Patent ID: 6361016
Filing Date: 2002-03-26
Classification: F16K

Abstract:
A pinch valve for controlling a fluid flow under pressure through a fluid line, comprising:a flexible tube member or pinch tube; a separate unitary insert body which is adapted for being inserted into a valve chamber in a surrounding valve housing and comprising a rigid material for supporting the flexible tube member or pinch tube in an axial through-hole of the insert body; an actuator in direct contact with the flexible tube member or pinch tube movably connected to the valve housing and movable against a resetting force of a first bias spring for varying the cross-sectional area of the flexible tube member by pinching the flexible tube member against the insert member; and first and second adapter pieces in axial alignment with the valve chamber providing a sealed connection with opposing respective ends of the flexible tube member or pinch tube; the first and second adapter pieces being arranged for providing a sealed connection with connecting ends of a fluid line; wherein at least one of the first and second adapter pieces is axially moveable away from the unitary insert body for allowing insertion of the insert body and flexible tube member or pinch tube into the valve chamber in the valve housing and removal of the insert body and flexible tube member or pinch tube out of the valve chamber in the valve housing.