Valve element, valve and fluid connector

Abstract

The utility model provides a valve element, a valve and a fluid connector. The valve and the fluid connector respectively comprise the valve element. The valve element comprises a first valve part and a second valve part which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the valve element, and the first valve part and the second valve part are independently formed; wherein the first valve part and the second valve part are connected to each other and together define a groove for receiving a seal, and wherein the groove extends in a circumferential direction of the valve element, the groove is configured to open towards an outer circumference of the valve element, and at least a portion of the groove tapers in a radially outward direction of the valve element. According to the valve element and the fluid connector, the sealing piece can be stably kept in the groove of the valve element, and the valve element and the fluid connector are easy to manufacture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model generally relates to a valve element, a valve comprising the valve element and a fluid connector comprising the valve element. Background Art

[0002] Fluid connectors are usually used to establish fluid communication between fluid pipelines. Fluid connectors with a shutoff function usually include a valve element and a seal contained in a groove of the valve element to control the opening and closing of the fluid passage of the fluid connector. However, when the pressure of the fluid in the fluid connector is high or the seal repeatedly rubs against other parts of the fluid connector, the seal may come out of the groove of the valve element, resulting in a seal failure, and further resulting in a shutoff function failure of the fluid connector. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of the utility model is to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art and to provide an improved valve element, a valve including the valve element and a fluid connector including the valve element.

[0004] To this end, a first aspect of the utility model provides a valve element, which includes a first valve part and a second valve part adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the valve element, and the first valve part and the second valve part are each molded separately; wherein the first valve part and the second valve part are connected to each other and jointly define a groove for accommodating a seal, and wherein the groove extends along the circumferential direction of the valve element, the groove is configured to open toward the outer periphery of the valve element, and at least a portion of the groove tapers in a radially outward direction of the valve element.

[0005] The tapered configuration of the groove of the valve element can more firmly hold the seal on the valve element, which can prevent the seal from coming out of the groove, for example, when the flow rate and / or pressure of the fluid flowing through the valve element is high and when the seal repeatedly rubs against other parts. It is difficult to integrally form a valve element with a tapered groove, and the manufacture of a valve element with a tapered groove can be achieved by separately forming two valve parts and then connecting the two valve parts together.

[0006] According to the above technical concept, the utility model may further include any one or more of the following optional forms.

[0007] In some optional forms, the first valve part includes a first surface and a second surface adjacent to each other, wherein the second valve part includes a third surface, and wherein the second surface forms the bottom surface of the groove, and the first surface and the third surface are respectively located on opposite sides of the second surface and form two opposite sides of the groove.

[0008] In some optional forms, the first valve portion includes an end wall and an annular wall extending from the end wall substantially parallel to the axial direction, the end wall includes the first surface, and the annular wall includes the second surface; wherein the second valve portion includes an annular edge at its end, the annular edge including the third surface.

[0009] In some optional forms, the annular edge is adjacent to the annular wall and extends around the annular wall to at least partially overlap with the annular wall in the axial direction of the valve element.

[0010] In some optional forms, the second surface extends generally parallel to the axial direction, and each of the first surface and the third surface forms an acute angle with the second surface.

[0011] In some optional forms, the acute angle is in the range of 45° to 80°.

[0012] In some optional forms, the first valve portion and the second valve portion are each injection molded from a polymer material.

[0013] In some optional forms, the first valve part and the second valve part are connected together by welding, bonding or clamping.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention provides a valve, comprising the valve element according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0015] In some optional forms, the valve is a stop valve, a safety valve, a regulating valve or a check valve, etc. The valve can be arranged in a fluid pipeline or other device containing fluid to control or regulate the flow of the fluid.

[0016] A third aspect of the present invention provides a fluid connector, comprising the valve element according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0017] In some optional forms, the fluid connector also includes a connector body, an elastic member and a seal, wherein the connector body defines a fluid channel for fluid to pass through, wherein the seal is disposed in a groove of the valve element, wherein the valve element is capable of moving within the connector body between a closed position closing the fluid channel and an open position opening the fluid channel, and the valve element is biased in the closed position by the elastic member.

[0018] In some optional forms, the fluid connector further comprises a connector body, an elastic member, a seal and a sliding sleeve, wherein the connector body defines a fluid channel for fluid to pass through, wherein the seal is disposed in a groove of the valve element, wherein the sliding sleeve is sleeved outside the valve element within the connector body and is movable between a closed position for closing the fluid channel and an open position for opening the fluid channel, and the sliding sleeve is biased in the closed position by the elastic member.

[0019] The valve element, the valve and the fluid connector according to the utility model can firmly hold the sealing member in the groove of the valve element and are easy to manufacture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood through the optional embodiments described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar reference numerals identify the same or similar components, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a side view of a valve element of a fluid connector in;

[0023] Figure 3A yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a valve element of a fluid connector in which a first valve portion and a second valve portion of the valve element have not yet been welded to each other;

[0024] Figure 3B yes Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of a valve element of a fluid connector in which the first valve portion and the second valve portion of the valve element are welded to each other;

[0025] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid connector according to another exemplary embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 5A and Figure 5B They are Figure 4 A side view and a cross-sectional view of a valve element of a fluid connector in FIG. 1 ; and

[0027] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 Fluid connectors and Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the fluid connectors when connected together. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The implementation and use of the embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely exemplary of specific ways to implement and use the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. When describing the structural positions of the various components, such as up, down, top, bottom, etc., the expressions of orientation are not absolute, but relative. When the various components are arranged as shown in the figure, these orientation expressions are appropriate, but when the positions of the various components in the figure change, these orientation expressions also change accordingly.

[0029] In the present invention, the axial direction of a cylindrical or rod-shaped component refers to the direction of the central axis of the component, the circumferential direction of a cylindrical or rod-shaped component refers to the direction along the circumference of the component, and the radial direction of a cylindrical or rod-shaped component refers to the direction passing through the central axis of the component and perpendicular to the axial direction of the component.

[0030] The terms "first", "second", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. In the present utility model, unless otherwise expressly provided, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed", etc. should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0031] Figures 1 to 3B A fluid connector 10A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 6 , the fluid connector 10A includes a connector body 100A, a valve element 200A, an elastic member 300A and a seal 400A. The connector body 100A defines a fluid channel 102A for fluid to pass through. The valve element 200A can be in the fluid channel 102A in a closed position (see Figure 1 ) and the open position of the open fluid channel 102A (see Figure 6 ). The valve element 200A is initially biased in the closed position by the elastic member 300A. The valve element 200A can overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 300A and move toward the open position to open the fluid channel 102A when subjected to an external force, and the valve element 200A can return to the initial closed position under the elastic force of the elastic member 300A when the external force is removed to close the fluid channel 102A to achieve the cut-off function.

[0033] The end of the connector body 100A defines a communication port 104A of the fluid channel 102A, and fluid can enter or flow out of the fluid channel 102A of the connector body 100A through the communication port 104A. The valve element 200A includes a groove 202A for accommodating a seal 400A, wherein the seal 400A is in the form of a sealing ring. Figure 1 As shown, when the valve element 200A is in the closed position, the valve element 200A blocks the communication port 104A, and the seal 400A seals the gap between the outer surface of the valve element 200A and the inner surface of the connector body 100A to close the fluid channel 102A; Figure 6 As shown, when the valve element 200A is in the open position, the valve element 200A moves away from the communication port 104A to allow the fluid to enter or flow out of the fluid passage 102A of the connector body 100A through the communication port 104A.

[0034] Reference Figures 2 to 3B The valve element 200A includes a first valve portion 204A and a second valve portion 206A adjacent to each other in the axial direction D of the valve element 200A, and the first valve portion 204A and the second valve portion 206A are each separately molded. The first valve portion 204A and the second valve portion 206A are connected to each other and jointly define a groove 202A for accommodating a seal 400A. The groove 202A extends along the circumferential direction of the valve element 200A, the groove 202A is configured to be open toward the outer periphery of the valve element 200A, and at least a portion of the groove 202A is gradually contracted in the radially outward direction of the valve element 200A.

[0035] The tapered configuration of the groove 202A can more firmly hold the seal 400A on the valve element 200A, which can prevent the seal 400A from coming out of the groove 202A when the fluid flow rate and / or fluid pressure in the connector body 100A is high and when the seal 400A repeatedly rubs against the inner surface of the connector body 100A as the valve element 200A reciprocates in the fluid channel 102A. The manufacture of the valve element 200A having the tapered groove 202A is facilitated by forming two valve parts separately and then connecting the two valve parts together.

[0036] The first valve portion 204A and the second valve portion 206A can be injection molded from a polymer material. The first valve portion 204A and the second valve portion 206A can be connected to each other by welding, bonding or clamping. Forming two valve portions separately and then connecting the two valve portions together is particularly advantageous for manufacturing a valve element of a polymer material, otherwise it is difficult to integrally form a valve element with a tapered groove by injection molding (due to, for example, difficulty in demoulding during the injection molding process).

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the first valve portion 204A includes an end wall 208A extending substantially perpendicular to the axial direction D and an annular wall 210A extending substantially parallel to the axial direction D from the end wall 208A. The end wall 208A includes a first surface 212A, the annular wall 210A includes a second surface 214A, and the first surface 212A and the second surface 214A are adjacent to each other. The second valve portion 206A is in the form of a bracket and includes an annular edge 216A at its end. The annular edge 216A includes a third surface 218A. The second surface 214A extends substantially parallel to the axial direction D and forms the bottom surface of the groove 202A, and the first surface 212A and the third surface 218A are respectively located on opposite sides of the second surface 214A and form two side surfaces of the groove 202A. It can be understood that in other embodiments not shown, the first surface can be provided by the first valve portion, and the second surface and the third surface can be provided by the second valve portion.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom surface of the groove 202A is integrally formed by the second surface 214A of the first valve portion 204A, which is conducive to achieving better flatness and less surface roughness of the bottom surface of the groove 202A, so as to achieve close contact between the sealing member 400A and the second surface 214A, thereby improving the sealing performance of the sealing member 400A. In other embodiments, the bottom surface of the groove may also be formed by a portion of the surface of the first valve portion and a portion of the surface of the second valve portion, as long as the flatness and surface roughness requirements of the bottom surface of the groove are met.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first surface 212A and the third surface 218A is at an acute angle to the second surface 214A. The angle of the acute angle can be in the range of 45° to 80°, preferably in the range of 65° to 75°, so as to achieve a stable retention of the seal 400A by the groove 202A. In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface 212A, the second surface 214A and the third surface 218A are substantially flat surfaces. It is understood that in other embodiments not shown, the first surface, the second surface and the third surface can also be configured as curved surfaces.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 202A has a constant radial cross-section, and the entire groove 202A tapers in the radially outward direction of the valve element 200A. It is understood that in other embodiments, the groove may have a variable radial cross-section, and one or more circumferential portions of the groove taper in the radially outward direction of the valve element; in still other embodiments, the groove may have a constant radial cross-section, and one or more radial portions of the groove taper in the radially outward direction of the valve element.

[0041] Continue to refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B, the first valve part 204A also includes a columnar portion 220A protruding from the end wall 208A substantially parallel to the axial direction D, and correspondingly, the second valve part 206A also includes a recessed portion 222A matching the columnar portion 220A. The first valve part 204A can be welded to the second valve part 206A by ultrasonic welding. During the ultrasonic welding process, the columnar portion 220A is gradually inserted into the recessed portion 222A while applying high-frequency ultrasonic waves to both, and the high-frequency ultrasonic waves are used to cause vibration and generate heat, so that the polymer materials of the columnar portion 220A and the recessed portion 222A are at least partially melted, and the high-frequency ultrasonic waves are stopped when the columnar portion 220A is inserted into the recessed portion 222A. After the melted polymer material cools down, the first valve part 204A and the second valve part 206A are fixed to each other.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the annular edge 216A of the valve element 200A is adjacent to the annular wall 210A and extends around the annular wall 210A to at least partially overlap with the annular wall 210A in the axial direction of the valve element 200A. In this way, when the valve element 200A is subjected to a lateral force (e.g., an external force in the radial direction), the annular edge 216A and the annular wall 210A can abut against each other to share a certain lateral force, reduce the force acting on the weld between the first valve portion 204A and the second valve portion 206A, and thereby prevent the weld between the first valve portion 204A and the second valve portion 206A from cracking or being damaged.

[0043] Figures 4 to 5B A fluid connector 10B according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0044] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 6 The fluid connector 10B includes a connector body 100B, a valve element 200B, an elastic member 300B, a first sealing member 400B, a second sealing member 402 and a sliding sleeve 500. The connector body 100B defines a fluid passage 102B for fluid to pass through. The sliding sleeve 500 is sleeved outside the valve element 200B in the fluid passage 102B and can be in a closed position (see Figure 4 ) and the open position of the open fluid channel 102B (see Figure 6 ), and the sliding sleeve 500 is initially biased in the closed position by the elastic member 300B. The sliding sleeve 500 can overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 300B and move toward the open position to open the fluid channel 102B when subjected to an external force, and the sliding sleeve 500 can return to the initial closed position under the elastic force of the elastic member 300B when the external force is removed to close the fluid channel 102B and thereby achieve a cutoff function.

[0045] A communication port 104B of the fluid channel 102B is defined between the connector body 100B and the valve element 200B, and fluid can flow into or out of the fluid channel 102B of the connector body 100B through the communication port 104B. The valve element 200B includes a groove 202B for accommodating the first sealing member 400B, and the sliding sleeve 500 includes a groove 202B for accommodating the second sealing member 402. Figure 4 As shown, when the sliding sleeve 500 is in the closed position, the sliding sleeve 500 blocks the communication port 104B, the first sealing member 400B seals the gap between the inner surface of the sliding sleeve 500 and the outer surface of the valve element 200B, and the second sealing member 402 seals the gap between the outer surface of the sliding sleeve 500 and the inner surface of the connector body 100B to close the fluid passage 102B; Figure 6 As shown, when the sliding sleeve 500 is in the open position, the sliding sleeve 500 moves away from the communication port 104B to allow the fluid to flow into or out of the fluid channel 102B of the connector body 100B through the communication port 104B.

[0046] Reference FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B , Figure 5A and Figure 5B The groove 202B of the valve element 200B is shown with Figure 3A and Figure 3B The groove 202A of the valve element 200A shown is formed in a substantially similar manner and has a similar structure. Figure 5A and Figure 5BThe valve element 200B shown also includes a first valve portion 204B and a second valve portion 206B adjacent to each other in the axial direction D of the valve element 200B, and the first valve portion 204B and the second valve portion 206B are each separately molded and are made of polymer materials. The first valve portion 204B and the second valve portion 206B are welded to each other and jointly define a groove 202B for accommodating a seal 400B. The groove 202B extends along the circumferential direction of the valve element 200B, and the groove 202B is configured to be open toward the outer periphery of the valve element 200B, and at least a portion of the groove 202B is gradually reduced in the radially outward direction of the valve element 200B. The first valve portion 204B and the second valve portion 206B are formed by injection molding. The first valve portion 204B includes an end wall 208B and an annular wall 210B extending from the end wall 208B substantially parallel to the axial direction D. The end wall 208B includes a first surface 212B, the annular wall 210B includes a second surface 214B, and the first surface 212B and the second surface 214B are adjacent to each other. The second valve portion 206B has a generally rod-like shape and includes an annular edge 216B at its end. The annular edge 216B includes a third surface 218B. The second surface 214B extends generally parallel to the axial direction D and forms a bottom surface of the groove 202B, and the first surface 212B and the third surface 218B are respectively located on opposite sides of the second surface 214B and form two side surfaces of the groove 202B. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The specific formation and structure of the groove 202B of the valve element 200B shown in FIG. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The description of the groove 202A of the valve element 200A shown will not be described in detail below.

[0047] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The valve element 200B shown is Figure 3A and Figure 3B The valve element 200A shown is different in that Figure 5A and Figure 5B The configuration of the second valve portion 206B of the valve element 200B is shown. Figure 5A and Figure 5BThe second valve part 206B of the valve element 200B shown is fixed in the connector body 100B. The second valve part 206B may include a head 224, a base 226, and a rod 228 extending between the head 224 and the base 226. The head 224 and the first valve part 204B jointly define a groove 202B. The base 226 is provided with a through hole 230 for fluid to pass through. The rod 228 is provided with a reinforcing rib 232 to strengthen the rod 228. The elastic member 300B is sleeved on the outside of the second valve part 206B, one end of the elastic member 300B abuts against the sliding sleeve 500, and the other end of the elastic member 300B abuts against the base 226B to bias the elastic member 300B in the initial closed position.

[0048] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 The fluid connector 10A and Figure 4 10A and 10B are connected together. The fluid connector 10A can be partially inserted into the connector body 100B of the fluid connector 10B. When the fluid connector 10A is inserted into place, the fluid channels of the two fluid connectors are opened to allow the fluid conduits connected to the two fluid connectors to be in fluid communication with each other.

[0049] It is to be understood that the above description only gives two examples of the valve element according to the utility model. In other embodiments not shown, the valve element may also have other configurations, and in addition to being applied to a fluid connector with a shutoff function, may also be applied to other types of fluid connectors and various other scenarios requiring valves. For example, the valve element may be used for various types of valves such as shutoff valves, safety valves, regulating valves, check valves, etc.

[0050] It should also be understood that Figures 1 to 6 The illustrated embodiments merely show the shapes, sizes and arrangements of the various optional components of the valve element and the fluid connector according to the present invention, but they are merely illustrative and not restrictive, and other shapes, sizes and arrangements may also be adopted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0051] The technical content and technical features of the utility model have been disclosed above. However, it is understandable that under the creative idea of ​​the utility model, those skilled in the art can easily make modifications, variations and equivalents of these embodiments according to the disclosed content. For example, a feature shown or described as part of an embodiment can be used together with another embodiment to produce another embodiment. The present disclosure is intended to cover these modifications, variations and equivalents. The description of the above embodiments is exemplary rather than restrictive, and the scope of protection of the utility model is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A valve element, characterized in that: The valve element (200A, 200B) comprises a first valve portion (204A, 204B) and a second valve portion (206A, 206B) adjacent to each other in an axial direction (D) of the valve element (200A, 200B), wherein the first valve portion (204A, 204B) and the second valve portion (206A, 206B) are each separately molded; wherein the first valve portion (204A, 204B) and the second valve portion (206A, 206B) are connected to each other and jointly define a groove (202A, 202B) for accommodating a sealing member (400A, 400B), and The grooves (202A, 202B) extend along the circumferential direction of the valve element (200A, 200B) and are configured to be open toward the outer periphery of the valve element (200A, 200B), and at least a portion of the grooves (202A, 202B) tapers in the radially outward direction of the valve element (200A, 200B).

2. The valve element according to claim 1, characterized in that The first valve portion (204A, 204B) includes a first surface (212A, 212B) and a second surface (214A, 214B) adjacent to each other, wherein the second valve portion (206A, 206B) includes a third surface (218A, 218B), and wherein the second surface (214A, 214B) forms the bottom surface of the groove (202A, 202B), and the first surface (212A, 212B) and the third surface (218A, 218B) are respectively located on opposite sides of the second surface (214A, 214B) and form two opposite sides of the groove (202A, 202B).

3. The valve element according to claim 2, characterized in that The first valve portion (204A, 204B) includes an end wall (208A, 208B) and an annular wall (210A, 210B) extending from the end wall (208A, 208B) substantially parallel to the axial direction (D), the end wall (208A, 208B) including the first surface (212A, 212B), and the annular wall (210A, 210B) including the second surface (214A, 214B); wherein the second valve portion (206A, 206B) includes an annular edge (216A, 216B) at its end, and the annular edge (216A, 216B) includes the third surface (218A, 218B).

4. The valve element according to claim 3, characterized in that The annular edge (216A, 216B) is adjacent to the annular wall (210A, 210B) and extends around the annular wall (210A, 210B) to at least partially overlap with the annular wall (210A, 210B) in the axial direction of the valve element (200A, 200B).

5. The valve element according to claim 2, characterized in that The second surface (214A, 214B) extends substantially parallel to the axial direction (D), and each of the first surface (212A, 212B) and the third surface (218A, 218B) forms an acute angle with the second surface (214A, 214B).

6. The valve element according to claim 5, characterized in that The acute angle is in the range of 45° to 80°.

7. The valve element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The first valve part (204A, 204B) and the second valve part (206A, 206B) are each injection molded from a polymer material.

8. The valve element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The first valve part (204A, 204B) and the second valve part (206A, 206B) are connected together by welding, bonding or clamping.

9. A valve, characterized in that: The valve comprises a valve element (200A, 200B) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A fluid connector, characterized in that: The fluid connector (10A, 10B) comprises a valve element (200A, 200B) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. The fluid connector according to claim 10, characterized in that: The fluid connector (10A) also includes a connector body (100A), an elastic member (300A) and a seal (400A), wherein the connector body (100A) defines a fluid channel (102A) for fluid to pass through, wherein the seal (400A) is arranged in a groove (202A) of the valve element (200A), wherein the valve element (200A) is capable of moving within the connector body (100A) between a closed position closing the fluid channel (102A) and an open position opening the fluid channel (102A), and the valve element (200A) is biased in the closed position by the elastic member (300A).

12. The fluid connector according to claim 10, characterized in that The fluid connector (10B) further comprises a connector body (100B), an elastic member (300B), a seal (400B) and a sliding sleeve (500), wherein the connector body (100B) defines a fluid channel (102B) for fluid to pass through, wherein the seal (400B) is arranged in a groove (202B) of the valve element (200B), wherein the sliding sleeve (500) is sleeved inside the connector body (100B) outside the valve element (200B) and is movable between a closed position for closing the fluid channel (102B) and an open position for opening the fluid channel (102B), and the sliding sleeve (500) is biased in the closed position by the elastic member (300B).

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