative to the valve control block in the sliding groove when the traction bracket interacts with the sliding component, thereby causing the operating surface of the valve control block surrounded by the traction bracket to be tightly pulled against the control surface of the valve box block.

[0018] The at least one traction bracket (or each of the plurality of traction brackets) may include a bridge rod, a plurality of tension rods and a surrounding yoke. The bridge rod may be configured to engage with the at least one sliding component. Each of the plurality of tension rods may be connected to the bridge rod by its first end, and the plurality of tension rods may extend perpendicular to the bridge rod and substantially parallel to each other. The surrounding yoke can be detachably attached to the second ends of the plurality of tension rods, thereby connecting the second ends of the tension rods. Thus, the valve box block can be easily and effectively surrounded between the bridge rod and the surrounding yoke, wherein the tension rod connects the bridge rod and the surrounding yoke and holds the bridge rod and the surrounding yoke together. In particular, in operation, the bridge rod can directly engage (interact) with the corresponding sliding component to be pulled toward the valve control block in the case of movement of the sliding component. The tension rod can extend from the bridge in the pulling direction and transmit the pulling force to the surrounding yoke. The surrounding yoke can surround and support the valve box block on its surface opposite to the control surface, that is, the holding surface. Thus, the surrounding yoke(s) can mechanically support the valve box block (at the retaining surface) while pushing against the retaining surface towards the valve control block. This enables the valve arrangement to be easily assembled and disassembled while being reliably held together during operation, wherein the forces applied to the valve box block are substantially evenly distributed.

[0019] The at least one traction bracket may in particular comprise at least three tension rods, and the at least one valve box block may comprise at least one surrounding through slot extending through the control surface to the opposite side of the valve box block, so that when the traction bracket surrounds the valve box block, at least one of the at least three tension rods may extend through the surrounding through slot. This may support a more uniform distribution of the traction forces on the valve box block.

[0020] The assembly may further include an anti-displacement structure that prevents relative movement of the valve box block and the valve control block relative to each other, at least in the sliding direction (defined by the sliding groove) when the control surface and the operating surface face each other or contact each other. This ensures the correct relative placement of the control surface and the operating surface relative to each other to reliably operate multiple valves, and when tightening the connection between the control surface and the operating surface, it also avoids or reduces lateral forces between the control surface and the operating surface while moving the sliding component. This not only ensures correct operation, but also avoids or reduces the risk of damage (for example, a sensitive membrane at the control surface). In one example, the anti-displacement structure may include at least one protrusion formed in one of the valve box block and the valve control block and at least one matching recess formed in the other of the valve box block and the valve control block.

[0021] According to another aspect, a method for assembling a valve device is provided. The method comprises:

[0022] - providing at least one valve box block, said valve box block comprising a plurality of valves controllable via a control surface of the valve box block;

[0023] - providing a valve control block having an operating surface, the valve control block being configured to (selectively) control (e.g., open and close) each of the plurality of valves when the operating surface is in contact with a control surface of the at least one valve box block;

[0024] - slidably interlocking at least one sliding component with at least one sliding groove formed in the operating surface of the valve control block, so that the at least one sliding component is movable relative to the valve control block in (particularly, only in one) sliding direction parallel to the operating surface;

[0025] - surrounding said at least one valve box block with at least one pulling bracket;

[0026] - engaging the at least one traction bracket with the at least one sliding component such that a (sliding) movement of the at least one sliding component in the at least one sliding groove (relative to the valve control block and the traction bracket) causes the at least one traction bracket to tug on the at least one valve cartridge block, wherein its control surface abuts against an operating surface of the valve control block;

[0027] - The valve device is fastened by sliding the at least one sliding member in the at least one sliding groove, thereby causing the at least one valve cartridge block to be drawn (urged) by its control surface against the operating surface of the valve control block. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The details of the exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the exemplary drawings. Other features will be apparent from the description, drawings and according to the claims. However, it should be understood that even if the embodiments are described separately, the individual features of different embodiments may also be combined into further embodiments.

[0029] Figure 1 An example of a valve box block is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 An example of a valve control block is shown.

[0031] Figure 3a Portions of an exemplary valve box block including valves and channels are shown.

[0032] Figure 3b The functionality of an exemplary valve is shown.

[0033] Figure 4a Several exemplary slide components are shown.

[0034] Figure 4b Different examples of cross sections of sliding parts and corresponding sliding grooves are shown.

[0035] Figure 5 Several exemplary towing brackets are shown.

[0036] Figure 6 An exemplary valve device or assembly is shown in a disassembled state.

[0037] Figure 7 An exemplary valve device or assembly is shown in an assembled state.

[0038] Figures 8a to 8c An exemplary valve arrangement is shown in various stages of assembly and operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Hereinafter, a detailed description of the examples will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that various modifications may be made to the examples. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, elements of one example may be combined and used in other examples to form new examples.

[0040] The following description relates to components constituting a valve device for use in a SMB chromatography separation process.The chromatography separation process may be exemplarily performed to purify a recombinant protein product, or a monoclonal antibody, or a viral vector, or a DNA product.

[0041] The assembly includes two blocks: a valve box block (or "valve box") that includes a plurality of valves, and a valve control block that controls the plurality of valves. Figure 1 An example of a valve box block 20 is shown, and Figure 2 An example of a valve control block 10 is shown.

[0042] The valve box block 20 includes a plurality of valves 25 (in Figure 1 Not visible in , but in Figure 3a ), for example, a diaphragm valve or a membrane valve. The valve 25 can be controlled via the control surface 24 of the valve box block 20 (for example, switching between an open state and a closed state, or switching between a connected state and a disconnected state, or even switching between three or more different valve states for each valve). Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 2 , the control surface 24 is located on the far side opposite to the holding surface 26 of the valve box 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 addressed (controlled) separately from the other valves.

[0043] The valve control block 10 includes a plurality of control elements 15, for example, a plurality of solenoids, arranged at the operating face 11 of the valve control block 10 for controlling the valves 25 in the valve box block 20, wherein each solenoid is configured to control (for example, open / close) the corresponding valve 25 when the control face 24 of the valve box block 20 is in close contact with the operating face 11 of the valve control block 10. Therefore, the valve box block 20 may include n valves 25, and the valve control block 10 may include n control elements 15, for example, including solenoids. The plurality of control elements 15 may be arranged in a regular array corresponding to the regular array of the plurality of valves, so that each control element 15 is placed next to the corresponding valve 25, and is able to control the corresponding valve when the control face 24 is in close contact with the operating face 11 in the installed state of the assembly.

[0044] exist Figure 2 In the example shown in , the valve control block 10 includes a plurality of parallel sliding grooves 14 formed in the operating surface 11. The sliding grooves 14 are configured to interlock with corresponding sliding components, which will be further explained below. In particular, the sliding grooves 14 may be recessed relative to the plane formed by the operating surface 11 where the control element 15 is located. Figure 2 As shown in , the sliding grooves 11 may be arranged (regularly) parallel to each other (eg equidistantly) such that they (partially) separate parallel control block banks 16 forming parts of the operating surface 11 between the plurality of sliding grooves 14 .

[0045] The control elements 15 may be implemented in one or more of the control block banks 16, i.e. between the sliding grooves 14. In this respect, each of the control block banks 16 or only a portion (i.e. one or more) of the control block banks 16 may include one or more of the control elements 15. Those control block banks 16 including one or more control elements 15 may each have a surface that forms part of the operating surface 11 and preferably lies in a common plane. Figure 4a and Figure 4b Further exemplary details regarding the plurality of slide grooves 14 and the plurality of control block banks 16 are discussed.

[0046] The plurality of valves 25 may be located on a substantially flat surface of the valve box block 20, for example, Figure 1 The arrangement of valves 25 on the valve box block 20 may correspond to the arrangement of control elements 15 on the valve control block 10, so that each valve corresponds to its corresponding control element 15 when the valve box block 20 is placed next to the valve control block 10. Exemplarily, a plurality of valves 25 (and similarly, control elements 15) may be arranged along rows and columns according to an array.

[0047] The valve box block 20 may include a plurality of passages that can be connected or disconnected by actuating valves 25 . Figure 3aA cutaway portion of a valve box block 20 including a diaphragm valve 25 and two passages in directions orthogonal to each other is shown. The structure of the valve box block 20 may include, for example, Figure 3a 25 to provide a manifold of valves 25 and interconnectable conduits forming flow paths. The valve box block 20 may include inlet and outlet connections for connecting to external components, such as a chromatography column or a diaphragm device or a collection container. Exemplarily, the valve box block 20 may be an integrally formed block, such as made of a plastic such as acrylic resin.

[0048] Figure 3b The function of an exemplary diaphragm valve 25 in the valve box block 20 controlled by a 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 being associated with a corresponding solenoid so that the solenoid acts as a pneumatic actuator for the corresponding valve 25. The air chamber may include one or more cavities, for example, a cavity on a surface of the valve control block 10 configured to receive a diaphragm valve. The air chamber may further include a cavity having an inlet and an outlet for an air passage.

[0049] For example, the solenoid may be a normally open (NO) solenoid, which means that the diaphragm valve is normally closed ( Figure 3b When the solenoid switches from open to closed, it removes the air pressure on the diaphragm valve, which then opens, connecting the conduit in the valve box block 20 ( Figure 3b The right hand side of the cartridge). A valve block may also be constructed to house a miniature air or hydraulically operated plunger (or finger) that applies a mechanical force on the valve diaphragm to close the valve, or releases a force to open the valve (either through media fluid pressure on the cartridge side or a physical connection of the diaphragm to an actuator plunger that pulls the valve open). Alternatively, plungers designed using electromagnetic latching solenoids or piezoelectric actuators may also be used.

[0050] In other words, the valve control block 10 and the valve box block 20 cooperate to switch the flow path, and thus, the connection to the inlet and outlet for feed and solvent. The valve control block 10 and the valve box block 20 are formed separately and then mechanically coupled. One advantage of this configuration is that the valve control block 10 can be a permanent component of the chromatography system, and the valve box block 20 can be a disposable component.

[0051] Figure 3b The dashed line on the left hand side of shows the interface between the valve control block 10 and the valve box block 20. In order to ensure the correct operation of the valve device, it is desirable that the valve control block 10 and the valve box block 20 are in airtight contact with each other, and the valve 25 of the valve box block 20 is accurately positioned corresponding to the control element (e.g., solenoid and air chamber) in the valve control block 10.

[0052] To this end, the valve device may include a combination of a sliding member and a pulling bracket, as described below.

[0053] Figure 4a A plurality of exemplary sliding components 30 are shown, wherein the sliding components 30 may all be identical. The plurality of sliding components 30 are configured to slidably interlock with at least some of the plurality of sliding grooves 14 of the valve control block 10, wherein each sliding component 30 is configured to slidably interlock with a corresponding sliding groove 14. In other words, each sliding component 30 is configured to engage a corresponding sliding groove 14 so that the sliding component 30 can move in a given direction (parallel to the sliding direction of the operating surface), but the sliding component is fixed / guided in other directions.

[0054] Generally, the number of sliding components 30 may be less than or equal to the number of sliding grooves 14. Therefore, although each sliding component 30 is received in a sliding groove 14, not every sliding groove 14 will receive a sliding component 30. Figure 1 4 , the valve control block 10 includes seven sliding grooves 14, and the plurality of sliding members 30 includes four sliding members 30. In this case, every other sliding groove 14 may engage a sliding member 30. In other examples, the number of sliding grooves 14 and sliding members 30 may vary.

[0055] The shapes and sizes of the sliding parts 30 and the sliding grooves 14 may at least partially correspond to each other, so that each sliding part 30 may interlock with its corresponding sliding groove 14. In particular, the cross-section of the sliding part 30 in a plane perpendicular to the sliding direction may have a shape and size that at least partially matches the corresponding cross-section of the sliding groove 14. Since the sliding groove 14 is an empty space (or negative space) defined by the adjacent control block dikes 16, the cross-section of the sliding part 30 may have a shape that at least partially complements the shape of the cross-section of the control block dike 16.

[0056] like Figure 4a As shown in the example of , each sliding part 30 may include a ridge 34 and two lateral shoulders 32 (as an embodiment of the interlocking structure of the sliding parts), which together form a substantially T-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the sliding direction (at least over a large part of its extension in the sliding direction). The shoulders 32 may be adapted to engage with corresponding undercut recesses 17 formed in corresponding sliding grooves 14 (see Figure 4b ).

[0057] Each slide member 30 can be considered to include an interlocking portion 32 (e.g., a lateral shoulder 32) configured to engage with the valve control block 10 and a ridge 34 configured to engage with the pulling bracket, as described below. In particular, the interlocking portion 32 can have both a shape and size that matches (i.e., is substantially the same as) the shape and size of the slide groove portion it engages with to ensure a stable interlock. The ridge 34, which is also received in the slide groove 14 as explained in more detail below, can have different sizes and can also have a different shape relative to the slide groove.

[0058] Figure 4b Three different examples of cross-sections of the sliding member 30 and the control block bank 16 are shown. The cross-sections are in a plane perpendicular to the sliding direction. The plane is parallel to the pulling direction. These examples are merely illustrative in purpose and are not drawn to scale.

[0059] In example (i), the sliding member 30 has a T-shaped cross section that matches the T-shaped cross section of the sliding groove 14 formed by the control block bank 16. Alternative examples (ii) and (iii) are also Figure 4b Shown in. Figure 4b The cross-sections shown in are just a few examples of interlocking structures with corresponding / matching shapes. Further examples may include cross-shaped cross-sections, curved cross-sections, and other additional shapes.

[0060] More generally, each sliding groove 14 and correspondingly each sliding member 30 may have a variable width in a direction perpendicular to the operating surface (traction direction), wherein the width may be step-wise or gradually varied as in examples (i) to (iii). The variable width may create a "bottleneck" so that once the sliding member 30 is inserted into the sliding groove 14, the sliding member 30 is fixed in the traction direction.

[0061] Therefore, the plurality of sliding members 30 may be slidably interlocked with the plurality of sliding grooves 14 of the valve control block 10 , thereby fixing the sliding members 30 and the valve control block 10 to each other.

[0062] Back to Figure 4a Each sliding member 30 may include a ridge 34, as described. The ridge 34 may include a portion of a fastening mechanism (such as a first through slot 36 across the width of the ridge) that enables interaction between the sliding member 30 and a pulling bracket (described further below) such that sliding movement of the sliding member 30 in the sliding groove 14 relative to the pulling bracket causes the pulling bracket (40, 50) to pull the valve box block (20) with its control surface (24) abutting against the operating surface (11) of the valve control block (10).

[0063] In this example, each ridge 34 includes a plurality of first through slots 36 spanning the width of the ridge 34 and a threaded hole 38 having a depth in the sliding direction. The threaded hole 38 is configured to receive a tensioning screw of a plurality of tensioning screws 75 (e.g., Figure 7 In particular, the threaded hole 38 may be a blind hole.

[0064] The first through slots 36 may be inclined through slots or mating through slots, which will be discussed below. Each first through slot 36 is configured to receive a pin, such as a locating pin. Exemplarily, each ridge 34 may include three first through slots 36. In other examples, each ridge may include two or more than three first through slots 36.

[0065] The plurality of slide members 30 are configured to engage with the plurality of towing brackets. Figure 5 A plurality of exemplary traction brackets are shown, each traction bracket including a bracket component 40 and a surrounding yoke 50. Exemplarily, the traction brackets may all be identical. The plurality of traction brackets are configured to surround and hold the valve box block 20, so that the valve box block 20 and the plurality of traction brackets form a rigid body. In other words, the plurality of traction brackets may be configured to hold the valve box block 20, so that the valve box block 20 does not move relative to the plurality of traction brackets. The combination of the traction bracket and the valve box block 20 may be referred to as a "box assembly".

[0066] The traction bracket and the valve box block 20 are configured to be coupled so that they do not move relative to each other, and rather, they behave as a single rigid body even under the action of (traction) forces. This means that, for example, if a plurality of traction brackets are pulled toward the valve control block, the valve box block 20 is dragged along and pulled by substantially the same amount.

[0067] Each traction bracket (specifically, the bracket component 40 of the traction bracket) may include a bridging rod 41 and a plurality of tension rods 42 extending perpendicular to the bridging rod 41. In particular, the tension rods 42 may be connected to the bridging rod 41 via their first ends, and may extend perpendicular to the bridging rod 41, and may be substantially parallel to each other. They may even be equidistant from each other within one / each traction bracket. In particular, a tension rod 42 (external tension rod) may be provided at each end of the bridging rod 41, so that the tension rods (external tension rods) at the ends of the bridging rod 41 may surround the valve box block outside the peripheral edge of the valve box block. For any tension rods (internal tension rods) between these external tension rods, the valve box block may provide corresponding surrounding through slots 28 so that the internal tension rods (multiple) extend through the valve box block.

[0068] In the example shown in the accompanying drawings, each traction bracket includes a wraparound yoke 50 that is detachably attached to the second ends of the plurality of tension rods 42, thereby connecting the second ends of the tension rods 42. For example, each tension rod 42 may include an opening 43 (through slot) at its second end, the opening 43 being configured to receive a corresponding wraparound yoke. Each wraparound yoke 50 may include a body 53 and a stop element 56. The body 53 may be a straight rod. Each wraparound yoke 50 may be configured to be inserted through the opening 43 (of the tension rod 42) of the corresponding bracket component 40 so as to be substantially parallel to the bridging rod 41 of the corresponding bracket component 40. In particular, the shape and size of the wraparound yoke 50 may match the shape and size of the opening 43. The stop element 56 may be configured to hold the wraparound yoke in a fixed position once the wraparound yoke 50 is inserted into the opening 43.

[0069] Thus, the bracket member 40 and the surrounding yoke 50 can be coupled by sliding the surrounding yoke 50 in the opening 43 of the bracket member 40 to form a closed frame for the valve box block 20. A plurality of bracket members 40 and a plurality of surrounding yokes 50 can together form a "rib cage" that can enclose the valve box block 20. Thus, the valve box block 20 can be sandwiched between the traction member 40 and the surrounding yoke 50 in a state that can be referred to as an "assembled state".

[0070] Illustratively, each surrounding yoke 50 may have a plurality of protrusions 59 on the side, which are configured to face and contact the valve cage block 20. The plurality of protrusions 59 on the closure member 50 may be positioned so that, in an assembled state, each protrusion 59 may contact an area on one side of the valve cage block 20 corresponding to one of the valves 25 on the other side of the valve cage block 20. The presence of the plurality of protrusions 59 may help to distribute the force more evenly.

[0071] In an example where each bracket component 40 cooperates with a surrounding yoke 50, the plurality of tension rods 42 may include only two tension rods (hereinafter referred to as "external tension rods") at the ends of the bridge rod 41. Thus, each bracket component 40 may have a C-shape.

[0072] Alternatively, the plurality of tension rods 42 may include two outer tension rods and one or more inner tension rods positioned between the outer tension rods. Figure 5 The example of the embodiment shows a support member 40, each of which includes an internal tension rod, so that each support member 40 has an E-shape. Other examples may include two or more internal tension rods. The tension rods 42 may be equidistant from each other along the support member 40, or may be at different distances from each other.

[0073] In the case of one or more internal tension rods, the valve box block 20 may include a plurality of circumferential through slots 28 (see Figure 1) for inserting the internal tension rod to extend through the valve box block in the pulling direction. Therefore, by passing the internal tension rod through a plurality of circumferential through-slots 28, the valve box block 20 and a plurality of pulling brackets 40, 50 can be coupled in particular. If each pulling bracket 40, 50 includes n internal tension rods, and there are m pulling brackets 40, 50 for one valve box block, the valve box block 20 may include at least n×m circumferential through-slots 28. The presence of one or more internal tension rods can support a more uniform distribution of force.

[0074] In summary, the pulling brackets 40, 50 and the valve box block 20 are configured to be coupled to each other, thereby forming a subassembly that can be connected to the valve control block 10 via a sliding member 30 that can engage with the pulling brackets 40, 50, for example, with their respective bridge rods 41. In other examples, the pulling brackets may not have bridge rods, and, instead, the tension rods may directly engage with the sliding members.

[0075] In fact, if Figure 5 As shown in , the bridge bar 41 of each bracket component 40 includes a U-shaped beam configured to at least partially accommodate the spine 34 of the corresponding sliding component 30. Specifically, the U-shaped beam has a slit 44 formed between two side flanges 45. The slit 44 is configured to receive the corresponding spine 34 of the sliding component 30. The slit 44 can extend along the entire length of the bridge bar 41. The length of the slit can be substantially equal to or longer than the length of the spine 34 of the sliding component 30.

[0076] Each pulling bracket comprises a portion of a fastening mechanism which is complementary to the portion of the fastening mechanism implemented in the corresponding sliding member 30. Thus, this complementary portion of the fastening mechanism contributes to the interaction between the sliding member 30 and the pulling bracket 40, 50, so that the sliding movement of the sliding member 30 in the sliding groove 14 relative to the pulling bracket causes the pulling bracket 40, 50 to pull the valve cartridge block 20, wherein its control face 24 abuts against the operating face 11 of the valve control block 10.

[0077] In the example shown in the drawings, as the complementary part of the fastening mechanism, each side flange 45 includes a plurality of second through slots 46 across its width (perpendicular to the sliding direction and the pulling direction), which can be inclined through slots or mating through slots, as discussed further below. Each second through slot 46 is configured to receive a pin, such as a positioning pin 60. The number of second through slots 46 in each single side flange 45 can be the same as the number of first through slots 36 in the spine 34.

[0078] The second through slots 46 in one side flange 45 of the traction member 40 are positioned correspondingly to the second through slots 46 in the other side flange 45. In other words, the second through slots 46 form a pair of facing holes or opposing holes. In addition, the positions of the second through slots 46 on each traction member 40 and the first through slots 36 on each sliding member 30 are such that when the ridge 34 is inserted into the slit 44, each first through slot 36 at least partially overlaps with two second through slots 46. In other words, the positions of the first through slots 36 and the second through slots 46 are such that the first through slots 36 and the second through slots 46 can be at least partially aligned with each other.

[0079] Therefore, the assembled combination of the pulling bracket and the sliding member also has a through slot across its width. To complete the embodiment of the fastening mechanism, a plurality of pins 60 are provided, wherein the pins are configured to pass through the respective first through slots 36 and the respective second through slots 46, thereby transmitting the interaction between the sliding member 30 and the pulling bracket 40, 50. Thus, the pins 60 are configured to couple the pulling bracket 40, 50 with its respective sliding member 30 when inserted into the through slots. In this configuration, the first through slot 36 or the second through slot 46 is an inclined through slot, so that the sliding member 30 and the pulling bracket 40, 50 are still partially movable relative to each other in the sliding direction, that is, partially movable relative to each other parallel to the spine 34.

[0080] The shape and size of the mating through slot substantially match the shape and size of the cross section of the pin 60 in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the pin 60 is inserted into the through slot. In contrast, the inclined through slot is an elongated through slot oriented obliquely in such a plane. Specifically, the inclined through slot has a cross section including the long axis of the extension portion and the short axis of the extension portion (for example, in a plane parallel to the traction direction and parallel to the sliding direction). The long axis of the extension portion is larger than the corresponding size of the pin 60, so that the pin 60 can move along the long axis of the extension portion in the inclined through slot while being guided by the inclined through slot. In one example, the elongated cross section of the inclined through slot may have an aspect ratio (ratio between the long extension portion and the short extension portion) of 5 or more. The extension of the inclined through slot along its short axis may correspond to the thickness of the pin 60.

[0081] The direction of the long axis of the extension portion can be considered as an oblique direction. The oblique direction, i.e., the extension portion of the long axis of the inclined through slot along its extension portion, encompasses an angle (inclination angle) relative to the sliding direction that is different from 0 and different from 90°. In one aspect, the inclination angle may be at least about 5°, optionally at least about 10°. In a further aspect, the inclination angle may not exceed about 20°, optionally not exceed about 15°.

[0082] Figure 6The disassembled state of an exemplary valve device or assembly is shown, which includes: a valve control block 10, a plurality of sliding components 30, a plurality of bracket components 40, a valve box block 20, a plurality of pins 60, a plurality of tensioning screws 75, a plurality of fixing plates 70 and a plurality of surrounding yokes 50. These components can be assembled following various installation orders.

[0083] In one example, the valve box block 20 may be first combined with the pulling brackets 40, 50. Then, the sliding components 30 may be coupled to the pulling brackets 40, 50 using the pins 60. Thereafter, all the sliding components 30 may be inserted together into the corresponding sliding grooves 14 of the valve control block 10. When the sliding components are fully inserted into the sliding grooves, the fixing plate 70 may be mounted to the valve control block.

[0084] There may be one fixing plate 70 provided for each inserted sliding component 30. Alternatively, one or more fixing plates 70 may be provided to each cover a plurality of sliding grooves. The fixing plate(s) 70 may be fixed to the valve control block 10. In one example, the fixing plate(s) 70 may be fixed to at least some of the control block banks 16 of the valve control block 10 via fixing screws.

[0085] As one function, the fixing plate 70 can close the sliding groove to hold the sliding member in the sliding groove. As another function, the fixing plate can stabilize and fix the traction bracket to prevent it from moving in the sliding direction. To further utilize these functions, there can be a fixing plate 70 (or other similar structure) disposed at both ends of each corresponding sliding groove. As yet another function, the fixing plate 70 can serve as an abutment member for a tensioning screw 75, which can be inserted through a corresponding hole in each fixing plate 70 to engage with a corresponding threaded hole in the sliding member 30.

[0086] In another example of an assembly sequence, for example, the bracket member 40 without the surrounding yoke 50 and without the valve cage block 20 may first be coupled to the slide member 30 with the pin 60. Then, the valve cage block 20 may be surrounded by the bracket member 40 together with the surrounding yoke 50. Thereafter, the slide member 30 may be interlocked with the valve control block 10, and the fixing plate 70 may be installed. In any case, before operating the assembly, the tensioning screw 75 will be tightened as further explained below.

[0087] However, it is particularly desirable that in yet another example, the support member 40 (without the surrounding yoke 50 and without the valve box block 20) ​​can first be coupled to the sliding member 30 with the pin 60. Then, the sliding member 30 can be inserted into the sliding groove 14 of the valve control block 10 and can be fixed by the fixing plate 70. Before tightening the tensioning screw 75, the valve control block 20 can be inserted into the support member 40 and fixed by the surrounding yoke 50. This last example is particularly suitable when at least the valve box block 20 is implemented as a disposable component that can be replaced after use, and the other components in the assembly can be implemented as reusable. In this case, replacing the valve box block 20 will not require completely disassembling the entire device. It is sufficient to only release the tensioning screw 75 and pull out the surrounding yoke 50 from the hole in the tension rod 42.

[0088] Figure 7 The assembled state of an exemplary valve device or assembly is shown. In the assembled state, each slide member 30 is slidably interlocked with the valve control block 10 on one side and is movably engaged with the corresponding bracket member 40 on the other side. Each bracket member 40 in turn is movably engaged with the slide member 30 on one side and fixedly holds the valve box block 20 together with the surrounding yoke 50. The valve box block 20 has a side of the valve box block 20 including the valve 25 (control surface) facing the valve control block 10, that is, the operating surface of the valve control block.

[0089] In particular, the ridge 34 of the sliding member 30 may be inside the bridge rod 41 of the bracket member 40. In other words, the ridge 34 may be sandwiched between the side flanges 45 of the slit 44 of the bracket member 40. The ridge 34 and the bridge rod 41 surrounded by the ridge 34 may be located in the sliding groove 14 of the valve control block 10. As described above, the interlocking portion 32 of the sliding member 30 may cooperate with the portion of the sliding groove engaged therewith, so that the sliding member 30 can be slidably moved along the sliding direction (the longitudinal extension of the sliding groove) and fixed relative to the valve control block in other directions. Alternatively or additionally, the width of the ridge 34 plus the width of the side flange 45 may be substantially consistent with the width of the sliding groove 14, so that the movement of the sliding member 30 and the bracket member 40 does not occur perpendicular to the sliding direction and the pulling direction. Therefore, at least in the direction perpendicular to the sliding direction and the pulling direction, the movement of the valve box block 20 relative to the valve control block can also be effectively prevented. Thus, the arrangement of the control element 15 at the operating surface of the valve control block 10 and the valve 25 at the control surface of the valve box block can be stably maintained relative to each other at least in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction and the pulling direction.

[0090] In addition, the valve box block 20 and / or the valve control block 10 may include one or more positioning features configured to keep the box assembly fixed relative to the sliding direction. This can help press the valve box block 20 against the valve control block 10. In addition, this can help the valve 25 on the valve box block 20 and the control element 15 on the valve control block 10 to be correctly positioned correspondingly.

[0091] In one example, the valve box block 20 may have at least one protrusion 22 on one side of the control face, i.e., the side facing the valve control block 10 when assembled. Exemplarily, at least one protrusion 22 may span the entire width of the valve box block 20. In other examples, it may be shorter and / or may be discontinuous, for example, only positioned corresponding to the control block bank 16. In the example shown in the drawings, the valve box block 20 has two protrusions 22, one at each edge of its surface.

[0092] The valve control block 10 may include a groove 12 as a counter portion of the at least one protrusion 22. The valve control block 10 may include at least one groove 12 into which the at least one protrusion 22 is inserted. In other words, each control block dam 16 may include at least one groove 12 configured to accommodate at least one protrusion 22 of the valve box block 20. In particular, the size of the groove may match the size of the protrusion 22. Thus, the insertion of at least one protrusion 22 in at least one groove 12 in each of the control block dams 16 may support correct positioning, as well as prevent relative movement of the valve box block and the valve control block relative to each other, at least with respect to the sliding direction, in the assembled state. In the accompanying drawings (e.g., Figure 2 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , each control block dam 16 has two grooves 12 .

[0093] Figures 8a to 8c 1 and 2 show cross-sectional views of an exemplary valve device in different states during tightening of the tensioning screw 75. The cross-sections correspond to the direction parallel to the sliding direction ( Figures 8a to 8c The vertical direction in the Figures 8a to 8c The cross section is in the horizontal direction.

[0094] Figure 8a A cross-sectional view of the valve assembly is shown at a stage in which a tensioning screw 75 extending through the fixing plate 70 begins to be inserted into the threaded hole 38 of the sliding member 30. This is the fully released position of the tensioning screw and, thereby, the fully extended (initial) position of the valve cartridge block relative to the valve control block. In this initial position, the control surface of the valve cartridge block and the operating surface of the valve control block are not in contact with each other, or at least are not sufficiently pressed against each other as required by the operating state of the valve.

[0095] As the head of the tension screw 75 abuts the fixing plate 70, tightening the tension screw 75 causes the corresponding sliding member 30 to move relative to the valve control block 10 in the sliding direction. More specifically, tightening the tension screw 75 pulls the sliding member 30 toward the fixing plate 70. Figures 8a to 8c It can be seen from the order of Figure 8a The initial state in Figure 8b The intermediate state in the tensioning screw is completely tightened. Figure 8c In the final state, the continuous operation of the tensioning screw 75 causes the sliding member 30 to continuously slide relative to the valve control block 10 in the sliding direction (in Figures 8a to 8c in the order of .

[0096] Since the corresponding bracket part 40 is also prevented from sliding in the direction (if Figures 8a to 8c , being the vertical direction), so the movement of the sliding component 30 in the sliding direction is also a movement relative to the bracket component 40. The sliding component 30 and the bracket component 40 are movably connected via a fastening mechanism, which (in this example) is formed by the first through slot 36 and the second through slot 46 together with the pin 60. As already explained, the fastening mechanism (via the inclined through slot) converts the movement of the sliding component in the sliding direction into the movement of the bracket component 40, and thus moves the traction bracket together with the surrounded valve box block in the traction direction. Figures 8a to 8c In the sequence, the valve control block moves to the right, so that the control surface of the valve box block and the operating surface of the valve control block are close to each other. When the first through groove 36 is a matching through groove and the second through groove 46 is an inclined through groove, the principle is the same.

[0097] In summary, the valve cage block 20 may be suitably pressed against the valve control block 10 to provide a functioning valve arrangement.

[0098] The above-described method for mounting the valve box block 20 (i.e., functionally connecting it to the valve control block 10) is simple, intuitive, and requires minimal effort. In particular, the time for assembly and, in particular, for replacement of the valve box block is significantly reduced relative to the conventional method of directly fixing the valve box block 20 to the valve control block 10 using screws. In addition, the number of components is significantly reduced, for example, from 64 screws to 4 fasteners or screws (one for each sliding component), as in the example discussed above, and no torque wrench is required. In addition, the cost and complexity of the method are greatly reduced compared to hydraulic mounting systems. Finally, any assembly errors are easily noticed, thereby virtually eliminating operator errors.

Claims

1. A component comprising: - at least one valve box block (20) comprising a plurality of valves (25) controllable via a control surface (24) of said valve box 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 (25) when the operating surface (11) is in close contact with the control surface (24) of the at least one valve box block (20), the valve control block (10) comprising at least one sliding groove (14) formed in the operating surface (11); - at least one sliding component (30) configured to be slidably interlocked with the at least one sliding groove (14), so that the at least one sliding component (30) is movable relative to the valve control block (10) in a sliding direction parallel to the operating surface (11); - At least one traction bracket (40, 50) configured to surround the at least one valve box block (20) and interact with the at least one sliding component (30) so that the sliding movement of the at least one sliding component (30) in the at least one sliding groove (14) causes the traction bracket (40, 50) to tug the at least one valve box block (20), wherein its control surface (24) abuts against the operating surface (11) of the valve control block (10).

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein The valve control block (10) comprises a plurality of sliding grooves (14) formed in the operating surface (11), and wherein the assembly comprises: - a plurality of sliding members (30), each sliding member (30) being configured to slidably interlock with a corresponding sliding groove (14); and - A plurality of traction brackets (40, 50), each traction bracket (40, 50) being configured to surround the at least one valve box block (20) and to interact with a corresponding one of the sliding components (30) so that the sliding movement of the corresponding sliding component (30) in the corresponding sliding groove (14) causes the corresponding traction bracket (40, 50) to pull the valve box block (20), wherein its control surface (24) abuts against the operating surface (11) of the valve control block (10).

3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The sliding grooves among the plurality of sliding grooves are formed parallel to each other and at equal distances.

4. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one sliding member (30) comprises two lateral shoulders (32), wherein the two lateral shoulders (32) are adapted to engage with corresponding undercut recesses (17) formed in corresponding sliding grooves (14) of the valve control block (10).

5. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one sliding component (30) comprises a ridge (34), wherein the ridge (34) comprises a portion of a fastening mechanism, wherein the portion of the fastening mechanism enables interaction between the sliding component (30) and the traction bracket (40, 50), so that the sliding movement of the sliding component (30) in the sliding groove (14) along the sliding direction causes the traction bracket (40, 50) to pull the valve box block (20), wherein its control surface (24) abuts against the operating surface (11) of the valve control block (10).

6. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The at least one pulling bracket comprises a U-shaped beam configured to at least partially receive a spine (34) of a corresponding sliding member (30), and the U-shaped beam comprises a complementary portion of the fastening mechanism enabling the interaction between the sliding member (30) and the pulling bracket (40, 50).

7. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The fastening mechanism is implemented such that one of the sliding member and the pulling bracket includes a sliding surface inclined relative to the sliding direction, and the other of the sliding member and the pulling bracket includes or accommodates an abutment element (60) to slide abutting against the inclined sliding surface.

8. The assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The sliding surface is formed by at least one transverse elongated hole (36), and the abutment element comprises at least one pin (60) adapted to extend through the at least one elongated hole.

9. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a tensioning screw (75) to control the forced sliding movement of the sliding member relative to the valve control block when the pulling bracket interacts with the sliding member, thereby causing the operating surface of the valve control block surrounded by the pulling bracket to be tightly pulled against the control surface of the valve box block.

10. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one towing bracket comprises: - a bridging rod (41) configured to engage with the at least one sliding member; - a plurality of tension rods (42) connected to the bridging rod (41) by their first ends and extending perpendicularly to the bridging rod (41) and substantially parallel to each other; and - a wrap-around yoke removably attached to the second ends of the plurality of tension rods, thereby connecting the ends of the tension rods.

11. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein The at least one traction bracket includes at least two tension rods, and wherein the at least one valve box block includes at least one surrounding slot (28), the at least one surrounding slot (28) extending through the control surface to the opposite side of the valve box block, so that when the traction bracket surrounds the valve box block, at least one of the at least two tension rods extends through the surrounding slot (28).

12. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an anti-displacement structure, which prevents the valve box block and the valve control block from moving relative to each other at least in the sliding direction when the control surface and the operating surface face each other or contact each other.

13. A method for assembling a valve device, the method comprising: - providing at least one valve box block (20), said valve box block (20) comprising a plurality of valves (25), said plurality of valves (25) being controllable via a control surface (24) of said valve box block (20); - providing 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 (25) when the operating surface (11) is in contact with a control surface (24) of the at least one valve box block (20); - slidably interlocking at least one sliding component (30) with at least one sliding groove (14) formed in the operating surface (11) of the valve control block (10), so that the at least one sliding component (30) is movable relative to the valve control block (10) in a sliding direction parallel to the operating surface (11); - surrounding the at least one valve box block (20) with at least one pulling bracket (40, 50); - engaging the at least one traction bracket (40, 50) with the at least one sliding component (30) such that movement of the at least one sliding component (30) in the at least one sliding groove (14) causes the at least one traction bracket (40, 50) to pull the at least one valve box block (20) with its control surface (24) abutting against the operating surface (11) of the valve control block (10); - tightening the valve device by sliding the at least one sliding member in the at least one sliding groove, thereby causing the at least one valve box block (20) to be drawn with its control surface (24) against the operating surface (11) of the valve control block (10).

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