FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for controlling fluid flow and more particularly to diaphragm valves and counting of valve operation cycles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A plurality of devices for controlling of fluid flow are known, such as valves and in particular diaphragm valves, which are adapted to selectively open and close a fluid flow passage. Some of the diaphragm valves are operated via a manual or an electronically controlled actuator which allows positioning the valve in a closed or an open position by means of diaphragm displacement from a diaphragm seat. Operation cycles of the valve are typically counted in order to prevent excessive usage of the valve.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide an improved valve enabling counting of valve operation cycles.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a valve for controlling fluid flow passage, including a diaphragm adapted to be seated onto a diaphragm and a diaphragm seat, the diaphragm is configured for controlling fluid flow passage by displacement of the diaphragm relative the diaphragm seat, an actuator adapted to displace the diaphragm relative to the diaphragm seat, wherein the actuator is made of a piezoelectric material.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a valve for controlling fluid flow passage, including a diaphragm adapted to be seated onto a diaphragm and a diaphragm seat, the diaphragm is configured for controlling fluid flow passage by displacement of the diaphragm relative the diaphragm seat, an actuator adapted to displace the diaphragm relative to the diaphragm seat, and a sensor adapted to count operation cycles of the valve.

Preferably, the sensor is made of a piezoelectric material. Alternatively, the sensor is a strain gauge. Further preferably, the sensor is positioned on the diaphragm.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the valve also includes a shaft element operatively engaged with the actuator. Preferably, the sensor is operatively engaged with the shaft. Further preferably, the valve also includes a spring operatively engaged with the shaft element and the senor is positioned on the spring.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling fluid flow passage including the steps of: providing a valve having a diaphragm adapted to be seated onto a diaphragm seat, the diaphragm is configured for controlling fluid flow passage by displacement of the diaphragm relative the diaphragm seat, providing an actuator adapted to displace the diaphragm relative to the diaphragm seat, wherein the actuator is made of a piezoelectric material, counting the number of operation cycles of the valve using said actuator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

Fig. 1A is a simplified sectional view of a valve shown in a closed operative orientation and constructed and operative in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. IB is a simplified sectional view of a valve shown in an open operative orientation and constructed and operative in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2A is a simplified sectional view of a valve shown in a closed operative orientation and constructed and operative in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2B is a simplified sectional view of a valve shown in an open operative orientation and constructed and operative in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a simplified sectional view of a valve shown in a closed operative orientation and constructed and operative in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a simplified sectional view of a valve shown in a closed operative orientation and constructed and operative in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a simplified sectional view of a valve shown in a closed operative orientation and constructed and operative in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a valve is provided for controlling and adjusting passage of fluid within a flow system. Fluid is defined hereby as liquid, gas, vapor, gel or any other material or state thereof that can flow via one or more directing elements such as tubes, pipes, conduits and the like.

Throughput of a valve is defined hereby as the volume of the fluid that passes from an inlet to an outlet of the valve.

The flow system can be any system requiring control and adjustment of flow of fluids such as an engine gas transport system, a water piping system, flow - control components for the semiconductor industry, gas and oil (energy) industry, or any other system or industry that requires valve control for fluid flow control.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the valve is configured and located such as to control fluid flow between one or more outlets of at least one fluid directing means such as a tube, conduit, pipeline and the like into one or more inlets of at least one other directing means to one or more inlets of directing means. The valve can control the throughput of the fluid flow or prevent passage thereof by being located between a conduit outlet and another conduit inlet.

The valve can be positioned in a closed operative orientation and in an open operative orientation. In the open operative orientation of the valve, it is appreciated that a diaphragm of the valve is located at a maximal distance from a diaphragm seat. In the closed operative orientation of the valve, it is appreciated that the diaphragm engages the diaphragm seat. The transition of the valve between its open and closed operative orientations is achieved due to axial displacement of one or more elements such as a shaft and movable elements connected thereto, which engage the diaphragm.

The valve can also include a piston for pushing and releasing a diaphragm therein by axially displacing one or more elements, thereby pumping the fluid from the outlet to the inlet of the flow system or a part thereof. The term "diaphragm height" refers to the distance between a center of the diaphragm and the seat thereof. Different diaphragm positions are defined by different distances of the diaphragm central point from the seat. In a fully closed position the diaphragm central point either engages or is positioned at close proximity to the diaphragm seat.

The shaft preferably connects to an actuator at one end thereof and to the diaphragm at another end thereof. A housing having a bore is configured for enclosing at least part of the shaft for operating the valve, i.e. closing and opening thereof.

Reference is now made to Fig. 1A, which is a simplified sectional view a valve shown in a closed operative orientation and constructed and operative in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention and to Fig. IB, which is a simplified sectional view of a valve shown in an open operative orientation and constructed and operative in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

It is seen in Figs. 1A & IB that a valve 100 preferably includes a housing

102, which preferably encloses a shaft element 104, a cover 106 and a compression spring 108 which is supported between the cover 106 and a flange 110 formed adjacent one end of the shaft 104. It is appreciated that housing 102, shaft element 104 and compression spring 108 are preferably arranged a long a mutual longitudinal axis 109. The housing having a first end 111 and a second end 112 adjacent cover 106.

It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that a piezoelectric actuator 120 is disposed within the housing 102 and is operatively engaged with shaft element 104 for axial displacement thereof upon providing an electrical current to the piezoelectric actuator 120.

Housing 102 is preferably attached to an intermediate portion 122, which is in turn attached to a valve body 124. Valve body 124 preferably includes an inlet port 126, an outlet port 128 and a selectively openable fluid flow passage 130 provided therebetween.

It is further appreciated that intermediate portion 122 includes shaft extension elements 132 and valve body 124 includes a diaphragm seat 134. A diaphragm 140 is adapted to be seated onto diaphragm seat 134 and shaft extension elements 132 are adapted to engage the upper side of the diaphragm 140, thereby positioning the valve 100 in a closed operative orientation, wherein fluid flow passage 130 is closed.

It is appreciated that in Fig. 1A, valve 100 is positioned in a closed operative orientation, whereas shaft element 104 is spaced from cover 106 and shaft extension elements 132 engage diaphragm 140, such that diaphragm 140 engages diaphragm seat 134 and fluid flow passage from inlet port 126 to outlet port 128 through fluid flow passage 130 is prevented.

It is seen particularly in Fig. IB and is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that upon providing an electrical current to piezoelectric actuator 120, the actuator 120 is axially expanded and urges shaft element 104 axially upwardly against the force of spring 108, such that shaft element 104 engages the cover 106 and shaft extension elements 132 are urged to be upwardly displaced, thus releasing diaphragm 140, which in turn is biased upwardly and disengages diaphragm seat 134, thus positioning the valve 100 in an open operative orientation. In this open operative orientation, fluid flow passage is provided between inlet port 126 and outlet port 128 through fluid flow passage 130 and the passage now formed between the diaphragm 140 and the diaphragm seat 134.

It is a further particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that each actuation cycle of the piezoelectric actuator 120 is counted, thus providing for an accurate reading of the number of valve operation cycles, which directly depends on the number of activations of piezoelectric actuator 120 of valve 100.

Reference is now made to Fig. 2A, which is a simplified sectional view of a valve shown in a closed operative orientation and constructed and operative in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention and to Fig. 2B, which is a simplified sectional view of the valve shown in an open operative orientation and constructed and operative in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

It is seen in Figs. 2A & 2B that a valve 200 preferably includes a housing 202, which preferably encloses a shaft element 204, a cover 206 and a compression spring 208 which is supported between the cover 206 and a flange 210 formed adjacent one end of the shaft 204. It is appreciated that housing 202, shaft element 204 and compression spring 208 are preferably arranged a long a mutual longitudinal axis 209.

It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that a piezoelectric sensor 220 is disposed within the housing 202 and is adapted to operatively engage central portion of shaft element 204 upon axial displacement of the shaft element 204 for counting the valve operative cycles. Alternatively, Piezo block (PZT), Piezo film (PVDF), Piezo cable (PVDF) or a Strain gauge can be used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, instead of or in combination with piezoelectric sensor 220.

It is appreciated that the valve 200 can be actuated by any mechanical or electrical means, such as pneumatic piston or electric motor respectively.

Housing 202 is preferably attached to a valve body 224. Valve body 224 preferably includes an inlet port 226, an outlet port 228 and a selectively openable fluid flow passage 230 provided therebetween.

It is further appreciated that valve body 224 includes shaft extension element 232 and a diaphragm seat 234. A diaphragm 240 is adapted to be seated onto diaphragm seat 234 and shaft extension element 232 is adapted to engage the upper side of the diaphragm 240, thereby positioning the valve 200 in a closed operative orientation, wherein fluid flow passage 230 is closed.

It is appreciated that in Fig. 2A, valve 200 is positioned in a closed operative orientation, whereas shaft element 204 is spaced from cover 206 and from sensor 220 and shaft extension element 232 engages diaphragm 240, such that diaphragm 240 engages diaphragm seat 234 and fluid flow passage from inlet port 226 to outlet port 228 through fluid flow passage 230 is prevented.

It is seen particularly in Fig. 2B and is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that upon actuating the valve 200, the shaft element 204 is axially upwardly displaced against the force of spring 208, such that shaft element 204 engages the piezoelectric sensor 220 and shaft extension element 232 is urged to be upwardly displaced, thus releasing diaphragm 240, which in turn is biased upwardly and disengages diaphragm seat 234, thus positioning the valve 200 in an open operative orientation. In this open operative orientation, fluid flow passage is provided between inlet port 226 and outlet port 228 through fluid flow passage 230 and the passage now formed between the diaphragm 240 and the diaphragm seat 234.

It is a further particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that each actuation cycle of the valve 200 is counted by means of piezoelectric sensor 220 sensing the force applied thereto by means of engagement with shaft element 204, thus providing for an accurate reading of the number of valve operation cycles, which directly depends on the number of shaft element 204 displacements.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which is a simplified sectional view of a valve shown in a closed operative orientation and constructed and operative in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

It is seen in Fig. 3 that a valve 300 preferably includes a housing 302, which preferably encloses a shaft element 304, a cover 306 and a compression spring 308 which is supported between the cover 306 and a flange 310 formed adjacent one end of the shaft 304. It is appreciated that housing 302, shaft element 304 and compression spring 308 are preferably arranged a long a mutual longitudinal axis 309.

It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that a piezoelectric sensor 320 is disposed within the housing 302 and is adapted to operatively engage shaft element 304 upon axial displacement of the shaft element 304 for counting the valve operative cycles. Alternatively, Piezo block (PZT), Piezo film (PVDF), Piezo cable (PVDF) or a Strain gauge can be used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, instead of or in combination with piezoelectric sensor 220.

It is appreciated that the valve 300 can be actuated by any mechanical or electrical means, such as pneumatic piston or electric motor respectively.

Housing 302 is preferably attached to a valve body 324. Valve body 324 preferably includes an inlet port 326, an outlet port 328 and a selectively openable fluid flow passage 330 provided therebetween.

It is further appreciated that valve body 324 includes shaft extension element 332 and a diaphragm seat 334. A diaphragm 340 is adapted to be seated onto diaphragm seat 334 and shaft extension element 332 is adapted to engage the upper side of the diaphragm 340, thereby positioning the valve 300 in a closed operative orientation, wherein fluid flow passage 330 is closed.

It is appreciated that in Fig. 3, valve 300 is positioned in a closed operative orientation, whereas side portions of shaft element 304 are preferably spaced from cover 306 and from sensor 320 and shaft extension element 332 engages diaphragm 340, such that diaphragm 340 engages diaphragm seat 334 and fluid flow passage from inlet port 326 to outlet port 328 through fluid flow passage 330 is prevented.

It is appreciated that it is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that upon actuating the valve 300, the shaft element 304 is axially upwardly displaced against the force of spring 308, such that side portions of shaft element 304 engage the piezoelectric sensors 320 and shaft extension element 332 is urged to be upwardly displaced, thus releasing diaphragm 340, which in turn is biased upwardly and disengages diaphragm seat 334, thus positioning the valve 300 in an open operative orientation. In this open operative orientation, fluid flow passage is provided between inlet port 326 and outlet port 328 through fluid flow passage 330 and the passage is formed between the diaphragm 340 and the diaphragm seat 334.

It is a further particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that each actuation cycle of the valve 300 is counted by means of piezoelectric sensor 320 sensing the force applied thereto by means of engagement with shaft element 304, thus providing for an accurate reading of the number of valve operation cycles, which directly depends on the number of shaft element 304 displacements.

It is noted that the piezoelectric sensor 30 is positioned at a different location in valve 300, in comparison with the location of piezoelectric sensor 220 in valve 200.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4, which is a simplified sectional view of a valve shown in a closed operative orientation and constructed and operative in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

It is appreciated that valve 400 can be actuated by any mechanical or electrical means, such as pneumatic piston or electric motor respectively. It is seen in Fig. 4 that a valve 400 preferably includes a housing 406, which preferably partially encloses a shaft element 404.

Housing 406 is preferably operatively engaged to a valve body 424. Valve body 424 preferably includes an inlet port 426, an outlet port 428 and a selectively openable fluid flow passage 430 provided therebetween.

It is further appreciated that valve body 424 includes shaft extension element 432 and a diaphragm seat 434. A diaphragm 440 is adapted to be seated onto diaphragm seat 434 and shaft extension element 432 is adapted to exert force on the upper side of the diaphragm 440, thereby positioning the valve 400 in a closed operative orientation, wherein fluid flow passage 430 is closed. Shaft extension element 432 can be displaced upwardly by shaft 404, thus release force exertion on diaphragm 440 and positioning valve 440 in an open operative orientation, wherein fluid flow passage 430 is open, as is particularly seen in Fig. 4.

It is appreciated that in Fig. 4, valve 400 is positioned in an open operative orientation, whereas shaft element 404 preferably abuts housing 406 and diaphragm 440 does not engage diaphragm seat 434, thus fluid flow passage from inlet port 426 to outlet port 428 through fluid flow passage 430 is enabled.

It is appreciated that it is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that upon actuating the valve 400, the shaft element 404 is axially upwardly displaced such that shaft element 404 urges shaft extension element 432 to be upwardly displaced, thus releasing diaphragm 440, which in turn is biased upwardly and disengages diaphragm seat 434, thus positioning the valve 400 in an open operative orientation. In this open operative orientation, fluid flow passage is provided between inlet port 426 and outlet port 428 through fluid flow passage 430 and the passage is formed between the diaphragm 440 and the diaphragm seat 434.

It is a further particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that a strain gauge 450 is disposed on diaphragm 440 and is adapted to sense the deflection of the diaphragm 440 during its operation. Each actuation cycle of the valve 400 is counted by means of the strain gauge 450, which is preferably located on the diaphragm 440 sensing the deflection thereof, thus providing for an accurate reading of the number of valve operation cycles, which directly depends on the number of diaphragm 440 displacements.

Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which is a simplified sectional view of a valve shown in a closed operative orientation and constructed and operative in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

It is seen in Fig. 5 that a valve 500 preferably includes a housing 502, which preferably encloses a shaft element 504, a cover 506 and a compression spring 508 which is supported between the cover 506 and a flange 510 formed adjacent one end of the shaft 504. It is appreciated that housing 502, shaft element 504 and compression spring 508 are preferably arranged a long a mutual longitudinal axis 509.

It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that a strain gauge 512 is disposed on spring 508 and is adapted to sense spring compression upon axial displacement of the shaft element 504 for counting the valve operative cycles. Alternatively, Piezo block (PZT), Piezo film (PVDF) or Piezo cable (PVDF) can be used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, instead of or in combination with strain gauge 512.

It is appreciated that valve 500 can be actuated by any mechanical or electrical means, such as pneumatic piston or electric motor respectively.

Housing 502 is preferably attached to a valve body 524. Valve body 524 preferably includes an inlet port 526, an outlet port 528 and a selectively openable fluid flow passage 530 provided therebetween.

It is further appreciated that valve body 524 includes shaft extension element 532 and a diaphragm seat 534. A diaphragm 540 is adapted to be seated onto diaphragm seat 534 and shaft extension element 532 is adapted to engage the upper side of the diaphragm 540, thereby positioning the valve 500 in a closed operative orientation, wherein fluid flow passage 530 is closed.

It is appreciated that in Fig. 5, valve 500 is positioned in a closed operative orientation, whereas side portions of shaft element 504 are preferably spaced from cover 506 and shaft extension element 532 engages diaphragm 540, such that diaphragm 540 engages diaphragm seat 534 and fluid flow passage from inlet port 526 to outlet port 528 through fluid flow passage 530 is prevented. It is appreciated that it is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that upon actuating the valve 500, the shaft element 504 is axially upwardly displaced against the force of spring 508, such that spring 508 is compressed and the strain gauage 512 located on the spring 508 senses its compression and counts valve operation cycles. Actuation of valve 500 releases diaphragm 540, which in turn is biased upwardly and disengages diaphragm seat 534, thus positioning the valve 500 in an open operative orientation. In this open operative orientation, fluid flow passage is provided between inlet port 526 and outlet port 528 through fluid flow passage 530 and the passage is formed between the diaphragm 540 and the diaphragm seat 534.

It is a further particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that each actuation cycle of the valve 500 is counted by means of straibn gauge 512 sensing the compression of spring 508 by means of upward shaft displacement, thus providing for an accurate reading of the number of valve operation cycles, which directly depends on the number of shaft element 504 displacements.

It is noted that the strain gauge 512 is positioned at a different location in valve 500, in comparison with the location of strain gauge 450 in valve 400.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof which are not in the prior art.