Pinch valve and pinch valve unit

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of pinch valve (16) and a kind of pinch valve unit (10), pinch valve has valve housing (18), valve housing has the surrounding casing circumference wall (20) with axial actuator side end (22) and opposite axial hose side end (24) with actuator, and it has cover (26) at hose side end (24), cover defines extrusion cavity (28) for accommodating hose section (17) with casing circumference wall together.Casing circumference wall has accommodating cutout (30) for the fluid-guiding hose is axially inserted into valve housing (18), accommodating cutout is axially from hose side end (24) through valve housing and axially extends on the section of casing circumference wall.In the locking mechanism (32) between cover (26) and casing circumference wall (20) is formed, it is axially closed accommodating cutout (30) in locking position, in open position, the removal of cover and the opening of accommodating cutout are realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a clamp valve and a clamp valve unit having a clamp valve. Background Technology

[0002] A pinch valve is a valve that regulates the flow rate of fluid through a flexible hose. Typically, pinch valves are used in pharmaceutical, bioprocess, or chemical applications where the hose guiding the fluid is used only once and subsequently replaced.

[0003] Typically, a pinch valve includes: a valve body with a pinch chamber into which a flexible hose can be inserted; and an actuator that can be coupled to the valve body. The pinch chamber can be closed by a compressor driven by the actuator, thereby pinching the hose located in the pinch chamber. This reduces or completely stops fluid flow in the hose.

[0004] Because flexible hoses are considered for single use, they need to be replaced periodically. For this reason, pinch valves typically have different locking mechanisms on the valve body to release the squeeze chamber to replace the hose and then re-close it.

[0005] For example, a clamp valve unit is known from WO 2018 / 210403 A1, which includes an actuator unit and a valve housing, the actuator unit and the valve housing being reversibly and detachably connected to each other via a clamp. By releasing the clamp, a squeezing chamber in the valve housing can be released and a new hose can be fitted to the squeezing chamber.

[0006] Furthermore, DE 10 2020 106 149 A1 describes a pinch valve with a pivoting mechanism, wherein the pinch valve includes a retaining element for a flexible hose. The retaining element is pivotally secured to the base of the valve housing.

[0007] Another pivoting mechanism is known from US2012 018 654A1, wherein the pivoting mechanism includes a valve housing with a cover connected to the valve housing via a hinge, such that a compression chamber in the valve housing can be released by pivoting the cover open.

[0008] In addition, a pinch valve housing is known from CA23 20 395A1, which is configured as a two-piece valve housing, wherein the two parts are detachably connected to each other via a threaded connection. Utility Model Content

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a hose clamp valve that enables simple and quick hose replacement.

[0010] According to this invention, the objective is achieved by a pinch valve having a valve housing comprising a surrounding circumferential wall having an axial actuator-side end and an opposite axial hose-side end. The pinch valve also has an end cap that, together with the circumferential wall, defines a compression chamber for receiving a hose section. The circumferential wall has a receiving slit extending axially from the hose-side end through the valve housing and along a section of the circumferential wall for axially inserting a fluid-guiding hose into the valve housing. A bayonet-type locking mechanism is formed between the cap and the circumferential wall, which axially closes the receiving slit in a locked position and allows the cap to be removed and the receiving slit to be opened in an open position. The cap is made of a different material than the circumferential wall to reduce cost. The cap is particularly made of plastic.

[0011] The bayonet-type locking mechanism of the clamp valve according to this invention allows for the simple removal of the cap from the valve housing to facilitate the extraction of the hose from the compression chamber and the insertion of a new hose, without requiring the installer to reach into the compression chamber during the process. Therefore, the clamp valve according to this invention is not only easy to open but also provides improved safety during replacement work. Furthermore, due to the bayonet-type locking mechanism, only manual movement is required to open and lock the cap located on the circumferential wall of the housing. This enables particularly quick and easy replacement of flexible hoses.

[0012] The bayonet locking mechanism preferably does not have an inclination, that is, it does not cause axial movement of the components that move relative to each other when the cover rotates relative to the circumferential wall of the housing, i.e., axial movement of the valve housing relative to the cover.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the valve housing has at least two opposing insertion openings on the inner side of the receiving slit. The cover also has a protrusion extending toward the interior of the valve housing, from which at least two protrusions extend radially away from each other. These protrusions can be inserted into the insertion openings from the receiving slit by rotation of the cover, such that in the closed position the protrusions are received in the insertion openings and the cover is axially fixed to the circumferential wall of the housing. In this way, the cover can be locked within the circumferential wall of the housing by a simple 90° rotation.

[0014] Another aspect of this invention proposes a locking or retaining unit between the cover and the circumferential wall of the housing, which holds the cover in a locked position in the circumferential direction. The locking or retaining unit ensures that the cover is securely held in the locked position and will not detach from the valve housing due to unintentional rotational movement.

[0015] In another aspect of this invention, the locking unit includes a resilient pre-tightening element and a portion pre-tightened by the pre-tightening element, wherein the locking unit is mounted in the cover, and the valve housing has a recess for locking the pre-tightened portion, or conversely, the valve housing has the locking unit while the cover has a recess. Therefore, when the pre-tightened portion engages or locks into the recess, the installer receives tactile and / or audible feedback when closing the cover. Preferably, the position of the locking unit between the cover and the valve housing is selected such that it indicates when the bayonet-type locking mechanism is at the stop. Preferably, the portion pre-tightened by the pre-tightening element is a ball.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, the retaining unit has a magnet at the cover and a mating magnet at the circumferential wall of the housing, the magnet and the mating magnet holding the cover in a locked position. Thus, in addition to the bayonet-type locking mechanism, an additional locking mechanism is provided to prevent the cover from accidentally detaching. The cover is made of plastic and the magnet is embedded in the plastic, which is particularly cost-effective.

[0017] Another aspect of this invention proposes that the cover, in the open position, is securely connected to the valve housing via a flexible connecting element to prevent loss. The flexible connecting element advantageously ensures that the cover is not misplaced during replacement work, but can be readily grasped and held near the valve housing.

[0018] Another aspect of this invention proposes that the flexible connecting element has a first fastening section fastened to the cover and a second fastening section fastened to the circumferential wall of the housing. The first and second fastening sections are connected to each other via a connecting section.

[0019] The first and second fastening sections and the connecting section can be constructed together as a single piece. In this way, the flexible connecting element can be manufactured particularly simply and at low cost.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first and / or second fastening sections are configured as retaining rings. The retaining rings are rotatably accommodated in a groove located in the cover and / or in a groove located in the circumferential wall of the housing. Thus, the connecting element and the cover fastened thereto can be rotated or moved at will by the installer, allowing the installer free access to the compression chamber.

[0021] Preferably, the connecting segment is configured as a belt, chain, or rope. The flexible connecting element can be made of, for example, PTFE. Preferably, the flexible connecting element is injection molded.

[0022] Another aspect of this invention proposes that the clamp valve further includes a retaining element having a receiving portion for accommodating and retaining a hose section. The retaining element secures the hose section within the valve housing to prevent loss.

[0023] Another aspect of this invention proposes that the retaining element is configured as a retaining sleeve that extends circumferentially around and is fastened thereto within the circumferential wall of the housing. The retaining sleeve has two retaining openings for retaining hose sections, which are aligned with the receiving cutout and have a smaller cross-section when viewed radially than the receiving cutout. The retaining sleeve provides the advantage of preventing contaminants such as foreign particles from entering the extrusion chamber during the extrusion process, which could damage the hose. Furthermore, due to the two retaining openings, the retaining sleeve can also retain, i.e., fix the hose section within the receiving cutout, without requiring additional components.

[0024] Furthermore, in another aspect of this invention, it is proposed that the retaining openings each have slit-like slots extending toward the axial actuator-side end and into a retaining section having at least one undercut to secure the hose section against loss. Due to the undercut, the hose remains fixed in the retaining section even when the extrusion chamber is open, thus preventing the hose from immediately falling out of the extrusion chamber during replacement work by opening the cover. This simplifies hose replacement, as the installer does not need to hold the hose held by the retaining section until the cover is repositioned on the housing. Alternatively, the hose can be initially secured in the retaining section, where it is held by the undercut, freeing the installer's hands to lock the cover to the valve housing and finally secure the hose.

[0025] Furthermore, in another aspect of this invention, it is proposed that the retaining sleeve can be reversibly coupled to the circumferential wall of the housing. This is advantageous for the maintenance and installation of the pinch valve. For example, the retaining sleeve can be screwed onto the circumferential wall of the housing.

[0026] Another aspect of this invention proposes that the retaining element has a receiving groove for receiving a hose, the receiving groove aligning with a receiving cutout in the locked position, and the retaining element can be permanently or non-destructively detachably secured to a cap or drive push rod. If the retaining element is secured to the cap, then the retaining element is rotatably supported on the cap to allow relative rotational movement with respect to the cap when locked. The receiving portion is designed such that the retaining groove allows for easy reception and securing of a hose segment within the compression chamber.

[0027] Another aspect of this invention proposes that the retaining element is configured as a clamp having an open end and an opposite closed end, wherein the closed end can be fastened to a cover or a drive push rod.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, a clamping element is provided, the clamping element having a convex spherical section that extends axially into a compression chamber to press the hose sections together. By means of the clamping element, the hose sections located in the compression chamber can be pressed together or clamped to regulate the fluid flow in the hose. For example, the convex spherical section can be spherical or hemispherical.

[0029] This objective is also achieved by a pinch valve unit having a pinch valve and an actuator unit according to one of the above aspects, the actuator unit having a drive push rod fastened to the actuator-side end of the pinch valve. Preferably, the actuator unit is locked and / or screwed to the pinch valve by means of a connecting plate.

[0030] The drive push rod can extend into the extrusion chamber via a mounting opening in the end wall on the actuator side and move axially through the actuator unit, wherein the mounting opening limits the extrusion chamber. Therefore, the hoses located in the extrusion chamber can be compressed together in a simple manner.

[0031] Another aspect of this invention proposes that the drive push rod can be reversibly coupled to a clamping element or retaining element for the hose via a plug-in connector. The retaining element refers to a retaining element according to one of the aforementioned aspects. Due to the plug-in connector, the clamping element or retaining element can be replaced without the use of tools. Furthermore, this provides replaceability, allowing different clamping elements or retaining elements to be used depending on the hose to be compressed. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Other features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, which are shown in the figures:

[0033] - Figure 1 An isometric view of a pinch valve unit according to the present invention according to a first embodiment is shown;

[0034] - Figure 2 Shown through section plane AA Figure 1 Side view of the pinch valve unit in the middle;

[0035] - Figure 3 Show along Figure 1 and Figure 2 A sectional view of plane AA of the pinch valve unit;

[0036] - Figure 4A A side view of the pinch valve unit according to the present invention according to the second embodiment is shown through section plane BB.

[0037] - Figure 4B Show along Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the pinch valve unit with plane BB.

[0038] - Figure 5 Showing according to Figures 1 to 3 Exploded view of the pinch valve unit;

[0039] - Figure 6 An isometric view of the pinch valve unit according to the present invention according to the third embodiment is shown through the cross-sectional plane CC.

[0040] - Figure 7 Show along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the pinch valve unit with the cross-sectional plane CC.

[0041] - Figure 8 Showing according to Figure 6 and Figure 7 Exploded view of the pinch valve unit;

[0042] - Figure 9 An isometric view of the pinch valve unit according to the present invention according to the fourth embodiment is shown through the cross-sectional plane DD.

[0043] - Figure 10 Show along according to Figure 9 A sectional view of the pinch valve unit with plane DD; and - Figure 11 Showing according to Figure 9 and Figure 10 An exploded view of the pinch valve unit. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 1-3 and Figure 5 A pinch valve unit 10 according to a first embodiment is shown.

[0045] As in Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the pinch valve unit 10 includes an actuator unit 12, which is connected to the pinch valve 16 via a connecting plate 14. The actuator unit 12 is described in detail below.

[0046] First, according to Figure 5 The construction of the pinch valve 16 is discussed in detail. This pinch valve includes a valve housing 18 having a surrounding circumferential wall 20, the circumferential wall having an axial actuator-side end 22 and an opposite axial hose-side end 24. The circumferential wall 20 can be designed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. Preferably, the circumferential wall 20 has a circular cross-section.

[0047] An end cap 26 is provided at the axial hose-side end 24 of the housing circumferential wall 20. The end cap 26, together with the housing circumferential wall, defines a compression cavity 28 for receiving the hose section 29 (see [link]). Figure 2The lid is made of a different material than the circumferential walls of the shell in order to reduce costs. The lid is particularly made of plastic.

[0048] A receiving slit 30 is provided on the circumferential wall 20 of the housing, which laterally passes completely through the valve housing 18 starting from the axial hose-side end 24 and extends axially along a section of the circumferential wall 20. This receiving slit allows the hose 31, which guides fluid, to be axially introduced into the valve housing 18 from below. Simply put, the hose section 29 can be brought into the compression chamber 28 via the receiving slit 30. In this respect, the compression chamber 28 and the receiving slit 30 are connected to each other and form a common cavity within the valve housing 18.

[0049] As in Figure 5 As can be clearly seen, a bayonet-type locking mechanism 32 is formed between the cover 26 and the circumferential wall 20 of the housing. The bayonet-type locking mechanism axially closes the receiving cut 30 in the locked position, and realizes the removal of the cover 26 and the opening of the receiving cut 30 in the open position.

[0050] The bayonet-type locking mechanism 32 is formed on the housing side by at least two opposing insertion openings 34 on the inner side of the receiving cutout 30. On the cover side, the bayonet-type locking mechanism 32 is formed by a protrusion 36 of the cover 26 extending toward the interior of the valve housing and at least two protrusions 38 extending radially from the protrusion 36.

[0051] By rotating the cover 26, the protrusion can be introduced into the insertion opening 34 through the receiving cut 30, such that the protrusion 38 is received in the insertion opening 34 in the closed position. Therefore, the cover 26 is axially fixed to the circumferential wall 20 of the housing.

[0052] The insertion opening 34 can, for example, be configured as a groove extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve housing 16, the groove portion extending circumferentially along the inner side of the receiving cutout 30. In particular, the insertion opening 34 can be T-shaped (see...). Figure 5 ).

[0053] Therefore, the protrusion 36 can first move axially toward the inside of the valve housing and lock in the T-shaped insertion opening 34 when it reaches the stop through rotational movement.

[0054] The protrusion 38 and the projection 36 together form a platform-shaped shoulder, which defines a flat plane pointing towards the interior of the valve housing.

[0055] In particular, the bayonet locking mechanism 32 has no inclination, so that the axial movement of the mutually moving parts 18 and 26 will not be caused when the cover 26 rotates relative to the valve housing 18.

[0056] A locking unit 40 is provided between the cover 26 and the circumferential wall 20 of the housing. The locking unit 40 may include, for example, an elastic pre-tightening element 42 and a pre-tightened portion by the pre-tightening element, wherein the locking unit 40 is mounted in the cover 26, and the valve housing 18 has a recess 46 for locking the pre-tightened portion 44.

[0057] The preloaded portion 44 can be, for example, a ball or a wedge, while the preloaded element 42 can be a spring. In particular, the preloaded element 42 can form a spring push rod together with the preloaded portion 44.

[0058] Conversely, the valve housing 18 may have a pre-tightening element 42 and a pre-tightening portion 44, and a recess 46 may be provided on the cover 26. Preferably, the locking unit 40 on the cover 26 and the recess 46 belonging thereto on the valve housing 18 are configured such that the locking unit 40 is respectively associated with one of the two insertion openings 34 and one of the two protrusions 38. According to Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, two locking units 40 are provided, which are respectively associated with the protrusion 38 and the insertion opening 34.

[0059] Furthermore, a retaining unit (not shown here) can be provided, having a magnet on the cover 26 and a mating magnet on the circumferential wall 20 of the housing, the magnet and the mating magnet holding the cover 26 in a locked position. The cover is made of plastic and the magnet is embedded in the plastic, which is particularly low cost.

[0060] The clamp valve 16 also includes a retaining element 48 having a receiving portion 50 for receiving and retaining the hose section 29. The retaining element is particularly important in… Figure 3 As can be seen in the text, please refer to the following text.

[0061] exist Figure 3 In the variant shown, the retaining element 48 is configured as a clamp, wherein the closed end of the clamp, opposite to the open end, is fastened to the cover 26. More closely, the open end of the clamp has a receiving portion 50, which is shaped as a receiving groove for receiving the hose 31. The receiving groove is aligned with the receiving notch 30 in the locked position. In this way, the hose segment 29 inserted into the receiving groove extends laterally through the valve housing 18 and is non-sliply secured in the compression chamber 28 by the retaining element 48.

[0062] Preferably, the retaining element 48 is removably and reversibly fastened to the cover 26 without damage, allowing it to be replaced by another retaining element 48. Alternatively, the retaining element 48 is permanently fastened to the cover 26.

[0063] The retaining element 48 is also rotatably supported on the cover 26, allowing relative movement with respect to the cover 26 when locked between the housing circumferential wall 20 and the cover 26.

[0064] As in Figure 3 As can be seen, the receiving portion 50 has a contact surface 52 facing the extrusion chamber 28 and, when viewed in the axial direction, downward toward the cover 26 which limits the extrusion chamber, such that the contact surface 52 contacts the hose segment 29 supported in the receiving portion 50 in the assembled state.

[0065] Furthermore, the pinch valve 16 has a clamping element 54, which has a convex spherical section 56 that extends axially into the compression chamber 28 and is opposite to the contact surface 52. The convex spherical section 56 has a shape that matches the contact surface 52 of the receiving portion 50.

[0066] exist Figure 3 In the variant shown, the convex spherical section 56 has a spherical fan-shaped design, which forms a mating part with the receiving groove of the clamp. Therefore, the hose 31 can be clamped or squeezed between the clamping element 54 and the retaining element 48 in the compression chamber.

[0067] To achieve compression or clamping of the hose segment 29 in the compression chamber 28, i.e., to move the clamping element 54 toward the holding element 48, the actuator unit 12 has a drive push rod 58, which is fastened to the axial actuator-side end 22 of the valve housing 18. In particular, the actuator unit 12 can be locked and / or screwed to the valve housing 18 by means of a connecting plate 14.

[0068] The drive rod 58 passes through the end wall 62 on the actuator side (see...). Figure 3 The mounting opening 60 extends into the extrusion chamber 28, and the mounting opening defines the extrusion chamber 28. In particular, the drive push rod 58 can be axially translated via the actuator unit 12.

[0069] After the clamping element 54 is inserted, the connecting plate 14 closes the compression chamber 28.

[0070] Furthermore, the drive push rod 58 is coupled to the clamping element 54 via a plug-in connector 64. In other words, the clamping element 54 can be reversibly and non-destructively separated from the drive push rod 58. For example, a double locking spring mechanism can be used as the plug-in connector 64, wherein the springs press the ball outward at both ends.

[0071] The drive rod 58 can be moved axially by the actuator unit 12. The actuator unit 12 can be, for example, an electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, manual, or electromagnetic actuator unit 12. Figures 1 to 11 The pneumatic actuator unit 12 is shown separately.

[0072] exist Figures 4A to 4B Another embodiment of the pinch valve unit 10 is shown below, which will be described in more detail below. Hereinafter, only the embodiment with respect to the pinch valve unit 10 will be described in detail. Figures 1 to 3 The differences are the same as those in the first implementation. For the remaining common features, refer to the description above.

[0073] In addition to the clamp-like retaining element 48, a retaining element in the form of a retaining sleeve for a hose is additionally provided, the retaining sleeve extending circumferentially around and fastened to the circumferential wall 20 of the housing. (As in...) Figure 4B As can be seen, the retaining sleeve is screwed to the circumferential wall of the housing.

[0074] The retaining sleeve includes two opposing retaining openings 66 for retaining the hose section 29, the retaining openings being aligned with the receiving cutout 30 and having a smaller cross-section than the receiving cutout 30 when viewed in the radial direction. From each retaining opening 66 extend a cut-like section 68 toward the axial actuator-side end and into the retaining section 69, the retaining section having at least one undercut 70 to securely retain the hose section 29 against loss.

[0075] In particular, a protrusion, for example in the form of a raised portion, may be provided between the retaining section 69 and the cut-shaped section 68, which forms a narrowed cross-section between the retaining opening 66 and the adjacent cut-shaped section 68.

[0076] Furthermore, the cover 26 is securely connected to the valve housing 18 via a flexible connecting element 72. The flexible connecting element 72 includes a first fastening section 74 fastened to the cover 26 and a second fastening section 76 fastened to the circumferential wall 20 of the housing. In particular, the first and second fastening sections 74 and 76 are connected to each other via a connecting section 78. For example, the connecting section 78 can be configured as a belt, chain, or rope.

[0077] Preferably, the first and second fastening sections 74, 76 and the connecting section 78 are implemented together as a single piece. For example, they can be injection molded together. Advantageously, the flexible connecting element 72 is made of a material such as PTFE.

[0078] Particularly preferably, the first and second fastening sections 74, 76 are designed as retaining rings, which are rotatably accommodated in grooves 80 in the cover 26 or in the circumferential wall 20 of the housing.

[0079] The connecting element 72 described herein can also be used in other embodiments to connect the cover 26 to the valve housing 18 in a way that prevents it from being lost.

[0080] exist Figure 6-8The diagram shows a third embodiment of the pinch valve unit 10. The differences from the first two embodiments will only be described in detail below, as the remaining common features are described above.

[0081] Contrary to the previous two embodiments, the retaining element 48 is not rotatably fastened to the cover 26, but instead is fastened to the free end of the drive rod 58 pointing into the valve housing. The retaining element 48 is implemented as a clamp, for which reference is made. Figures 1 to 5 The description, which applies similarly here.

[0082] In order to achieve reliable clamping of the hose segment 29 located in the compression chamber 28 despite this, a convex spherical segment 56 is provided at the protrusion 36 of the cover 26, the convex spherical segment having a matching profile in the form of the convex spherical segment 56 relative to the contact surface of the receiving portion 50, the convex spherical segment pointing inward of the valve housing and toward the retaining element 48 in the closed position of the cover 26.

[0083] In other words, compared to the previous two embodiments, the positions of the retaining element 48 and the pressing element 54 are interchanged.

[0084] exist Figure 9-11 The fourth embodiment of the pinch valve unit 10 according to the present invention is shown in detail below. Only the differences from the first three embodiments are described below, as the remaining common features are described above.

[0085] In the fourth embodiment, the retaining element 48 is configured as a retaining sleeve, which is already in accordance with... Figures 4A to 4B The retaining sleeve described in detail in the second embodiment has the same design. However, unlike the second embodiment, no additional retaining element 48 in the form of a clamp is provided. In this embodiment, the hose segment 29 is therefore fixed only by the retaining sleeve. This has a particular advantage: when the actuator 12 is operated, the hose segment 29 does not move axially in the extrusion chamber 28 along with the drive push rod 58, as is the case according to the third embodiment. Instead, the hose segment 29 is held fixed in the extrusion chamber 28 independently of the movement of the drive push rod 58 toward the protrusion 36 of the cover 26.

[0086] As clearly in Figure 11 As can be seen, the clamping element 54 has a columnar segment 56. Specifically, the clamping element 54 has a beam shape and a blunt, wedge-shaped edge pointing towards the compression chamber 28. The protrusion 36 of the cover 26 serves as a mating member with the clamping element 54, and the protrusion 36 defines a flat, flat contact surface 52 with its protrusion 38, on which the hose segment 29 rests. This surface corresponds to the contact surface 52 of the receiving portion 50 and defines the compression chamber 28 in the axial direction.

[0087] In order to fix the clamping element 54 to the drive push rod 58, an adapter 81 is provided, which is disposed between the drive push rod 58 and the clamping element 54 and connects them to each other.

[0088] The working principle of the clamp valve unit 10 is described below. In the ready state, the cover 26 is locked to the valve housing 18. To replace the hose 31, the cover 26 can be rotated relative to the circumferential wall 20 of the housing, thereby releasing the two protrusions 36 of the cover 26 through the insertion opening 34, and the cover can be removed from the circumferential wall of the housing. Therefore, the clamping chamber 28 can be freely accessed from the axial hose-side end 24 via the receiving cut 30, and the hose 31 can be replaced.

[0089] In the first two embodiments, the hose 31 is secured by a retaining element 48 fastened to the cover 26, thereby removing the hose from the compression chamber 28 by removing the cover 26. Because the retaining element 48 holds the hose section 29 only in a non-slip manner, the hose section can be removed from the receiving portion 50 by a slight pull. In the third and fourth embodiments, the hose 31 is instead secured to the valve housing 18 by the retaining element 48.

[0090] After the hose section 29 is replaced, the cover 26 can be locked again with the housing circumferential wall 20, so that the new hose section 29 is located in the compression chamber 28.

[0091] During operation of the clamp valve unit 10, the actuator unit 12 can be manipulated, thereby driving the push rod 58 to sink into the compression chamber 28. Here, in the first two embodiments, the hose segment 29 located in the compression chamber 28 is pressed together or squeezed between the clamping element 54 and the retaining element 48. In the third embodiment, the hose segment 29 is pressed together or squeezed between the convex spherical segment 56 of the cover 26 and the retaining element 48. In the fourth embodiment, the hose segment 29 is pressed together or squeezed between the protrusion 36 and the clamping element 56 in the compression chamber 28.

Claims

1. A pinch valve (16), characterized in that, The pinch valve has a valve housing (18) having a surrounding circumferential wall (20) with an axial actuator-side end (22) and an opposite axial hose-side end (24), and an end cap (26) at the hose-side end (24), the end cap and the circumferential wall (20) defining a compression chamber (28) for receiving a hose segment (17). The circumferential wall (20) of the housing has a receiving slit (30) for axially inserting a fluid-guiding hose into the valve housing (18). The receiving slit axially extends from the hose-side end (24) through the valve housing (18) and axially along a section of the circumferential wall (20). Furthermore, a bayonet locking mechanism (32) is formed between the cover (26) and the housing circumferential wall (20), the bayonet locking mechanism axially closes the receiving cut (30) in the locked position, and realizes the removal of the cover (26) and the opening of the receiving cut (30) in the open position, and wherein the cover (26) is made of a material different from the housing circumferential wall (20).

2. The pinch valve (16) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve housing (18) has at least two opposing insertion openings (34) on the inner side of the receiving cut (30), and The cover (26) has a protrusion (36) extending toward the interior of the valve housing, from which at least two protrusions (38) extend away from each other, the protrusions being able to be introduced into the insertion opening (34) from the receiving cut (30) by rotation of the cover (26), such that in the closed position, the protrusions (38) are received in the insertion opening (34) and the cover (26) is axially fixed to the circumferential wall (20) of the housing.

3. The pinch valve (16) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A retaining unit or locking unit (40) is provided between the cover (26) and the circumferential wall (20) of the housing, the retaining unit or locking unit holding the cover (26) in the locked position along the circumferential direction.

4. The pinch valve (16) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking unit (40) includes a resilient pre-tightening element (42) and a pre-tightened portion (44) via the pre-tightening element (42), wherein the locking unit (40) is mounted in the cover (26), and the valve housing (18) has a recess (46) for locking the pre-tightened portion (44), or conversely, the valve housing (18) has the locking unit (40) and the cover (26) has the recess (46).

5. The pinch valve (16) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The retaining unit has a magnet on the cover (26) and a mating magnet on the circumferential wall (20) of the housing, the magnet and the mating magnet holding the cover (26) in the locked position, wherein the cover (26) is made of plastic and the magnet is embedded in the plastic.

6. The pinch valve (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The cover (26) is connected to the valve housing (18) in the open position in a loss-proof manner via a flexible connecting element (72).

7. The pinch valve (16) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The flexible connecting element (72) has a first fastening section (74) fastened to the cover (26) and a second fastening section (76) fastened to the circumferential wall (20) of the housing, wherein the first and second fastening sections (74, 76) are connected to each other via a connecting section (78).

8. The pinch valve (16) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first and second fastening sections (74, 76) and the connecting section (78) are together formed as a single piece.

9. The pinch valve (16) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The first fastening section (74) is configured as a retaining ring, which is rotatably received in a groove (80) in the cover (26), and / or the second fastening section (76) is rotatably received in a groove (80) in the circumferential wall (20) of the housing.

10. The pinch valve (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A retaining element (48) is provided, the retaining element having a receiving portion (50) for receiving and retaining the hose section (17).

11. The pinch valve (16) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The retaining element (48) is configured as a retaining sleeve that extends circumferentially around and is fastened to the circumferential wall (20) of the housing, wherein the retaining sleeve has two retaining openings (66) for retaining the hose section (17), the retaining openings being aligned with the receiving cutout (30) and having a smaller cross-section than the receiving cutout (30) when viewed in the radial direction.

12. The pinch valve (16) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The retaining openings (66) each have a slit-shaped slot (68) extending toward the actuator-side end (22) in the axial direction and into a retaining section (69), the retaining section having at least one undercut (70) to retain the hose section (17) in a way that prevents it from being lost.

13. The pinch valve (16) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The retaining sleeve is reversibly coupled to the circumferential wall (20) of the housing.

14. The pinch valve (16) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The retaining element (48) has a receiving groove for receiving the hose, the receiving groove being aligned with the receiving cutout (30) in the locked position, and the retaining element (48) is permanently or non-destructively detachably and reversibly secured to the cap (26) or the drive push rod (58).

15. The pinch valve (16) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The retaining element (48) is configured as a clamp having an open end and a closed end, wherein the closed end is capable of being fastened to the cover (26) or the drive push rod (58).

16. The pinch valve (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A clamping element (54) is provided, the clamping element having a convex spherical section (56) that extends into the compression chamber (28) in the axial direction and clamps the hose together.

17. A pinch valve unit (10), characterized in that, The clamp valve unit has a clamp valve (16) according to any one of the preceding claims and an actuator unit (12), the actuator unit having a drive push rod (58) fastened to an axial actuator-side end (24) of the clamp valve (16).

18. The pinch valve unit (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The drive push rod (58) extends into the extrusion chamber (28) via a mounting opening (60) in the end wall (62) on the actuator side and is translatably movable in the axial direction by the actuator unit (12), wherein the mounting opening limits the extrusion chamber (28).

19. The pinch valve unit (10) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The drive push rod (58) can be reversibly coupled to a clamping element (54) or a retaining element (48) for the hose via a plug-in connector.

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