JPS6136570A - Valve assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention relates generally to flow regulating devices, and more particularly to flow regulating devices that permit sufficient pressure-free flow in a first direction through the valve, while allowing flow in the opposite direction through the valve. The invention relates to a valve assembly suitable for blocking flow in a second direction. More particularly, the present invention relates to so-called duck-bill valve assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Duck-bill valves have been known for some time and are used in a variety of applications, a few examples being disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 720 and No. 3.901,272. The valve typically has a single valve disposed therein as the primary actuating element in tapered relation from an open end to a normally closed end.
It includes a housing incorporating a resilient flow control member having paired lips. The normally closed end of the regulator has lips adjacent to each other so as to form a normally closed gap therebetween.

The regulator is provided sealed within the housing such that flow through the housing must also pass through the regulator. In a first direction, ie, positive flow, flow enters the housing, passes through the open end into the regulator, and moves toward the normally closed end. The pressure of the flow acting on the resilient lip opens the slit, thereby allowing flow to pass through the regulator and housing. However, when flow enters the housing from a second or opposite direction, the flow contacts the regulator at the normally closed end and the flow pressure acting on the resilient lip forces the slit into the closed position. retention, thereby blocking flow through the valve assembly.

In order to facilitate understanding of the prior art, the description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings, FIGS. 1 to 3.

One application for this type of valve is as part of a medical fluid administration device. This device is used to inject plasma, medicines, and the like into the veins of the abrasive from a fluid source such as a bottle or bag. A typical administration device is shown in accompanying FIG.

The fluid supply source 10 is connected to the drip chamber 14 by a connector 12. The liquid is thick. Coupil check valve assembly 16fj
8f: Passes through and reaches one branch of Y site 18. The fluid then passes through the adjustable clamp 20. Filter and manual pump equipment [2
2, 20th Y? 24 and a second filter and manual pump device 26 . The lower end of the fluid stream is provided with an adapter 28 for connection to a needle (not shown) for insertion into the patient's vein.

Valve assembly 16 is positioned within the flow path such that downward flow through valve assembly 16 is in the positive direction of the valve, thereby allowing liquid to flow downwardly from source 10 to the polisher.

Depending on the time, supply [medicine and other liquids from sources other than 10]
It may be necessary to supply the person.

In order to avoid disconnecting the source 10 from the dosing device and to provide a continuous flow of liquid to the rocker, the second liquid is filtered,
Y site 18 through manual pump and adapter device 30
is introduced into the dosing device. A second liquid source (not shown) is suspended higher than the source 10. Therefore, the liquid from the second source has a higher hydraulic pressure than the liquid from the source 10, and this second liquid replaces the first liquid at the Y site 18. It flows downward towards me. Liquid from the second source is also supplied from Y site 1B to source 1.
0, but is prevented from mixing with the first liquid by the action of the valve assembly 16.

Air bubbles collect in the general button valve assembly 16 whenever fluid begins to flow through the dispensing device, such as when the fluid source 10 is initially connected. Once the flow is steady, this air bubble must be carried away with the liquid flow so as not to prevent the liquid from flowing smoothly through the dosing device at a constant flow rate.

When using conventional types of duck-bill valves, it is necessary to remove air bubbles from the valve assembly 16 so that the liquid flow carries them away. To do so, first grasp the valve assembly 16 and the adjacent tubular body, then remove the valve assembly 1.
6 needs to be turned upside down as shown in FIG. The housing 32 of the valve assembly 16 must then be flicked off with a fingertip as shown in FIG. This frees the air bubbles that have gathered in the vicinity of the regulator 34 in the howlenge 32, and the air bubbles are carried away.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION The use of duck-bill valves in liquid dispensing devices is highly desirable in that the valves are inexpensive and easy to manufacture yet are highly reliable in operation. However, the need to invert and finger-flick the valve assembly 16 to remove air bubbles is a major obstacle to using this type of valve. Not only is this inconvenient, but more importantly, it takes approximately 24 seconds to clear the air bubbles from the vicinity of the valve assembly 16.

Furthermore, since the removal of air bubbles imposes a step on the user's side that must be performed by the user, inadvertently omitting it may have an undesirable effect on the user.

Therefore, there is a need for a duck-bill valve assembly that removes entrained air bubbles from the vicinity of the valve without requiring any action on the part of the user. Sara K,
The valve must be capable of removing air bubbles in significantly less time than the approximately 24 seconds required with typical valves currently in use.

Moreover, this valve assembly should be as simple and inexpensive in construction as currently known valve assemblies of this type.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is directed in a first direction.
A valve assembly is provided for use in a flow path to allow flow in one flow path to flow relatively freely and to reduce the flow in a second flow path to lJ,th in the opposite direction. be.

In one form of the invention, the housing includes first and second
The housing has a port and one interior surface forms the interior surface of the housing. The flow regulator, which is integrally constructed of a resilient material, is configured such that the regulator defines an open end and a normally closed end.
It includes a pair of lips disposed in progressively narrowing relation.

At the normally closed end, the lips are disposed in close proximity to each other so as to form a normally closed gap therebetween and to define inner and outer surfaces of the lips. Additionally, the adjuster includes at least one sidewall that intersects the lip.

A device is provided for securing the regulator within the housing with the normally closed end facing the second port and the open end facing the first port. A device is also provided for forming a seal between the open end of the regulator and the interior of the housing, such that the flow in the first direction is from the first port, through the open end, through the normally closed end, and to the second port K. ing.

The inner surface of the housing is shaped such that the vI4 armature is secured within the housing by the outer surfaces of the lips proximate the inner surface of the housing. In other words, the inner surface of the housing closely matches the outer surface of the regulator to reduce the accumulation of air therebetween and to facilitate the removal of air therefrom.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to remove air collected in a valve assembly without active action on the part of the user so that the air can be carried away by the flow of fluid and is used in a filtrate dispensing device.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a bill-shaped valve assembly, to provide a valve assembly that reduces the time required to transport air bubbles, and to provide a valve assembly that is less complex and less expensive to manufacture than valves currently in use. It is an object of the present invention to provide a valve assembly that does not require the above.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, accompanying drawings, and claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described with reference to the remaining drawings of the accompanying drawings.

One embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings, particularly FIGS. 4, 4A, 5, 3, and 3A.

The housing 4o, which is cylindrical as a whole, has a cylindrical center! l
5A2 and an inlet cap 4 that fits within one end of the central section 42
It is equipped with 4. Although the housing 4o is preferably molded from transparent acrylic resin, various other materials may be used depending on the intended use of the valve assembly. The inlet cap 44 includes a protruding 7 flange 46 that fits within the central portion 42 to hold the inlet cap 44 in place. An inlet port 48 extends outwardly from the inlet cap 44 and is connected to the tubular body 5 for connecting the valve assembly to the remainder of the liquid dosing device.
It is set to K so that it can be connected to 0.

The flow regulator 52, which is integrally molded from a material such as rubber or flexible plastic, has an overall hollow cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 4A, the pair of lips 54 constitute a part of the adjuster 52, and when one end of the adjuster 52 is closed, the lips 54 are gradually narrowed so that they approach each other. are placed in relative positions. In this way, the lip-shaped portion 54 forms a normally closed narrow @56 and becomes a normally closed end of the adjuster 52.

A cylindrical sidewall 58 intersects the lip 54 and also connects the adjuster 52.
An open end 60 is formed. There is an outwardly flared flange 62 around the open end 60.

The arrangement for mounting regulator 52 within housing 40 is shown in FIG. The stepped space 64 is at the center of the housing 40 @
Since it is formed inside the S42, when the adjuster 52 is inserted into the center portion 42, the flange 62 is in contact with the stepped surface 64, and the adjuster 52 is placed in an appropriate position. The flange 46 of the inlet cap 44 is then inserted into the center section 42 and its end rests against the 7 flange 62 of the h141i element 52. Inlet cap 44 is then secured to central portion 42 by gluing, sonic welding, or any other suitable method.

The outlet cap 66 is connected to the inlet cap 4 of the housing 40.
4 forms the opposite end. An outlet port 68 extends outwardly from the cap 66 and is adapted for connection to a tubular body 70 that connects a valve assembly to the lower portion of the liquid dispensing device of FIG.

The outlet cap 66 has an integrally molded insert 72, by which the internal shape of the housing 4o is also defined. A pair of protrusions 74 extend inwardly, and the protrusions 74 have an inner surface 76 forming a KV-shaped notch between the protrusions 74 . A slot 78 is formed at the base of the square cutout, and a fluid manifold 80 is formed within the base of the slot 78. whereas fluid manifold 80 is coupled to outlet port 68;
Guides the flow from inside the housing 4o.

The outer diameter of the insertion portion 72 of the housing is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the central portion 42 . As a result, the outlet cap 66 is attached to the center section 42, especially when the insert 72 is inserted into the center section 42, as shown in FIG. The outlet cap 66 is then secured to the central portion 42 by any suitable method, including adhesive, sonic welding, or other similar methods.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 3, when the adjuster 52 is placed inside the housing 40, the lip-shaped portion 54 of the adjuster 52 protrudes. It is dimensioned to fit adjacently to the inner surface 76 of portion 74. This positions the slit 56 within the slot 78 and allows liquid to enter the inlet port 48 and pass through the open end of the regulator 52 .

It reaches a slit 56. Hydraulic pressure acting on the lip proximate the slit 56 opens the slit 56 and allows liquid to flow into the fluid manifold 80 and through the outlet port 61. However, as liquid flows into the valve housing 40 through the outlet port 68, the liquid pressure acting on the outer surface of the lip 54 closes the MB gap 56, thereby preventing flow in this direction.

It has been found that changes in the internal configuration of the housing 4o, such as in this embodiment with an insert 72 of the housing on the outlet cap 66, can overcome the conventional problems mentioned in the background of this patent application. . Special feature: It is not necessary to turn the valve assembly upside down and flick it with your fingers to remove accumulated air bubbles from the vicinity of the valve, and the accumulated air bubbles can be removed from the vicinity of the valve within about 6.2 seconds. Conventional valves require 24 seconds to remove air bubbles. - Although the embodiments of the invention described above solve the problems of the prior art and meet the objectives of the invention, it has been found that other embodiments may yield even better effects. One such embodiment is shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 9A. The same reference numerals have been used herein to designate parts similar to those shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 4-3A. However, in order to distinguish between the two embodiments, the reference number for the second embodiment has been given the suffix raJ. Since the basic structure of this second embodiment of the valve assembly is essentially the same as the first embodiment, only the differences between the two will be described in detail.

The most important differences are best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. flange on the inlet cap 44a) 116
Since a is shortened, the inlet cap 44a of the central part 42a
The portions near the area have been significantly shortened.

As seen in FIG. 8, this modification eliminates the interior of housing 40a between inlet port 48a and open end 60a of regulator 52a.

This change does not affect the manner in which adjuster 52a is secured to housing 40a by placing flange 62a between stepped surface 64a of central portion 42a and flange 46a.

It has been found that eliminating this portion of housing 40a results in a faster time to remove air bubbles from the vicinity of the valve assembly.

Further, as best shown in FIG. 9A, the configuration of the fluid manifold 80a that opens into the outlet port 68a is also different.

A fifth embodiment of the valve assembly of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.
12. As before, parts similar to those in the first and second embodiments described above have the same reference numerals, but in this embodiment the same reference numerals have the suffix ".
]” to distinguish them. Since this valve assembly is operationally similar to the embodiment described above, only the differences between the two will be discussed in detail.

It will be appreciated that the housing 40b and regulator 52b are generally the same as those in the first and second embodiments, but are generally more compact, thereby further reducing the overall size of the valve assembly.

Therefore, the side wall 58b of the adjuster 52b has the lip 54
b is extremely short, essentially terminating at flange 62b.

And, despite the overall smaller dimensions K, the operation of the adjuster 52b is the same, and the general shape and cooperation of the outlet cap 66b and the housing insert 72b are also the same.

Turning now to the inlet end of the valve assembly, the inner 7 flange extending from the inlet cap (e.g., shown as inlet cap 44 and flange 46 in FIG. 4) has a projection 47b thereon. A cylindrical insertion portion 4 having
It has become 5b. The dimensions of the insert portion 45b and the protruding portion 47b are such that the insert portion 45b fits within the inlet end of the central portion 42b, while the protruding portion 47b fits within the open end 6 of the adjuster 52b.
0b inside K [appropriate dimensions to fit. By positioning the flange 62b between the stepped surface 64b of the center portion 42b and the insertion portion 45b, the adjuster 52b
It is fixed within the housing 40b.

By providing the protrusion 47b extending slightly into the adjuster 52b, the interior of the housing 40b is limited to essentially only the interior of the adjuster 52b. It has been found that by directing liquid from inlet port 48b directly into regulator 52b, the formation of air bubbles is reduced and therefore the time required to remove air bubbles from the vicinity of the valve assembly is further reduced. In this example, the bubble removal time is approximately 6.2
It was experimentally found that seconds.

This idea gives rise to the variations of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Here, the protrusion 47b' is the adjuster 5
2b, and liquid from inlet port 48b flows into the immediate vicinity of internal Ka gap 56b of housing 40b. Therefore, the effective dimensions inside the housing 40b are further reduced.

A fourth and most preferred embodiment of the invention is described in the fifteenth embodiment.
16, 17, and 18. In this embodiment, an even smaller adjuster 52c than in the third embodiment is used, the central portion of the housing is eliminated, and the housing 40c is comprised of an inlet cap 44c and an outlet cap 66c.

IC inside the opening end of the adjuster 52c! The protruding portion 47c that fits in the B portion is supported on the inlet cap 44c. A flange 49c extends over the outer edge of the inlet cap 44c;
An annular flange 6 extending around the periphery of the outlet cap 66c
7c to close the housing 40c. Stepped surface 6
9c is formed inside the 7 flange 67c, and the adjuster 52c is fixed within the housing 40c by positioning its collar/white 2c between the stepped surface 69c and the surface of the inlet cap 44c.

One of the advantages of the small size of the valve assembly using housing 40c is that it can be mounted directly to the Y site, as shown in FIG. Outlet port 68c of valve assembly 90 is inserted directly into one branch 92 of Y-site 94. Alternatively, the Y site 94 could be integrally molded with the outlet cap 66c. This allows the number of components within the fluid delivery device to be reduced as well as the number of locations for fitting the tubing.

Embodiments of the invention other than those shown in FIGS. 4-3A have additional advantages. Returning to Figure 1 and briefly explaining it with reference to this, in an emergency situation,
A liquid dosing device may be required to administer the drug to the polisher. In this case, the filter and manual pump device 30
Direct drug delivery through the branch shown that connects to the Y site 18
For injections, a hypodermic needle and syringe may be used. In such cases, the injection action of the syringe creates a relatively high fluid pressure within the dosing device. When a valve assembly of the type shown in FIG. 3 is used, the hydraulic pressure is so high that the regulator 34 cannot actually reverse and operate properly as a check valve.

In any embodiment other than that shown in FIGS. 4-3A, the interior of the valve assembly housing does not extend into the area between the open end of the regulator and the inlet port. Therefore, especially in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 16 and 14,
There is no internal room within the housing for the regulator to flip, so it is impossible for high pressure to flip the regulator. Therefore, this problem is solved.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a liquid dosing device incorporating a duck-bill valve assembly. FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a portion of the dispensing device of FIG. 1, including a prior art valve, with the valve assembly optionally shown collapsed; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a valve assembly constructed in accordance with the prior art, showing the valve being finger-flicked to remove air bubbles. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a valve assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. 4A is a perspective view of the regulator of the valve assembly of FIG. 4; FIG. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the valve shown in FIG. 4 assembled. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the outlet cap portion of the housing of the valve assembly of FIG. 5; FIG. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6A-6AK in FIG. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the valve assembly of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 7 in an assembled state. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the outlet cap portion of the housing of the valve assembly of FIG. 8; FIG. FIG. 9A is a sectional view taken along line 9A-9A in FIG. FIG. 10 is an exploded view of yet another embodiment of the valve assembly of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 10 in the assembled state. FIG. 12 is a sectional view of 1j112-12 in FIG. 11. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 11 showing a modification of the valve assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 10; FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14--14 in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is an exploded view showing yet another embodiment of the valve assembly of the present invention. 16 is a plan view of the inlet cap of the housing of the valve assembly of FIG. 15; FIG. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17--17 in FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18--18 of FIG. 16. FIG. 19 shows the valve assembly of FIG. 15 installed directly at the Y injection site. 40...Housing, 42...Central part, 44.
...Inlet cap, 46...7 lunge, 47...
・Protrusion part, 48... Inlet port, 52... Flow regulator, 54... Letter part, 56... Slit, 5
8... Cylindrical side wall, 62... Flange, 64...
・Stepped surface, 66...° protrusion cap, 68...
Outlet port, 72...insertion part, 74...protrusion part,
76... Inner surface of protrusion, 78... Slot. (5 people outside)

Claims (8)

[Claims] (1) In order to allow the flow in the flow path to flow relatively freely in the first direction, and to block the flow in the flow path in the second direction opposite to the first direction, In a valve assembly for use in a valve assembly, a housing (40,
), and a flow regulator (52) integrally constructed of a flexible material.
The adjuster includes a pair of lips (54) disposed in a progressively narrowing relation to the adjuster (52).
The open end and the lip-like portion (54) form a normally closed gap (
56), and the lips define an inner and an outer surface, and the regulator (52) Department (54
), the regulator comprising at least one sidewall (58) intersecting a side wall (58) with the normally closed end facing the second port (68) and the open end facing the first port (48); (52
) within said housing; and means (46, 62) for securing said first port (48) through said open end from said first port (48), through said normally closed end and said second port (48);
means (68) for configuring a seal between the open end of the adjuster (52) and the interior of the housing;
46, 62), wherein the interior of the housing is such that the regulator (52) is fixed within the housing by the fixing means (46, 62) and the A valve assembly characterized in that the outer surface is shaped to lie substantially adjacent the inner surface (76) of the housing. (2) The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the regulator fixing means and the sealing means are formed around an outwardly expanding flange (62) formed around the open end of the regulator (52). ), the housing (40) comprising a body portion (42) and an inlet cap (44) attached thereto, the cap (44) having an inner surface and an outer surface and a first inlet cap (44) formed therethrough. Port (48)
wherein the body portion (42) and the cap (44) cooperate therebetween and the housing (40)
forming an annular groove (64) around an interior surface of the valve assembly, said flange (62) fitting within said groove (64). (3) In the valve assembly according to claim 2, the cap (44) has an inner surface that is connected to the regulator (52).
), such that flow from the first port (48) passes directly through the open end. (4) In the valve assembly according to claim 2, the cap (44) has an inner surface facing the regulator (5).
2), the cap comprising a protrusion (47) on an inner surface thereof and extending through the open end of the adjuster (52); One port (48) is defined by said protrusion (47), whereby flow from said first port (48) flows directly into said regulator (52). (5) In the valve assembly according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, or 4, the housing (40) is attached to the central part (42). an outlet cap (66), said cap (66)
) has an inner surface and an outer surface with said second port (68) formed therethrough, and said cap (66) has an insert () on said inner surface within said central portion (42). 72) and a terminal end forming part of the interior surface of the housing, the insert having a V-shaped notch and the second port (72) formed at the base of the notch. 68), and the adjuster (5
2) said lips (54) are disposed within said notches such that the outer surface of each said lip (52) is proximate to said housing interior surface (76); (6) having a pair of inlet conduits (92) and one outlet conduit, one of the inlet conduits (92) being connected to the housing (40);
) forming the second port (68) of the Y injection site (
94) Claims 1, 2, and 3
The valve assembly of any one of paragraphs 1, 4, and 5. (7) In order to allow the flow in the flow path to flow relatively freely in the first direction, and to block the flow in the flow path in the second direction opposite to the first direction, In a valve assembly for use in a valve assembly, a housing (40,
); and a flow regulator (52) integrally formed of a flexible material, said regulator having a pair of lips (54) disposed in progressively narrowing relation, said regulator ( 52) has an open end and said lip (54) with a normally closed gap (56) between them.
), and the adjuster (52) further includes the lips (54).
), the lip (54) and the side wall (58) forming inner and outer surfaces for the adjuster and connecting the normally open end to the adjuster. means (46, 62) for fixing the regulator within the housing with the open end facing the second port (68) and the open end facing the first port (48); passes from the first port (48) through the open end, passes through the normally closed end, and connects to the second port (6).
8), means (4) for forming a seal between the open end of the regulator (52) and the interior of the housing;
6, 62), wherein the regulator (52) is fixed within the housing (40) with an outer surface of the regulator (52) proximate to the inner surface of the housing (40). A valve assembly, wherein said housing is substantially identical in shape and size to the shape and dimensions of an outer surface of said regulator (52). (8) a duck-bill type regulator having an open end and a normally closed end formed by a pair of tapering lips (54);
52), and the regulator (52) includes the regulator (52).
), the inlet port (48) communicating with the open end of the regulator (52), the inlet port (48) communicating with the open end of the regulator (52); The normally closed end of (52) is connected to the outlet port (
68), wherein said housing (40) has an interior surface forming a housing interior, said interior surface closely matching an exterior surface of said regulator (52), with air flowing therebetween; A valve assembly characterized in that it substantially reduces the accumulation of air and facilitates the removal of air therefrom.