QUETSCHVENTIL

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pinch valve for squeezing a hose section.

[0002] Hose pinch valves for squeezing hose sections together are well known.

[0003] For example, US 2009 / 0101861 A1 discloses a valve for throttling and closing plastic pipes, comprising a base having a surface for holding a plastic pipe, two side guides extending from the base, an upper part provided with a throttling element, and means for raising and lowering the throttling element onto a seat. One of the side guides is pivotally connected to the base and can be connected to the upper part. The upper part has a branch for receiving the guide, with a seat provided at the branch for holding a head on the side guide. The valve can be placed around a plastic pipe, and the throttling element can be positioned to adjust the flow through the pipe. To remove the valve from the pipe, the head of the side guide is released from its seat by depressing the upper part, opening the valve.

[0004] From US 2001 / 0019117 A1 a pinch valve with a counter bearing section movable along an actuating axis is known.

[0005] From US 4,978,100 A, a clamping device for a fire hose with a rotatable jaw as a counter section for a compressor is known, wherein the fire hose can be inserted along the adjusting axis of the compressor.

[0006] The problem underlying the invention is solved by a pinch valve according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments can be found in the subclaims, the following description and the drawing.

[0007] One aspect of the description relates to a pinch valve comprising: a base body with a receiving space for a hose section, wherein the base body comprises a lateral opening leading into the receiving space; a closure element movably fastened to the base body, which closure element is movable relative to the base body between a first position in which the closure element closes the lateral opening of the base body at least in part, and a second position in which the closure element releases an insertion opening for the hose section; and a counter-bearing section for a compressor movable along an actuating axis.

[0008] The hose section can be inserted or removed laterally via the insertion opening. Advantageously, the pinch valve allows for a decoupling of the hose section's fixation within the pinch valve from the pinch valve's mounting and drive arrangement. In particular, replacing a drive or disassembling the hose section is no longer necessary. This improves the handling of the pinch valve.

[0009] The correct compression of the hose assembly or hose section is reliably achieved when the hose section is correctly positioned between the compressor and the counter bearing section. This means that if the hose section is not correctly positioned in the receiving space, the process fluid in the hose can flow unhindered, regardless of the state (e.g. open or closed) of the pinch valve. Furthermore, in such a case, the controller of a fluid control system may continue to operate under the false assumption that flow through the hose is impeded when the pinch valve is closed. In this case, the system's control of the process fluid is impaired. As long as the hose is not correctly positioned in the hose slot or the receiving space, the fluid control system cannot function properly. The closure element eliminates the aforementioned problems and increases process reliability.

[0010] The closure element is mounted on the base body so that it can rotate about a rotational axis, the rotational axis running perpendicular to and spaced from the adjustment axis, so that the hose section can be removed and / or inserted perpendicular to the adjustment axis. Alternatively, the closure element is designed in a drawer-like manner and comprises a guide section that is received in a guide section of the base body that accommodates the guide section, so that the closure element is guided linearly.

[0011] Advantageously, the base body and the closure element are connected to each other in a hinge area. This allows the closure element to be hinged together with the hose section held by the closure element. This means that the hose section can be inserted into and removed from the pinch chamber in a controlled manner. This improves the handling of the pinch valve. At the same time, the controlled insertion of the hose section increases process reliability.

[0012] This allows the hose section to be removed or inserted perpendicular to the adjustment axis during maintenance. Further unnecessary curvature of the hose section is avoided.

[0013] An advantageous example is characterized in that an opening angle between the first and the second position of the closure element is limited to a range between 40° and 80°, in particular to a range between 50° and 60°.

[0014] This opening angle allows operating personnel to change the hose section more easily, as the partially opened locking element secures the hose section, making it easy to change. Furthermore, the locking element serves as a protective measure against unintentional access to the compressor area.

[0015] According to the invention, the closure element provides a counter bearing section for a compressor movable along the actuating axis.

[0016] The provision of the counter bearing section by means of the closure element simplifies handling, for example in that the insertion opening is exposed with one hand movement and the hose section can be replaced.

[0017] An advantageous example is characterized in that the closure element and / or the counter-bearing section comprises at least one stop region for limiting a movement of the compressor along the actuating axis and in the direction of the counter-bearing section.

[0018] The stop area advantageously enables controlled compression of the hose section, since a position defined by the stop area is not exceeded by the compressor.

[0019] An advantageous example is characterized in that the closure element is detachably connected to the base body.

[0020] The detachable connection reduces setup times when changing applications, which may require a change in the hose section type, a change in the compressor geometry, and / or a change in the counter bearing geometry. Disassembling the drive, loosening the pinch valve mounting, or replacing the entire pinch valve are no longer necessary.

[0021] At the same time, this adjustment of the counter bearing geometry by operating or maintenance personnel protects the hose section being squeezed. This reduces the likelihood of damage and also reduces the release of particles from the hose section into the process fluid. This results in increased process reliability.

[0022] An advantageous example is characterized in that the counter bearing section and the closure element are formed in one piece.

[0023] Advantageously, the pinch valve design is simplified, with the counterbearing section being replaced together with the valve when it is replaced. In particular, this allows for greater flexibility in marking the closure element, allowing operating personnel to identify a predetermined purpose. This improves ease of operation and maintenance.

[0024] An advantageous example is characterized in that the counter bearing section is detachably connected to the closure element.

[0025] This creates a modular pinch valve, allowing the closure element to remain in place for the next use, while only the counterbearing section is replaced. This can lead to reduced manufacturing costs while simultaneously increasing application flexibility.

[0026] An advantageous example is characterized in that a contact contour of the closure element opposite the counter-bearing section and an inner contact contour of the base body abut one another when the closure element is in the first position.

[0027] When the compressor presses on the hose section or the stop area, a force is transferred via the closure element to the base body. The transfer of force via the contact surfaces relieves the load on the movable fastening between the closure element and the base body. This advantageously improves force transmission along and parallel to the actuating axis. The hinge in particular benefits, as the forces are preferentially transferred via the contact contours located radially further inward.

[0028] An advantageous example is characterized in that a locking element movably fastened to the base body is movable relative to the base body between a release position in which the locking element allows a movement of the closure element into its second position, and a locking position in which the locking element limits a movement of the closure element out of its first position.

[0029] The locking element prevents the hose section from being accidentally removed during operation of the pinch valve.

[0030] An advantageous example is characterized in that the locking element is mounted rotatably about the adjusting axis, that a collar of the locking element in the locking position fixes a distal portion of the closure element, and that a recess of the collar of the locking element in the release position releases the distal portion of the closure element for moving the closure element into the second position.

[0031] This advantageously provides an easy-to-use locking element whose recess provides an optical indicator for locking or release.

[0032] An advantageous example is characterized in that the compressor is detachably attached to a valve rod extending along the actuating axis.

[0033] This makes it advantageous to adapt the compressor geometry to different hose configurations.

[0034] An advantageous example is characterized in that a fastening section of the base body is located radially outside a through opening for a valve rod.

[0035] In conjunction with the hose change mechanism, this mounting section advantageously provides a clean / grey room separation. The pinch valve section for accommodating the hose is located in the clean room. A drive, however, can be installed in the gray room. This reduces cleaning effort and simultaneously reduces the demands on the drive.

[0036] An advantageous example is characterized in that the counter bearing section opens into an opening which has a smaller diameter than an inner diameter of the counter bearing section.

[0037] The counter bearing section advantageously fixes the hose section through the tapered opening and prevents the hose section from accidentally falling out.

[0038] The drawing shows: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a pinch valve; Figures 2a, 3a, 6a, 7a( Figure 7a shows an example not corresponding to the claimed invention) the pinch valve with a closure element in a second position; Figures 2b, 3b, 6b, 7b( Figure 7b shows an example which does not correspond to the claimed invention) the pinch valve with the closure element in a first position; Figure 4 a section of the pinch valve without a closure element; Figure 5 a side view of the pinch valve without the closure element; Figure 8 the closure element with different inserts; Figure 9 a plurality of compressor counterbearing pairs.

[0039] Figure 1shows a perspective view of a pinch valve 2. A base body 10 comprises a receiving space 12 for a hose section, through which a process medium to be controlled flows. The base body 10 comprises two opposing openings 18 and 19 and a lateral opening 14. The opposing openings 18 and 19 form a through-opening and serve to receive the hose section extending along a hose axis T. The lateral opening 14 leads from the outside into the receiving space 12. The lateral opening 14 serves to remove and feed the hose section. The receiving space 12 is thus delimited by the base body 10. The base body 10 is U-shaped.

[0040] A counter bearing section 30 is provided and serves as a counter bearing for a compressor movable along an actuating axis S.

[0041] A flap-like closure element 20, which is movably attached to the base body 10, is arranged relative to the base body 10 between a first Figure 1 not shown position, in which the closure element 20 closes the lateral opening 14 of the base body 10 at least in sections, and a second in Figure 1 shown position, in which the closure element 20 opens an insertion opening 22 for the hose section. The insertion opening 22 can also be referred to as an insertion and removal opening.

[0042] The flow of the process fluid flowing in the hose section inserted into the pinch valve 2 is influenced by the compressor pressing on the hose section from one side along the actuating axis. The counter-bearing section 30 is fixedly in contact with the side of the hose section opposite the compressor. If the compressor now presses on the flexible hose section, the inner diameter of the hose section decreases, thus limiting the flow of the process fluid. The counter-bearing section 30 can also be referred to as the contact section.

[0043] The at least partially U-shaped base body 10 comprises a lateral connecting section 11 extending substantially parallel to and spaced from the adjustment axis S. Two spaced-apart sections 13 and 15 extend substantially perpendicular to the adjustment axis S and protrude from the connecting section 11. The connecting section 11 and the sections 13 and 15 protruding from the connecting section 11 define the receiving space 12.

[0044] The lateral opening 14 is delimited by the base body 10, in particular by the distal ends of the sections 13 and 15. The insertion opening 22 is jointly delimited by the closure element 20 and the base body 10 or the elements arranged on the base body 10.

[0045] The closure element 20 is attached to a distal region of the section 10 of the base body 10 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis R. The rotation axis R runs perpendicularly and is spaced apart from the adjustment axis S.

[0046] According to the invention, the closure element 20 provides the counter-bearing section 30. In the example shown, the counter-bearing section 30 is formed integrally with the closure element 20.

[0047] Due to its one-piece design, the closure element 20 provides the receptacle for the hose section. This means that the closure element 20 holds the hose section between a Figure 1 shown removal or insertion position and an operating position. A screw connection extending along the rotation axis R enables replacement of the closure element 30. The closure element 20 is thus detachably connected to the base body 10.

[0048] In a Figure 1In the example of the pinch valve 2 not shown, the counter-bearing section 30 is detachably connected to the closure element 20. For example, the separately designed counter-bearing section 30 is connected to the closure element along an axis A running perpendicularly and spaced from the rotational axis R. The connection between the counter-bearing section 30 and the closure element 20 is designed, for example, as a dovetail connection.

[0049] The closure element 20 and / or the counter-bearing section 30 comprise at least one stop region 24 for limiting a movement of the compressor along the actuating axis S and in the direction of the counter-bearing section 30.

[0050] A contact contour 26 of the closure element 20, opposite the counter-bearing section 30, and an inner contact contour 16 of the base body 10 abut one another when the closure element 20 is in the first position. The contact contour 16 comprises, for example, a cylindrical inner surface with an imaginary cylinder axis that runs vertically and through the adjustment axis S. Accordingly, the contact contour 26 comprises a cylindrical outer surface with an imaginary cylinder axis that runs vertically and through the adjustment axis S when the closure element 20 is in the first position.

[0051] Furthermore, the closure element 20 comprises a contact contour 27 projecting into the receiving space 12, which, when the closure element 20 is in the first position, rests against a contact contour 17 of the connecting section 11.

[0052] A locking element 50, which is movably attached to the base body 10, is movable relative to the base body 10 between a release position, in which the locking element 50 allows movement of the closure element 20 into its second position, and a locking position, in which the locking element 50 limits movement of the closure element 20 out of its first position. The locking element 50 is mounted rotatably about the adjustment axis S. A collar 52 of the locking element 50, which projects in the direction of the receiving space 12, defines a distal portion 28 of the closure element 20 in the locking position. A recess 54 in the collar 52 of the locking element 50 releases the distal portion 28 of the closure element 20 in the release position for movement of the closure element 20 into the second position. A rotation angle of the locking element 50 is substantially 90°.In the end positions, the locking element 50 is secured against unintentional rotation by a locking device.

[0053] A fastening section 60 of the base body 10 is located radially outside a through-opening 62 for a valve rod. The fastening section 60 is Figure 1 provided by internal threads which open into distal openings.

[0054] A further fastening section 80 is located on the side of the pinch valve 2 opposite the through opening 62 and is provided, for example, by internal threads which open into distal openings.

[0055] In one example, the base body 10, the closure element 20, the counter-bearing section 30, and the locking element 50 are each made of a plastic material. In another example, the aforementioned components are each made of a metal alloy. In another example, the aforementioned components are each made of a metal alloy or a plastic material.

[0056] Figures 2a and 2b show the pinch valve 2 from Figure 1 with the closure element 20 in different positions, whereby the hose axis runs perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

[0057] The counter bearing section 30 opens into an opening which has a smaller diameter 32 running perpendicular to the hose axis than an inner diameter 34 of the counter bearing section 30 running perpendicular to the hose axis.

[0058] The fastening section 60 of the pinch valve 2 comprises a flange 64 in which internal threads extending parallel to the actuating axis S are formed.

[0059] An opening angle between the first and second positions of the closure element 20 is limited to a range between 40° and 80°, in particular to a range between 50° and 60°. The opening angle results, for example, between an inclination axis N of the closure element 20 and the adjustment axis S.

[0060] In the first position, which is Figure 2b As shown, the locking element 50 is rotated from its release position into the locking position such that the concavely curved recess 54 visually delimits the opening 18 of the receiving space for the hose section. This means that in the locking position, the optical impression is created that the recess 54 delimits an imaginary enlarged outer contour of the hose section.

[0061] Figures 3a and 3b show the pinch valve 2 from Figure 1 with the closure element 20 in different positions, whereby the hose axis runs parallel to the plane of the drawing.

[0062] Figure 4 shows a section of the pinch valve 2 without the closure element. The compressor 40 can be replaced without the closure element attached. For this purpose, the compressor 40 is detachably attached to a distal end of the valve rod 42 extending along the actuating axis S. A round wire snap ring 44 is received in a circumferential groove at the distal end of the valve rod 42. The compressor 40 includes an inner groove in which the round wire snap ring 44 is received. If the compressor 40 is pulled manually, the round wire snap ring 44 contracts and releases the compressor 40.

[0063] The locking element 50 comprises an inner groove 55, into which a ring 56, which is arranged in an outer groove of the base body 10, engages. This forces the locking element 50 into a rotational movement about the adjustment axis S.

[0064] Furthermore, the locking element 50 comprises an inner locking recess 58, which, upon rotation of the locking element 50, engages into at least two locking elements 59 protruding from the base body 10. The at least two locking elements 59 define the locking position and the release position of the locking element 50.

[0065] Figure 5 shows a side view of the pinch valve 2 without the closure element 20. The contact contour 16 for the contact of the closure element has an internally cylindrical contact surface.

[0066] Figures 6a and 6bshow an example of the pinch valve 2 with the closure element 20 in different positions. The closure element 20 is designed like a drawer and includes a guide section 602, which is received in a guide section of the base body 10 that accommodates it. The closure element 20 is thus guided linearly.

[0067] The Figure 6a The second position shown allows the insertion of the hose section via the insertion opening 22. The Figure 6b The first position of the closure element 20 shown closes the opening 14 of the base body 10.

[0068] The locking element 50 can be designed as in the previous examples. In another example, the locking element 50 is displaced parallel to the adjustment axis S and locks the closure element 20.

[0069] Figures 7a and 7bshow a non-inventive example of the pinch valve 2 with the closure element 20 in different positions. In this example, the closure element 20 and the counter-bearing section 30 are designed separately and are each movably fixed to the base body 10. The closure element 20 is rotatable about the rotation axis R.

[0070] The counter bearing section 30 is mounted so as to be insertable into the receiving space 12 through a through opening in the base body 10.

[0071] In an example not shown, the pinch valve 2 comprises a plurality of counter-bearing sections, which, particularly in the first position of the closure element 20, are arranged spaced apart from one another along the adjustment axis S. A compressor assigned to the respective counter-bearing section moves along the common adjustment axis S. Of course, the compressor-counter-bearing section pairs can also be arranged offset from one another. In one example, the plurality of compressors are driven by a single drive, wherein the plurality of compressors are connected to one another by means of lateral power transmission sections that extend parallel to but spaced from the feed axis S. Advantageously, this allows several hose sections to be operated by means of a single pinch valve.

[0072] In an example not shown, several closure elements 20 of one or more pinch valves 2 are connected to one another by means of one or more connecting elements such that the closure elements 20 can be moved together between the first and second positions. Advantageously, several closure elements 20, which release a respective insertion opening, can thus be operated simultaneously.

[0073] Figure 8 shows the closure element 20 from the Figures 6a and 6b with different inserts that serve as respective counter-bearing sections 30a, 30b, 30c for the compressor. A receiving section 802 of the closure element 20 receives one of the counter-bearing sections 30a, 30b, 30c.

[0074] Figure 9 shows a plurality of compressor counter bearing pairs 902, 904, 906, wherein on the left the hose center axis T runs perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and on the right a section along the hose center axis T is shown.

[0075] The compressor counterbearing pair 902 comprises the hemispherical compressor 40. The counterbearing section 30 comprises a substantially circular countersurface 910 opposite the compressor 40. Starting from the distal openings 912, 914 of the counterbearing section, the receiving channel for receiving the hose section tapers towards the countersurface 910.

[0076] The compressor counter bearing pair 904 comprises the hemispherical compressor 40. The counter bearing section 30 comprises the receiving channel extending along the hose axis T and following an inner cylinder surface.

[0077] The compressor counterbearing pair 906 comprises a wedge-shaped compressor 40 and a wedge-shaped counterbearing section 30. The compressor 40 and the counterbearing section 30 lead to a guillotine-like clamping of the hose section, which means that the clamping takes place essentially perpendicular to the hose axis T.

Claims

1. Pinch valve (2) comprising: a main body (10) having a receiving space (12) for a tube portion, wherein the main body (10) comprises a lateral opening (14) which leads into the receiving space (12), wherein the lateral opening (14) is arranged laterally with respect to an adjusting axis (S); a compressor (40) which is movable along the adjusting axis (S); and a closure element (20) which is movably fastened to the main body (10) and provides a counter-bearing portion (30) for the compressor (40), and which is movable relative to the main body (10) between a first position, in which the closure element (20) closes the lateral opening (14) of the main body (10), at least in portions, and a second position, in which the closure element (20) releases an introduction opening (22) for the tube portion, wherein the closure element (20) is fastened to the main body (10) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (R), or the closure element (20) is designed like a drawer and comprises a guide portion (602) which is received in a guide portion of the main body (10) that receives said guide portion, so that the closure element (10) is guided linearly.

2. Pinch valve (2) according to the first alternative of claim 1, wherein the closure element (20) is fastened to the main body (10) so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (R), wherein the rotation axis (R) extends perpendicularly and at a distance from the adjusting axis (S), so that the tube portion can be removed and / or supplied perpendicularly to the adjusting axis (S), wherein an opening angle between the first and the second position of the closure element (20) is limited to a range between 40° and 80°, in particular to a range between 50° and 60°.

3. Pinch valve (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (20) and / or the counter-bearing portion (30) comprises at least one stop region (24) for limiting a movement of the compressor (40) along the adjusting axis (S) and in the direction of the counter-bearing portion (30).

4. Pinch valve (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (20) is detachably connected to the main body (10).

5. Pinch valve (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the counter-bearing portion (30) and the closure element (20) are integrally formed.

6. Pinch valve (2) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the counter-bearing portion (30) is detachably connected to the closure element (20).

7. Pinch valve (2) according to any of the preceding claims, when they relate to the first alternative of claim 1, wherein the closure element (20) is fastened to the main body (10) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (R), wherein the rotation axis (R) extends perpendicularly and at a distance from the adjusting axis (S), so that the tube portion can be removed and / or supplied perpendicularly to the adjusting axis (S), wherein a contact contour (26) of the closure element (20) opposite the counter-bearing portion (30) and an inner contact contour (16) of the main body (10) abut one another when the closure element (20) is in the first position.

8. Pinch valve (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a locking element (50), which is movably fastened to the main body (10), is movable relative to the main body (10) between a release position, in which the locking element (50) allows the closure element (20) to move to the second position thereof, and a locking position, in which the locking element (50) limits a movement of the closure element (20) out of the first position thereof.

9. Pinch valve (2) according to claim 8, wherein the locking element (50) is mounted so as to be rotatable about the adjusting axis (S), wherein a collar (52) of the locking element (50) fixes a distal portion (28) of the closure element (20) in the locking position, and wherein a recess (54) in the collar (52) of the locking element (50), in the release position, releases the distal portion (28) of the closure element (20) to move the closure element (20) into the second position.

10. Pinch valve (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the compressor (40) is detachably fastened to a valve rod (42) extending along the adjusting axis (S).

11. Pinch valve (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a fastening portion (60) of the main body (10) is located radially outside of a through-opening (62) for the or a valve rod (42).

12. Pinch valve (2) according to any of the preceding claims, when they relate to the first alternative of claim 1, wherein the closure element (20) is fastened to the main body (10) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (R), wherein the rotation axis (R) extends perpendicularly and at a distance from the adjusting axis (S), so that the tube portion can be removed and / or supplied perpendicularly to the adjusting axis (S), wherein the counter-bearing portion (30) opens into an opening which has a smaller diameter (32) than an inner diameter (34) of the counter-bearing portion (30).