(19)
(11) EP 0 559 477 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
02.12.1998 Bulletin 1998/49

(21) Application number: 93301666.9

(22) Date of filing: 04.03.1993
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)6E04H 4/16

(54)

Valve member for automatic pool cleaner

Ventilteil für automatischen Schwimmbeckenreiniger

Elément de vanne pour dispositif de nettoyage automatique pour piscine


(84) Designated Contracting States:
DE ES FR GB PT

(30) Priority: 04.03.1992 ZA 921605

(43) Date of publication of application:
08.09.1993 Bulletin 1993/36

(73) Proprietor: KREEPY KRAULY (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED
Nuffield Springs, Transvaal (ZA)

(72) Inventor:
  • HAMER, Wayne Russell
    Springs, 1559 Transvaal Province (ZA)

(74) Representative: Maguire, Peter Albert et al
Maguire & Co. 5 Crown Street
St. Ives, Cambridgeshire PE17 4EB
St. Ives, Cambridgeshire PE17 4EB (GB)


(56) References cited: : 
EP-A- 0 476 413
FR-A- 2 520 422
DE-A- 2 620 119
   
       
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description


    [0001] THIS invention relates to automatic cleaners for submerged surfaces and more particularly to automatic swimming pool cleaners.

    [0002] Automatic swimming pool cleaners are well known in the art. One such a machine, which is disclosed in the complete specification of SA Patent 75/1166, comprises a body having a hollow head defining a water inlet in a peripheral region thereof. The head defines two outlets from which two elongate tubes extend. The other ends of the tubes terminate in a coupling which, in use, is connected via a flexible hose to a suction source, such as the suction inlet of a pump and filtration system of a swimming pool. In the head there is mounted a closure member or valve for pivotal movement between two valve seats defining ports to the two tubes. Due to water flow through the body, the valve alternately and repeatedly opens and closes the ports. The valve therefore intermittently interrupts water flow through the ports, thereby to impart kinetic energy to the body causing the body automatically to move over the surface to be cleaned. The valve is symmetrical and comprises opposed planar and continuous sealing surfaces.

    [0003] The valve of the cleaner hereinbefore described, in use, generates some noise. Furthermore, flow of water through the cleaner and thus the efficiency of the cleaner is impaired by the configuration of the known valves.

    [0004] Other, but not more relevant, prior cleaners are disclosed in DE-A-2 620 119, FR-A-2 520 422 and EPA 476 413.

    OBJECT OF THE INVENTION



    [0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative valve member with which the applicant believes the aforementioned disadvantages will be alleviated.

    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION



    [0006] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a valve member for a self-propelled automatic cleaner for submerged surfaces, the valve member being symmetrical and having first and second sealing faces for inlet ports of said cleaner, characterised in that the first and second sealing faces have similarly shaped and positioned recesses therein.

    [0007] According to another aspect of this invention there is provided an automatic self-propelling cleaner for submerged surfaces, comprising a submersible body with a hollow head having two inlet ports alternately opened and closed in operation by a pivotal valve member in causing movement of the cleaner, characterised in that first and second opposed sealing faces of symmetrical said valve member as presented alternately and respectively to said inlet ports have similarly shaped and positioned recesses therein.

    [0008] Said recesses may be medial of said sealing faces and facing said ports, indeed are so for countries overlapping with EPA 476,413.

    [0009] The valve member is preferably wedge-shaped and comprises an apex, a base, two opposed side faces and the said two opposed sealing faces.

    [0010] In the preferred embodiment each of the first and second sealing faces has only one recess therein. The said only one recess in each of the sealing faces may increase in depth in a direction from the apex to the base.

    [0011] A mouth of the recess in the sealing face is preferably rectangular and a wall between the recess in the first sealing face and the recess in the second sealing face is of uniform thickness.

    [0012] The mouth may occupy at least ten percent of the area of the sealing face wherein it is defined and preferably occupies in the order of forty five percent of the said area.

    [0013] In another embodiment a wall defining the recess may be curved.

    [0014] The valve member according to the invention may be made by an injection moulding process from a suitable resinous material.

    [0015] The invention also includes within its scope an automatic cleaner for submerged surfaces comprising a valve member as hereinbefore defined for intermittently varying liquid flow through the cleaner, thereby to cause the cleaner to move over a surface to be cleaned.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAMS



    [0016] The invention will now further be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrams wherein:
    figure 1
    is a side elevation, partially broken away, of an automatic swimming pool cleaner;
    figure 2
    is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of part of a head of the pool cleaner;
    figure 3
    is a perspective view of a valve member for the pool cleaner, from one side thereof; and
    figure 4
    is a similar view of the valve member, from the other side thereof.

    DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION



    [0017] A suction operable automatic swimming pool cleaner is designated generally by the reference numeral 10 in figure 1.

    [0018] The cleaner 10 comprises a body 12 having a head 14 defining an internal chamber 16 communicating with a water inlet 18 (shown in figure 2) in a peripheral region of the head 14. A flexible seal 20 is mounted about the peripheral region.

    [0019] The head 14 defines two outlets from the chamber 18 and two elongate tubes 22 extend from the outlets and terminate in a coupling 24. Coupling 24 defines an outlet (not shown). In use, the outlet is connectable via a flexible suction hose 26 to a suction source (also not shown), such as the inlet of a swimming pool pump and filtration system. A dive float assembly 28 is pivotably mounted on the body to facilitate movement of the cleaner up and down the side walls (not shown) of a swimming pool (also not shown).

    [0020] A bumper strap 29 is mounted on the body 12.

    [0021] In the chamber 16 in the head 14, there are provided two ports 30 and 32, each communicating with one of the aforementioned outlets from the head. The ports are circumscribed by annular valve seats 34 and 36 respectively. Also in chamber 16 and between ports 34, 36 and the inlet 18 there is provided a wedge-shaped symmetrical valve 38. Valve 38 is mounted in the head for pivotal movement between a first position (shown in sold lines in figure 2) wherein it closes port 30 and a second position (shown in dotted lines in figure 2) wherein it closes port 32.

    [0022] Symmetrical valve 38 has an apex 40, a base 42, opposed side faces 44 and 46, and opposed sealing faces 48 and 50. Sealing faces 48 and 50 define symmetrical rectangular recesses 52 and 54 respectively which increase in depth from the apex 40 to the base 42. Wall 56 between the recesses 52 and 54 is of uniform thickness.

    [0023] The area of the mouth region of each of the recesses 52 and 54 is in the order of 45% of the surface area of the sealing face wherein it is defined.

    [0024] The valve 38 is injection moulded from a suitable polymeric material.

    [0025] In use, when the cleaner 10 is connected to the suction source, water is sucked through mouth 18 and flows through chamber 16, tubes 22 and the aforementioned outlet in the coupling 24 to the suction source. Water flowing past valve 38 causes the valve to oscillate between its aforementioned first and second positions, thereby alternately and repeatedly to open and close ports 30 and 32. The intermittent interruption of water flow through the tubes 22 causes kinetic energy to be imparted to the body 12, thereby to cause the cleaner to move in direction A over the surface to be cleaned.

    [0026] It has been found that with the valve 38 defining the symmetrical recesses 52 and 54, flow of water through the body is improved and noise generated by the cleaner in use, is reduced.

    [0027] It will be appreciated that there are many variations in detail on the valve member according to the invention without departing from the scope of the appended claims.


    Claims

    Claims for the following Contracting State(s): DE, ES, FR, GB

    1. A valve member (38) for a self-propelling automatic cleaner (10) for submerged surfaces, the valve member (38) being symmetrical and having first and second sealing surfaces (48, 50) for inlet ports (30, 32) of said cleaner (10) to be sealed alternately by pivotting of said valve member (38), characterised in that the first and second sealing faces (48, 50) have similarly shaped and positioned medial recesses (52, 54) therein facing said ports (30, 32).
     
    2. Automatic self-propelling cleaner (10) for submerged surfaces, comprising a submersible body (12) with a hollow head (14) having two inlet ports (30, 32) alternately opened and closed in operation by a pivotal valve member (38) in causing movement of the cleaner, characterised in that first and second opposed sealing faces (48, 50) of symmetrical said valve member (38) as presented alternately and respectively to said inlet ports (30, 32) have similarly shaped and positioned medial recesses (52, 54) therein.
     
    3. Valve member or cleaner as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the valve member (38) is wedge-shaped and comprises an apex (40), a base (42), two opposed side faces (44, 46), and said opposed first and second recessed sealing faces (48, 50).
     
    4. Valve member or cleaner as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein each of the first and second sealing faces (48, 50) has only one recess (52, 54) therein.
     
    5. Valve member or cleaner as claimed in claim 4, wherein said recess (52, 54) in each of said sealing faces (48, 50) increases in depth in a direction away from pivotting (40) of said valve member (38).
     
    6. Valve member or cleaner according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein a mouth of each said recess (52, 54) in the corresponding said sealing face (48, 50) is rectangular.
     
    7. Valve member or cleaner as claimed in claim 6, wherein each said mouth of each said recess (52, 54) occupies at least ten percent of the corresponding said sealing face (48, 50).
     
    8. Valve member or cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 4, to 7, wherein a wall (56) between the recesses (52, 54) in respective ones of said sealing faces (48, 50) is of uniform thickness.
     
    9. Valve member or cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein a or said recess (52, 54) defining wall is curved.
     
    10. Valve member or cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said valve member (38) comprises injection moulded resinous material.
     


    Claims

    Claims for the following Contracting State(s): PT

    1. A valve member (38) for a self-propelling automatic cleaner (10) for submerged surfaces, the valve member (38) being symmetrical and having first and second sealing surfaces (48, 50) for inlet ports (30, 32) of said cleaner (10) to be sealed alternately by pivotting of said valve member (38), characterised in that the first and second sealing faces (48, 50) have similarly shaped and positioned recesses (52, 54) therein.
     
    2. Automatic self-propelling cleaner (10) for submerged surfaces, comprising a submersible body (12) with a hollow head (14) having two inlet ports (30, 32) alternately opened and closed in operation by a pivotal valve member (38) in causing movement of the cleaner, characterised in that first and second sealing faces (48, 50) of symmetrical said valve member (38) as presented alternately and respectively to said inlet ports (30, 32) have similarly shaped and positioned recesses (52, 54) therein.
     
    3. Valve member or cleaner as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said recesses (52, 54) are medial of said sealing faces (48, 50) and face said ports (30, 32).
     
    4. Valve member or cleaner as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the valve member (38) is wedge-shaped and comprises an apex (40), a base (42), two opposed side faces (44, 46) and said opposed first and second recessed sealing faces (48, 50).
     
    5. Valve member or cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of the first and second sealing faces (48, 50) has only one recess (52, 54) therein.
     
    6. Valve member or cleaner as claimed in claim 5, wherein said recess (52, 54) in each of said sealing faces (48, 50) increases in depth in a direction away from pivotting (40) of said valve member (38).
     
    7. Valve member or cleaner according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein a mouth of each said recess (52, 54) in the corresponding said sealing face (48, 50) is rectangular.
     
    8. Valve member or cleaner as claimed in claim 7, wherein each said mouth of each said recess (52, 54) occupies at least ten percent of the corresponding said sealing face (48, 50).
     
    9. Valve member or cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein a wall (56) between the recesses (52, 54) in respective ones of said sealing faces (48, 50) is of uniform thickness.
     
    10. Valve member or cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein a or said recess (52, 54) defining wall is curved.
     
    11. Valve member or cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said valve member (38) comprises injection moulded resinous material.
     


    Ansprüche

    Patentansprüche für folgende(n) Vertragsstaat(en): DE, ES, FR, GB

    1. Ventilglied (38) für einen automatischen Reiniger (10) mit Selbstantrieb für eingetauchte Flächen, wobei das Ventilglied (38) symmetrisch ist und eine erste und eine zweite Dichtfläche (48, 50) für Einlaßöffnungen (30, 32) des Reinigers (10) aufweist, die durch Schwenken des Ventilgliedes (38) abwechselnd verschlossen werden sollen,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die erste und die zweite Dichtfläche (48, 50) gleich gestaltete und angeordnete Mittelvertiefungen (52, 54) aufweisen, die gegen die Öffnungen (30, 32) weisen.
     
    2. Automatischer Reiniger (10) mit Selbstantrieb für eingetauchte Flächen, mit einem eintauchbaren Hauptteil (12) mit einem hohlen Kopf (14), der zwei Einlaßöffnungen (30, 32) aufweist, die im Betrieb durch ein schwenkbares Ventilglied (38) abwechselnd geöffnet und verschlossen werden, dabei eine Bewegung des Reinigers hervorrufen,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß
    die erste und die ihr entgegengesetzte zweite Dichtfläche (48, 50) des symmetrischen Ventilgliedes (38), die abwechselnd vor die zugehörigen Einlaßöffnungen (30, 32) verbracht werden, gleich gestaltete und angeordnete Mittelvertiefungen (52, 54) aufweisen.
     
    3. Ventilglied oder Reiniger nach Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, bei dem das Ventilglied (38) keilförmig ist und einen Scheitel (40), eine Basis (42), zwei entgegengesetzte Seitenflächen (44, 46) und die genannte erste und die ihr entgegengesetzte zweite vertiefte Dichtfläche (48, 50) aufweist.
     
    4. Ventilglied oder Reiniger nach Anspruch 1, 2 oder 3,
    bei dem die erste und die zweite Dichtfläche (48, 50) je nur eine Vertiefung (52, 54) aufweisen.
     
    5. Ventilglied oder Reiniger nach Anspruch 4,
    bei dem die Vertiefung (52, 54) in jeder der Dichtflächen (48, 50) von einer Tiefe ist, die in der dem Schwenklager (40) des Ventilgliedes (38) entgegengesetzten Richtung größer wird.
     
    6. Ventilglied oder Reiniger nach Anspruch 4 oder 5,
    bei dem die Mündung jeder Vertiefung (52, 54) in der entsprechenden Dichtfläche (48, 50) rechteckig ist.
     
    7. Ventilglied oder Reiniger nach Anspruch 6,
    bei dem jede genannte Mündung jeder Vertiefung (52, 43) wenigstens zehn Prozent der entsprechenden Dichtfläche (48, 50) einnimmt.
     
    8. Ventilglied oder Reiniger nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 7,
    bei dem eine Wand (56) zwischen den Vertiefungen (52, 54) in den zugehörigen Dichtflächen (48, 50) von gleichmäßiger Dicke ist.
     
    9. Ventilglied oder Reiniger nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 8,
    bei dem eine Wand oder die die Vertiefung (52, 54) begrenzende Wand gekrümmt ist.
     
    10. Ventilglied oder Reiniger nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche,
    bei dem das Ventilglied (38) spritzgegossenen Harz-Werkstoff umfaßt.
     


    Ansprüche

    Patentansprüche für folgende(n) Vertragsstaat(en): PT

    1. Ventilglied (38) für einen automatischen Reiniger (10) mit Selbstantrieb für eingetauchte Flächen, wobei das Ventilglied (38) symmetrisch ist und eine erste und eine zweite Dichtfläche (48, 50) für Einlaßöffnungen (30, 32) des Reinigers (10) aufweist, die durch Schwenken des Ventilgliedes (38) abwechselnd verschlossen werden sollen,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in die erste und die zweite Dichtfläche (48, 50) gleich gestaltete und angeordnete Vertiefungen (52, 54) aufweisen.
     
    2. Automatischer Reiniger (10) mit Selbstantrieb für eingetauchte Flächen, mit einem eintauchbaren Hauptteil (12) mit einem hohlen Kopf (14), der zwei Einlaßöffnungen (30, 32) aufweist, die im Betrieb durch ein schwenkbares Ventilglied (38) abwechselnd geöffnet und verschlossen werden, dabei eine Bewegung des Reinigers hervorrufen,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß
    die erste und die ihr entgegengesetzte zweite Dichtfläche (48, 50) des symmetrischen Ventilgliedes (38), die abwechselnd vor die zugehörigen Einlaßöffnungen (30, 32) verbracht werden, gleich gestaltete und angeordnete Vertiefungen (52, 54) aufweisen.
     
    3. Ventilglied oder Reiniger nach Anspruch 1 oder 2,
    bei dem die Vertiefungen (52, 54) in der Mitte der Dichtflächen (48, 50) angeordnet sind und den Einlaßöffnungen (30, 32) gegenüber liegen.
     
    4. Ventilglied oder Reiniger nach Anspruch 1, 2 oder 3,
    bei dem das Ventilglied (38) keilförmig ist und einen Scheitel (40), eine Basis (42), zwei entgegengesetzte Seitenflächen (44, 46) und die genannte erste und die ihr entgegengesetzte zweite vertiefte Dichtfläche (48, 50) aufweist.
     
    5. Ventilglied oder Reiniger nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche,
    bei dem die erste und die zweite Dichtfläche (48, 50) je nur eine Vertiefung (52, 54) aufweisen.
     
    6. Ventilglied oder Reiniger nach Anspruch 5,
    bei dem die Vertiefung (52, 54) in jeder der Dichtflächen (48, 50) von einer Tiefe ist, die in der dem Schwenklager (40) des Ventilgliedes (38) entgegengesetzten Richtung größer wird.
     
    7. Ventilglied oder Reiniger nach Anspruch 5 oder 6,
    bei dem die Mündung jeder Vertiefung (52, 54) in der entsprechenden Dichtfläche (48, 50) rechteckig ist.
     
    8. Ventilglied oder Reiniger nach Anspruch 7,
    bei dem die genannte Mündung jeder Vertiefung (52, 54) wenigstens zehn Prozent der entsprechenden Dichtfläche (48, 50) einnimmt.
     
    9. Ventilglied oder Reiniger nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 8,
    bei dem eine Wand (56) zwischen den Vertiefungen (52, 54) in der zugehörigen Dichtfläche (48, 50) von gleichmäßiger Dicke ist.
     
    10. Ventilglied oder Reiniger nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 9,
    bei dem eine Wand oder die die Vertiefung (52, 54) begrenzende Wand gekrümmt ist.
     
    11. Ventilglied oder Reiniger nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche,
    bei dem das Ventilglied (38) spritzgegossenen Harz-Werkstoff umfaßt.
     


    Revendications

    Revendications pour l'(les) Etat(s) contractant(s) suivant(s): DE, ES, FR, GB

    1. Elément formant soupape (38) pour un dispositif de nettoyage automatique autopropulseur (10) pour surfaces immergées, l'élément formant soupape (38) étant symétrique et ayant des première et seconde surfaces d'étanchéité (48, 50) pour fermer alternativement les orifices d'admission (30, 32) dudit dispositif de nettoyage (10) en faisant pivoter ledit élément formant soupape (38), caractérisé en ce que les première et seconde surfaces d'étanchéité (48, 50) comportent des creux (52, 54) placés de manière centrale et de forme similaire tournés vers lesdits orifices (30, 32).
     
    2. Dispositif de nettoyage automatique autopropulseur (10) pour surfaces immergées, comprenant un corps submersible (12) avec une tête creuse (14) ayant deux orifices d'admission (30, 32) ouverts et fermés tour à tour en service par un élément formant soupape pivotante (38) pour entraîner le mouvement du dispositif de nettoyage, caractérisé en ce que les première et seconde faces d'étanchéité opposées (48, 50) dudit élément formant soupape symétrique (38), telles que présentées tour à tour et respectivement auxdits orifices d'admission (30, 32) comportent des creux (52, 54) positionnés de manière centrale et de forme similaire.
     
    3. Elément formant soupape ou dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, dans lequel l'élément formant soupape (38) est cunéiforme et comprend un sommet (40), une base (42), deux faces latérales opposées (44, 46) et lesdites première et seconde faces d'étanchéité (48, 50) opposées comportant des creux.
     
    4. Elément formant soupape ou dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendication 1, 2 ou 3, dans lequel chacune desdites première et seconde faces d'étanchéité (48, 50) comporte seulement un creux (52, 54).
     
    5. Elément formant soupape ou dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendication 4, dans lequel ledit creux (52, 54) dans chacune desdites faces d'étanchéité (48, 50) augmente en profondeur en s'éloignant du pivotement (40) dudit élément formant soupape (38).
     
    6. Elément formant soupape ou dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendication 4 ou la revendication 5, dans lequel une embouchure de chaque dit creux (52, 54) dans ladite face d'étanchéité (48, 50) correspondante est rectangulaire.
     
    7. Elément formant soupape ou dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendication 6, dans lequel chaque dite embouchure de chaque dit creux (52, 54) occupe au moins dix pour cent de ladite face d'étanchéité (48, 50) correspondante.
     
    8. Elément formant soupape ou dispositif de nettoyage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 7, dans lequel une paroi (56) entre les creux (52, 54) dans les faces respectives desdites faces d'étanchéité (48, 50) est d'égale épaisseur.
     
    9. Elément formant soupape ou dispositif de nettoyage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 8, dans lequel un ou ledit creux (52, 54) définissant une paroi est incurvé.
     
    10. Elément formant soupape ou dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit élément formant soupape (38) comprend un matériau résineux moulé par injection.
     


    Revendications

    Revendications pour l'(les) Etat(s) contractant(s) suivant(s): PT

    1. Elément formant soupape (38) pour un dispositif de nettoyage automatique autopropulseur (10) pour surfaces immergées, l'élément formant soupape (38) étant symétrique et ayant des première et seconde surfaces d'étanchéité (48, 50) pour fermer alternativement les orifices d'admission (30, 32) dudit dispositif de nettoyage (10) en faisant pivoter ledit élément formant soupape (38), caractérisé en ce que les première et seconde surfaces d'étanchéité (48, 50) comportent des creux (52, 54) positionnés et conformés de manières similaire.
     
    2. Dispositif de nettoyage automatique autopropulseur (10) pour surfaces immergées, comprenant un corps submersible (12) avec une tête creuse (14) ayant deux orifices d'admission (30, 32) tour à tour ouverts et fermés en service par un élément formant soupape pivotant (38), entraînant le mouvement du dispositif de nettoyage, caractérisé en ce que les première et seconde faces opposées (48, 50) dudit élément formant soupape symétrique (38) comme présenté tour à tour et respectivement auxdits orifices d'entrée (30, 32) comportent des creux placés et formés de manière similaire (52, 54).
     
    3. Elément formant soupape ou dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que lesdits creux (52, 54) sont au centre desdites faces d'étanchéité (48, 50) et sont situés en regard des orifices (30, 32).
     
    4. Elément formant soupape ou dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendications 1, 2 ou 3, dans lequel l'élément formant soupape (38) est cunéiforme et comprend un sommet (40), une base (42), deux faces latérales opposées (44, 46), et lesdites première et seconde faces d'étanchéité (48, 50).
     
    5. Elément formant soupape ou dispositif de nettoyage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel chacune des première et seconde faces d'étanchéité (48, 50) comporte seulement un creux (52, 54).
     
    6. Elément formant soupape ou dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendication 5, dans lequel ledit creux (52, 54) dans chacune desdites faces d'étanchéité (48, 50) augmente en profondeur dans une direction s'éloignant du pivotement (40) dudit élément formant soupape (38).
     
    7. Elément formant soupape ou dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendication 5 ou la revendication 6, dans lequel une embouchure de chaque dit creux (52, 54) dans ladite face d'étanchéité correspondante (48, 50) est rectangulaire.
     
    8. Elément formant soupape ou dispositif de nettoyage selon la revendication 7, dans lequel chaque dite embouchure de chaque dit creux (52, 54) occupe au moins dix pour cent de la face d'étanchéité correspondante (48, 50).
     
    9. Elément formant soupape ou dispositif de nettoyage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 8, dans lequel une paroi (56) entre les creux (52, 54) dans chacune desdites faces d'étancheité respectives (48, 50) est d'égale d'épaisseur.
     
    10. Elément formant soupape ou dispositif de nettoyage selon l'une des revendications 5 à 9, dans lequel un ou ledit creux (52, 54) définissant une paroi est incurvé.
     
    11. Elément formant soupape ou dispositif de nettoyage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit élément formant soupape (38) comprend un matériau résineux moulé par injection.
     




    Drawing