DESC:Field of Invention:
[0001] Present invention relates to a motorized anti-friction linear guide slide valve.

Background of Invention:
[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] In various industries including chemical, cement, coal, food, sand, grain, minerals, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, plastics, polymer, rubber and mining, we generally see the use of slide gate valve for flow control of different materials.

[0004] The most popular motors for motion control systems are stepper motors and permanent-magnet DC-brush type and brushless DC servomotors. Stepper motors are cost effective and reliable choices for many applications that do not require the rapid acceleration, high speed and positioning accuracy of a servomotor. However a feedback loop can improve the position accuracy of a stepper motor without incurring the higher cost of a complete servo system. Brush and brushless PMDC servomotors are used for applications that require more precise positioning. But the level of accuracy which a servomotor provide, is not needed in our application for this much cost of servo motor. Limitation of stepper motor is that it needs more number of wires than servomotor and normal DC motor, so installation cost will be more in case of stepper motor. So by keeping in mind the cost of wiring, speed requirement, torque and maintenance along with market availability, we prefer the simple DC motor.

[0005] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0006] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0007] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0008] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0009] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a slide gate valve comprising:
a motor for moving a slider gate which moves across a valve opening,
a slider gate accommodated between the valve casing;
a slider driver arranged on edges of the slider gate;
a linear guide along each edges of valve casing;
a seal provided alongwith each edges of the casing;
a seal carrier arranged alongwith each seal towards the inner side of the casing;
wherein the slider driver are connected with the linear guides to move along the edges of the valve casing alongwith directions of linear guide; and
wherein the slider gate slides over the seal.

[0011] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a slide gate valve, a power source for providing power to the motor.

[0012] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a slide gate valve, wherein the seal is placed at side of the valve.

[0013] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a slide gate valve, wherein pockets are present to prevent water leakages from top and bottom side of valve.

[0014] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a slide gate valve, further comprising slot in bottom pocket for self cleaning action of valve during slider gate movement.

[0015] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a slide gate valve, wherein the slide gate valve is arranged to be operated by a remote control.

[0016] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a slide gate valve, wherein the slider gate is made up of stainless steel.

[0017] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a slide gate valve, wherein the power source is a battery or A.C. power supply.

[0018] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a slide gate valve, wherein the motor is a DC motor.

[0019] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a slide gate valve, wherein the seal can be adjusted in seal carriers with help of tightening screws towards slider as wear progresses.

[0020] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a slide gate valve, seal carriers are adjusted within grooves at bottom side of valve.

[0021] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a slide gate valve, wherein seal carrier is made of stainless steel and seal is made of silicon.

[0022] The present invention provides a guide slide valve. Thus depending upon requirements, along with water flow control, a slide gate valve deals with handling of dry bulk materials in gravity flow, dilute phase or dense phase pneumatic conveying applications. During application slide gate valves phases various problems like wear due to friction between sliding contact surfaces, corrosion due to operating environment, water leakage, failure at high flow pressure etc. In our invention we have tried to remove the most commonly occurring problems in slide valve by reducing the area of sliding contact surfaces, proper material selection, optimum selection of slider thickness, use of antifriction linear guide and by some design modification so that actuation is energy efficient, smooth, durable and reliable along with cost effectiveness. We have tried to make a generic design of slide gate valve so that it can be used in various adverse fields. The design is made mainly for irrigation purpose so that it can be deployed in both pipes/tubes and in open channels, but its applications in other fields are also considered during concept development.

Brief Description of Drawings:
Figure 1: shows a perspective view of slide gate valve assembly.
Figure 2: shows a perspective view of slide gate valve assembly.
Figure 3: shows first angle projection of a seal carrier
Figure 4: shows inserting seals with help of seal carriers into valve assembly.
Figure 5: shows an Isometric view of seal carrier.
Figure 6: shows an Isometric view of seal.
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of valve showing magnetic reed switch.

Detailed Description of Invention:

[0023] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0024] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0025] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0026] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0027] In traditionally used solenoid valve, there is continuous use of electricity in keeping valve open for a required period of time which consists of significant power consumption. To reduce power consumption, we have decided to use motorized valve which need electricity supply only for few seconds (say 5-10 seconds) which is required only during valve opening and closing.

[0028] The slide gate valve of present invention has least friction during sliding by reducing area of contacts under sliding motion. This consequently minimizes corrosion. The slide gate valve has low cost of manufacturing.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a slide gate valve assembly 1 comprising:
a motor 103 for moving a slider gate 104 which moves across a valve opening 2,
a slider driver 105 arranged on edges of the slider gate 104;
a linear guide 108 along each edge of a valve casing 201;
a pair of seals 301 provided in the casing 201 to fit at the edges of slider gate;
a seal carrier 302 arranged along with each seal 301 towards the inner side of the casing 201;
wherein the slider driver 105 is connected with the linear guides 108 to move along the edges of the valve casing 201 along with directions of linear guide 108; and
where in the edges of the slider gate 104 slides over the seal 301.
[0030] Yet according to an embodiment of the invention, when the slider valve assembly 1 is arranged horizontally a concept of “dead weight/counter weight” 109 to balance the slider gate 104 is used. The dead weight 109 is equal to weight of slider gate 104 and slider driver 105. The counter weight 109 is balanced through a pulley/sprocket 101. An end of a chain/rope 110 is connected to counter weight 109 over the pulley 101. Other end of the chain/rope 110 is connected to the slider gate 104 through a hole 107 provided in a projection 111 on upper side of the slider gate 104. According to this configuration of invention, motor 103 efforts are minimized and therefore the power required to drive the motor 103 is minimized. With the use of counter weight 109, the motor 103 does not work against gravitational pull. Another advantage is that it removes movement fluctuation in slide during opening and closing which helps in steady and smooth flow of slider gate 104.

[0031] Figure 2 shows the perspective view of the slider gate valve assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprise of a worm wheel 106 along with other gears which are used to generate sufficient torque to rotate lead screw 102 which enable the movement of slider gate 104 to open and close the valve opening 2 depending upon rotation direction of motor 103. This set up provides an advantage of high velocity ratio, irreversible motion and compactness with torque generation. Slider driver 105 is attached to linear guides 108 which are placed on side edges 1c, 1d of upper frame 1a of the slider gate 104. The linear guide 108 is provided to guide the movement of slider gate 104. Bearings 205 are placed inside linear guide and move along raceway provided in linear guide.

[0032] Yet according to another embodiment of the invention, the lead screw 102 can also be operated manually with a hand wheel 206. According to this configuration of invention, the slider gate 104 can also be operated in absence of power.

[0033] Yet according to an embodiment of the invention, the valve assembly comprises of upper pocket 2a and a lower pocket 2b for completely adjusting the slider gate 104. The lower edge 104b of the slider gate 104 fits into lower pocket 2b and the upper edge 104a of the slider gate 104 fits into the upper pocket 2a. According to this configuration of the invention, there are no chances of fluid leakage from top and bottom side of slider gate 104. The size of lower pocket 2b is such that lower edge of the slider gate 104 fits into the lower pocket 2b and also that lower seat 2b can be removed to pull out slider gate 104 for maintenance purpose.

[0034] As shown in Figure 7, the valve assembly may comprise of a magnetic reed switch 601. The magnetic reed switch 601 confirms the fluid flow through the valve. When fluid flows through valve, then due to flow speed, a pivoted bar 602 rotates and is raised upwards. Due to this rotation of pivoted bar 602, tip of pivoted bar 602a displaces float of reed switch 601 to open. As fluid stops flowing, pivoted bar 602 comes to its original position (i.e. vertical position as shown in Fig. 7) and float of reed switch 601 comes to close position with help of a spring. Arrow 6F shows flow of fluid and arrow 6P shows direction of movement of the pivoted bar 602. An additional feature of valve is to get feedback from it to confirm whether fluid is actually flowing through it or not and then providing this information in form of feedback to user telling him real status of fluid flow through valve, so that he can confirm the fluid supply along with proper decision making.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the slider gate 104 has contacts only with seals 301. According to this embodiment, water leakage is prevented and also the friction is lessened. The assembly 1 comprises of seal 301 which is placed within a seal carrier 302. The valve casing 201 has holes 201a. The seal carrier comprises of holes 302c which are concurrent to holes 201a of valve casing 201 for tightening the screws 204 for maintaining position of seal 301 while movement of slider gate 104.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the seal 301 is placed on seal carrier 302, and moved into slots provided on side of valve casing 201 in a direction shown by arrow A. The seal 301 is placed in the carrier 302.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the seal carrier 302 has holes 302c and a hole 302d at an edge of seal carrier 302, for easy pulling out of the seal carrier 302 for maintenance purpose.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, the upper portion 301a of the seal 301 is thicker than the lower portion 301b of the seal 301, because upper portion 301a comes into direct contact of the slider gate 104 and therefore suffers more of wear.

[0039] Yet according to an embodiment of the invention, the material used for slider gate 104 is stainless steel. With selection of stainless steel for the purpose, the slider gate does not undergo corrosion and also chances for oxidation at high temperature are reduced.

[0040] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A slide gate valve comprising:
a motor for moving a slider gate which moves across a valve opening,
a slider gate accommodated between the valve casing;
a slider driver arranged on edges of the slider gate;
a linear guide along each edges of valve casing;
a seal provided alongwith each edges of the casing;
a seal carrier arranged alongwith each seal towards the inner side of the casing;
wherein the slider driver are connected with the linear guides to move along the edges of the valve casing alongwith directions of linear guide; and
wherein the slider gate slides over the seal.
2. The slide gate valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motor gains power from motor.

3. The slide gate valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seal is placed at side of the valve.

4. The slide gate valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein pockets are present to prevent water leakages from top and bottom side of valve.

5. The slide gate valve as claimed in claim 1, further comprising slot in bottom pocket for self cleaning action of valve during slider gate movement.

6. The slide gate valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slide gate valve is arranged to be operated by a remote control.

7. The slide gate valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider gate is made up of stainless steel.

8. The slide gate valve as claimed in claim 2, wherein the power source is a battery or A.C. power supply.

9. The slide gate valve as claimed in claim 8, wherein the motor is a DC motor.

10. The slide gate valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seal can be adjusted in seal carriers with help of tightening screws towards slider as wear progresses.

11. The slide gate valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seal carriers are adjusted within grooves at bottom side of valve.

12. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a slide gate valve, wherein seal carrier is made of stainless steel and seal is made of silicon.