Abstract
The invention relates to a blade-type check valve for gaseous and liquid media, to be used in medical technologies as well as in waste water technology with at least three triangular blades, grouped in round configuration at the edges of a polygonal bore of a valve ring or housing, with the number of blades corresponding to the number of faces of the bore. At least at one of the three sides, the valve blades feature an integrated joint, which may also consist of fabric, whereas the two other sides of the valve blades form an articulated lock. The valve can be installed in any position and closes automatically, actuated by the backflow respectively return flow of the medium, without external energy.
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. An automatically working blade-type check valve, operated without external energy supply, opened and closed by the current of a gaseous or a liquid medium, comprising: a housing that comprises a polygonal through bore with at least three inner edges of said polygonal through bore; and at least one second joint element integrated along each inner edge; and at least three triangular-shaped valve blades, wherein a first joint element is integrated to at least one side each, attached to the said first joint element of said along each inner edge in a pivoting manner.
18. The check valve of claim 17, wherein at least one of said first and said second joint elements features a plug-in configuration for easy connection and detachment.
19. The check valve of claim 17, wherein said first and said second joint elements includes components of a film joint or fabric joint.
20. The check valve of claim 17, wherein at least one of said first joint element and said second joint elements are manufactured as one single piece or is an integrated component of another part.
21. The check valve of claim 17, wherein each of said valve blade includes a three-dimensional designed and both sides of an apex of said valve blade are outwards chamfered.
22. The check valve of claim 17, wherein said valve blades include a left and a right triangular shaped lateral blade each; and said left and said right lateral blades are swiveling jointed to their own valve blade each; and each left lateral blade is swiveling jointed to the right lateral blade of its left adjacent valve blade with a slewing angle between 0° and 180°.
23. The check valve of claim 22, wherein said joints of said lateral blades are only partially present.
24. The check valve of claim 23, wherein said lateral blades are present as small strips respectively small segments each.
25. The check valve of claim 17, wherein positive and negative elements are formed like a pressure lock or half open swivel-joint at the two edges or at a part of both sides of said valve blade apex each.
26. The check valve of claim 17, wherein positive and negative elements are formed like a wedge-shaped lock or wedge-joint at the two edges or at a part of both sides of said valve blade apex each.
27. The check valve of claim 17, wherein a grid structure with hollow center inside the polygonal through bore, used as a support and limitation of the closing position of the valve blades.
28. The check valve of claim 17, wherein radial ribs are provided inside the polygonal through bore, used as a support and limitation of the closing position of the valve blades.
29. The check valve of claim 28, wherein said radial ribs are ascending diagonally in a funnel or parabolic configuration towards the valve tip.
30. The check valve of claim 28, wherein the material of said radial ribs or grid webs on the inside surface of said valve blades is provided only partially, like a saw-tooth structure.
31. The check valve of claim 28, wherein burls are provided at the inside, i.e. at the closing side of the valve blade, used as a support and limitation of the closing position of the valve blades, in the form of spacers to minimize the contact area with said radial ribs.
32. The check valve of claim 17, wherein bulge-type reinforcement ribs on the rear side of the valve blades as well as acting for limitation of the opening of the valve blades.
33. The check valve of claim 17, wherein the check valves are enveloped by a tube-shaped element with at least one step, used as protection of the valve and limitation of the opening of the valve blades
34. The check valve of claim 17, wherein at least one of said three triangular-shaped valve blades is made of biological or synthetic fibers.
35. The check valve of claim 17, wherein said edges of said polygonal through bore from a rotary axis of said valve blades and a sealing edge.
36. The check valve of claim 17 wherein at least one of said joint elements has an axially freedom of movement.
37. The check valve of claim 25, wherein bores or slots are provided in said negative elements of the valve blades.
Description
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIONS
[0045] FIG. 1 shows three views (a, b and c) of a triangular valve blade.
[0046] FIG. 2 shows a simple valve blade a) with a fabric joint for attachment to the valve ring b) with a bulge on its back and a fabric joint for attachment to the valve ring, c) additional attachment at both sides by fabric respectively fiber joints to the two short lateral blades, d) a simple valve blade attached at the sides to two lateral blades by only partially provided fabric respectively fiber joints and finally e) six valve blades with two short lateral blades each, attached by means of a woven fiber replacing all joints at the same time, Excessive fabric is removed.
[0047] FIG. 3 shows a version of the valve blade with a cylindrical joint at the side which is oriented to the attached valve ring, and a positive as well as a negative cylindrical lock element each at the two other faces of the blade.
[0048] FIG. 4 shows a further version of the valve blade with a cylindrical joint at the side which is oriented to the attached valve ring, and a positive as well as a negative wedge lock element each at the two other faces of the blade. In this case the lock elements are wedge-shaped.
[0049] FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show in two views different versions of the valve ring according to the invention, as a valve housing without valve blades with a pyramidally composed honeycomb-shaped grid structure inside the valve ring.
[0050] FIG. 8 shows a valve according to the invention consisting of six valve blades and twelve lateral blades, all of them triangular, representing a three-dimensional mechanism with 24 swivel joints, automatically opening and closing actuated by the flow of a gaseous or liquid medium.
[0051] FIG. 9 shows a valve according to the invention similar to the type shown in FIG. 8, but with lateral blades shortened to the minimum. Already during production, the joints of the lateral blades may be subjected to a preload giving rise to the tendency to push the valve blades always in closing direction.
[0052] FIG. 10 shows another version of the valve according to the invention. In this configuration, two faces of each valve blade, particularly two face tips of two adjacent valve blades mutually opposed when the valve is in closed state, are positively and negatively shaped like a pressure lock so they able to intertwine like a swivel joint.
[0053] FIG. 11 shows a more advantageous version of the valve according to the invention. In this configuration, two faces of each valve blade, particularly two face tips of two adjacent valve blades mutually opposed when the valve is in closed state, are positively and negatively wedge-shaped so they able to intertwine like a knife-edge joint.
[0054] FIG. 12 shows views of the valve according to the invention with fiber fabric joints composed of three parts.
[0055] The number of identical parts is always the same. Indices with letters designate different versions or sizes of the same element.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0056] FIG. 1 shows three versions of a valve blade of a check valve according to the invention. All valve blades (1) are modeled three-dimensionally with a triangular main area (2) are oriented towards the interior respectively the center axis of the valve. The lateral faces of the valve blades (3, 4 and 5) diagonally rise from the straight edges (7, 8 and 9) of the main area up to the rear side (6) of a half pyramid or to the tip of a pyramid, forming together with the main area three preferably sharp edges (7, 8 and 9), used for tightening and/or formation of joints and locks. Areas (3, 4, 5 and 6) at the rear side of the valve blade act as limitation of the valve opening as well as limitation of the motion of the lateral blades (if provided). The rear side (6) of valve blade (1b) is reinforced along the longitudinal axis. The valve blades (1) consist of solid material like plastics. Joint and seal elements are preferably parts of the valve blades, so they are usually produced together as one single piece. The joints consist of elements in plug-in configuration. A row of burls (10) is provided on the main area (2) of valve blade (1b), useful to minimize the contact area when leaning the valve blades on the honeycomb-shaped grid structure. This enables the valve blades to be opened in shorter time, and furthermore during closure reduces compaction of possibly sensitive molecules e.g. in blood.
[0057] The edge (9) of the valve blade shown in FIG. 1c features two first joint elements (11a) of a swiveling joint. Their common rotary axis is in alignment with edge (9). The counter element of the joint is located at the valve ring, so the entire set-up represents a plug-in swivel joint not requiring additional parts.
[0058] FIG. 2 shows two valve blade types a) and b) with one joint element each (12a) made of biological or synthetic material like silk, nylon or perlon, either directly inserted by 3D printing into the material of the valve blade during production, or attached afterwards.
[0059] In FIG. 2c, the lateral blades (13L and 13R) are not modeled completely. No joint elements (14) are provided at the tips of the triangular main face (2) of the valve blade. The lateral blades as well are attached to the valve blade in swiveling manner by means of fiber material (12a), with the joint elements (14L and 14R) of the lateral blades not being provided completely; they only exist in form of segments.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 2d, the lateral segments are reduced to a narrow segment (15L and 15R), in order to reduce the flow resistance further. The narrow segments of the lateral blades (15L and 15R), similarly to the valve blades are laterally chamfered, particularly at the faces mutually opposed and the faces oriented towards the valve blades, at an angle enabling the two edges at the left and at the right side to be used as joint elements, and enabling the upper and lower edge conveniently to be designed according to the flow.
[0061] FIG. 3 shows in three views a three-dimensionally designed valve blade (1d) with a main area (2), three diagonally chamfered lateral faces (3, 4 and 5), as well as three straight edges (7, 8 and 9). The edge (9) is partially modeled as an element (11a) of a swiveling joint. The second element of this joint is located at the valve ring. This convenient plug-in joint can also be replaced by a fabric joint, as shown in FIG. 2. The other two edges (7 and 8) of valve blade (1d) are preferably subdivided into two sections a (above, close to the valve tip) and b (below, in the vicinity of the valve ring).
[0062] Within the short upper zone, the edges (7a and 8a) of valve blade (1d) are chamfered in an acute angle of approximately. 30° and straight. In the lower and much longer zone (7b and 8b), the edges are virtual. Around these edges, an opened, preferably cylindrical or conical hollow body (16) is modeled at one side (shown in the illustration on the left), and at the other side (shown on the right) another cylindrical or conical entity (17), appropriate to the first body. In closed state of the valve, the two axes (A7 and A8) of these two positively and negatively formed bodies (16 and 17), mutually aligned, represent the virtual edges (7b and 8b) of the main area (2) of the valve blade. This way, in closed state of the valve, the right edge of a valve blade together with the left edge of the right adjacent valve blade together form a lock.
[0063] To the lateral face (16a) of the hollow edge (16), which is pointing towards outside, preferably either bores (18) or slots in comb-type are provided, so that molecules and important fluid components may traverse without being damaged, and the opening process of the valve blades is not interfered by suction effects. The edges (7b and 8b), as shown in FIG. 4), may also be designed with a truncated or tapered shape, positively and negatively. In this case, orientation of the apex towards the valve tip is recommended.
[0064] FIG. 4 shows a three-dimensionally designed valve blade (1e) with two joint elements (11a) of a swiveling joint at the edge (9) of the main area (2), a wedge—respectively V-shaped right edge (8) at an inclination of 30°, and a left edge (7) composed of two sections (7a and 7b). The short upper section (7a) is V-shaped at an inclination of 30°, whereas the longer low section (7b) represents the cutting edge of two levels of a hollow V-shaped slot (19). The V-angle of the hollow wedge, respectively the V-shaped slot, preferably exceeds the angle of inclination of edge (8) by approximately 10°. Its opening to the adjacent valve blades is conveniently oriented, so that in opened state of the valve, the internal outside (2) of edge (8) contacts or approaches the inside of the V-slot, whereas in closed state, edge (8) of each valve blade (1e) contacts or approaches the edge (7a and 7b) of the adjacent valve blade, as well as outer surface (4) of edge (8) at the outside of the V-slot. This way a knife-edge joint is formed between the positive wedge of a valve blade and the negative wedge of the adjacent valve blade. The sharp edge of this joint seals both valve blades without any other sealing element.
[0065] For swiveling joints (11a) in valves with valve blades according to (1e), a second degree of translation is added to the degree of freedom of rotation. This additional degree of freedom is provided only in a very narrow zone, as symbolically shown in the illustration. This enables all valve blades to be pressed against each other in circumferential direction, when the valve is closed, simultaneously centered by means of the knife-edge or wedge joints. This feature optimizes the tightness of the configuration.
[0066] FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show two versions (21a and 21b) of a valve ring (21) with hexagonal through bore. The inner edges of the hexagons act as elements of swiveling joints, improving tightness. These edges are used either as elements of an integrated film joint (21a), or a fiber joint (12b) or as a part of a swiveling joint (11b) manufactured in one single piece at the valve ring (21b).
[0067] A grid structure (22) with different geometrical shapes (a to l) is located inside the valve ring (21 and 21b). This grid structure is mainly composed of thin ribs, radially ascending from the valve ring in direction of the center axis (A) and towards the tip of the valve in a pyramidal arrangement. The grid structure supports the simple valve blades according to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c as well as 2a and 2b.
[0068] In a simple form according to FIGS. 5a and 5b, the radially oriented ribs (22a and 22b) form honeycomb-shaped opened and angular channels, enabling the stream to pass through in direction of the longitudinal axis of the valve. The honeycomb-shaped grid structures (22c, 22d, 22e and 22f) according to FIGS. 5c, 5d, 6e and 6f keep the center of the valve clear in order to minimize flow resistance. The lowest resistance is offered by structure (22e) according to FIG. 6e. Supplementary advantages become possible by the funnel shape of radial ribs (22g, 22h and 22i) shown in FIGS. 6g, 6h, and 7i, able to increase the flow further.
[0069] Saw-tooth shaped recesses (23) are provided in the radial ribs (22i and 22l) shown in FIGS. 7i and 7l. They reduce the contact area between valve blades and ribs and simultaneously the resistance when the valve blades are just opening. A combination of serrated ribs (22i and 22l) according to FIGS. 7i and 7l and a valve blade (1b) with burls according to FIG. 1b, avoids damages of sensitive molecules inside the flowing medium considerable and prevents the adhesive effect which could arise during the opening procedure.
[0070] In FIG. 7l, the second joint elements (11b) of a plug-in swiveling joint already mounted to the valve ring, are manufactured as one single piece. These elements can also be manufactured as one single piece as a film joint together with the valve blades, ribs and grid structure.
[0071] FIG. 8 shows a first valve according to the invention (V1) in two views a) in opened and b) in closed state. The valve consists of a valve ring (21c) with hexagonal through bore. To each side of the hexagonal bore, a valve blade (1) at its edge (9) is attached together with its lateral blades (13L and 13R) acc. to FIG. 2c only partially provided. Attachment is carried out by means of a film joint or a joint made of fiber material. The lateral blades (13L and 13R) are mutually connected in swiveling configuration as well. The joint between the lateral blades enables them to be completely placed on top of each other on the rear side of the valve and between the valve blades, whenever the valve is closed. In opened state of the valve, between the two lateral blades a maximum angle of 180° is possible. The enclosed angle between the lateral blades limits the maximum opening width of the valve blade. This valve opens and closes the entire profile of the valve ring, without grid structure (22) and without radial ribs. The slanted chamfers (3 and 4) at the sides of the main area (2) of the valve blades and at the upper edge of the lateral blades (13) create a closing force directed radially to the valve axis (A), only generated by the backflow of the medium. For this reason, the valve is able to work autonomously and reliably in any position. A valve ring with very thin ribs according to FIG. 7j, 7k or 7l considerably increases the safety of the valve for applications in human bodies.
[0072] FIG. 9 presents two views of a second valve (V2) according to the invention, a) in opened, b) in closed state, with the lateral blades being reduced to a minimum. The narrow segments (15R and 15L) of the lateral blades feature one flat surface each, placed on top of each other and located behind the valve blades (1), when the valve is closed. They are used to synchronize the movement of the valve blades and to limit their opening. Their three rotary axes intersect with the rotary axes (9) of the valve blades at the valve ring (21c) in a particular point, in which the lower corners of the valve blades contact the valve ring.
[0073] FIG. 10 shows two views of a third valve (V3) according to the invention, a) in opened, b) in closed state. For this type of valve, the valve blades according to FIG. 3 are used with edges (16 and 17) at both sides, at least partially designed as lock elements. The elements of the swivel joints (11) at the edges (9) of the valve blades and at the edges of the valve ring may be manufactured as film joint or as fiber joint, or—as shown here—directly at the parts themselves. The cutouts show a negative (16) and a positive (17) element of the lock each a) in opened and b) in closed state of the valve blades. The valve ring (21c) corresponds to valve ring (21b) without ribs.
[0074] FIG. 11 shows two views of a fourth valve (V4) according to the invention, a) in opened, b) in closed state. For this type of valve, the valve blades according to FIG. 4 are used with wedge-shaped elements edges (8 and 19) at both sides. The positive wedge-shaped edge (8) of each valve blade, in retracted state of the valve, together with the negative wedge-shaped edge (7b) of the right adjacent valve blade forms a knife-edge-, respectively wedge-joint, also in some countries called prismatic joint. The elements of the joints (11) at the edges (9) of the valve blades and at the edges of the valve ring may be manufactured as film joint or as fiber joint, or—as shown here—directly at the parts themselves. The cutouts show the right edge (8) rotating from opened to closed state of the valve, inside the V-shaped slot (19) of the left edge of valve blade (1e), around the tip (7b and 8) of both wedges. A small axial degree of freedom may preferably be provided for the swiveling joint (11) of the valve blade with the valve ring, enabling the wedges to be pressed against each other, when the valve is in closed state. The valve ring (21c) corresponds to valve ring (21b) without ribs.
[0075] FIG. 12 shows an example of the assembly procedure fora valve with valve blades. The blades are connected by a fabric mutually and to the valve ring (21a) in swiveling configuration. First the fiber fabric joints (12a) are mounted to the valve ring (21a). Then the tube-shaped envelope (24) with the comprised hexagonal step (25) is glued or pressed in on the valve ring (21a) in correct position.
[0076] A great variety of models for the blade type check valve covered by this invention is provided, by combining different shapes of valve blades with appropriate joints and housings, with or without grid structure or protective envelope.
[0077] All versions of the check valve (V1 to V5) may preferably be produced by three-dimensional printing in one single piece, consisting of plastic or a mixture of plastic and metal powder.
[0078] The features detailed in this description, in drawings and claims, may be relevant for the realization of the invention, whether individually or in any combination. Particularly the combination of features from different examples may be advantageous to create further design versions according to the invention.
REFERENCE DESIGNATIONS
[0079] 1: Different versions of the valve blade. [0080] 2: Main area of the valve blade, oriented to the inside of the valve, respectively to the valve axis. [0081] 3: Left slanted lateral face of the valve blade. [0082] 4: Right slanted lateral face of the valve blade. [0083] 5: Lateral face of the valve blade oriented towards the valve ring. [0084] 6: Rear side of the valve blade, oriented towards the outside. [0085] 7: Left side respectively edge of the main area. [0086] 8: Right side respectively edge of the main area. [0087] 9: Edge of the main area oriented towards the valve ring. [0088] 10: Burls located on the main area. [0089] 11: Elements of a swivel joint. [0090] 12: Joint made of plastic in the form of a film joint or consisting of a fabric of biological or synthetic fibers. [0091] 13: Lateral blade. [0092] 14: Joint elements of lateral blades. [0093] 15: Segments of lateral blades. [0094] 16: Edge of the valve blade, designed as a hollow body or as a negatively shaped edge. [0095] 17: Positively shaped edge of the valve blade (full edge). [0096] 18: Bores at the outside of the open hollow body. [0097] 19: Wedge-shaped slot in a conical or pyramidal envelope. [0098] 20: The conical or pyramidal envelope of a wedge-shaped hollow slot. [0099] 21: A valve ring with a hexagonal though bore. [0100] 22: Radial rib structure with and without honeycomb formation. [0101] 23: Saw-tooth shaped recesses in the diagonal ribs. [0102] 24: Tube-shaped protective envelope (housing) of the valve. [0103] 25: Angular, particularly hexagonal step inside the protective envelope of the valve. [0104] A: Center axis of valve and valve housing. [0105] A7: Axis of the hollow cylindrically expanded body around edge 7b. [0106] A8: Axis of the full cylindrically expanded body around edge 8b. [0107] A9: Rotary axis of joint element 11a and 11b. [0108] n: Number of faces of the angular bore of the valve ring=number of valve blades.
