Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses an inertially activated ejection valve providing an inertially activated effluent ejector, and particularly an inertially activated dust ejector for an air induction system of an internal combustion engine in a vibratory system generating vibration. The vibration can be that of the engine itself, or a driven component such as an eccentric rotary driven weight. The dust ejection valve can be provided at various places in the air induction system of the internal combustion engine and is provided between the pre-cleaner and the air filter.

<CIT> further discloses a method for ejecting dust from an air induction system of an internal combustion engine in a vibratory system generating vibration. The method includes providing a dust ejection valve including an inertial mass, and inertially activating and driving the inertial mass by vibration to discharge dust from the air induction system. The method further includes providing the inertial mass as a plunger, and inertially driving the plunger by the vibration to vibrate and oscillate to an amplitude along an axial oscillation axis. Further it includes translating and oscillating the plunger inertial mass along an axial travel stroke in a channel extending along the oscillation axis, providing the plunger inertial mass with at least one valve face, providing the channel with at least one valve seat, and engaging the valve face and the valve seat at one end of the travel stroke.

From CN <NUM><NUM><NUM> A a flexible valve is known comprising an upper valve body, a lower valve body and a membrane sleeve, wherein the membrane sleeve is provided with a material conveying channel. The two ends of the membrane sleeve are connected with the upper valve body and the lower valve body correspondingly and the upper valve body or/and the lower valve body is/and connected in an axially-rotatable manner. When the upper valve body or/and the lower valve body axially rotates, the membrane sleeve is driven to rotate and distort, and a sealing point is formed.

<CIT> displays a unique vacuum loader and process to remove, collect, and dispose asbestos, hazardous material, and other particulate matter under continuous negative pressure. During the vacuuming process, a top valve will remain open for a time period to fill the reservoir tube by about <NUM> percent. During this time period, a lower valve will remain shut.

<CIT> relates to a powder feeding device, in particular for coating powder. The powder feeding device comprises a control device which is provided for selectively operating a dense phase powder pump in a powder conveying operating mode or a flushing operating mode. A powder inlet valve and the powder outlet valve of the dense phase powder pump are configured in each case as a pneumatically actuable compression valve which can be closed when an actuating pressure is applied.

<CIT> proposes a supercharged internal combustion engine system wherein the supercharger assembly includes an ejector pump driven by high-pressure air for pumping intake air into engine combustion chamber. During periods of natural engine aspiration the ejector pump can be by-passed to reduce flow impedance.

<CIT> proposes a dust discharge valve with an outlet opening and the dust separated during operation at least partially collected in a dust collection area in front of the outlet opening. The dust discharge valve has a closing element which is arranged on the outlet opening so that it can be opened in the outlet direction, and which keeps the outlet opening closed by a closing force during engine operation. The dust discharge valve can also be opened and/or released in a controlled and/or automated manner by means of an opening and/or blowing device.

It is an object of the invention to provide an air filter system comprising a multi-valve device with a simple and robust operating performance for scavenging particulate dust, and comprising also a valve arrangement using said multi-valve device.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method for scavenging particulate dust, from an air filter system with such a valve arrangement.

One object of the invention is achieved by an air filter system comprising a multi-valve device for scavenging particulate dust from the air filter system, comprising at least a first valve and a second valve arranged in series along a fluid path, to establish a collection volume for the particulate matter, wherein the first valve and the second valve each comprise a housing segment and a flexible membrane arranged inside the housing segment, wherein in each valve the flexible membrane is configured to close or open the fluid path through the valve, wherein the first valve and the second valve are configured to be connectable to a valve control unit for activating the flexible membranes independently from each other.

A further object of the invention is achieved by the air filter system with a valve arrangement comprising a multi-valve device, the multi-valve device having at least a first and a second valve, wherein a valve control unit is provided for activating flexible membranes of valves of the multi-valve device independently from each other, and comprising a two-way valve for supplying the first valve with air and for supplying the second valve with air either, wherein the two-way valve being particularly a solenoid valve.

A further object of the invention is achieved by a method for scavenging particulate dust from an air filter system, where a valve arrangement is connected to an outlet for particulate matter of the air filter system, the valve arrangement comprising a multi-valve device, the multi-valve device having at least a first and a second valve, wherein a valve control unit is provided for activating flexible membranes of valves of the multi-valve device independently from each other, and comprising a two-way valve for supplying the first valve with air and for supplying the second valve with air either, wherein the two-way valve being particularly a solenoid valve, the method comprising the air filter system operating in a first working phase with the first valve being open and the second valve being closed by the activated second flexible membrane for collecting particulate matter in a collection volume for the particulate matter, and the air filter system operating in a second working phase with the first valve being closed by the activated second flexible membrane and the second valve being open for scavenging particulate matter from the collection volume for the particulate matter along a fluid path through a second connector.

The dependent claims, the description and the drawings describe advantageous embodiments of the invention.

According to a first aspect of the invention, an air filter system comprising a multi-valve device is proposed for scavenging particulate dust from the air filter system, comprising at least a first valve and a second valve arranged in series along a fluid path, to establish a collection volume for the particulate matter. The first valve and the second valve each comprise a housing segment and a flexible membrane arranged inside the housing segment. In each valve the flexible membrane is configured to close or open the fluid path through the valve. The first valve and the second valve are configured to be connectable to a valve control unit for activating the flexible membranes independently from each other.

The inventive air filter system comprising a multi-valve device may advantageously be used for flow controlling along the fluid path for dust collecting and scavenging. According to a favorable embodiment the multi-valve device may comprise three subsystems. Two housing segments as bodies with a flexible membrane forming an inflatable chamber and a central connection component between the two housing segments. The central connection component keeps membranes on both sides in place and allows the fixation of an air admission system. The upper housing segment may comprise an inflatable pinch valve held with a clip connector. The clip connector may include an interface for air filter plugging. The lower housing segment may also comprise an inflatable membrane held by a clip connector. The air admission system may supply air pressure for inflating alternatively chambers of both membranes. When a chamber of a flexible membrane is supplied with air, the corresponding valve pipe is closed. By this way the inventive air filter system comprising a multi-valve device may be used to collect dust from an air filter. In a first working phase the first valve adjacent to the air filter system may be open, thus representing in its inner space the collection volume for particulate dust, whereas the second valve connected in series is closed by inflating the chamber of the flexible membrane. For scavenging the particulate dust from the system, in a second working phase the first valve adjacent to the air filter system may be closed by inflating the chamber of the corresponding membrane, whereas the second valve may be opened by deflating the chamber of the flexible membrane. Thus the particulate matter from the collection volume of the first valve is transported, e.g. by gravity or by fluid pressure, from the first valve to the second valve and may exit through an outlet of the valve.

Alternatively the flexible membranes may be activated mechanically for closing and opening the corresponding valves.

The flexible membranes may be manufactured from rubber material or other elastomers, which are resistant to dust and/or oil and may work in ambient temperatures from - <NUM> to <NUM>, which are temperatures usually required in the ambience of internal combustion engines. Typical dimensions may be in the range of a length of about <NUM> with an internal free diameter of about <NUM> to <NUM>. It is to be understood that the dimensions may vary depending on the actual application of the multi-valve device.

The described air filter system comprising a multi-valve device may advantageously be used for heavy-duty tractors or construction machines. The device may be integrated at an air filter system in a vertical position or an angled position to a vertical direction. Connection to the air filter system may advantageously be achieved by a quick connector system.

The multi-valve device is assembled from existing pinch valves for creating a dust collection volume and is used for dust pre-separation of an air filter. The flexible membranes of the pinch valves may be activated with pressure from a turbocharger when being integrated in an internal combustion engine.

The inventive air filter system comprising a multi-valve device reduces the risk of having leakages when dust discharging from an air filter system, which may advantageously improve dust pre-separation efficiency. More over the proposed air filter system comprising a multi-valve device may be able to work with a two stages turbo-charged engine.

According to the claimed embodiment of the air filter system comprising a multi-valve device, the first valve and/or the second valve are configured as a pinch valve. Pinch valves are commercially available in various dimensions, such that the multi-valve device may be assembled according to the dimensions of the air filter system where the multi-valve device is intended to collect and scavenge dust during operation of the air filter system. Such pinch valves are advantageously available also for robust working conditions and ambiences.

According to the claimed embodiment of the air filter system comprising a multi-valve device, the flexible membranes of the first valve and the second valve are formed integrally, in particular wherein each of the flexible membranes may provide a separated inflatable and deflatable chamber between the respective membrane and housing segment. Thus the flexible membrane formed integrally may be manufactured at a lower price. Favorably sealing of the chambers of the flexible membrane to each other and against the ambience may be provided in a reliable way.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the air filter system comprising a multi-valve device, a separation ring may be arranged in the collection volume for the particulate matter between the two membranes, being configured to secure the flexible membranes to an inner wall of the housing segments. Thus fixation of the flexible membrane in the multi-valve device as well as sealing of the two chambers working independently to each other may be provided in an efficient and reliable way.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the air filter system comprising a multi-valve device, the housing segments of the first valve and the second valve may be formed integrally. In such an embodiment connection of the two valves may be facilitated. Further manufacturing of the multi-valve device may be achieved in an efficient and reliable manner. Sealing of the two valves to each other is intrinsically achieved.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the air filter system comprising a multi-valve device, the first housing segment and the second housing segment may be joined by a connection component. Favorably the connection segment serves for connecting and sealing the two valves to each other. Thus assembling the multi-valve device may be achieved in a very efficient and flexible way. Further changing one of the valves in case of maintenance may also be facilitated in a favorable manner.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the air filter system comprising a multi-valve device, the first valve may comprise a first connector arranged opposite to the second valve with respect to the fluid path and/or the second valve may comprise a second connector arranged opposite to the first valve with respect to the fluid path. The connectors may serve for easy integration of the multi-valve device to an air filter system as well as to a dust collection system. Advantageously quick connectors may be used for easy connection and flexible changing of the multi-valve device in case of maintenance of the system.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the air filter system comprising a multi-valve device, the first connector may be configured to secure a section of the first flexible membrane and/or the second connector may be configured to secure a section of the second flexible membrane, and/or wherein an interface region between the first and second housing segments may be configured to secure a section of at least one of the flexible membranes. In such an embodiment the flexible membranes may easily be assembled to the housing segments of the valves. Further sealing of the flexible membranes against the housing segments and the ambience may be facilitated. Thus a robust design of the multi-valve device may be achieved.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the air filter system with a valve arrangement is proposed comprising a multi-valve device. The multi-valve device has at least a first and a second valve. A valve control unit is provided for activating flexible membranes of valves of the multi-valve device independently from each other. The valve arrangement comprises a two-way valve for supplying the first valve with air and for supplying the second valve with air either. The two-way valve may particularly be a solenoid valve. The valve control unit together with the two-way valve may serve for activating the flexible membranes of the multi-valve device, thus controlling the functions of the scavenging an air filter system from particulate matter such as dust. By this way all advantages of the proposed multi-valve device described above may be achieved in a favorable manner.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the flexible membranes may be controlled pneumatically by the valve control unit, in particular by air pressure. Pneumatic control of the flexible membranes is a very efficient and fast reaction means for opening and closing the valves of the multi-valve device. Further air pressure from turbo-chargers may favorably be used, if integrating the valve arrangement in an internal combustion engine, particularly in heavy duty engines of construction machines.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the valve arrangement, the valve control unit may be fixed to the interface region, in particular wherein the valve control unit may be fixed to a connection component located at the interface region. Thus the valve control may easily be fixed to the multi-valve device for efficient assembling of the valve arrangement and easy maintenance. Further short distances between the valve control and the valves is advantageous for connecting air pipes from the valve control to the valves.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method is proposed for scavenging particulate dust from an air filter system. A valve arrangement is connected to an outlet for particulate matter of the air filter system. The valve arrangement comprises a multi-valve device, which has at least a first and a second valve. A valve control unit is provided for activating flexible membranes of valves of the multi-valve device independently from each other. The valve arrangement comprises a two-way valve for supplying the first valve with air and for supplying the second valve with air either. The two-way valve may particularly be a solenoid valve. The method comprises operating the air filter system in a first working phase with the first valve being open and the second valve being closed by the activated second flexible membrane for collecting particulate matter in a collection volume for the particulate matter, and operating the air filter system in a second working phase with the first valve being closed by the activated second flexible membrane and the second valve being open for scavenging particulate matter from the collection volume for the particulate matter along a fluid path through a second connector.

The valve arrangement comprises a two-way valve for supplying the first valve with air and for supplying the second valve with air either. The two-way valve may particularly be a solenoid valve. The valve control unit together with the two-way valve may serve for activating the flexible membranes of the multi-valve device, thus controlling the functions of the scavenging an air filter system from particulate matter such as dust.

The multi-valve device is used for flow controlling along the fluid path for dust collecting and scavenging. According to a favorable embodiment the air filter system comprising the multi-valve device may comprise three subsystems, i.e. two housing segments as bodies with a flexible membrane forming an inflatable chamber and a central connection component between the two housing segments. The central connection component keeps membranes on both sides in place and allows the fixation of an air admission system. The upper housing segment may comprise an inflatable pinch valve held with a clip connector. The clip connector may include an interface for air filter plugging. The lower housing segment may also comprise an inflatable membrane held by a clip connector. The air admission system may supply air pressure for inflating alternatively chambers of both membranes. When a chamber of a flexible membrane is supplied with air, the corresponding valve pipe is closed. By this way the inventive air filter system comprising a multi-valve device is used to collect dust from an air filter.

In a first working phase the first valve adjacent to the air filter system may be open, thus representing in its inner space the collection volume for particulate dust, whereas the second valve connected in series is closed by inflating the chamber of the flexible membrane. For scavenging the particulate matter from the system, in a second working phase the first valve adjacent to the air filter system may be closed by inflating the chamber of the corresponding membrane, whereas the second valve may be opened by deflating the chamber of the flexible membrane. Thus the particulate matter from the collection volume of the first valve is transported, e.g. by gravity or by fluid pressure, from the first valve to the second valve and may exit through an outlet of the valve.

The present invention together with the above-mentioned and other objects and advantages may best be understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments, but not restricted to the embodiments, wherein is shown in:.

In the drawings, like elements are referred to with equal reference numerals. The drawings are merely schematic representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Moreover, the drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention.

<FIG> depicts schematics of a valve arrangement <NUM> with a multi-valve device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the inventive air filter system <NUM> for scavenging particulate dust <NUM> from the air filter system <NUM>.

The valve arrangement <NUM> comprises the multi-valve device <NUM>, consisting of a first and a second valve <NUM>, <NUM>. A valve control unit <NUM> as an air distributor system is provided for activating flexible membranes <NUM>, <NUM> of the valves <NUM>, <NUM> of the multi-valve device <NUM> independently from each other. The valve control <NUM> comprises a two-way valve <NUM>, depicted in the embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, for supplying the first valve <NUM> with air and for supplying the second valve <NUM> with air either via air pipes <NUM>, <NUM> respectively, wherein the two-way valve <NUM> being particularly a solenoid valve.

The first valve <NUM> and the second valve <NUM> are configured as a pinch valve each. The first valve <NUM> and the second valve <NUM> of the multi-valve device <NUM> are arranged in series along a fluid path <NUM>, to establish a collection volume <NUM> for the particulate matter <NUM>. The first valve <NUM> and the second valve <NUM> each comprise a housing segment <NUM>, <NUM> and a flexible membrane <NUM>, <NUM> arranged inside the housing segment <NUM>, <NUM>, forming a separated inflatable and deflatable chamber <NUM>, <NUM>. In each valve <NUM>, <NUM> the flexible membrane <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to close or open the fluid path <NUM> through the valve <NUM>, <NUM>. The first valve <NUM> and the second valve <NUM> are connected to the valve control unit <NUM> for activating the flexible membranes <NUM>, <NUM> independently from each other. The flexible membranes <NUM>, <NUM> are controlled pneumatically by the valve control unit <NUM>, in particular by air pressure, being supplied by an air supply system <NUM>.

The first housing segment <NUM> and the second housing segment <NUM> are joined by a connection component <NUM>, thus forming a housing of the multi-valve device <NUM>. The valve control unit <NUM> is fixed to the interface region <NUM>, in particular is the valve control unit <NUM> fixed to the connection component <NUM> located at the interface region <NUM>.

According to the invention, the housing segments <NUM>, <NUM> of the first valve <NUM> and the second valve <NUM> are formed integrally for easy assembly of the multi-valve device <NUM>.

The first valve <NUM> comprises a first connector <NUM> arranged opposite to the second valve <NUM> with respect to the fluid path <NUM> and the second valve <NUM> comprises a second connector <NUM> arranged opposite to the first valve <NUM> with respect to the fluid path <NUM>. The multi-valve device <NUM> is connected to a dust outlet <NUM> of the air filter system <NUM> with the first connector <NUM>. The second connector <NUM> may serve for connecting the multi-valve device <NUM> to a dust collecting system.

The first connector <NUM> is configured to secure a section <NUM> of the first flexible membrane <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> is configured to secure a section <NUM> of the second flexible membrane <NUM>. The interface region <NUM> between the first and second housing segments <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to secure a section <NUM>, <NUM> of the flexible membranes <NUM>, <NUM>.

Using the valve arrangement <NUM> with the air filter system <NUM> depicted in <FIG> allows to apply a method for scavenging particulate matter <NUM>, in particular dust, from the air filter system <NUM>. In a first working phase the first valve <NUM> is open and the second valve <NUM> is closed by the activated second flexible membrane <NUM> for collecting particulate matter <NUM> in a collection volume <NUM> for the particulate matter <NUM>. In a second working phase the first valve <NUM> is closed by the activated second flexible membrane <NUM> and the second valve <NUM> is open for scavenging particulate matter <NUM> from the collection volume <NUM> for the particulate matter <NUM> along a fluid path <NUM> through a second connector <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts schematics of a valve arrangement <NUM> with a multi-valve device <NUM> according to a further embodiment of the inventive air filter system. The multi-valve device <NUM> of the embodiment shown in <FIG> differs from the embodiment shown in <FIG> by the fact, that the flexible membranes <NUM>, <NUM> of the first valve <NUM> and the second valve <NUM> are formed integrally as a single piece. There still exist two membrane sections <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and the second valve <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, wherein each of the flexible membrane sections <NUM>, <NUM> provide a separated inflatable and deflatable chamber <NUM>, <NUM> between the respective membrane <NUM>, <NUM> and housing segment <NUM>, <NUM>. A separation ring <NUM> is arranged in the collection volume <NUM> for the particulate matter <NUM> between the two membranes <NUM>, <NUM>. The separation ring <NUM> is configured to secure the flexible membranes <NUM>, <NUM> with its membrane sections <NUM>, <NUM> to an inner wall of the housing segments <NUM>, <NUM> by pressing the membranes <NUM>, <NUM> against the inner wall. Thus the membranes <NUM>, <NUM> are fixed and two separated inflatable chambers <NUM>, <NUM> are formed.

<FIG> depicts schematics of an air filter system <NUM> with a valve arrangement <NUM> in a first working phase for collecting dust particles <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention, whereas <FIG> depicts the air filter system <NUM> in a second working phase for scavenging the dust particles <NUM> from the air filter system <NUM>.

The embodiment shown in <FIG> resembles the embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, except that there is no connection component <NUM>, because the two valves <NUM>, <NUM> are directly connected in the interface region <NUM> without an additional connection component <NUM>. This is due to simplification of the schematics in order to show the main functions of the valve arrangement <NUM> only. The valve control unit <NUM> comprises a two-way valve <NUM> for controlling the air flow <NUM> from the air supply system <NUM> to the chambers <NUM>, <NUM> of the flexible membranes <NUM>, <NUM> of the valves <NUM>, <NUM> via air pipes <NUM>, <NUM> respectively <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An air filter system (<NUM>) comprising a multi-valve device (<NUM>) for scavenging particulate dust (<NUM>) from said air filter system (<NUM>) comprising at least a first valve (<NUM>) and a second valve (<NUM>) arranged in series along a fluid path (<NUM>), to establish a collection volume (<NUM>) for the particulate matter (<NUM>), wherein the first valve (<NUM>) and the second valve (<NUM>) each comprise a housing segment (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a flexible membrane (<NUM>, <NUM>) arranged inside the housing segment (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein in each valve (<NUM>, <NUM>) the flexible membrane (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to close or open the fluid path (<NUM>) through the valve (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the first valve (<NUM>) and the second valve (<NUM>) are configured to be connectable to a valve control unit (<NUM>) for activating the flexible membranes (<NUM>, <NUM>) independently from each other, wherein the first valve (<NUM>) and the second valve (<NUM>) being configured as a pinch valve, wherein the flexible membranes (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the first valve (<NUM>) and the second valve (<NUM>) are formed integrally, in particular wherein each of the flexible membranes (<NUM>, <NUM>) provide a separated inflatable and deflatable chamber (<NUM>, <NUM>) between the respective membrane (<NUM>, <NUM>) and housing segment (<NUM>, <NUM>).