CN105612376A - Apparatus and method for a one-way fuse valve - Google Patents

Abstract

A valve (100), including a fluid inlet (104), a fluid outlet (106) and an inlet seat (110) formed in a body (102) is provided. The valve (100) includes a base (108), a shuttle (112), a spring (116), and an O-shaped ring (118). The base (108) includes a base seat (122). The shuttle (112) includes a valve seal (114) that may come to rest on the inlet seat (110) or base seat (122). The valve seal (114) is biased against the inlet seat (110). The O-shaped ring (118) is situated on the valve seal (114). The valve seal (114) may include a bleed hole. The valve may include a reset.

Description

Apparatus and method for one-way safety valve

technical field

The present invention relates to the field of valves, and more particularly to safety valves and check valves.

Background technique

The demands on fluid handling devices are increasing and there is an increasing need for fluid handling devices that improve the safety and reliability of the system. Fluid handling systems are necessary for applications such as home care, point of care test, fuel cells, beverage delivery, and the like. In order for a fluid handling device to be effective and efficient, it should be simple, reliable and inexpensive. In many applications, it is desirable to reduce the number of components used in a fluid system to reduce cost and complexity. Therefore, it is desirable to combine the functionality of multiple fluid handling devices into a new fluid handling device.

Safety valves are used to shut off fluid flow if the fluid flow or pressure becomes too high. A typical safety valve remains open to fluid flow in either direction until the fluid flow or pressure reaches a maximum in one flow direction, at which point the safety valve closes the fluid flow. For example, U.S. 3,872,884 describes a safety valve featuring a flap that opens with a spring bias. When the valve experiences a pressure differential strong enough to counteract the force of the spring, the valve is pushed closed.

A one-way valve allows fluid to flow in the positive direction from the inlet to the outlet. One-way valves are also known as check valves, flap valves, and non-return valves. Check valves typically only operate above the burst pressure or minimum positive pressure. Check valves are ball check valves, diaphragm check valves, swing check valves, tilting plate check valves, shut-off check valves, lift check valves, straight-through check valves, and duckbill valves, among others appear in the form of . In the example of a ball-type check valve, the ball is biased against the seat by a spring. When fluid flow in the positive direction exerts enough force to counteract the force of the spring on the ball, the ball moves off the seat, allowing fluid to pass. Fluid flow in the negative direction does not compress the valve, so the valve remains closed and fluid does not pass.

It would be highly desirable to develop a functional valve that includes both a safety valve and a one-way valve. One application where a combination valve would be especially useful is to control air flow in beverage dispensing applications. The current solution consists in including both a one-way valve and a safety valve in series. However, including two valves increases the cost and complexity of the fluid control system. Therefore, what is needed is an improved valve that can be used as both a safety valve and a one-way valve. These valves will allow fluid flow in the positive direction below the maximum pressure, while preventing fluid flow in the negative direction.

Contents of the invention

According to an embodiment of the invention, a valve includes a body, a base, a shuttle and a spring. The body includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet formed in the body. The base is adapted to fit into the body between the inlet seat and the fluid outlet, the base being pervious to fluid. The shuttle includes a valve seal adapted to reciprocate between the inlet seat and the base. The spring is adapted to bias the valve seal against the inlet seat, allowing positive fluid flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, and preventing reverse fluid flow from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet, wherein the spring is capable of shift to allow the valve seal to rest against the seat, interrupting positive fluid flow.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a method for controlling fluid flow through a valve is provided. The valve includes a body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The method includes spring biasing a valve seal against an inlet seat of the valve, the valve seal being adapted to allow positive fluid flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet and prevent reverse fluid flow from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet. The method also includes compressing the spring during the period of maximum positive fluid flow to force the valve seal against the seat, thereby interrupting the positive fluid flow.

Aspects of the invention

Preferably, the valve further comprises an O-ring fitted to the valve seal, the O-ring being configured to allow positive fluid flow through the inlet seat when the valve seal is seated against the inlet seat.

Preferably, the valve seal is a flap.

Preferably, the valve seal is a spool.

Preferably, the spring is compressible and adapted to engage the base and the valve seal.

Preferably, the spring can be configured to adjust the maximum fluid flow.

Preferably, the valve further comprises a reset which prevents disengagement of the valve seal from the seat after the valve seal rests on the seat.

Preferably, the valve also includes a bleed hole.

Preferably, the discharge hole is located on the shuttle.

Preferably, the bleed hole is located on the valve seal of the shuttle.

Advantageously, the base includes a sleeve for guiding reciprocating movement of the shuttle.

Preferably, the body includes a base adapted to fit securely into the body between the inlet seat and the fluid outlet, the base being fluid permeable and including a seat.

Preferably, the body includes a shuttle secured by the base, the shuttle being adapted to reciprocate the valve seal.

Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of decompressing the spring after the maximum positive fluid flow has decreased so that the valve seal no longer rests on the seat, allowing positive fluid flow through the seat.

Preferably, the method further comprises the steps of locking the valve seal relative to the seat upon contact between the valve seal and the seat, and resetting the valve seal so that it is removable from the seat.

Description of drawings

The same reference numerals denote the same elements on all drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a valve 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of valve 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of valve 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of valve 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the base 108 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of the base 108 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the shuttle 112 according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart 800 of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

detailed description

1-8 and the ensuing description depict specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of the invention. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will recognize variations from these examples that fall within the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific examples described below, but only by the claims and their equivalents.

Figure 1 shows a valve 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. Valve 100 is optimally arranged to be incorporated into a fluid line such as a threaded pipe (not shown). However, valve 100 may also be used in other configurations, and the scope of the present invention should not be limited to in-line applications, as valve 100 may include additional ports in additional orientations to be utilized in various implementations. Valve 100 may advantageously control the delivery of fluids (liquids, gases, solids suspended in liquids or gases, or combinations thereof).

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , valve 100 includes body 102 , base 108 , shuttle 112 , spring 116 , and O-ring 118 . The body 102 of the valve 100 includes a fluid inlet 104 and a fluid outlet 106 , and an inlet seat 110 . Positive fluid flow 120 is included in FIG. 1 , which depicts flow in the form of arrows from fluid inlet 104 to fluid outlet 106 for illustration. Although the valve 100 is shown as including only a fluid inlet 104 and a fluid outlet 106, ie, the valve includes a 2/2 valve, it should be appreciated that the valve 100 is not limited to a 2/2 valve, but rather, other valve arrangements are possible.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, body 102 includes a generally cylindrical interior cavity divided by inlet seat 110 . The inlet seat 110 forms a collar within the body 102 . The inlet seat 110 provides a surface on which the valve seal 114 may rest. As will be demonstrated herein, when the valve seal 114 rests on the inlet seat 110 , fluid flow may be blocked or restricted between the fluid inlet 104 and the fluid outlet 106 . In the example of FIG. 1 , fluid inlet 104 and fluid outlet 106 are threaded to allow valve 100 to be attached to a threaded fluid line. It should be appreciated that valve 100 may also be attached to a fluid line via any method, as is known in the art.

Valve 100 includes a base 108 . In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , base 108 is positioned within a generally cylindrical lumen of body 102 . The base 108 may be firmly pressed into the body 102, or secured using any other method known to those skilled in the art. The base 108 is substantially fluid permeable and includes a seat 122 at one end upon which the valve seal 114 may rest. The base 108 is configured in the body 102 such that substantially all fluid flowing between the fluid inlet 104 and the fluid outlet 106 of the body 102 flows through the base 108 .

5 and 6 depict a cross-sectional view and a front perspective view, respectively, of an embodiment of the base 108 . As can be seen from Figures 5 and 6, the base 108 has a generally cylindrical body. FIG. 6 depicts the generally circular face of the base 108 . Base 108 includes sleeve 506 , fluid channel 502 , spring support 504 , and base 122 .

As can be seen from FIGS. 5 and 6 , sleeve 506 is a coaxially positioned central aperture extending the entire length of base 108 . The bushing 506 acts as a guide for the shuttle 112, allowing the shuttle 112 to travel back and forth within the lumen of the body 102 in a reciprocating motion. Sleeve 506 also helps maintain alignment of shuttle 112 as shuttle 112 reciprocates within valve 100 .

As can be seen in FIG. 5 , fluid channel 502 forms an aperture separate from, but extending generally parallel to, sleeve 506 . Similar to sleeve 506 , fluid channel 502 extends the entire length of base 108 , allowing fluid to flow through base 108 . FIG. 6 depicts four fluid channels 502 around the periphery of the cannula 506 . Base 108 may include any number of fluid channels, and fluid channels 502 may take any desired shape.

The base 108 includes a spring support 504 . The spring support 504 provides a firm platform on the base 108 for the spring 116 to rest against.

The base 108 also includes a mount 122 . As can be seen from FIG. 6 , the base 122 forms a circle on the face of the base 108 concentric with the sleeve 506 . Seat 122 may receive valve seal 114 to substantially interrupt fluid flow through base 108 . When the valve seal 114 is seated flush with respect to the seat 122, the fluid passage 502 is blocked and fluid flow through the valve 100 is substantially interrupted.

Returning to FIG. 1 , it can be seen that the valve 100 includes a shuttle 112 . The shuttle 112 is positioned such that it is coaxially aligned with the generally cylindrical lumen of the body 102 . In the configuration of FIG. 1 , the shuttle 112 is biased against the inlet seat 110 by a spring 116 . The head of the shuttle 112 includes a valve seal 114 .

FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of valve 100 . FIG. 2 depicts a cross-section of valve 100 taken from view A, indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 1 . The viewing angle of FIG. 2 is oriented away from the fluid inlet 104 toward the fluid outlet 106 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the valve seal 114 of the shuttle 112 is seated onto the inlet seat 110 in such a way that the valve seal tip 202 is visible through the rear side of the inlet seat 110 . Valve seal tip 202 may protrude through the opening of inlet seat 110 .

FIG. 7 depicts details of the cross-section of the shuttle 112 . Shuttle 112 includes handle 702 , inlet seat abutment 704 , base abutment 706 , O-ring seat 708 , base abutment groove 712 , shuttle taper 714 , and corner 716 . As can be seen in FIG. 7 , the shuttle 112 includes a valve seal 114 and a handle 702 portion.

The handle 702 takes the form of a generally cylindrical rod. The handle 702 is designed to slide within the sleeve 506 so that the shuttle 112 can move back and forth in a reciprocating motion along the central axis of the base 108 . The handle 702 allows the inlet seat abutment 704 to remain aligned with the inlet seat 110 when resting on the inlet seat 110 . The handle 702 also allows the base abutment 706 to remain aligned with the base 122 when resting on the base 122 . The handle 702 includes a shuttle taper 714 . The shuttle taper 714 provides a stable platform on the handle 702 for the spring to resist against.

The valve seal 114 portion of the shuttle 112 is designed to move between the inlet seat 110 and the seat 122 . Valve seal 114 includes valve seal tip 302 , inlet seat abutment 704 , O-ring seat 708 , seat abutment 706 , seat groove 712 , and weep hole 302 . The valve seal 114 is generally circular and symmetrical about the central axis of the shuttle 122 .

As can be seen in FIG. 7 , the shuttle 112 includes an O-ring seat 708 . O-ring seat 708 is positioned between inlet seat abutment 704 and base abutment 706 . O-ring seat 708 provides a recess between base abutment 706 and inlet seat abutment 704 to locate O-ring 118 (not depicted in FIG. 7 ). O-ring 118 may provide a seal when valve seat 110 is seated against inlet valve 110 .

In the embodiment of FIG. 7 , the inlet seat abutment 704 is a flapper-type valve that tapers from the collar, extending from a point directly adjacent the O-ring seat 708 to a point formed at the end 302 of the valve seal. . The tapered angle of the inlet seat abutment 704 may directly contact a portion of the inlet seat 110 .

Seat abutment 706, shown in FIG. 7 as a collar, extends from O-ring seat 708 opposite inlet seat abutment 704, forming a spool shape. The seat abutment 706 may include a rounded or angled corner 716 near the O-ring seat 708 to provide better contact between the valve end side of the seat abutment 706 and the inlet seat 110 . The base abutment 706 may also include a base abutment groove 712 on the side of the handle 702 .

The tap hole 302 may be included in the base dock 706 . The bleed hole 302 allows a small movement of fluid to prevent the creation of a vacuum across the valve seal 114 . The tap hole 302 may take any shape or form. Valve 100 may include any number of bleed holes. In another embodiment, the discharge hole may perforate through the central axis of the shuttle 112 . In another embodiment, the tap hole may be located in the base 108 .

Returning to FIG. 1 , it can be seen that the valve 100 includes a shuttle 112 which is biased against the inlet seat 110 by a spring 116 . In an embodiment, the spring 116 may be a helical compression spring. The spring 116 is threaded by the shank 702 and may extend from the spring support 504 on the base 108 to the shuttle taper 114 .

Valve 100 also includes an O-ring 118 . O-ring 118 fits onto shuttle 112 at O-ring seat 708 . In the example of FIG. 1 , O-ring 118 allows positive fluid flow 120 through inlet seat 110 when valve seal 114 is seated against inlet seat 110 . The valve 100 may have a burst pressure below which there will be no positive fluid flow 120 . Burst pressure may be selectable by O-ring configuration.

In the example of FIG. 1 , positive fluid flow 120 enters fluid inlet 104 . Positive fluid 120 next passes through inlet seat 110 to exert pressure on valve seal 114 . The pressure on the surface of the valve seal 114 exerts a force that compresses the spring 116 to allow positive fluid flow 120 past the valve seal 114 . Positive fluid flow 120 then freely penetrates base 108 and exits through fluid outlet 106 .

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-section of the valve 100 . In FIG. 3 , valve 100 experiences at least a maximum positive fluid flow 120 . Maximum positive fluid flow 120 is strong enough to compress spring 116 , allowing valve seal 114 to rest on seat 122 . In the event that valve seal 114 substantially interrupts fluid flow through base 108, the safety function of valve 100 is activated and fluid flow is effectively stopped. Bleed hole 302 allows a small trickle of fluid to pass between fluid inlet 104 and fluid outlet 106 , preventing a vacuum from forming in valve 100 .

In yet another embodiment of the invention, valve 100 may include a reset (not shown) using methods known to those skilled in the art. The reset may prevent disengagement of the valve seal 114 from the seat 122 after the safety function of the valve 100 is triggered due to maximum positive fluid flow. The reset may require manual action before the valve 100 can return to operate as a combined safety valve and one-way valve.

FIG. 4 illustrates the check valve performance of valve 100 . In FIG. 4 , negative fluid flow 402 enters fluid outlet 106 . The negative fluid flow 402 passes through the base 108 , exerting a force on the seat abutment 706 side of the valve seal 114 . Negative fluid flow 402 pushes valve seal 114 further into inlet seat 110 , blocking negative fluid flow 402 from passing fluid inlet 104 .

FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart 800 illustrating yet another embodiment of the invention. Flowchart 800 describes a method for controlling fluid flow through a valve having a body with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. Flowchart 800 begins with step 802 . At step 802, a valve seal is spring biased against an inlet seat of the valve, the valve seal being adapted to allow positive fluid flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet and prevent reverse fluid flow from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet.

In further embodiments of step 802, the body may include a base adapted to fit into the body between the inlet seat and the fluid outlet, the base being fluid permeable and including a seat.

In further embodiments, the body may include a shuttle secured by the base, the shuttle being adapted to reciprocate the valve seal.

In further embodiments, the shuttle may include a weep hole.

In further embodiments, the valve seal may include an O-ring fitted to the valve seal, the O-ring being configured to allow positive fluid flow when the valve seal is seated against the inlet seat.

In further embodiments, the spring may be configured to be adjusted to set the maximum fluid flow.

In other embodiments, the valve seal may be a flap.

Flowchart 800 continues with step 804 . In step 804, the spring is compressed during maximum positive fluid flow to force the valve seal against the seat, thereby interrupting positive fluid flow.

In further embodiments of the method represented by flowchart 800, additional steps may be included. For example, the spring may decompress after the maximum positive fluid flow decreases so that the valve seal no longer rests on the seat, allowing positive fluid flow.

In further embodiments, the valve seal may lock relative to the base upon contact between the valve seal and the base. The valve seal can also be reset so that the valve seal can be moved off the seat.

It should be appreciated that the particular orientations discussed with respect to the fluid inlet 104 and fluid outlet 106 are also readily switchable. Thus, the particular configuration shown should not limit the scope of the invention, as other configurations are possible, as will be readily recognized by those skilled in the art.

benefit:

Various embodiments of the present invention may be implemented to provide a valve 100 that provides the advantages of a combined safety valve and check valve. Thus, the combined function valve 100 is less complex and less costly than a system including both a safety valve and a one-way valve.

The detailed descriptions of the above embodiments are not exhaustive descriptions of all embodiments contemplated by the inventors to be within the scope of the invention. Indeed, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above-described embodiments may be variously combined or eliminated to create additional embodiments, and that such additional embodiments fall within the scope and teachings of the invention. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above-described embodiments can be combined in whole or in part to create additional embodiments within the scope and teachings of the invention.

Thus, while specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings provided herein can be applied to other valves, not just the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined from the following claims.

Claims (20)

1. a valve (100), comprises the fluid intake (104) and the fluid issuing (106) that are formed in body (102), Qi ZhongsuoStating valve (100) is characterised in that:

Base portion (108), it is suitable for being coupled to described body (102) between entrance seat (110) and described fluid issuing (106)In, described base portion (108) is permeable;

The shuttle (112) that comprises valve seal (114), described valve seal (114) is suitable at described entrance seat (110) and base(122) reciprocal between; And

Spring (116), it is suitable for making entrance seat (110) described in described valve seal (114) against, has allowed from described streamBody entrance (104) is to the positive fluid stream (120) of described fluid issuing (106), and prevented from described fluid issuing (106) toThe reverse fluid flow of described fluid intake (104), wherein said spring (116) can be shifted during maximum fluid stream, to permitPermitted described valve seal (114) and leaned against described base (122) above, thereby interrupted described positive fluid stream (120).

2. valve according to claim 1 (100), is characterized in that, described valve (100) also comprises:

Be coupled to the O shape ring (118) on described valve seal (114), described O shape ring is configured in described valve seal (114)While leaning against on described entrance seat (110), allow described positive fluid stream (120) through entrance seat (110).

3. valve according to claim 1 (100), is characterized in that, described valve seal (114) is flap valve.

4. valve according to claim 1 (100), is characterized in that, described valve seal (114) is reel.

5. valve according to claim 1 (100), is characterized in that, described spring is compressible, and is suitable for engaging described basePortion (108) and described valve seal (114).

6. valve according to claim 1 (100), is characterized in that, described spring can be configured to adjust described max-flowBody stream.

7. valve according to claim 1 (100), is characterized in that, described valve (100) also comprises:

Replacement thing, it prevents that described valve seal (114) from relying on described base (122) at described valve seal (114) and going up itRemove and engage with described base (122) afterwards.

8. valve according to claim 1 (100), is characterized in that, described valve (100) also comprises:

Bleed hole (302).

9. valve according to claim 8 (100), is characterized in that, described bleed hole (302) is positioned at described shuttle (112)On.

10. valve according to claim 6 (100), is characterized in that, described bleed hole (302) is positioned at described shuttle (112)Described valve seal (114) on.

11. according to the valve described in claim (100), it is characterized in that, described base portion comprises guiding described shuttle (112)The sleeve pipe moving back and forth (506).

12. 1 kinds for controlling through the method for fluid stream of valve with the body with fluid intake and fluid issuing, comprisesFollowing steps:

Make the entrance seat of valve described in valve seal against with spring, described valve seal is suitable for allowing from described fluid intakeTo the positive fluid stream of described fluid issuing, and prevent the reverse fluid flow from described fluid issuing to described fluid intake; WithAnd

During maximum positive fluid stream, compress described spring, so that described valve seal leans against on base, thereby interrupt just describedFluid stream.

13. methods according to claim 12, is characterized in that, described body comprises base portion, its be suitable for entrance seat withBetween described fluid issuing, be coupled to securely in described body, described base portion can see through fluid and comprise described base.

14. methods according to claim 13, is characterized in that, described valve comprises shuttle, and described shuttle comprises described valveSeal, described shuttle is filled solid and is suitable for making described valve seal reciprocal by described base portion.

15. methods according to claim 11, is characterized in that, described method is further comprising the steps of:

After reducing, described maximum positive fluid stream makes described spring decompression, so that described valve seal does not rely at described baseUpper, allow described positive fluid stream through described base.

16. methods according to claim 11, is characterized in that, described method is further comprising the steps of:

While contact, lock described valve seal with respect to described base between described valve seal and base; And

Reset described valve so that described valve seal can move apart described base.

17. methods according to claim 11, is characterized in that, described valve seal comprises and is coupled to described valve sealOn O shape ring, described O shape ring is configured to allow described positive fluid stream in the time that described valve seal leans against on described entrance seat.

18. methods according to claim 14, is characterized in that, described shuttle comprises bleed hole.

19. methods according to claim 11, is characterized in that, described spring is configured to be adjusted to described max-flow is setBody stream.

20. methods according to claim 11, is characterized in that, described valve seal is flap valve.