Wing Check Valve

Abstract

A wing check valve for at least one gaseous and / or liquid medium for medical and sewage applications has at least three triangular wings arranged in a circular configuration on the edge of an angular hole in a valve ring, the number of wings being equal to the number of sides of the angular hole. The valve wings have an integrated joint on at least one of their three sides. The joint may be made of fabric. The other two sides of the valve wings together form a single joint-like closure. The valve closes automatically and without external energy, regardless of position, due to the reverse flow or return flow of the medium.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to a check valve for gaseous, liquid to viscous liquid media, operating without external energy, in particular for medical applications, e.g. as a replacement for heart or venous valves, and in the construction industry as a check valve against backflows of water and sewage, especially in residential and water supply and sewer systems with high flows. [Background technology]

[0002] There are numerous wing check valves available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages in terms of flow rate, installation options, materials that can be used, and above all manufacturing costs. Many of these valves have eccentrically supported valve wings that cause turbulence in the flow behind them and vibrate themselves, creating undesirable noise.

[0003] DE2949469B1 describes a closure that remains deformed in the event of an emergency and keeps the conduit closed. This closure exhibits a folding technique that is one-time only and cannot be repeated. According to the description, it is a folding element, not a valve. It has no joints and the movements of this closure are not repeatable even once. An additional protruding sealing element is required for sealing. A very large pressure difference is required to fold the closure. It can then no longer be opened. After one use, it must be discarded and replaced with a new closure.

[0004] DE69627510T2 describes a valve, primarily for artificial respirators, which consists of several plates arranged around a polygonal polygonal frame, which plates are movably and swivel-mounted relative to the frame. The juxtaposed planar plates have curved edges that extend from the outside towards the center of the valve and increase in the same direction, which overlap very close to a horizontal line when the valve is closed, thereby providing mutual support and sealing. This principle only works theoretically on paper and has no prospects of doing so. In practical application, some overlaps do not coincide spatially in the center of the valve, especially since it is there that the material is thickest. The edges located under the valve wings succumb to the pressure of the flowing medium and remain unsealed. The valve lamellae, here called lamellae, have no kinematic necessity. If all the valve lamellae do not move at the same time or all at the same speed, they will not reach the closed position at the same time and the lamellae will not be in the closed state. This principle therefore does not work or does not work reliably.

[0005] US 3,939,197 describes a valve as a substitute for a heart valve for use in the human heart, consisting of a number of lamellae, each attached on either side to a ring by two rotating joints. The closed position of the lamellae is achieved by the parts of the lamellae protruding behind the rotating shaft, which abuts the underside of the mounting ring. Although this valve would function mechanically, the protruding parts of the lamellae and the protruding parts of the joints, as well as some parts of the mounting ring, would impede blood flow, causing blood to swirl and creating the risk of clots and thrombus formation.

[0006] US 4,351,358 describes a wing check valve consisting of a pyramidal housing with a number of trapezoidal through holes that are opened and closed by a movable lamella. The lamella consists of flat, trapezoidal, flat parts that are arranged in a circular arrangement around the housing in a revolute joint arrangement and are each pressed into a closed position by a torsion spring. This valve is not suitable for use in medical technology as a heart or venous valve due to the large number of torsion springs and revolute joints, as well as the large closed central area, which allows a small flow cross section, and because there are too many corners and edges and a small flow cross section. This creates turbulence, there are too many joints that cause debris due to friction, and above all the torsion springs have a limited life before breaking due to material fatigue.

[0007] US 4,465,102 describes a wing check valve consisting of an elastic nipple with a slit. The pressure of the flowing medium opens the slit and allows the medium to flow. The pressure of the flowing medium increases the closing force in the opposite direction. This valve is easy to manufacture and works well. Since this valve constantly exerts a closing force on the valve segments to close the valve, turbulence occurs behind the valve when the flow passes through it. Therefore, this valve principle is generally not suitable for use in medical technology.

[0008] US 5,628,792 describes a heart valve consisting of three lamellae which together form a circular surface in the closed state. Each lamellae has a rotary joint supported on a larger diameter, outside the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve. This valve works, but is not suitable for practical use. Blood flows from the smaller diameter, without a transition, through the larger diameter, where the step on which the joint rests is provided. This causes vortices in the blood flow due to the Bernoulli effect. On the other hand, in the open state, the sharp edges of the wing segments are in the middle of the blood flow. Moreover, when the valve is in the closed state, the pressure of the backflow of blood generates very large bending moments on the relatively small joints of the individual lamellae. For these reasons, this valve is also not used in humans.

[0009] US 2017 / 0167618 A1 describes a heart valve consisting of a multiple arrangement of truncated cone-shaped valve lamellae, each of which is rotatably attached in the region of its lower circular edge by a short rotary joint to a round annular ring, which also has oblique webs attached radially towards the center of the valve, which are attached at their other ends to a closed disk in the center of the valve cross section, forming an open cage as a housing.

[0010] The synchronization of the movement of each lamella is achieved by overlapping the lamellae from a frusto-conical shape to a fully conical shape up to the tip of the cone.

[0011] When the valve lamella rotates around the axis of the revolute joint, the contact points of the two contacting valve lamellas follow different circular paths based on their different distances to the axis of rotation, which causes the lamellas to either engage with each other or move away from each other. It is kinematically impossible for two surfaces to slide evenly over each other. Moreover, the lower edge of the valve lamella, which is circular, protrudes sharply into the medium flow when the lamella is in the open state, generating turbulence and making the lamella vibrate.

[0012] In conical variations, the valve lamellae collide too far ahead and therefore cannot overlap all the way to the tip of the cone. They can only be formed trapezoidally and therefore have to resort to a closing disk in the centre of the flow, which significantly reduces the flow of the medium.

[0013] When the valve lamellae rotate around their respective rotation axes, the angle between two adjacent valve lamellae also changes. The conically shaped surfaces of the valve lamellae are forced into a relative rotational movement with respect to each other. This causes the distance between the two overlapping surfaces to change during the movement. This change in volume creates a pumping effect on the medium between them, significantly hindering the speed of the valve movement and even damaging the molecules of the liquid medium between them.

[0014] The valve lamellae must close with the help of springs, not shown in the figure. There is no mention of where and how these springs are attached, nor of how the opening angle is limited.

[0015] Apart from the fact that this publication is overly general and does not describe important details and features, this valve is not suitable for use in medical technology for the reasons stated above. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to create a check valve that functions reliably, has a long life, is vibration-free, functions without external energy, is position-independent and easy to manufacture, and allows the maximum possible flow rate with no or as little resistance and turbulence as possible from the available installation space.

[0017] The above problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.

[0018] The dependent claims present advantageous further embodiments of the invention.

[0019] The wing check valve according to the invention is designed as a wing check valve which opens and closes automatically and without external energy by the flow of gaseous and / or liquid media. In this case, the check valve has at least n≧3 triangular valve wings which are accommodated or arranged in a swivel manner by at least one rotary joint in each case on at least one side in a substantially circular arrangement around an n-gonal, preferably hexagonal, through-opening or hole of a valve ring. The rotary joint comprises at least one first joint element and at least one second joint element. According to the invention, at least one joint element is integrated into the valve wing.

[0020] At least one joint element is integrated into the respective valve wing, which in particular means that the joint element is a fixed component of the valve wing, i.e. in particular is made integrally with the valve wing and / or is permanently connected thereto. In the embodiment with a textile joint, the integration can be achieved, for example, by the textile joint being covered with a thin layer of material and embedded in or integrated into the valve wing.

[0021] In a textile joint, the first and second joint element are preferably realised in one piece, for example by a piece of textile, and the first joint element on one side is integrated into the valve wing and the second joint element on the other side is preferably connected and / or integrated into the valve ring.

[0022] Depending on the design, the check valve has at least n≧3 valve wings, preferably triangular in shape, in particular three-dimensionally formed, with a flat surface facing the central axis of the valve and three straight sides defining said surface, of which preferably at least one side is formed or integrated into the valve wing, preferably directly, completely or only partially, i.e. partly, as an element of a rotary joint, preferably made of biological or synthetic fibers or fabrics or of plastics, the other two sides are preferably beveled, i.e. V-shaped, so that the triangular valve wing preferably has its maximum material thickness approximately at the center of gravity of the triangle, thinning towards each side and almost pointed at the edges.

[0023] In the simplest valve variant, the valve wings are arranged in a substantially circular arrangement around an n-gonal through-opening, in particular a hole, of the valve ring, swiveling on one side by means of at least one rotary joint each, the through-opening being preferably hexagonally shaped.

[0024] In that case, the valve ring preferably has a round or rounded cross section. However, in some embodiments, the ring can also have an angular outer cross section. The elements of the rotation joint on the valve ring are preferably made either as holes or bolts or as film joints by tapering the plastic material, preferably as part of their edges, so that the edges of the angular holes form the axis of rotation and the sealing edge of the valve wing. In the variant with a fabric joint, the part of the fabric joint located on the valve ring is preferably sandwiched between the valve ring and a step in a cylindrical housing that covers the valve. This housing serves as an optional protective cover in all valve variations.

[0025] On either side of the joint at the valve wing, i.e. on either side of each valve wing, a right and a left, preferably one narrow side wing each, are preferably arranged in a swivel manner, made of a biological or synthetic fiber material, preferably nylon, perlon or silk. At least one right side wing, in particular each right side wing of a valve wing, is substantially movably connected to the left side wing of the adjacent valve wing to the right.

[0026] It is particularly preferred that the mutually connected right and left side wings or partial wings of adjacent valve wings respectively form a rotation joint, preferably made of biological or synthetic fiber material or silk material, preferably with a swivel angle limited to ≦180°, in particular in such a way that when the valve is closed, they move radially outwards from the central axis behind the valve wing in a star shape and fold over and overlap. The right and left side wings are of equal length. They are formed with a flat surface on the side facing towards the central axis of the valve. The flat surface on the side forming the rotation axis with the valve wing is bevelled at an angle of about 30°. The inclination angle is optimised so that when the valve is in the closed state, the bevelled side of the valve wing and the side wing preferably come into close contact. The length and / or angle between the two side wings determines the position and the angular position of the valve wing in the maximum open position.

[0027] The joints of the side wings are preferably only partially and / or partially present in the form of narrow strips. The complete side wings are triangular and mirror-symmetrical with respect to their overlapping surfaces. The partial wings are sections cut out of two overlapping side wings at will, the three joint axes of which intersect at any angular position at the intersection of the two rotation axes of the valve wings with the valve ring. At this intersection, five rotation axes intersect: two rotation axes of the valve wings intersect with the valve ring, and three rotation axes of the side wings intersect with the valve wings and with each other. The valve designed in this way operates kinematically without problems between the two positions "open" and "closed" and is tight and stable in the closed state.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the valve according to the invention, the valve wings have on each of the two sides adjacent to the valve ring a positive and a negative element of the closure body, such that when the valve is closed, the positive elements move continuously within the negative elements and rotate simultaneously. At the end of the closing process, all valve wings are movably connected to one another on the side facing away from the central axis. This connecting joint requires a degree of rotational freedom that depends on the number of valve wings in the closed state and their inclination angle.

[0029] This joint closure body is preferably only partially cylindrical at the edge of the valve wing, from the valve ring up to just before the valve wing tip, and is particularly preferably formed conically or frusto-conically, with the tip of the cone being pointed towards the valve tip.

[0030] Preferably, the outward side of the hollow joint element is provided with holes or comb-like slits to ensure that the molecules and important components of the medium flowing through the valve are not damaged and that the movement of the valve wings is not hindered by suction, especially when opening.

[0031] The third edge of the valve wing is formed partly as a rotary joint element, bolt or hole, the second joint element of which is arranged in the valve ring. This quick-slip joint can also be replaced by a fabric joint.

[0032] A further preferred variant of the valve wing is chamfered and the two edges of the valve wing adjacent to the valve ring are formed as elements of a rotary thrust joint, which in kinematics is called a knife-edge joint. One edge, for example the right side, is chamfered positively in the shape of a V, like the edge of a knife, while the other edge, the left side, is formed from the valve material with a V-shaped slit around the negative edge facing the adjacent valve wing, with a V-angle greater than the positive edge on the right side. The deep end of the V-slit corresponds to the straight side of the valve wing. The two positive and negative V-shaped edges of two adjacent valve wings together form an angled knife-edge joint with a contact point at the intersection of the rotation axis of the two valve wings and the valve ring when the valve is in the open state and their flat faces stand approximately vertically on the valve ring. During the valve closing process, the positive V-element of the knife-edge joint moves continuously from the valve ring to the valve tip into the negative V-element, rotating from the side located on the inside and closer to the valve axis to the outer side of the negative V-element. In the closed state, the two cutting edges of the knife-edge joint completely interdigitate or overlap each other and seal with their two positive and negative edges. The valve is kinematically overdetermined many times in this position, so that each rotary joint between the valve wing and the valve ring is given an additional degree of axial movement freedom, i.e. it now becomes a rotary thrust joint instead of a rotary joint, with very small axial movements and the ability to compensate for manufacturing tolerances.

[0033] Preferably, the negative element of the knife edge joint, i.e. the material forming and covering the negative V-slit, is formed in a cylindrical, conical or pyramidal shape and terminates just before the tip of the valve wing.

[0034] A valve designed in this way remains very stable in each position in general and in the closed state in particular: the valve wings do not require any restraints and additional support from the valve housing in the closed state.

[0035] A slightly elevated area behind the outward side of the valve wing limits the position of the valve wing in the maximum open state, where the elevated area of ​​the valve wing is rounded and reaches the wall of the housing that covers the valve above the valve ring. In the open state, the valve wing stands at a maximum perpendicular to the ring surface. The counterflow of the flowing medium pushes against the two upright valve sides and the inclined surfaces of the side wings, closing the valve wings automatically, even against the gravitational force of the earth, because the valve wings float in the flowing medium and their own weight is almost negligible. The side surfaces of adjacent valve wings engage with each other, so all the valve lamellae move synchronously.

[0036] In many valve variants according to the invention without side wings and without forced synchronization, the valve ring is provided with open pyramidal grid formations which serve as supports for the valve wings in the closed state and preferably provide a better sealing effect for the valve wings, in which case the opening limit of the valve wings is in particular achieved by the fact that the hump-shaped reinforcing ribs on the rear side of the valve wings rest against a tubular housing surrounding the entire valve.

[0037] In all embodiments of the wing check valve according to the invention, the substantially ring-shaped body as valve housing or the body as part of the housing has an n-sided through-hole or aperture in its hollow center. The number n is at least 3, the upper limit of n being determined by the outer diameter of the ring-shaped body and the width of the valve wings. The valve wings, also called main wings, are arranged in a swivel manner on each edge of one side of the n-sided aperture. The valve wings are triangular in shape with two equal sides and preferably made of a solid material, for example metal, plastic or a mixture of the two. The third and usually shorter side of each of the valve wings is attached in a rotary joint and in a swivel manner to the edge of the angular aperture of the hollow ring. The edges preferably form the axis and the sealing edge of the rotary joint or rotary thrust joint, respectively.

[0038] In order to synchronize the movements of the valve wings with each other, in a first preferred variant, each valve wing is movably and swivelably connected with a triangular side wing, respectively, with sides of equal length to the right and left. Each side wing is a mirror image of the other side wing. The side wings are also made of solid material and usually have three sides of different lengths. The longest side is swivelably connected with the valve wing, and the shortest side forms the outlet of the check valve. The third sides of the two mirror-image side wings cooperate to form a rotation joint with a rotation angle limited to 180°. They fold together when the valve closes and completely overlap each other, pointing radially outwards in a star shape from the central axis of the valve.

[0039] In the closed state, the main wings preferably form a three or more sided, e.g. hexagonal pyramid, and in the open state form a polygonal tube ranging from half pyramid to cylindrical, with an inlet opening being an n-sided polygon and an outlet opening being a 2n-sided polygon.

[0040] Another advantageous variant of the valve uses only narrow sections of the side wings as elastic elements to synchronize the valve wings and by making them from plastic, does not use springs that constantly tend to close themselves and with them the valve.

[0041] A particularly preferred variant of the valve is characterized by an open pyramidal grid formation of honeycomb shape provided on the valve ring. Open here is to be understood in particular as open to and allowing the flow to pass, i.e. the grid formation has at least one free flow cross section. In the closed state, the valve wings are provided in triangular or more polygonal openings on the side of the pyramidal formation inside the valve housing. Outwardly, the opening diameter of each valve wing is individually limited by a reinforcing rib or by the back side of the valve wing resting against the inner wall of the housing.

[0042] The lattice formation consists of thin channels and / or ribs arranged in a honeycomb pattern, which can have any geometric cross-section and through which gaseous or liquid media can flow with low friction. The walls and ribs of the lattice formation extend radially from the valve ring, preferably upright, towards the central axis and tip of the valve, in order to enable the valve wings to be supported straight or obliquely. The ribs supporting the valve wings can also be provided without forming a honeycomb.

[0043] All the above valve variations open and close automatically and independently of the mounting position, by the flow of the medium, without external energy. They can be, for example and preferably, injection molded from plastic or printed in one piece in a 3D printing process. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0044] Each drawing is briefly described below. [Figure 1] Figures 1a), 1b) and 1c) show, purely diagrammatically, three different embodiments of triangular shaped valve wings. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2a) shows purely schematic representation of a simple valve wing with a fabric joint for attachment to the valve ring. FIG. 2b) shows purely schematic representation of a simple valve wing with a hump on the underside and with a fabric joint for attachment to the valve ring. FIG. 2c) shows purely schematic representation of a simple valve wing further attached to two short side wings by fabric or textile joints on two sides. FIG. 2d) shows purely schematic representation of a simple valve wing attached by fabric or textile joints only partially provided with two side wings on a side. Finally, FIG. 2e) shows purely schematic representation of six valve wings each with two short side wings attached by a woven textile material replacing all the joints at once. The excess fabric is cut off. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a purely schematic embodiment of a valve wing having a cylindrical joint element on one side for attachment to the valve ring and one positive and one negative cylindrical closing element on each of the two other sides of the wing. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows, purely diagrammatically, another embodiment of a valve wing having a cylindrical joint element on the side intended for attachment to the valve ring and one positive and one negative wedge-shaped closing element on each of the two further sides of the wing. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows, purely diagrammatically in two views, a variant of the valve ring according to the invention as a valve housing without valve wings, which has a pyramidal honeycomb-shaped lattice structure on the inside of the valve ring. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows, purely diagrammatically in two views, a variant of the valve ring according to the invention as a valve housing without valve wings, which has a pyramidal honeycomb-shaped lattice structure on the inside of the valve ring. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 shows, purely diagrammatically in two views, a variant of the valve ring according to the invention as a valve housing without valve wings, which has a pyramidal honeycomb-shaped lattice structure on the inside of the valve ring. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows, purely diagrammatically, a valve according to the invention consisting of 6 valve wings and 12 side wings designed in a triangular shape and in three dimensions, so as to open and close automatically due to the flow of a gaseous or liquid medium, as a three-dimensional mechanism with 24 revolute joints. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a purely schematic representation of a valve according to the invention similar to Figure 8, but with the side wings reduced to a minimum. The joints of the side wings can be biased during manufacture so as to always tend to push the valve wings in the closing direction. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows purely diagrammatically another variant of the valve according to the invention in which the tips of two edges of each valve wing, in particular two opposite edges of two adjacent valve wings in the closed state of the valve, are positively and negatively shaped so that the tips move in a mutually interlocking manner, like pressure closures, like rotary joints. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows, purely diagrammatically, an advantageous variant of the valve according to the invention in which the tips of two edges of each valve wing, in particular two opposite edges of two adjacent valve wings in the closed state of the valve, are formed in a wedge shape with positive and negative shapes, so that the tips move in a mutually interlocking manner like knife-edge joints. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows, purely diagrammatically, how a valve according to the invention with a textile joint can be assembled from three parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] Identical parts have the same numbers. Lettered designations indicate different embodiments of the same elements.

[0046] The diagram will be explained below.

[0047] FIG. 1 shows three variations of the valve wings of the check valve according to the invention. Here, all valve wings (1) are three-dimensionally formed with a triangular main surface (2) directed towards the inside, i.e. the central axis, of the valve. The side surfaces (3, 4, 5) of the valve wing run from the straight edge (7, 8, 9) of the main surface obliquely upwards to the back surface (6) of the half pyramid or to the tip of the pyramid and together with the main surface form three, preferably sharp edges (7, 8, 9) which are used for sealing and / or forming joints and closures. The back surfaces (3, 4, 5, 6) of the valve wings are used for limiting the valve opening and, if side wings are present, for limiting the freedom of movement of the side wings. The back surface (6) of the valve wing (1b) is reinforced along its longitudinal axis. The valve wings (1) consist of a solid material, such as plastic. The joint and sealing elements are preferably components of the valve wing. They are preferably manufactured in one piece. The joint consists of several elements that can fit together. The main surface (2) of the valve wing (1b) has a row of projections (10). These projections ensure that when the valve wing rests on the honeycomb lattice structure, the contact points and contact surfaces are as small as possible. This favors faster opening of the valve wings, while reducing the compression of the molecules of sensitive media, e.g. blood, when closing.

[0048] The valve wing according to Fig. 1c has at its edge (9) two first joint elements (11a) of a revolute joint, whose common axis of rotation is aligned with the edge (9) and, since the counter element of the joint is on the valve ring, together they form a revolute joint which can be fitted together without additional parts.

[0049] FIG. 2 shows two valve wing variants 2a) and 2b), each with a joint element (12a) made of a biological or synthetic fiber such as silk, nylon or perlon, which is either directly integrated into the material of the valve wing or subsequently attached thereto, for example when producing the valve wing by a 3D printing process.

[0050] In FIG. 2c, the side wings (13L, 13R) are not completely formed. The tips of the triangular main faces (2) of the valve wings remain without joint elements (14). The side wings are also attached to the valve wing in a rotating joint manner by means of the textile material (12a). The joint elements (14L, 14R) of the side wings are preferably not continuous but rather only partially present as segments.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 2d, in order to further reduce the flow resistance, the side wings are reduced to narrow segments (15L, 15R), which, like the valve wings, are bevelled from all sides, and in particular on all sides, to each other and to the valve wings, allowing the use of the two edges, right and left, as joint elements as well as the flow-friendly formation of the upper and lower edges.

[0052] Figure 3 shows in three views a three-dimensionally formed valve wing (1d) with a main surface (2) and three bevelled side surfaces (3, 4, 5) as well as three straight edges (7, 8, 9). Edge (9) is formed partly as an element (11a) of a rotary joint, the second joint element of which is arranged in the valve ring. This easily pluggable joint can also be replaced by a fabric joint as shown in Figure 2. The other two edges (7, 8) of the valve wing (1d) are preferably divided into two partial areas, an upper a and a lower b. The upper is understood to be the area close to the valve tip and the lower is the area close to the valve ring.

[0053] In the short upper region, the edges (7a, 8a) of the valve wing (1d) are straight, with a chamfer at an acute angle of about 30°. In the lower and much longer region (7b, 8b), the edges are imaginary. Around these edges, on one side, here on the left side of the figure, an open, preferably cylindrical or conical, hollow body (16) is formed, and on the other side, here on the right side of the figure, a body (17), here preferably cylindrical or conical, which fits flush with the first side. When the valve is in the closed state, the axes (A7, A8) of the two bodies (16, 17), negatively and positively molded, are aligned together and form the imaginary edge (7b, 8b) of the main surface (2) of the valve wing. Thus, when the valve is in the closed state, a closure body is formed from the right edge of the valve wing and the left edge of the adjacent right valve wing.

[0054] In order to prevent the molecules and important components of the medium flowing through the valve from being damaged and to prevent the movement of the valve wings from being hindered by suction effects, especially when opening, it is expedient to provide holes (18) or comb-like slits on the outward side (16a) of the hollow-formed edge (16). The edges (7b, 8b) can be formed in a conical or frustoconical positive and negative form, as also shown in Fig. 4. In this case, it is expedient for the cone tip to be directed towards the tip of the valve.

[0055] Figure 4 shows a three-dimensionally formed valve wing (1e) with an edge (9) of the main surface (2) with two joint elements (11a) of the revolute joint, a right edge (8) formed in a wedge or V-shape with an inclination of about 30° and a left edge (7) consisting of two sections (7a, 7b). The short upper section (7a) is V-shaped with an oblique angle of about 30°. The longer lower section (7b) forms the two planar cutting edges of a hollow V-shaped slit (19). The hollow wedge or V-shaped slit preferably has a V-angle that is about 10° larger than the oblique angle of the edge (8). The openings are oriented towards the adjacent valve wing such that when the valve is in the open position, the outer surface (2) located on the inside of the edge (8) contacts or is close to the inside of the V-slit, and when the valve is in the closed position, the edge (8) of each valve wing (1e) contacts or is close to the edge (7a, 7b) of the adjacent valve wing and the outer surface (4) of the edge (8) contacts or is close to the outer surface of the V-slit. Thus, between the positive wedge of one valve wing and the negative wedge of the adjacent valve wing, respectively, a knife-edge joint is formed, sealing the two valve wings with a sharp blade edge.

[0056] In valves with valve wings (1e), the rotary joint (11a) is given, in addition to its rotational degree of freedom, a second pushing degree of freedom within a very limited range, as symbolically shown in the figure, so that all the valve wings can push against each other in the circumferential direction in the closed state and can be centered and sealed very well against each other with a knife-edge joint.

[0057] Figures 5, 6 and 7 show two variants (21a, 21b) of a valve ring (21) with a hexagonal through hole. The inner edges of the hexagon are used as elements of the rotary joint and for sealing. These edges are used as elements of an integrated film joint (21a) or a textile joint (12b) or a rotary joint (11b) that is molded into the valve ring (21b).

[0058] Inside the valve ring (21a, 21b) there is a lattice formation (22) which can have different geometric shapes a) to l). The lattice formation consists essentially of thin ribs rising pyramid-shaped from the valve ring in the radial direction towards the central axis (A) and towards the tip of the valve. The lattice formation is used to support simple valve wings according to figures 1a, 1b, 1c and 2a and 2b.

[0059] In the simple form according to Figures 5a and 5b, the radially extending ribs (22a, 22b) form open, angular channels in a honeycomb shape that direct the flow through the valve in the longitudinal direction. The honeycomb-like lattice structures (22c, 22d, 22e, 22f) according to Figures 5c, 5d, 6e and 6f leave the center of the valve open for better flow with less resistance. The structure (22e) according to Figure 6e provides the lowest resistance. The funnel-like form of the radial ribs (22g, 22h, 22i) according to Figures 6g, 6h and 7i provides an additional advantage and allows a larger flow rate through.

[0060] In figures 7i and 7l the radial ribs (22i, 22l) have sawtooth recesses (23), which reduce the contact surface when the valve wing rests on the rib and the resistance when the valve wing opens. The combination of the toothed ribs (22i, 22l) according to figures 7i and 7l and the valve wing (1b) with protrusions according to figure 1b significantly reduces damage to sensitive molecules of the flowing medium and the sticking effect when opening.

[0061] In Fig. 7l the second joint element (11b) of the pluggable rotary joint is already molded into the valve ring. These elements can also be molded directly into the valve wings, ribs and grid formations as film joints.

[0062] FIG. 8 shows a first valve (V1) according to the invention in two views: a) in the open state and b) in the closed state. The valve consists of a valve ring (21c) with a hexagonal through hole. The valve wings (1) are attached at their edges (9) to each side of the hexagonal hole with the side wings (13L, 13R) which are only partially provided according to FIG. 2 via film joints or joints made of textile material. The side wings (13L, 13R) are also movably connected to each other. The joints between the side wings are designed in such a way that when the valve is in the closed state, the side wings completely overlap behind the valve and between the valve wings, and in the open state, the angle between the two side wings can be a maximum of 180°. The side wings limit the maximum opening diameter of the valve wings with their limiting angle. This valve opens and closes completely over the entire cross section of the valve ring without grid formations (22) or radial ribs. Chamfers (3, 4) located on the sides of the main surface (2) of the valve wing and on the upper edges of the side wings (13) generate a closing force directed radially to the valve axis (A) by the counterflow of the medium. The valve operates completely autonomously and reliably in any position. The valve ring with very thin ribs according to Fig. 7j, 7k or 7l significantly increases the safety of the valve for use in the human body.

[0063] Figure 9 shows a second valve (V2) according to the invention with its side wings reduced to a minimum in two views: a) open and b) closed. The narrow segments (15R, 15L) of the side wings each have a flat surface that overlaps behind the valve wing (1) when the valve is in the closed state. They synchronize the movement of the valve wings and limit their opening diameter. Their three rotation axes intersect at a point that is the contact point of the lower edge of the valve wing on the valve ring (21c) with the rotation axis (9) of the valve wing.

[0064] Figure 10 shows a third valve (V3) according to the invention in two views: a) open and b) closed. In this valve, valve wings according to Figure 3 are used with both edges (16, 17) formed at least partially as closure elements. The elements of the rotary joint (11) at the edges (9) of the valve wings and at the edges of the valve ring can be made as film joints or textile joints or directly in the two parts as shown here. These partial views respectively show the negative (16) and positive (17) elements of the closure body in a) open and b) closed views of the valve wings. The valve ring (21c) corresponds to the valve ring (21b) without ribs.

[0065] FIG. 11 shows a fourth valve (V4) according to the invention in two views: a) open and b) closed. In this valve, valve wings according to FIG. (4) with wedge-shaped elements (8, 19) on both sides are used. In the closed state of the valve, the positive wedge-shaped edge (8) of each valve wing forms with the negative wedge-shaped edge (7b) of the right adjacent valve wing a knife-edge joint, also called a prismatic joint. The elements of the rotation joint (11) at the edge of the valve wing (9) and at the edge of the valve ring can be made as a film joint or a textile joint or directly in the two parts as shown here. These partial views show how the right edge or cutting edge (8) rotates around the two wedge tips (7b, 8) in the V-shaped slit (19) of the left edge of the valve wing (1e) from the open to the closed state of the valve. The rotational joints between the valve wings and the valve ring are preferably provided with a small degree of axial freedom to allow the wedges to press against each other when the valve is in the closed position. Valve ring (21c) corresponds to valve ring (21b) without ribs.

[0066] Fig. 12 shows how a valve having multiple valve wings movably connected to each other and to the valve ring (21a) by fabric is assembled. First, the textile joint (12a) is placed on the valve ring (21a). Then, a tubular protective cover (24) with an internal hexagonal step (25) is glued or pressed into place on the valve ring (21a).

[0067] By combining various shapes of the valve wings with different joint variations and many shapes of the housing with or without a grille formation or protective tube, a large number of variations of the wing check valve according to the invention are obtained.

[0068] All variations of this check valve (1, 2, 3) can be suitably manufactured by a 3D printing process from either solid plastic or a mixture of plastic and metal powders.

[0069] The features of the invention disclosed in the specification, the drawings and the claims may be important for the implementation of the invention either alone or in any combination. In particular, combinations of features from different examples may be advantageous for achieving further embodiments according to the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] Reference symbols: 1 Multiple variations of valve wings 2 The main surface of the valve wing facing inward of the valve, i.e. towards the valve axis 3. Left sloping side of valve wing 4 Right sloping side of valve wing 5 The side of the valve wing facing the valve ring 6 Underside of valve wing facing outwards 7 Left side of the main surface i.e. edge 8 Right side of the main surface, i.e. edge 9 Edge of the main surface facing the valve ring 10 Protrusions on the main surface 11 Rotary joint elements 12 Plastic joints in the form of film joints or fabric joints made of biological or synthetic fibres. 13 Side Wing 14 Side wing joint element 15 Side Wing Segments 16 Valve wing edges formed as open hollow bodies, i.e. negatively 17 Valve wing edges molded as solid or positive moulds 18 Hole on the outside of an open hollow body 19 Wedge-shaped slits in conical or pyramidal covers 20 Conical or pyramidal cover with wedge-shaped hollow slit 21 Valve ring with hexagonal through hole 22 Radial rib formations formed on honeycomb and radial rib formations not formed on honeycomb 23 Serrated recesses on diagonal ribs 24 Valve tubular protective cover 25 Angular, especially hexagonal, steps in valve protection tubes A Central axis of the valve and valve housing A7 the axis of the body extending in a hollow cylindrical shape around the edge 7b A8 Axis of a body extending in a solid cylindrical shape around edge 8b A9 Rotation axis of joint element 11a n Number of sides of the angled hole in the valve ring = Number of valve wings

Claims

1. A wing check valve (V1-V5) that opens and closes automatically and without external energy by the flow of a gaseous and / or liquid medium, The wing check valves (V1-V5) comprise at least n≧3 triangular valve wings (1) made of solid material, which are swivelled on at least three sides (9) respectively by means of rotary joints (11, 12) in a substantially circular arrangement around an n-gonal, preferably hexagonal, through-hole of a valve ring (21), the rotary joints (11, 12) comprising at least one first joint element (11a, 12a) and at least one second joint element (11b, 12b), Each valve wing (1) is three-dimensionally formed with a flat triangular main surface (2) oriented toward the central axis (A) of the valve, and a semi-pyramidal or pyramidal triangular back surface (3, 4, 5, 6), said back surface being thickest at the center near the center of gravity and then tapering obliquely toward the three edges (7, 8, 9) of said main surface (2), the first joint element (11a, 12a) is made to be integral with each of the triangular valve wings (1) at one edge (9) of the three edges (7, 8, 9); the second joint element (11b, 12b) is made integral with the valve ring (21) at the edge of the through hole, 13. A wing check valve, characterized in that the first joint element (11a, 12a) and the second joint element (11b, 12b) are configured together to form the rotary joint.

2. The first joint element (11a) and the second joint element (11b) are integrated as bolts or partial bolts or holes or partial holes on the edge (9) of the valve wing (1) or on the edge of the n-sided through-hole and together form the rotary joint which can be fitted together without additional parts, 2. The wing check valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the one edge (9) of the valve wing (1) and the edge of the through hole are located in the center of the bolt or partial bolt and the center of the hole or partial hole.

3. The axis (A9) of the first joint element (11a) is aligned with the one edge (9) of the valve wing (1); the axis of the second joint element (11b) is aligned with the edge of the through hole of an n-gon; 2. The wing check valve of claim 1, wherein both edges form a sealing edge.

4. A wing check valve as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one of the rotary joints (12) of the valve wing (1) is made integrally as a film joint or woven from biological or synthetic fibers.

5. A wing check valve as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that inside the n-sided through hole of the valve ring (21) there is a lattice structure (22) with a hollow center, the lattice structure being used to support and limit the closed position of the valve wings.

6. A wing check valve as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that radial ribs (22a to 22l) are present inside the n-sided through hole of the valve ring (21), and the radial ribs are used to support and limit the closed position of the valve wing (1).

7. A wing check valve as described in claim 6, characterized in that the radial ribs rise obliquely toward the valve tip in a funnel-like or parabolic manner.

8. A wing check valve as described in any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that on the valve wing side, the material of the radial ribs (22a-22l) or lattice webs is only partially present as teeth (23).

9. A wing check valve as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that there is a hump-shaped reinforcing rib on the back side of the valve wing (1b) which is used to simultaneously limit opening.

10. A wing check valve as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a nep (10) used as a spacer for reducing the contact surface area is provided on the inside of the valve wing (1b), i.e., the main surface and closing side (2), of the valve wing (1b), to support and limit the closed position of the valve wing.

11. A positive element (8b) and a negative element (7b) of a pressure closure body, which synchronize the movement of the valve wings with each other and seal the valve wings in the closed state, are formed respectively as a cylindrical or conical body (17) and a cylindrical or conical hollow body (16) on the two remaining edges (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b) of the valve wings (1d), preferably in the lower area close to the valve ring (21); Preferably, the outer side (16a) of the hollow-formed edge (16) of the valve wing (1d) is provided with holes (18) or comb-like slits, A wing check valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the valve wing (1d) together with the valve ring (12) are given an axial degree of freedom of movement along one edge (9) at the rotary joint (11).

12. A positive element (8) and a negative element (19) of a wedge closure or knife edge joint are formed on the edges (7a, 7b, 8) of the valve wings (1e) which synchronize the movements of the valve wings with each other and seal the valve wings with their wedge tips (7b, 8) in the closed state, A wing check valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the valve wing (1e) together with the valve ring (12) are given an axial degree of freedom of movement along one edge (9) at the rotary joint (11).

13. A right and a left side wing (13R, 13L) are swivel-mounted on each of both sides (7, 8) of the valve wing (1), and each right side wing of the valve wing (1) is movably connected to the left side wing of the adjacent valve wing (1) at a swivel angle of 0° to 180°; A wing check valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the side wings (13R, 13L) are provided with joints (14R, 14L), and the joints (14R, 14L) of the side wings (13R, 13L) are preferably present only in a portion of the side wings (13R, 13L).

14. A wing check valve as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the connected right and left side wings (13R, 13L) of adjacent valve wings (1) each have one small segment (15R, 15L) forming a rotary joint with a swivel angle limited to 180°, whereby when the valve is closed, the small segments move radially outward from the central axis (A) behind the valve wing in a star shape and fold and overlap.

15. A tubular element (24) having at least one step (25) is provided around the wing check valve (V1 to V5), 15. Wing check valve according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the element is used to provide valve protection and to limit the opening of the valve wings (1).

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