Check valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a non-return valve (100) adapted to prevent the backflow of a fluid in a closed pipe, said valve (100) comprising a cone (100.1) delimited by a perforated wall (100.1b) extending between a tip (100.1a) and an open base (100.1c) and at least one separating element (100.2): the separating element (100.2) extending in the cone (100.1) while being adapted to form with the wall (100.1b) at least a first compartment (100.3) and a second compartment (100.4) of said cone (100.1); the perforated wall (100.1b) comprises at least a first inlet for a fluid opening into the first compartment (100.3) and a second inlet for a fluid opening into the second compartment (100.4); the first (100.3) and the second (100.4) compartments being arranged so that they open onto the base (100.1c), the opening of the base (100.1c) defining an outlet common to the first (100.3) and the second (100.4) compartments.Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Non-return valve Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of fluid separation devices. State of the art

[0002] In any type of industry, there are non-reflux valves, however these are optimized to be installed in a pipeline. Therefore they are adapted to deal with a single fluid flow. If two separate fluid flows arrive it is impossible to keep them separate, they will automatically mix with the non-reflux devices known to those skilled in the art.

[0003] The invention therefore falls within this context and seeks to resolve all of the aforementioned drawbacks. Thus, the invention seeks to propose a non-return device making it possible to separate two distinct fluid flows while preventing said fluid from flowing backward into the pipeline. Presentation of the invention.

[0004] The subject of the invention is a non-return valve adapted to prevent the backflow of a fluid in a closed pipe, said valve comprising a cone delimited by an openwork wall extending between a tip and an open base and at least one separating element: the separating element extending in the cone while being adapted to form with the wall at least a first compartment and a second compartment of said cone; the openwork wall comprises at least a first inlet for a fluid opening into the first compartment and a second inlet for a fluid opening into the second compartment; the first and second compartments being arranged so that they open onto the base, the opening of the base defining an outlet common to the first and second compartments.

[0005] The fluid passing through the valve may be a liquid. In one embodiment the fluid is water. In another embodiment the fluid passing through the valve may be a gas.

[0006] The cone may comprise an openwork wall adapted to allow the fluid to pass through.

[0007] In one embodiment, the partition element may be adapted to form a first and a second compartment. In another embodiment, the partition element may be adapted to form a first, a second, a third and a fourth compartment. In a different embodiment, the partition element may be adapted to form a first, a second and a third compartment.

[0008] The separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first and second compartments through said separating element. In another embodiment, the separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first, second, third and fourth compartments through said separating element.

[0009] The separating element may be joined at the point of the cone. The separating element may extend to the level of the open base. The separating element may extend in a plane containing the axis of the cone.

[0010] The separating element may be joined to the wall of the cone over the entire height of the wall from the tip to the base. The separating element may be joined to the wall of the cone over at least a portion of the height of the wall.

[0011] The valve may be adapted to guide at least one flow of fluid entering the valve through the first inlet to the outlet via the first compartment without passing through the second compartment and to guide a flow of fluid entering the valve through the second inlet to the outlet via the second compartment without passing through the first compartment.

[0012] Advantageously, the wall of the cone adapted to form the entrance is at least partially openwork.

[0013] In this embodiment, the wall of the cone adapted to form the inlet can be perforated so that the cone comprises a point, a ring forming an outline of the base of said cone, said point and said ring being connected by two wall portions arranged opposite each other and whose width is substantially similar to that of the separating element. Thus in this embodiment, the wall and the separating element are in contact. In this embodiment, the wall at the inlet of the first compartment is similar to the wall of the inlet of the second compartment, these are perforated except at the point and the ring forming the outline of the base.

[0014] It is the openwork part which can allow the passage of the fluid through the first compartment or the second compartment.

[0015] Advantageously, the wall of the cone comprises a mesh adapted to form the entrance.

[0016] In this embodiment, the cone comprises a point, a ring forming an outline of the base of said cone, said point and said ring being connected by two wall portions arranged opposite one another and whose width is substantially similar to that of the separating element. Between the wall portions, an openwork mesh extends. The mesh may comprise more or less large meshes allowing the fluid to pass through.

[0017] Advantageously, the valve comprises at least one flexible membrane arranged against an internal face of the wall, said membrane being adapted to allow fluids to pass from the tip to the base of the cone.

[0018] The membrane may be made of natural rubber. In another embodiment, the membrane may be made of elastomer. In a different embodiment, the membrane may be made of fabric. The membrane may be opaque.

[0019] In the embodiment in which the wall is perforated, the membrane has a relative rigidity allowing it to maintain its shape. The membrane may have a circumference adapted to be positioned on the internal face of the wall, that is to say on the internal face of the ring surrounding the base.

[0020] In the embodiment in which the wall comprises a mesh, the membrane can be supported by said mesh.

[0021] The membrane may be flexible so that when the flow passes into the first compartment or into the second compartment, said membrane can deform to allow the fluid to pass through said compartment.

[0022] The membrane may be adapted to fit the inner face of the cone wall when the flow does not pass through the compartment.

[0023] Advantageously, the cone and the separating element cooperate with each other to hold the membrane by compression.

[0024] In this embodiment, the membrane is positioned between the inner wall of the cone and the separating element so that said separating element can firmly hold the membrane wedged between them.

[0025] Advantageously, the valve comprises at least one fixing means adapted to fix the membrane in said valve.

[0026] In one embodiment, the fixing means may comprise a threaded rod arranged to pass through the separating element at its axis and to pass through the tip of the cone. The threaded rod is adapted to cooperate with a nut adapted to hold together the threaded rod, the separating element and the cone so that the membrane can be held between said cone and said separating element even when it is deformed by the passage of the flow.

[0027] Advantageously, the fixing means is mounted on at least one face of the separating element in contact with the wall of the cone.

[0028] Advantageously, the fixing means is mounted on an internal face of the wall of the cone.

[0029] In one embodiment, the membrane may comprise two lateral edges, each comprising at least two holes. The fixing means of this embodiment may comprise at least two lugs mounted on an external surface of the separating element and at least the two holes of the lateral edges of the membrane, adapted to cooperate with said lugs. Thus, when the membrane is mounted in the cone, the separating element is adapted to be mounted in said cone so that the lugs are inserted into the holes.

[0030] In another embodiment, the membrane may comprise two lateral edges, each comprising at least two holes. The fixing means of this embodiment may comprise at least two lugs mounted on an internal face of the wall of the cone and at least the two holes of the lateral edges of the membrane, adapted to cooperate with said lugs. Thus, when the membrane is mounted in the cone, the separating element is adapted to be mounted in said cone so as to maintain the holes of the membrane on the lugs.

[0031] In a different embodiment, the fixing means may comprise glue suitable for holding the membrane on the external face of the separation element. The fixing means may comprise glue suitable for holding the membrane on the internal face of the wall.

[0032] In another embodiment, the fixing means may comprise both the lugs cooperating with the holes in the membrane and the threaded rod and the nut. Thus, the membrane is firmly held in position on the lugs thanks to the holes. The assembly formed by the cone, the lugs, the membrane and the separating element is held together by the cooperation of the nut and the threaded rod passing through said separating element and said cone.

[0033] Advantageously, each compartment comprises at least a portion of the flexible membrane.

[0034] In this embodiment, the valve comprises a single membrane adapted to fit the entire internal surface of the wall of the cone. Thus, the first inlet of the first compartment comprises a first portion of the membrane and the second inlet of the second compartment comprises a second portion of the membrane.

[0035] In an embodiment in which the valve comprises four compartments, there may be two embodiments of the flexible membrane, namely that each compartment may comprise a portion of the single membrane or the valve may comprise two membranes so that two side-by-side compartments each comprise a portion of the same membrane.

[0036] Advantageously, each compartment comprises a flexible membrane.

[0037] In this embodiment, each compartment may comprise a membrane. Thus, a valve comprising two compartments may comprise two membranes, a valve comprising four compartments may comprise four membranes.

[0038] Therefore, in this embodiment, each membrane may have two holes on each of its lateral edges and the separating element may have at least two lugs on each of its faces in contact with the wall of the cone. Two lugs on the same face may be adapted to receive the holes of two membranes of two adjacent compartments.

[0039] Advantageously, the thickness of the membrane is less than 50 mm.

[0040] The thickness of the membrane may vary depending on the dimensions of the valve. The membrane may in particular be less than 30 mm, in particular less than 15 mm.

[0041] The thickness of the membrane can be correlated with its flexibility. The membrane must be sufficiently flexible to be able to deform in order to allow the fluid flow to pass. Thus, the thickness of the membrane can be correlated with the dimensions of the cone, that is to say that the smaller the cone, the thinner the membrane can have, that is to say a thickness allowing it to be both flexible while maintaining its shape against the wall of the cone when the fluid does not pass through the inlet of the compartment, and the larger the cone, the thinner the membrane can have a thickness allowing it to be flexible while maintaining its shape against the wall of the cone when the fluid does not pass through the inlet of the compartment.

[0042] Advantageously, the separation element comprises at least two concave faces delimited by at least one convex rounding, said faces being arranged opposite each compartment so that the at least one rounding is positioned at the junction between the concave face and the wall of the cone.

[0043] The separating element comprises, between two faces in contact with the wall of the cone, two concave faces. Each concave face may be adapted to receive the membrane when the latter deforms during the passage of the fluid flow. The concave face may comprise a profile adapted so that the membrane can match said profile during the passage of the fluid flow through the inlet of the compartment.

[0044] Each concave face may be delimited by a convex rounding. The convex rounding may be adapted to prevent the membrane from undergoing a bend which could damage it. The rounding may make it possible to minimize the radius of curvature of the membrane when it is deformed by the passage of the fluid flow. Thus, when the membrane is deformed by the passage of the fluid flow through the inlet of the compartment, its flexibility may allow it to at least partially match the profile of said separation element.

[0045] Advantageously, the cone comprises a continuous surface on an external face.

[0046] In this embodiment, the cone may have a substantially smooth external surface. Thus the inlet of the valve could be mounted on a single column and the valve may be adapted to separate two fluid flows at the valve outlet.

[0047] Advantageously, the cone comprises on an external face at least two separation members arranged in the extension of the at least one separation element.

[0048] In this embodiment, the cone may comprise on its external surface two separating members which may form a single part with the cone. Thus, the inlet of the valve may be mounted on two different columns each comprising a flow distinct from the other column, each flow being able to come from either column.

[0049] In one embodiment, the two separating members may form a single piece with the cone. In another embodiment, the two separating members may form a separate piece from the cone.

[0050] The invention also relates to a column adapted to be connected to at least one unit comprising at least one first and one second separate chamber each containing a fluid, the fluid in the first chamber having a pressure different from the pressure of the fluid in the second chamber, said column comprising an inlet connected to the first and second chambers and comprising a first valve, an outlet connected to the first and second chambers and comprising a second valve, and a common portion connected to the inlet and to the outlet and comprising at least one turbine.The column is remarkable in that: the first and second valves are arranged to separate fluid flows from the first and second chambers so that: the first valve directs a fluid flow from one of the first or second chambers towards the common portion, and the second valve directs a fluid flow from the common portion towards the other of the first or second chambers; the turbine being mounted in the common portion and being adapted to capture the energy contained in the fluid flow circulating from the first chamber towards the second chamber and in the fluid flow circulating from the second chamber towards the first chamber.

[0051] The column may be a closed element having a bore passing longitudinally through said element. The column may be arranged horizontally. The column may be substantially rectilinear. In another embodiment, the column may be curved.

[0052] The column may comprise a portion whose diameter is constant. In another embodiment, the column may comprise several sections each having a diameter different from the other sections.

[0053] The column may have a round, oval, rectangular, or square cross-section. In one embodiment, the column may have multiple portions, each portion having a different cross-section than an adjacent portion. In another embodiment, the column may have two portions, one portion having a round cross-section and one portion having an oval cross-section.

[0054] The unit to which the column can be connected may have two identical fluids in the two chambers and the fluid in each chamber may have a different pressure than the fluid in the other chamber. In another embodiment the unit may have two different fluids in the two chambers and each fluid may have a different pressure than the other fluid. The fluid may be a liquid. In one embodiment the fluid may be water. In another embodiment the fluid may be a gas.

[0055] In another embodiment, the unit may have four chambers. In another embodiment, the column may be connected to two units, each having two chambers.

[0056] Advantageously, the first and second valves each comprise a cone delimited by an openwork wall extending between a tip and an open base and at least one separating element extending into the cone while being adapted to form with the wall at least a first compartment and a second compartment of said cone; the openwork wall comprising at least a first inlet for a fluid opening into the first compartment and a second inlet for a fluid opening into the second compartment; the first and second compartments being arranged so that they open onto the base, the opening of the base defining an outlet common to the first and second compartments.

[0057] In one embodiment, the partition element may be adapted to form a first and a second compartment. In another embodiment, the partition element may be adapted to form a first, a second, a third and a fourth compartment. In a different embodiment, the partition element may be adapted to form a first, a second and a third compartment.

[0058] The separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first and second compartments through said separating element. In another embodiment, the separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first, second, third and fourth compartments through said separating element.

[0059] The separating element may be joined to the tip of the cone. The separating element may extend to the level of the open base. The separating element may extend in a plane containing the axis of the cone.

[0060] The separating element may be joined to the wall of the cone over the entire height of the wall from the tip to the base. The separating element may be joined to the wall of the cone over at least a portion of the height of the wall.

[0061] The first valve arranged at the inlet of the column may comprise an inlet connected to two pipes each connected to a chamber. The first valve arranged at the inlet of the column may comprise an outlet common to the two compartments, connected to the common portion. The second valve arranged at the outlet of the column may comprise an outlet connected to two pipes each connected to a chamber. The second valve arranged at the outlet of the column may be connected to the common portion at the inlet of the first and second compartments, said inlet of the first and second compartments.

[0062] Advantageously, the first and second valves are arranged in the column, so that the flow at the inlet and outlet passes through each of said valves from the tip to the base.

[0063] The valve may be adapted to guide at least one flow of fluid entering the valve through the first inlet to the outlet via the first compartment without passing through the second compartment and to guide a flow of fluid entering the valve through the second inlet to the outlet via the second compartment without passing through the first compartment.

[0064] Advantageously, the turbine is adapted to alternately capture the energy of the flow from the first chamber to the second chamber and the energy of the flow from the second chamber to the first chamber.

[0065] When the fluid flow from the first chamber passes through the inlet valve and ends up in the common portion, due to the pressure difference between the two chambers of the unit, it can be directed towards the second chamber via the outlet valve. Conversely, when the fluid flow from the second chamber passes through the inlet valve and ends up in the common portion, due to the pressure difference between the two chambers of the unit, it can be directed towards the first chamber via the outlet valve. The common portion may comprise a turbine arranged so that the fluid flow from one of the chambers and directed into the other of the chambers can pass through said turbine and cause it to rotate.

[0066] Advantageously, the flow from the first chamber to the second chamber and the flow from the second chamber to the first chamber are in the same direction.

[0067] The flow from the first chamber towards the second chamber and the flow from the second chamber towards the first chamber can necessarily pass into the column from the inlet, cross the common portion and head towards the outlet. This movement can be directed by means of the valves arranged at the inlet and outlet of the column, the structure of which can prevent movement of the flow in the other direction.

[0068] Advantageously, the column comprises an alternator coupled to the turbine and comprises a control unit adapted to control said alternator to produce electrical energy.

[0069] The turbine may be arranged to transform the energy of the flow so as to rotate the alternator which in turn transforms the mechanical energy into electrical energy. Thus, in this embodiment, the alternator can produce voltage only as needed.

[0070] The control unit is adapted to control the alternator so that the electrical energy can, as required, either be sent directly into the electrical network or directed to batteries for storage.

[0071] Advantageously, the column comprises a generator arranged to cooperate with the turbine and a control unit adapted to control said generator to produce electrical energy.

[0072] The turbine may be arranged to transform the energy of the flow so as to rotate the generator which in turn transforms the mechanical energy into electrical energy, the generator being able to be adapted to regulate the necessary voltage.

[0073] The control unit is adapted to control the generator so that the electrical energy can, as required, either be sent directly into the electrical network or directed to batteries for storage.

[0074] Advantageously, the column comprises a pump coupled to the turbine and the turbine is adapted to implement said pump to put a fluid under pressure.

[0075] Another aspect of the invention relates to a unit intended to be installed in an aquatic environment comprising a column connected to said unit.

[0076] Advantageously, the unit comprises at least one wave energy device.

[0077] The wave energy device may comprise a floating energy generator whose energy production is carried out by the surging movement of said device on the water. The device may in particular comprise a cylinder comprising energy production means, namely the column and connecting means connected to anchors, the connecting means being crossed.

[0078] The cylinder may comprise an inner annular volume comprising a liquid fluid in the lower part, for example water which only partially fills the lower annular volume, the liquid fluid can then move freely in said cylinder and a gaseous fluid above, for example air. In said annular volume, two chambers can be formed by using a partition in said annular volume, each chamber comprising a free surface of the liquid fluid. Thus, the two chambers can be formed between the free surface of the liquid fluid and the partition. The column can be mounted on an external face of the cylinder at the partition. When the cylinder undergoes a surge movement due to the propagation of the swell, it can then undergo a rotation around the axis of revolution of the cylinder.When the cylinder undergoes rotations due to the swell, the liquid fluid remains in the lower part of the cylinder, but the support partition secured to the outer wall forming the cylinder, passes from a substantially vertical position, to an inclined position. Thus, the support partition moves closer to the liquid fluid on one side and moves away from the liquid fluid on the other side. The approach of the support partition towards the liquid fluid in one of the two chambers causes a compression of the gaseous fluid and the moving away of the . support partition relative to the liquid fluid in the other chamber causes a depression of the gaseous fluid. More precisely, during rotation, one of the chambers can be compressed and the other of the chambers can be decompressed and when the rotation is in the opposite direction, the compressed chamber can then be decompressed and the decompressed chamber can be compressed. The compressions and decompressions, generated by the surge and therefore the rotation of the cylinder, then induce a circulation of the gaseous fluid through the only possible passage for said gaseous fluid, namely in the column. The only passage being formed by the column comprising the turbine connected to the current generator or to the alternator or to the pump depending on the embodiment, the turbine can then be driven by the circulation of the gaseous fluid and cause the production of electricity by the generator or the alternator or even the production of pressurized water by the pump. Brief description of the figures.

[0079] Other advantages and characteristics of the present invention are now described with the aid of examples which are purely illustrative and in no way limitative of the scope of the invention, and from the appended drawings, drawings in which the various figures represent:

[0080] [Fig-1] represents a schematic front view of a base of a valve according to a mode of carrying out the invention.

[0081] [Fig.2] represents a schematic profile view of a valve according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0082] [Fig.3] represents a schematic front view of a tip of a valve according to one embodiment.

[0083] [Fig.4] represents a schematic perspective view of a valve according to another embodiment.

[0084] In the following description, elements that are identical, by structure or by function, appearing in different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references. Description of an embodiment.

[0085] [Fig.2] shows a schematic profile view of a valve 100 according to one embodiment. The valve 100 is also described in connection with [Fig.1] and [Fig.3] respectively showing a front view of a base 100.1c and a tip 100.1a of a valve 100 according to one embodiment. [Fig.4] shows a schematic perspective view of a valve 100 according to another embodiment.

[0086] [Fig.l] to [Fig.4] describe a non-return valve 100 adapted to prevent the backflow of a fluid in a closed pipeline. The fluid passing through the valve 100 is a gas, in particular air.

[0087] The valve 100 comprises a cone 100.1 delimited by a wall 100.1b extending between a tip 100.1a and an open base 100.1c. The valve 100 comprises a separating element 100.2, extending into the cone 100.1. The separating element 100.2 is adapted to form with the wall 100.1b a first compartment 100.3 and a second compartment 100.4. The separating element 100.2 is adapted to prevent any communication between the first 100.3 and the second 100.4 compartments through said separating element 100.2.

[0088] The separating element 100.2 is joined to the point of the cone 100.1. The separating element 100.2 extends to the level of the open base 100.1c. The separating element 100.2 extends in a plane containing the axis of the cone 100.1.

[0089] The separating element 100.2 is joined to the wall 100.1b of the cone 100.1 over the entire height of the wall 100.1b from the tip 100.1a to the base 100.1c.

[0090] The separating element 100.2 comprises two faces in contact with the wall 100.1b of the cone 100.1 and two concave faces 100.2a. The two concave faces 100.2a of the separating element 100.2 are each delimited by a convex rounded portion 100.2b. The two concave faces 100.2a are arranged opposite each compartment so that each rounded portion 100.2b is positioned at the junction between the concave face 100.2a and the face opposite the wall of the cone 100.1

[0091] The wall 100.1b of the cone 100.1 is partially perforated to allow the fluid to pass through. The wall 100.1b comprises a first fluid inlet opening into the first compartment 100.3 and a second fluid inlet opening into the second compartment 100.4. The first 100.3 and the second 100.4 compartments being arranged so that they open onto the base 100.1c, the opening of the base 100.1c defining an outlet common to the first 100.3 and the second 100.4 compartments.

[0092] The wall 100.1b of the cone 100.1 adapted to form the inlet is perforated so that the cone 100.1 comprises a point 100.1a, a ring 100.1d, 101.1d forming an outline of the base 100.1c of said cone 100.1, said point 100.1a and said ring 100.1d, 101.1d being connected by two wall portions 100.1b arranged opposite each other and whose width is substantially similar to that of the separating element 100.2. The wall 100.1b and the separating element 100.2 are in contact. The wall 100.1b at the inlet of the first compartment 100.3 is similar to the wall of the inlet of the second compartment 100.4, these being partially perforated. Between the wall portions 100.1b, extends an perforated mesh. The mesh comprises meshes adapted to allow the fluid to pass through the first compartment 100.3 or the second compartment 100.4.

[0093] The valve 100 is adapted to guide a flow of fluid entering said valve 100 through the first inlet to the outlet via the first compartment 100.3 without passing through the second compartment 100.4 and to guide another flow of fluid entering the valve 100 through the second inlet to the outlet via the second compartment 100.4 without passing through the first compartment 100.3.

[0094] The valve 100 comprises two flexible membranes 100.5 arranged against an internal face of the wall 100.1b, each of the membranes 100.5 being adapted to allow fluids to pass from the tip 100.1a to the base 100.1c of the cone 100.1. Thus, each compartment 100.3; 100.4 comprises a membrane 100.5. The membrane 100.5 is opaque.

[0095] The membrane 100.5 has a relative rigidity allowing it to maintain its shape. The membrane 100.5 is supported by the mesh of the wall 100.1b. The membrane 100.5 is flexible so that when the flow passes into the first compartment 100.3 or into the second compartment 100.4, said membrane 100.5 deforms to allow the fluid to pass through said compartment 100.3; 100.4. The membrane 100.5 is adapted to fit the internal face of the wall 100.1b of the cone 100.1 when the flow does not pass through the compartment 100.3; 100.4.

[0096] Each concave face 100.2a of the separating element 100.2 is adapted to receive the membrane 100.5 when the latter deforms during the passage of the fluid flow. The concave face 100.2a has a profile adapted so that the membrane 100.5 matches said profile during the passage of the fluid flow through the inlet of the compartment 100.3; 100.4.

[0097] Each convex rounding 100.2b of the separating element 100.2 is adapted to prevent the membrane 100.5 from undergoing a bend which could damage it. The rounding 100.2b makes it possible to minimize the radius of curvature of the membrane 100.5 when it is deformed by the passage of the fluid flow. Thus, when the membrane 100.5 is deformed by the passage of the fluid flow through the inlet of the compartment 100.3; 100.4, its flexibility can allow it to at least partially match the profile of said separating element 100.2.

[0098] The thickness of the membrane 100.5 varies depending on the dimensions of the valve 100. The thickness of the membrane 100.5 is correlated with its flexibility. The membrane 100.5 must be sufficiently flexible to be able to deform in order to allow the fluid flow to pass while having a certain rigidity allowing it to maintain its shape at rest, namely when it is against the wall 100.1b of the cone 100.1. Thus, the thickness of the membrane 100.5 is correlated with the dimensions of the cone 100.1, that is to say that the smaller the cone 100.1, the thinner the membrane 100.5 has, that is to say a thickness allowing it to be both flexible while maintaining its shape when it is at rest, and the larger the cone 100.1, the thicker the membrane 100.5 has a thickness allowing it to be flexible while maintaining its shape against the wall 100.1b of the cone 100.1 when said membrane 100.5 is at rest.

[0099] The cone 100.1 and the separating element 100.2 cooperate with each other to maintain the membrane 100.5 by compression.

[0100] The membrane 100.5 is positioned between the inner wall 100.1b of the cone 100.1 and the separating element 100.2 so that said separating element 100.2 can firmly hold the membrane 100.5 wedged against the cone 100.1.

[0101] The cone 100.1 comprises a fixing means (not shown) comprising a threaded rod arranged to pass through the separating element 100.2 at its axis and to pass through the tip 100.1a of the cone 100.1. The threaded rod is adapted to cooperate with a nut adapted to hold together the threaded rod, the separating element 100.2 and the cone 100.1 so that the membrane 100.5 is held between said cone 100.1 and said separating element 100.2 even when said membrane 100.5 is deformed by the passage of the flow.

[0102] In the embodiment described in [Fig.l], [Fig.2] and [Fig.3], the cone 100.1 comprises on an external face of the wall 100.1b, a continuous surface. In this embodiment, the cone 100.1 comprises a substantially smooth external surface. Thus, the inlet of the valve 100 is mounted on a single column and the valve 100 can be adapted to separate two fluid flows at the outlet of the valve 100.

[0103] In the embodiment described in [Fig.4], the cone 100.1 comprises on the external face of the wall 100.1b, two separating members 100.6 arranged in the extension of the separating element 100.2. The two separating members 100.6 form a single piece with the cone 100.1. Thus, the inlet of the valve 100 is mounted on two different columns each comprising a flow distinct from the other column, each flow coming from one or the other of the columns.

[0104] The foregoing description clearly explains how the invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives it has set itself, namely to propose a non-return device making it possible to separate two distinct fluid flows while preventing said fluid from flowing back into the pipeline, by proposing a non-return valve adapted to prevent the backflow of a fluid in a closed pipeline, said valve comprising a cone delimited by an openwork wall extending between a tip and an open base and at least one separating element: the separating element extending into the cone while being adapted to form with the wall at least a first compartment and a second compartment of said cone; the openwork wall comprises at least a first inlet for a fluid opening into the first compartment and a second inlet for a fluid opening into the second compartment;the first and second compartments being arranged so that they open onto the base, the opening of the base defining an outlet common to the first and second compartments.;

[0105] In any event, the invention cannot be limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, and extends in particular to all equivalent means and to any technically effective combination of these means. We may in particular- particular consider:

[0106] - The fluid passing through the valve may be a liquid;

[0107] - the separating element can be adapted to form a first, a second and a third compartments;

[0108] - the separating element can be adapted to form a first, a second, a third and a fourth compartment, the separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first, second, third and fourth compartments through said separating element;

[0109] - the separating element can be joined to the wall of the cone on at least a portion of the height of the wall;

[0110] - the membrane can be made of natural rubber;

[0111] - the membrane can be made of elastomer;

[0112] - the membrane can be made of fabric;

[0113] - the membrane may comprise two lateral edges, each comprising at least two holes.

[0114] - the fixing means may comprise at least two lugs mounted on a surface external of the separating element and at least the two holes of the lateral edges of the membrane, adapted to cooperate with said lugs; thus, when the membrane is mounted in the cone, the separating element is adapted to be mounted in said cone so that the lugs are inserted into the holes;

[0115] - the fixing means may comprise glue suitable for holding the membrane on the external face of the separation element. The fixing means may include suitable glue to hold the membrane on the internal face of the wall.

[0116] - the fixing means may comprise both the lugs of the fixing element cooperating with the holes in the membrane and the threaded rod and the nut; thus, the membrane is firmly held in position on the separating element by the cooperation of the lugs and the holes; the assembly formed by the membrane and the separating element is mounted in the cone by the cooperation of the nut and the threaded rod passing through said separating element and said cone.

[0117] - the valve comprises a single membrane adapted to fit the entire internal surface of the wall of the cone; thus, the first inlet of the first compartment comprises a first portion of the membrane and the second inlet of the second compartment comprises a second portion of the membrane; each membrane may comprise on each of its lateral edges two holes and the separating element may comprise on each of its faces in contact with the wall of the cone at least two lugs. Two lugs on the same face may be adapted to receive the holes of two membranes of two adjacent compartments;

[0118] - in an embodiment in which the valve comprises four compartments, it There may be two embodiments of the flexible membrane, namely that each compartment may comprise a portion of the single membrane or the valve may comprise two membranes so that two side-by-side compartments each comprise a portion of the same membrane;

[0119] - a valve comprising four compartments can comprise four membranes;

[0120] - the thickness of the membrane may be less than 50 mm.

Claims

Claims

1. Non-return valve (100) adapted to prevent the backflow of a fluid in a closed pipe, said valve (100) comprising a cone (100.1) delimited by an openwork wall (100.1b) extending between a tip (100.1a) and an open base (100.1c) and at least one separating element (100.2): • the separating element (100.2) extending in the cone (100.1) while being adapted to form with the wall (100.1b) at least a first compartment (100.3) and a second compartment (100.4) of said cone (100); • the perforated wall (100.1b) comprises at least a first inlet for a fluid opening into the first compartment (100.3) and a second inlet for a fluid opening into the second compartment (100.4); • the first (100.3) and the second (100.4) compartments being arranged so that they open onto the base (100.1c), the opening of the base (100.1c) defining an outlet common to the first (100.3) and the second (100.4) compartments.

2. Valve (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the wall (100.1b) of the cone (100.1) adapted to form the inlet is at least partially perforated.

3. Valve (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one flexible membrane (100.5) arranged against an internal face of the wall (100.1b), said membrane (100.5) being adapted to allow fluids to pass from the tip (100.1a) to the base (100.1c) of the cone (100.1).

4. Valve (100) according to claim 3 characterized in that it comprises at least one fixing means adapted to fix the membrane (100.5) in said valve (100).

5. Valve (100) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that each compartment (100.3; 100.4) comprises at least a portion of the flexible membrane (100.5).

6. Valve (100) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that each compartment (100.3; 100.4) comprises a flexible membrane (100.5).

7. Valve (100) according to one of claims 3 to 6 characterized in that the thickness of the membrane (100.5) is less than 50 mm.

8. Valve (100) according to one of claims 3 to 7 characterized in that the separating element (100.2) comprises at least two concave faces (100.2a) delimited by at least one convex rounding (100.2b), said faces (100.2a) being arranged opposite each compartment (100.3; 100.4) so ​​that the at least one rounding (100.2b) is positioned at the junction between the concave face (100.2a) and the wall (100.1b) of the cone (100.1).

9. Valve (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cone (100.1) has a continuous surface on an external face.

10. Valve (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cone (100.1) comprises on an external face at least two separating members (100.6) arranged in the extension of the at least one separating element (100.2).

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