VALVE BODY AND PROCESS VALVE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to advances in the field of process valve technology.

[0002] A valve body with a partition wall is known from JP S59 166 768 A. A process valve with a compressor is known from CH 368 352 A.

[0003] The problems of the prior art are solved by a valve body according to claim 1 and by a process valve according to a further claim.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the description, a valve body for a process valve is provided, wherein an interior of the valve body connects at least two connections to one another in a fluid-conducting manner, wherein at least one partition wall separates adjacent flow chambers of the interior from one another, and wherein an outer shell and the at least one partition wall are made of a flexible material at least in a shut-off section of the valve body extending substantially perpendicular to a shut-off axis.

[0005] It is further characterized in that the at least one partition wall tapers at least in sections in a longitudinal section in which the shut-off axis lies, starting from the shut-off section.

[0006] The flow chambers allow for the separation of the process fluid flow. A compressor acting on the shut-off section compresses the valve body. Dividing the valve body into multiple flow chambers improves the shut-off or closing of the valve body through compression, as the multiple flow chambers can be closed more precisely than with a single flow chamber. Furthermore, the integrated flow chambers reduce compression of the entire valve body. The service life of the valve body is thus increased by dividing the flow chambers into flow chambers.

[0007] Advantageously, the process valve provided with the valve body can replace a hose pinch valve.

[0008] An advantageous example is characterized in that the valve body is made in one piece from the flexible material, in particular an elastomer.

[0009] On the one hand, the one-piece design simplifies manufacturing, for example, through 3D printing. On the other hand, the one-piece design improves external sealing, as the number of parts in contact with the process fluid is reduced. One advantageous example is characterized by a larger clear cross-section of the respective flow chamber perpendicular to the shut-off axis than along the shut-off axis.

[0010] This advantageously reduces the compressor travel required to close the valve body. Furthermore, it creates opposing contact surfaces of the flow chamber in the shut-off section, which can be pressed together more easily to block the flow. Furthermore, this dimensioning of the flow chambers allows the clear cross-section of the valve body in the shut-off section to be adjusted to match the clear cross-section in the connection area.

[0011] The shape of the flow chambers or an imaginary elliptical contour of the entire flow chambers improves the control behavior of the process valve.

[0012] An advantageous example is characterized in that the respective flow chamber is delimited by two opposing contact surfaces which are convexly curved in cross-section and in particular tapered towards each other.

[0013] The slot-shaped design of the flow chambers thus provided provides sealing contours that improve the closing behavior.

[0014] An advantageous example is characterized in that the at least one partition wall follows a plane perpendicular to the barrier axis.

[0015] This ensures that the flow of process fluid is minimally influenced by the partition when the valve body is open. If the compressor acts on the valve body from the outside, it closes perpendicular to the flow axis.

[0016] An advantageous example is characterized in that the valve body comprises an odd number of flow chambers, in particular three or five flow chambers.

[0017] This advantageously allows for a larger central flow chamber surrounded by two or four flow chambers. The odd number of flow chambers allows for a space-optimized design of the valve body, for example, by making the outer flow chambers smaller than the central flow chamber.

[0018] On the one hand, the thicker section of the partition wall in the shut-off section contributes to secure closure. On the other hand, the tapered partition wall reduces turbulence in the process fluid and thus the flow resistance of the valve body.

[0019] An advantageous example is characterized in that the respective flow chamber widens at least in sections, in particular continuously, towards the shut-off section, in particular in a longitudinal section perpendicular to the shut-off axis.

[0020] This advantageously prevents the available clear diameter for flow from being reduced. The enlargement in this longitudinal section compensates for the provision of the partition. The continuous expansion improves the flow behavior and, in particular, reduces flow resistance compared to a stepped design.

[0021] An advantageous example is characterized in that a course of a distal edge of the partition wall follows a convex curvature oriented in the direction of the shut-off section.

[0022] Advantageously, the edge is set back in the direction of the central longitudinal axis or the flow axis, which positively influences the flow of the process fluid into or out of the respective expanding chamber. In particular, the edge is thus positioned almost perpendicular to the respective flow direction of the process fluid, reducing turbulence.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the description, a process valve comprising the valve body according to the first aspect is provided.

[0024] An advantageous example is characterized in that the process valve comprises: a receiving body having an interior space that at least partially follows a substantially non-compressed outer contour of the valve body, wherein the valve body is received in the interior space of the receiving body; and a valve drive arranged rigidly relative to the receiving body, wherein a compressor driven by the valve drive and movable along the shut-off axis presses against the shut-off section of the valve body.

[0025] An advantageous example is characterized in that the process valve comprises: a further valve drive which is arranged on the opposite side of the first drive rigidly to the receiving body, wherein a compressor driven by the further valve drive and movable along the shut-off axis presses on the shut-off section of the valve body.

[0026] The additional second drive advantageously reduces the load on the valve body.

[0027] According to a third aspect of the description, a process valve is provided, the process valve comprising: a valve body (100) for a process valve (600), wherein an interior space (102) of the valve body (100) connects at least two connections (104, 106) to one another in a fluid-conducting manner, wherein at least one partition wall (110, 114) separates adjacent flow chambers (108, 112; 112, 116) of the interior space (102) from one another, and wherein an outer shell (120) and the at least one partition wall (110, 114) are made of a flexible material at least in a shut-off section (122) of the valve body (100) extending substantially perpendicular to a shut-off axis (A); a receiving body (602) having an interior space that, at least in sections, follows a substantially non-compressed outer contour of the valve body (100), wherein the valve body (100) is received in the interior space of the receiving body (602);and a valve drive (604) which is arranged rigidly to the receiving body (602), wherein a compressor (610) driven by the valve drive (604) and movable along the shut-off axis (A) presses on the shut-off section (122) of the valve body (100); and a further valve drive which is arranged on the opposite side of the first drive (604) rigidly to the receiving body (602), wherein a compressor driven by the further valve drive and movable along the shut-off axis (A) presses on the shut-off section (122) of the valve body (100). ;

[0028] In the drawing show Figure 1 a valve body in a perspective view; Figure 2 the valve body analogous to Figure 1 in a partially opened view; Figures 3 to 5 show the valve body in various sections; Figure 6 shows the valve body in a process valve; and Figures 7 and 8 each show a compressor for the valve body.

[0029] Figure 1 and 2 show a tubular valve body 100 for a process valve 600 in a relaxed state. The valve body 100 can also be referred to as a hose section. An interior space 102 of the valve body 100 connects at least two connections 104, 106 to one another in a fluid-conducting manner. Thus, in the relaxed state, process fluid can flow from one connection 104 to the other connection 106. Partition walls 110, 114 separate adjacent flow chambers 108, 112 and 112, 116 of the interior space 102 from one another. An outer shell 120 and the at least one partition wall 110, 114, which can also be referred to as a lamella, are made of a flexible material at least in a shut-off section 122 of the valve body 100 extending substantially perpendicular to a shut-off axis A.

[0030] The valve body 100 is thus made at least in the shut-off section 122 or as a whole in one piece from the flexible material, in particular an elastomer.

[0031] Alternatively, a second material can be provided to form the valve body together with the elastomer. For example, inserts that are more rigid than the flexible material in the shut-off section 122 are provided in the area of ​​the connections 104, 106 to make the connections 104, 106 more rigid and thus improve the attachment of the valve body 100. Consequently, the valve body 100 is made of the flexible material at least in a proximal region located between the connections 104 and 106.

[0032] The shut-off section 122 is arranged between two transition sections 124 and 126, which transition into the respective connection 104, 106. The transition sections 124, 126 comprise a respective geometric change of the interior space 102 along a central longitudinal axis M of the valve body 100 and the partition walls 110, 114 arranged therein.

[0033] Figure 3shows the shut-off section 122 of the valve body 100 in a yz-section. The flow chambers 108, 112, 116 have a common opening cross-section that is similar in size to the opening cross-section of the respective connection 104, 106. The valve body 100 comprises an odd number of flow chambers 108, 112, 116, in particular a number of three as shown, or in a form not shown, five or seven flow chambers. Of course, the number of flow chambers can also be even.

[0034] A clear cross-section of the respective flow chamber 108, 112, 116 perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis M is larger perpendicular to the shut-off axis A than along the shut-off axis A. The respective flow chamber 108, 112, 116 is delimited by two opposing contact surfaces 108a-b, 112a-b, 116a-b that are convexly curved in cross-section and, in particular, taper towards one another. The contact surfaces 108a-b, 112a-b, 116a-b that are opposite one another within the respective flow chamber 108, 112, 116 meet in cross-section at an angle of less than 50°, in particular of less than 40° and greater than 10°.

[0035] The respective partition walls 110, 114 follow a respective plane perpendicular to the shut-off axis A. The outwardly arranged flow chambers 108 and 116 are delimited by the respective partition walls 110, 114 and by an outer wall 128, 130. The centrally arranged flow chamber 112 is delimited by the partition walls 110 and 114.

[0036] An outer contour 132 of the shut-off section 122 follows an ellipse in the section shown, with a main axis of the ellipse running perpendicular to the shut-off axis A.

[0037] Figure 4 shows the valve body 100 in a longitudinal section along the central longitudinal axis M and along the shut-off axis A. The at least one partition wall 110, 114 tapers at least partially in a longitudinal section in which the shut-off axis A lies, starting from the shut-off section 122. The flow chamber 108, 112, 116 increases in size along or parallel to the central longitudinal axis M, starting from the shut-off section 122. The flow chamber 108, 112, 116 tapers outwards in a cross-section along or parallel to the shut-off axis A.

[0038] Figure 5shows the valve body 100 in a longitudinal section perpendicular to the shut-off axis A. The respective flow chamber 108, 112, 116 widens, in particular in a longitudinal section perpendicular to the shut-off axis A, towards the shut-off section 122, at least in sections, in particular continuously.

[0039] A course of a respective distal edge 134, 136 of the partition wall 110, 114 follows a convex curvature oriented in the direction of the blocking section 122.

[0040] Figure 6shows a section through the process valve 600. A receiving body 602 has an interior space which, at least in sections, follows a substantially non-compressed outer contour of the valve body 100, wherein the valve body 100 is received in the interior space of the receiving body 602. A first valve drive 604, which in this case is pneumatically designed, is rigidly connected to the receiving body 602. Of course, another drive principle, such as an electric or magnetic drive, can also be used. A compressor 610, which is driven by the valve drive 604 and movable along the shut-off axis A, presses on the shut-off section 122 of the valve body 100 and thus closes the valve body 100. To open the valve body 100, the compressor 610 pulls on the valve body 100 in the direction of the associated drive.

[0041] A further valve drive, not shown here, is rigidly mounted to the receiving body 602 on the opposite side of the first drive 604. A compressor driven by the further valve drive and movable along the shut-off axis A presses on the shut-off section 122 of the valve body 100 and, together with the compressor 610, thus closes the valve body 100. To close and open the shut-off section 122, the compressor 610 and the further compressor are thus actuated simultaneously.

[0042] Figure 7 shows the compressor 610 from Figure 6 in a plan view along or parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the valve body. A contact contour 702 for contacting a section of the outer contour of the shut-off section of the valve body is convexly curved and for operating the valve body by means of the drive arranged on one side Figure 6suitable. The contact contour 702 follows a parabola, for example. The valve body has a connection contour in the region of the shut-off section, which is arranged in a recess 704 of the compressor 610. In addition to the circular cross-sectional contour, the connection contour for a quick-change system can also have a bayonet-lock section, a thread, another form-fitting contour, a knob, or a mushroom-shaped mushroom head.

[0043] Figure 8 shows a compressor 810 as an alternative to the compressor 610 from Figure 6 in a plan view along or parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the valve body. A contact contour 802 follows a W-shape, with the contact contour 702 protruding toward the valve body in the region of the recess 704. The compressor 810 is suitable for operating the valve body by means of two oppositely arranged drives.

Claims

1. A valve body (100) for a process valve (600), wherein an inner space (102) of the valve body (100) connects at least two ports (104, 106) for fluid flow, wherein at least one partition (110, 114) separates adjacent flow chambers (108, 112; 112, 116) of the inner space (102) from one another, and wherein an outer shell (120) and the at least one partition (110, 114) are made, at least in a blocking portion (122) of the valve body (100) extending substantially perpendicularly to a blocking axis (A), from a flexible material, characterized in that the at least one partition (110, 114) tapers, at least in part, in a longitudinal section in which the blocking axis (A) lies, starting from the blocking portion (122).

2. The valve body (100) according to claim 1, wherein the valve body (100) is made of the flexible material, in particular an elastomer, at least in a proximal region between the two ports (104, 106), in particular in one piece.

3. The valve body (100) according to claim 1, wherein an open cross section of the particular flow chamber (108, 112, 116) is dimensioned larger perpendicular to the blocking axis (A) than along the blocking axis (A).

4. The valve body (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the particular flow chamber (108, 112, 116) is delimited by two opposing contact surfaces (108a-b, 112a-b, 116a-b) which are convexly curved in cross-section, in particular which taper toward one another in a pointed manner.

5. The valve body (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one partition (110, 114) follows a plane perpendicular to the blocking axis (A).

6. The valve body (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the valve body (100) comprises an odd number of flow chambers (108, 112, 116), in particular three or five flow chambers.

7. The valve body (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the particular flow chamber (108, 112, 116) widens toward the blocking portion (122), at least in part, in particular continuously, in particular in a longitudinal section perpendicular to the blocking axis (A).

8. The valve body (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a course of a distal edge (134, 136) of the partition (110, 114) follows a convex curvature oriented toward the blocking portion (122).

9. A process valve (600) comprising the valve body (100) according to any of the preceding claims.

10. A process valve (600) comprising: - a valve body (100) according to any of claims 1 to 8; - a receiving body (602), which has an inner space that at least partially follows a substantially non-compressed outer contour of the valve body (100), wherein the valve body (100) is accommodated in the inner space of the receiving body (602); - a valve drive (604) which is arranged rigidly with respect to the receiving body (602), wherein a compressor (610) which is driven by the valve drive (604) and is movable along the blocking axis (A) presses on the blocking portion (122) of the valve body (100); and - a further valve drive which is arranged rigidly with respect to the receiving body (602) on the opposite side of the first drive (604), wherein a compressor which is driven by the further valve drive and is movable along the blocking axis (A) presses on the blocking portion (122) of the valve body (100).