Patent Description:
Conventional valve is formed of a metal. As a result, it is difficult to process the valve and manufacture cost of the valve is very expensive.

<CIT> discloses a ball valve having a replaceable ball valve insert. The ball valve insert comprises a shut-off element closely surrounded by a lining which has flanges on both sides.

<CIT> discloses a valve with a framework, wherein a valve body adopts an axial split structure, a valve body steel framework is arranged inside the valve body, a plastic cover covers the outer surface of the valve body steel framework.

<CIT> discloses a flexible pipe joint adapted to be secured between two rigid conduit members, wherein the joint is formed of plies of rubber and fabric and has cylindrical end portions provided with integral end flanges extending from the ends thereof, and the flanges have bolt holes completely therethrough adapted to receive clamping bolt means for securing the joint to the flanged ends of pipes.

<CIT> discloses a method of forming a lined pressure conduit, such as a diaphragm valve housing or a pipe elbow, comprising locating a liner in the conduit and introducing incompressible material into gaps between the liner exterior surface and the housing interior surface whereby the liner will be supported by the material in the area of the gaps.

To solve problem of the convention technique, the invention is to provide various valves capable of preventing distortion. The above object of the present invention is achieved by the features defined in independent claim <NUM>. Further preferred features are set forth in dependent claims.

A valve according to one embodiment of the invention includes a metal member configured to have at least two sub metal members; a main body; and a liner. Here, the sub metal members are included in the main body, and the main body is formed of plastic. The sub metal members surround the liner, the liner includes a liner body member and a liner flange member formed at an end part of the liner body member, at least one of the sub metal members includes a sub metal body member and a sub metal flange member formed at an end part of the sub metal body member, and the main body includes a main body member and a main body flange member formed at an end part of the main body member. A width of the sub metal flange member is higher than a width of the liner flange member, and the sub metal flange member surrounds the liner body member just beneath the liner flange member while the sub metal flange member closes to the liner flange member. A fluid flow space through which fluid flows is formed in the liner, the liner is formed of fluorine resin.

In a valve of the invention, a metal member is included in a main body formed of plastic. Accordingly, distortion may not be occurred to the valve when the valve is combined with a pipe or another valve.

Additionally, the valve of the invention is very excellent compared to a valve formed of plastic, in view of strength.

Example embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail example embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

In the present specification, an expression used in the singular encompasses the expression of the plural, unless it has a clearly different meaning in the context. In the present specification, terms such as "comprising" or "including," etc., should not be interpreted as meaning that all of the elements or operations are necessarily included. That is, some of the elements or operations may not be included, while other additional elements or operations may be further included. Also, terms such as "unit," "module," etc., as used in the present specification may refer to a part for processing at least one function or action and may be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

The invention relates to a valve, and a metal member is included in a main body formed of plastic. As a result, distortion of the valve may be prevented when the valve is combined with a pipe or another valve.

If the main body is formed of a metal, strength of the valve is excellent and distortion of the valve is prevented. However, it is difficult to process the valve to have desired shape and manufacture cost of the valve is very expensive.

If the main body is formed of only plastic, it is easy to process the valve and manufacture cost of the valve is low. However, distortion may occur to the valve when the valve is combined with a pipe or another valve, and so the valve may be broken down.

Accordingly, the invention provides various valves capable of preventing distortion with easy processing and low manufacture cost.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a valve according to one embodiment of the invention, <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a metal member according to one embodiment of the invention, <FIG> is a view illustrating a structure in which the metal member is covered by plastic, and <FIG> is a sectional view illustrating a fluid flow space according to one embodiment of the invention.

In <FIG>, the valve of the present embodiment is for example a diaphragm valve, and it may include a main body <NUM>, a liner <NUM>, a metal member having a first sub metal member <NUM> and a second sub metal member <NUM> and an opening-closing member <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> is formed of plastic.

In one embodiment, the main body <NUM> may be formed of an engineering plastic. For example, the main body <NUM> may be made up of a polyphenylene ethers resin composition including a polyphenylene ethers resin and a polystyrene resin. Of course, the main body <NUM> may be formed of a polypropylene, a polyimide, a polysulfone, a poly phenylene sulfide, a polyamide imide, a polyacrylate, a polyether sulfone, a polyether ether ketone, a polyether imide, a liquid crystal polyester, a polyether ketone, etc. and their combination.

Holes <NUM> may be formed to a side end part (flange) of the main body <NUM>. A fixing member may connect the valve to a pipe or another valve through the holes <NUM>, which is not shown.

The liner <NUM> is disposed in the main body <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the liner <NUM> is formed of a fluorine resin. The fluorine resin means every resin including fluorine in a molecule, and it includes a Polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, a Polychlorotrifluoroethylene PCTFE, a PolyVinyliDene Fluoride PVDF, a Fluorinated ethylene propylene FEP, an Ethyl Tetra Fluoro Ethylene ETFE or a Perfluoroalkoxy alkane PFA, etc. This fluorine resin has excellent heat resistance, excellent chemical resistance, excellent electric insulation, small friction coefficient, and does not have adhesion. That is, velocity change of flow due to a laminar flow in the fluid flow space <NUM> may be minimized because the friction coefficient of the liner <NUM> is small, when the liner <NUM> is formed of fluorine resin. Particularly, difference between flow velocity at an upper part or a lower part of the fluid flow space <NUM> and flow velocity at central part of the fluid flow space <NUM> may be minimized, based on a specific point.

The fluid flow space <NUM> through which fluid flows is formed in the liner <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the fluid flow space <NUM> may have a streamlined shape in a direction of a central part corresponding to the opening-closing member <NUM> after linearly longitudinal-extended from an inlet, and have a streamlined shape in the direction of the central part after linearly longitudinal-extended from an outlet.

In another embodiment, the fluid flow space <NUM> may have a streamlined shape from the inlet in a direction from the inlet to the central part corresponding to the opening-closing member <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, and have a streamlined shape from the outlet in a direction from the outlet to the central part. In this case, an inner upper surface <NUM> or an inner lower surface <NUM> of the liner <NUM> may have a streamlined shape in a direction from the inlet to the central part and have a streamlined shape in a direction from the outlet to the central part. Specially, a curve may start and be extended from the inlet or the outlet.

The opening-closing member <NUM> opens/closes fluid flow in the fluid flow space <NUM>, and it may locate on the main body <NUM> or the liner <NUM>. For example, the opening-closing member <NUM> may be a diaphragm.

Hereinafter, elements of the valve will be described in detail.

The main body <NUM> includes a main body member and a main body flange members formed at both ends of the main body member.

At least one hole <NUM> may be formed on a first main body flange member, a hole may be formed on a flange of a pipe, and the first main body flange member may be combined with a flange of a piping (for example, a pipe) by passing a fixing member such as a bolt, etc. through the hole <NUM> of the first main body flange member and the flange of the piping. As a result, the valve may be combined with the pipe. Accordingly, the valve of the invention may be referred to as a piping combination device.

A hole for combination with the pipe may be formed on a second main body flange member.

The liner <NUM> includes a liner body member 102a, a first liner flange member 102b, and may include a second liner flange member 102c and a liner combination member 102d. Here, a space <NUM> opened/closed by the opening-closing member <NUM> may be formed at a central part of the liner combination member 102d, and the liner combination member 102d may be combined with an opening-closing combination member 104a.

The liner body member 102a may be disposed in the main body member.

The first liner flange member 102b has a width higher than the liner body member 102a and may be disposed in the first main body flange member. One side of the first liner flange member 102b may be exposed outside.

The second liner flange member 102c may have a width higher than the liner body member 102a and be disposed in the second main body flange member. One side of the second liner flange member 102c may be exposed outside.

The metal member surrounds the liner <NUM> and is included in the main body <NUM>. Here, whole of the metal member is included in the main body <NUM>, and none part of the metal member may be exposed outside. That is, the liner <NUM> locates in the metal member, and the whole of the metal member may be included in the main body <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the metal member includes a first sub metal member <NUM> and a second sub metal member <NUM>. For example, the metal member may include two sub metal members <NUM> and <NUM> having the same structure. Here, the sub metal members <NUM> and <NUM> are separated and are not combined each other.

The first sub metal member <NUM> may be in integral type, cover a half of the liner <NUM> and include a first sub metal body member 110a, a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110b and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110c.

The first sub metal body member 110a may cover a half of the liner body member 102a and have a curved shape.

The <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110b may be connected to an end part of the first sub metal body member 110a and be disposed just beneath the first liner flange member 102b. Particularly, a groove curve line formed at a center of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110b may cover a half of the liner body member 102a just beneath the first liner flange member 102b, curvature of the groove curve line being the same as or similar to that of the liner body member 102a.

In one embodiment, a width of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110b is higher than that of the first liner flange member 102b. As a result, at least part of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110b may be projected outside the first liner flange member 102b in a width direction while the <NUM>-<NUM> sub flange member 110b supports the first liner flange member 102b, when the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110b surrounds the liner body member 102a. Here, the first liner flange member 102b may be projected compared to the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110b in a longitudinal direction.

On the other hand, the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110b might surround directly the first liner flange member 102b. In this case, the valve may have unstable structure because a space exists between the liner <NUM> and the metal member. Accordingly, it is effective that the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110b surrounds the liner body member 102a just beneath the first liner flange member 102b while the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110b closes to the first liner flange member 102b.

At least one hole may be formed on the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110b, a fixing member passing through the hole. That is, the fixing member passes the hole of a first main body flange member and the hole of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110b when the valve is combined with the pipe.

The <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110c may be connected to the other end of the first sub metal body member 110a and be disposed just beneath of the second liner flange member 102c while it closes to the second liner flange member 102c. Particularly, a groove curve line formed at a center of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110c may cover half of the liner body member 102a just beneath the second liner flange member 102c, wherein the groove curve line may have the same curvature as the liner body member 102a or similar curvature to the liner body member 102a.

In one embodiment, a width of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110c is higher than that of the second liner flange member 102c. As a result, at least part of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110c may be projected outside the second liner flange member 102c in a width direction while the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110c supports the second liner flange member 102c, when the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110c covers the liner body member 102a. Here, the second liner flange member 102c may be projected compared to the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110c in a longitudinal direction.

On the other hand, the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110c might surround directly the second liner flange member 102c. In this case, the valve may have unstable structure because a space exists between the liner <NUM> and the metal member. Accordingly, it is effective that the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110c surrounds closely the liner body member 102a just beneath the second liner flange member 102c.

At least one hole may be formed on the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110c, a fixing member passing through the hole. That is, the fixing member passes through the hole of a second main body flange member and the hole of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110c when the valve is combined with the pipe.

The second sub metal member <NUM> is in a body, may surround the other half of the liner <NUM> and include a second sub metal body member, a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member.

The second sub metal body member may cover the other half of the liner body member 102a and have a curve shape.

The <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member may be connected to an end part of the second sub metal body member and be closely disposed just beneath the first liner flange member 102b. Particularly, a groove curve line formed at a center of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member may surround the other half of the liner body member 102a just beneath the first liner flange member 102b, wherein the groove curve line may have the same curvature as the liner body member 102a or similar curvature to the liner body member 102a.

In one embodiment, a width of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member is higher than that of the first liner flange member 102b. As a result, at least part of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member may be projected outside the first liner flange member 102b in a width direction while the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member supports the first liner flange member 102b, when the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member surrounds the liner body member 102a. Here, the first liner flange member 102b may be projected compared to the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member in a longitudinal direction.

On the other hand, the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member might cover directly the first liner flange member 102b. In this case, the valve may have unstable structure because a space exists between the liner <NUM> and the metal member. Accordingly, it is effective that the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member surrounds closely the liner body member 102a just beneath the first liner flange member 102b.

At least one hole may be formed on the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member, a fixing member passing through the hole. That is, the fixing member passes through the hole of a first main body flange member and the hole of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member when the valve is combined with the pipe.

On the other hand, the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member may have a shape of doughnuts cut by half, end sections except the groove curve line may be contacted with end sections of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110b. That is, the metal member may surround the liner <NUM> while the end sections of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110b are contacted with the end sections of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member. Here, the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110b has a shape of doughnuts cut by half.

The <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member may be connected to the other end of the second sub metal body member and be closely disposed just beneath the second liner flange member 102c. Particularly, a groove curve line formed at a center of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member may surround the other half of the liner body member 102a just beneath the second liner flange member 102c, wherein the groove curve line may have the same curvature as the liner body member 102a or similar curvature to the liner body member 102a.

In one embodiment, a width of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member is higher than that of the second liner flange member 102c. As a result, at least part of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member may be projected outside the second liner flange member 102c in a width direction while the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member supports the second liner flange member 102c, when the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member surrounds the liner body member 102a. Here, the second liner flange member 102c may be projected compared to the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member in a longitudinal direction.

On the other hand, the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member might cover directly the second liner flange member 102c. In this case, the valve may have unstable structure because a space exists between the liner <NUM> and the metal member. Accordingly, it is effective that the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member surrounds the liner body member 102a just beneath the second liner flange member 102c while it closes to the second liner flange member 102c.

At least one hole may be formed on the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member, a fixing member passing through the hole. That is, the fixing member passes through the hole of a second main body flange member and the hole of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member when the valve is combined with the pipe.

On the other hand, the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member may have a shape of doughnuts cut by half, end sections except the groove curve line may be contacted with end sections of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110c. That is, the metal member may surround the liner <NUM> while the end sections of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub flange member 110c are contacted with the end sections of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member. Here, the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 110c has a shape of doughnuts cut by half.

In a manufacture process, the metal member may be formed in the main body <NUM> by using an insert molding. Particularly, the metal member may be included in the main body <NUM> and the liner <NUM> may be formed in the metal member by insert-molding a structure where the sub metal members <NUM> and <NUM> surround the liner <NUM> in plastic which is material of the main body <NUM>.

At least one hole other than the hole for the fixing member may be formed on the flange members 110b, 110c, etc. of the metal member, so that the metal member is strongly fixed to the main body <NUM>. In the insert molding process, melt plastic fills the hole, and thus the metal member may be strongly combined in the main body <NUM>.

One or more projection members may be formed on the metal member to more strongly combine the metal member in the main body <NUM>.

To use two separated sub metal members <NUM> and <NUM> is for locating the liner <NUM> in the metal member. It is impossible to insert the liner <NUM> in the metal member because a width of the flange member 102b or 102c of the liner <NUM> is greater than an inner space of the metal member, if the metal member is in a body. Accordingly, two separated sub metal members <NUM> and <NUM> are used to locate the liner <NUM> including the flange member 102b or 102c higher than the inner space of the metal member in the metal member.

Shortly, the sub metal members <NUM> and <NUM> is included in the main body <NUM> formed of the plastic, e.g., through the insert molding, while two sub metal members <NUM> and <NUM> surround the liner <NUM>. Here, the liner <NUM> may locate in the metal member.

Distortion may occur to a valve due to a fixing force of a fixing member in a direction opposed to a fixed direction when a flange of the valve is combined with a flange of a pipe through the fixing member, if the main body surrounds directly a liner and a metal member does not surround the liner.

Distortion may not occur or be minimized to the valve because a flange in the valve is strengthened though the flange of the valve is combined with a flange of a pipe through the fixing member, when the metal member is included in the main body <NUM> formed of the plastic while the liner <NUM> is disposed in the metal member.

Of course, distortion may be prevented when the valve is combined with the pipe, if the main body is formed of metal and the liner is included in the main body. However, it is difficult to process the main body and manufacture cost of the valve may increase sharply. Additionally, corrosion may occur to the valve and lifetime of the valve may get shorter.

Accordingly, the main body <NUM> in the valve of the invention is formed of the plastic, wherein the metal member is formed in the main body <NUM> to reinforce strength. In this case, it is sufficient not to process precisely the metal member and it is easy to process precisely the plastic. Hence, it is easy to process the valve to have desired shape, manufacture cost of the valve may be reduced and the distortion may be minimized when the valve is combined with the pipe or another valve.

On the other hand, the flange member of the liner <NUM>, the flange member of the metal member and the flange member of the main body <NUM> form a flange. In view of the flange, a metal member is included in a plastic. As a result, distortion may be minimized though the flange of the valve is combined with the flange of the pipe or a flange of another valve.

In the above description, the metal member comprises two sub metal members <NUM> and <NUM> disposed symmetrically with the same shape. However, the metal member may be formed with three or more sub metal members. Here, the liner <NUM> is disposed in the sub metal members and the sub metal members are included in the main body <NUM>. The sub metal members may have the same shape or at least one of the sub metal members may have different shape.

For example, three sub metal members, which are separately disposed by <NUM>° with the same shape, may surround the liner <NUM>.

For example, it is efficient that the metal member includes two sub metal members <NUM> and <NUM>, considering easiness of process.

<FIG> is a view illustrating schematically section of a valve according to still another embodiment of the invention.

In <FIG>, a liner <NUM>, a resin layer <NUM>, a metal member <NUM> including at least two sub metal members and a main body <NUM> may be sequentially disposed.

That is, unlike other embodiments, in the present embodiment, the resin layer <NUM> may be disposed between the liner <NUM> and the metal member <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the resin layer <NUM> may be formed of the same material as the main body <NUM>. The material of the main body in the above embodiment may be used as the material of the main body <NUM>.

If molding after inserting a structure where the sub metal members surround the liner <NUM> in a plastic corresponding to the material of the main body <NUM>, melted plastic permeates through a space between the liner <NUM> and the metal member <NUM> because a space exists between the sub metal members. As a result, the resin layer <NUM> may be formed between the liner <NUM> and the metal member <NUM>.

A hole may be formed on a part of the metal member <NUM> so that the melted plastic is easily permeated between the liner <NUM> and the metal member <NUM>.

The structure where the resin layer is formed between the liner and the metal member may be also applied to other embodiment.

<FIG> is an exploded view illustrating a valve according to another embodiment of the invention, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the valve according to another embodiment of the invention. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a metal member according to one embodiment of the invention, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a combination process of the metal member according to one embodiment of the invention.

In <FIG>, the valve of the present embodiment may be a ball valve and include a first sub valve <NUM>, a second sub valve <NUM> and an opening-closing member <NUM> having a ball shape.

The first sub valve <NUM> includes a first sub main body, a first sub metal member <NUM> and a first sub liner <NUM>. A first sub fluid flow space <NUM> is formed in the first sub liner <NUM>.

The first sub main body may include a first sub main body member <NUM>, a first sub main body combination member <NUM>, a first sub main body flange member <NUM> and an opening-closing inserting member <NUM> in which the opening-closing member <NUM> is inserted.

The first sub main body combination member <NUM> may be connected to one side of the first sub main body member <NUM> and be combined with a second sub main body combination member <NUM> of the second sub valve <NUM>.

For example, at least one hole may be formed on the sub main body combination members <NUM> and <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, respectively. The sub main body combination members <NUM> and <NUM> may be combined by passing a bolt <NUM> through the holes.

The first sub main body flange member <NUM> may be connected to another side of the first sub main body member <NUM> and be combined with a pipe or another valve through a bolt, etc..

The opening-closing inserting member <NUM> may be connected to another side, e.g. an upper side of the first sub main body member <NUM>, the opening-closing member <NUM> being inserted into the opening-closing inserting member <NUM>. A ball connected to an end part of the opening-closing member <NUM> may open/close a fluid flow space while the ball is inserted into the opening-closing inserting member <NUM>. For example, fluid flows through the fluid flow space and a fluid path when the fluid path is formed to the ball and the fluid path locates in the same direction as the fluid flow space, and fluid flow may be closed when the fluid path is changed in a direction vertical to the fluid flow space according as the ball rotates.

The first sub liner <NUM> may be formed in the first sub main body member <NUM> and be formed of for example fluorine resin.

The first sub metal member <NUM> may include a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member.

The <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member may surround half of the first sub liner <NUM> and include a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal body member 810b, a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal combination member 810a and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 810c.

The <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member may surround the other half of the first sub liner <NUM> and include a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal body member, a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal combination member 820a and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 820c.

The <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member and the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member surround the first sub liner <NUM>, and whole of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member and the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member is included in the first sub main body.

Structure and array of the sub metal flange members 810c and 820c are the same as in the above embodiment, and thus any description concerning theses will be omitted.

The second sub valve <NUM> includes a second sub main body, a second sub metal member and a second sub liner <NUM>. A second sub fluid flow space is formed in the second sub liner <NUM>.

The second sub main body may include a second sub main body member <NUM>, a second sub main body combination member <NUM> and a second sub main body flange member <NUM>.

The second sub main body combination member <NUM> may be connected to one side of the second sub main body member <NUM> and be combined with the first sub main body combination member <NUM> of the first sub valve <NUM>.

The second sub main body flange member <NUM> may be connected to another side of the second sub main body member <NUM> and be combined with a pipe or another valve through a bolt, etc..

The second sub liner <NUM> may be formed in the second sub main body member <NUM> and be formed of for example fluorine resin.

The second sub metal member <NUM> may include a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member.

The <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member may surround half of the second sub liner <NUM> and include a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal body member 830b, a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal combination member 830a and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 830c.

The <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member may surround the other half of the second sub liner <NUM> and include a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal body member, a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal combination member 840a and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 840c.

The <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member surround the second sub liner <NUM> and whole of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member is included in the second sub main body.

Structure and array of the sub metal flange members 830c and 840c are the same as in the above embodiment, and thus any description concerning these will be omitted.

The first sub liner <NUM> and the second sub liner <NUM> form one liner, which is not described above. The <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal combination member 810a and the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal combination member 820a form a first sub metal combination member, and the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal combination member 830a and the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal combination member 840a form a second sub metal combination member.

The first sub metal combination member, the second sub metal combination member, the fist sub main body combination member <NUM> and the second sub main body combination member <NUM> form a valve combination member. The <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 810c, the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 820c and the first sub main body flange member <NUM> may form a first flange member, and the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 830c, the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 840c and the second sub main body flange member <NUM> may form a second flange member.

Briefly, the sub metal members <NUM> and <NUM> in the valve of the present embodiment surround the liner and are included in the main body. That is, the valve is different from the valve in the first embodiment of <FIG> in that the valve includes two sub valves. However, structure and array of the sub liner, the sub metal member and the sub main body in each of the sub valves are similar in the first embodiment.

The structure in <FIG> may be applied to the sub valves.

<FIG> is an exploded view illustrating a valve according to still another embodiment of the invention, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a valve according to still another embodiment of the invention. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a metal member according to one embodiment of the invention, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a combination process of the metal member according to one embodiment of the invention.

In <FIG>, the valve of the present embodiment may be a ball type check valve and include a first sub valve <NUM>, a second sub valve <NUM> and a ball type opening-closing member <NUM>.

The first sub valve <NUM> includes a first sub main body, a first sub metal member and a first sub liner <NUM>.

The first sub main body may include a first sub main body member <NUM>, a first sub main body combination member <NUM> and a first sub main body flange member <NUM>. A first sub fluid flow space is formed in the first sub liner <NUM>.

For example, at least one hole may be formed to each of the sub main body combination members <NUM> and <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and the sub main body combination members <NUM> and <NUM> may be combined by passing a bolt through the holes.

The first sub main body flange member <NUM> may be connected to the other side of the first sub main body member <NUM> and be combined with a pipe or another valve via a bolt, etc..

The first sub liner <NUM> is formed in the first sub main body member <NUM> and is formed of for example fluorine resin.

The first sub metal member may include a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member.

The <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member may surround half of the first sub liner <NUM> and include a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal body member 1210a, a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal combination member 1210b and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 1210c.

The <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member may surround the other half of the first sub liner <NUM> and include a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal body member 1220a, a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal combination member 1220b and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 1220c.

The <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member and the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member surround the first sub liner <NUM> and whole of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member and the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member is included in the first sub main body.

Structure and array of the sub metal flange members 1210c and 1220c are the same as in above embodiment, and thus any further description concerning these will be omitted.

The second sub valve <NUM> includes a second sub main body, a second sub metal member and a second sub liner <NUM>.

The second sub main body may include a second sub main body member <NUM>, a second sub main body combination member <NUM> and a second sub main body flange member <NUM>. A second sub fluid flow space is formed in the second sub liner <NUM>.

The second sub main body flange member <NUM> may be connected to the other side of the second sub main body member <NUM> and be combined with a pipe or another valve through a bolt, etc..

The second sub liner <NUM> is formed in the second sub main body member <NUM> and is formed of for example fluorine resin.

The second sub metal member may include a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member.

The <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member may surround half of the second sub liner <NUM> and include a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal body member 1230a, a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal combination member 1230b and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 1230c.

The <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member may surround the other half of the second sub liner <NUM> and include a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal body member 1240a, a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal combination member 1240b and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 1240c.

The <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member and the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member surround the second sub liner <NUM> and whole of the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member and the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal member is included in the second sub main body.

Structure and array of the sub metal flange members 1230c and 1240c are the same as in above embodiment, and thus any further description concerning these will be omitted.

The first sub liner <NUM> and the second sub liner <NUM> form one liner, which is not described above. The <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal combination member 1210b and the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal combination member 1220b may form a first sub metal combination member, and the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal combination member 1230b and the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal combination member 1240b may form a second sub metal combination member.

The first sub metal combination member, the second sub metal combination member, the first sub main body combination member <NUM> and the second sub main body combination member <NUM> may form a valve combination member, the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 1210c, the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 1220c and the first sub main body flange member <NUM> may form a first flange member, and the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 1230c, the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 1240c and the second sub main body flange member <NUM> may form a second flange member.

Shortly, the sub metal members in the valve of the present embodiment surround the liner and are included in the main body. That is, the valve is different from the valve of the first embodiment of <FIG> in that the valve includes two sub valves. However, structure and array of the sub liner, the sub metal member and the sub main body in each of the sub valves are similar in the first embodiment.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a valve according to still another embodiment of the invention.

The valve in <FIG> is a spring type check valve and is identical to the ball type check valve in <FIG> except that an opening-closing member is formed with a spring. Accordingly, any further description concerning the valve will be omitted.

On the other hand, two sub valves are shown in <FIG>. However, the valve may include three or more sub valves.

For example, in the event that the valve includes a first sub valve, a second sub valve and a third sub valve, a main body may include a first sub main body, a second sub main body and a third main body, and a metal member may include a first sub metal member included in the first sub main body, a second sub metal member included in the second sub main body and a third metal member included in the third sub main body.

Here, a sub main body combination member of the first sub main body and a sub metal combination member of the first sub metal member form a first sub valve combination member, a <NUM>-<NUM> sub main body combination member of the second sub main body and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal combination member of the second sub metal member form a <NUM>-<NUM> sub valve combination member, a <NUM>-<NUM> sub main body combination member of the second sub main body and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal combination member of the second sub metal member form a <NUM>-<NUM> sub valve combination member, and a sub main body combination member of the third sub main body and a sub metal combination member of the third sub metal member form the third sub valve combination member. The <NUM>-<NUM> sub valve combination member may be combined with the first sub valve combination member, and the <NUM>-<NUM> sub valve combination member may be combined with the third sub valve combination member.

That is, sub valve combination members not flange may be formed to both ends of the second sub valve located at middle position. A flange member of the first sub valve and a flange member of the third sub valve are similar to the flange members in above embodiment, and thus any further description concerning the flange members will be omitted.

<FIG> is an expanded view illustrating a valve according to still another embodiment of the invention, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a valve according to still another embodiment of the invention. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a metal member according to one embodiment of the invention, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a combination process of a metal member according to one embodiment of the invention.

In <FIG>, the valve of the present embodiment may be a plug valve and include a main body, a first flange member <NUM>, a second flange member <NUM>, a metal member, a liner <NUM> and an opening-closing member. The opening-closing member is not limited as long as it can open/close a fluid flow space, and any further description concerning the opening-closing member will be omitted.

The main body may include a main body central member <NUM>, a first main body connection member <NUM> and a second main body connection member <NUM>.

A space into which the opening-closing member can be inserted may be formed to the main body central member <NUM>.

The first main body connection member <NUM> may connect the main body central member <NUM> to the first flange member <NUM>, and the second main body connection member <NUM> may connect the main body central member <NUM> to the second flange member <NUM>.

The metal member surrounds the liner <NUM> and whole of the metal member may be included in the main body.

In one embodiment, the metal member includes a first sub metal member and a second sub metal member.

The first sub metal member may surround half of the liner <NUM> and include a first sub metal central member 1700a surrounding half of the liner central member 1510a, a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal connection member 1700b surrounding half of the first liner connection member 1510b, a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal connection member 1700c surrounding half of the second liner connection member 1510c, a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 1700d located just beneath the first liner flange member 1510d and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 1700e located just beneath the second liner flange member 1510e.

The second sub metal member may surround the other half of the liner <NUM> and include a second sub metal central member 1710a surrounding the other half of the liner central member 1510a, a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal connection member 1710b surrounding the other half of the first liner connection member 1510b, a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal connection member 1710c surrounding the other half of the second liner connection member 1510c, a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 1710d located just beneath the first liner flange member 1510d and a <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 1710e located just beneath the second liner flange member 1510e.

Structure and array of the sub metal flange members 1710d and 1710e are the same as in above embodiments, and thus any further description concerning these will be omitted.

The first main body flange member <NUM>, the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 1700d, the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 1710d and the first liner flange member 1510d may form a first flange member, and the second main body flange member <NUM>, the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 1700e, the <NUM>-<NUM> sub metal flange member 1710e and the second liner flange member 1510e may form a second flange member.

The first sub metal combination member may surround half of corresponding liner body member just beneath corresponding liner combination member while it closes to the liner combination member, and the second sub metal combination member may surround the other half of corresponding liner body member just beneath the liner combination member which it closes to the liner combination member, which is not described in above description. That is, array of the sub metal combination member and the liner combination member may be similar to that of the sub metal flange member and the liner flange member.

Hereinafter, material of the main body will be described in detail.

The main body may be formed by mixing a glass fiber with a Polyvinyl Chloride PVC, a polypropylene PP, a Poly Phenylene sulfide PPS, a Polyphthalamide PPA, a Polyamide PA6, a Polyamide PA66, a Polyketone POK or a Polyethylene PE. As a result, strength, impact resistance and mechanical feature of the main body may be enhanced.

In another embodiment, the main body may be formed by mixing a glass fiber and a carbon fiber with for example, a PVC, a PP, a PPS, a PPA, a PA6, a PA66, a POK or a PE. Accordingly, strength, impact resistance and mechanical feature of the main body may be enhanced.

In still another embodiment, the main body may be formed by mixing a glass fiber, a carbon fiber and a graphite fiber with for example, a PVC, a PP, a PPS, a PPA, a PA6, a PA66, a POK or a PE. Here, composition of the glass fiber, the carbon fiber and graphite fiber may be <NUM>:<NUM>:<NUM>. As a result, strength, impact resistance and mechanical feature of the main body may be enhanced.

Hereinafter, composition and an experimental result will be described.

In one embodiment, the main body may be formed by mixing a PP with a glass fiber. Preferably, the glass fiber has a weight percent higher than <NUM> weight percent and less than <NUM> weight percent, and the PP has a weight percent higher than <NUM> weight percent. Experimental result is shown in following table <NUM>.

It is verified through the above table <NUM> that tensile strength of the main body when the main body is formed by mixing the PP with the glass fiber is very greater than that of a main body formed of only the PP. That is, mechanical property and chemical property may be enhanced. However, it is difficult to manufacture the main body to have desired shape because an insert molding feature for manufacturing the main body is deteriorated when the glass fiber has a weight percent higher than <NUM> weight percent.

In another embodiment, the main body may be formed by mixing a PPS with a glass fiber. Preferably, the glass fiber has a weight percent higher than <NUM> weight percent and less than <NUM> weight percent, and the PPS has a weight percent higher than <NUM> weight percent. Experimental result is shown in following table <NUM>.

It is verified through the above table <NUM> that tensile strength of the main body when the main body is formed by mixing the PPS with the glass fiber is very greater than that of a main body formed of only the PPS. That is, mechanical property and chemical property may be enhanced, and thus light and strong main body may be formed. However, it is difficult to manufacture the main body to have desired shape because an insert molding feature for manufacturing the main body is deteriorated when the glass fiber has a weight percent higher than <NUM> weight percent.

In still another embodiment, the main body may be formed by mixing a PPA with a glass fiber. Preferably, the glass fiber has a weight percent higher than <NUM> weight percent and less than <NUM> weight percent, and the PPA has a weight percent higher than <NUM> weight percent. Experimental result is shown in following table <NUM>.

It is verified through the above table <NUM> that tensile strength of the main body when the main body is formed by mixing the PPA with the glass fiber is very greater than that of a main body formed of only the PPA. That is, mechanical property and chemical property may be enhanced, and thus light and strong main body may be formed. However, it is difficult to manufacture the main body to have desired shape because an insert molding feature for manufacturing the main body is deteriorated when the glass fiber has a weight percent higher than <NUM> weight percent.

In still another embodiment, the main body may be formed by mixing a PA6 with a glass fiber. Preferably, the glass fiber has a weight percent higher than <NUM> weight percent and less than <NUM> weight percent, and the PA6 has a weight percent higher than <NUM> weight percent. Experimental result is shown in following table <NUM>.

It is verified through the above table <NUM> that tensile strength of the main body when the main body is formed by mixing the PA6 with the glass fiber is very greater than that of a main body formed of only the PA6. That is, mechanical property and chemical property may be enhanced, and thus light and strong main body may be formed. However, it is difficult to manufacture the main body to have desired shape because an insert molding feature for manufacturing the main body is deteriorated when the glass fiber has a weight percent higher than <NUM> weight percent.

In still another embodiment, the main body may be formed by mixing a PA66 with a glass fiber. Preferably, the glass fiber has a weight percent higher than <NUM> weight percent and less than <NUM> weight percent, and the PA66 has a weight percent higher than <NUM> weight percent. Experimental result is shown in following table <NUM>.

It is verified through the above table <NUM> that tensile strength of the main body when the main body is formed by mixing the PA66 with the glass fiber is very greater than that of a main body formed of only the PA66. That is, mechanical property and chemical property may be enhanced, and thus light and strong main body may be formed. However, it is difficult to manufacture the main body to have desired shape because an insert molding feature for manufacturing the main body is deteriorated when the glass fiber has a weight percent higher than <NUM> weight percent.

In still another embodiment, the main body may be formed by mixing a POK with a glass fiber. Preferably, the glass fiber has a weight percent higher than <NUM> weight percent and less than <NUM> weight percent, and the POK has a weight percent higher than <NUM> weight percent. Experimental result is shown in following table <NUM>.

It is verified through the above table <NUM> that tensile strength of the main body when the main body is formed by mixing the POK with the glass fiber is very greater than that of a main body formed with only the POK. That is, mechanical property and chemical property may be enhanced, and thus light and strong main body may be formed. However, it is difficult to manufacture the main body to have desired shape because an insert molding feature for manufacturing the main body is deteriorated when the glass fiber has a weight percent higher than <NUM> weight percent.

Claim 1:
A valve comprising:
a metal member configured to have at least two sub metal members (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a main body (<NUM>); and
a liner (<NUM>), characterized in that
the sub metal members (<NUM>, <NUM>) are included in the main body (<NUM>), the main body (<NUM>) is formed of plastic,
the sub metal members (<NUM>, <NUM>) surround the liner (<NUM>), the liner (<NUM>) includes a liner body member (102a) and a liner flange member (102b) formed at an end part of the liner body member (102a), at least one of the sub metal members (<NUM>, <NUM>) includes a sub metal body member (110a) and a sub metal flange member (110b) formed at an end part of the sub metal body member (110a), the main body (<NUM>) includes a main body member and a main body flange member formed at an end part of the main body member,
a width of the sub metal flange member (110b) is higher than a width of the liner flange member (102b), and the sub metal flange member (110b) surrounds the liner body member (102a) just beneath the liner flange member (102b) while the sub metal flange member (110b) closes to the liner flange member (102b),
a fluid flow space (<NUM>) through which fluid flows is formed in the liner (<NUM>), the liner (<NUM>) is formed of fluorine resin.