AU2016204052A1 - Pressure regulator, and associated range of pressure regulators and spray system - Google Patents

Abstract

Pressure regulator, and associated range of pressure regulators and spray system This pressure regulator (14) comprises a device (24) for regulating the pressure of a fluid and a main body (22) that includes a circumferential wall (30) defining a housing for receiving the regulating device. The regulating device (24) includes: - a seat (48) body, - a gate (50) movable relative to the seat body (48), - a membrane (52) mechanically secured to the gate (50), and - a spring (56) for pressing the membrane (52) against the seat body (48), able to exert a bearing force on the membrane (52), the membrane being movable relative to the seat body (48) between an open position and a closed position. The seat body (48) is a separate part from the main body (22) and is provided with a peripheral groove (76) for receiving a sealing gasket (78) able to bear against the circumferential wall (30) or against a skirt of a butt positioned between the circumferential wall and the seat body (48). Figure 4 ---- --- ----------1 ---- *4

Description

Australian Patents Act 1990 2016204052 16 Jun2016

ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT

Invention Title

Pressure regulator, and associated range of pressure regulators and spray system

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:-1

The invention relates to a pressure regulator for a fluid and a range of pressure regulators that comprises at least two such pressure regulators. 2016204052 16 Jun2016

The invention also relates to a spray system that includes such a pressure regulator. 5 In the field of spraying a fluid, such as water, it is known to use a pressure regulator positioned between a fluid reservoir and a spray nozzle for the fluid, in order to regulate the pressure of the sprayed fluid. The pressure regulator makes it possible to deliver a constant fluid pressure to the spray nozzle, and is for example integrated into a spraying system, such as a high-pressure cleaner. 10 A pressure regulator is thus known from EP-A2-1,672,458 that includes a device for regulating the pressure of a fluid and a main body provided with an inlet for receiving the fluid, a housing for receiving the regulating device and an outlet for dispensing the fluid. In such a regulator, the regulating device is positioned between the inlet and the outlet and makes it possible to regulate the pressure of the fluid dispensed on the outlet. 15 The manufacture and structure of such a pressure regulator remain complex, and the assembly of the various elements making up the pressure regulator is not optimized.

The invention more particularly aims to resolve these drawbacks by proposing a pressure regulator having a simplified manufacture and structure.

To that end, the invention relates to a pressure regulator comprising a device for 20 regulating the pressure of a fluid and a main body including an inlet for receiving the fluid, a circumferential wall defining a housing for receiving the regulating device, and a dispensing outlet for the fluid, the regulating device being positioned in the housing between the inlet for receiving fluid and the outlet for dispensing fluid and including: - a seat body defining a fluid passage orifice, 25 - a gate movable relative to the seat body, along the central axis of the seat body, between a closed position in which the gate obstructs the passage orifice and an open position in which the gate frees the passage orifice, - a membrane mechanically secured to the gate, and - a bearing spring for pressing the membrane against the seat body, able to exert a 30 bearing force on the membrane, the membrane being movable relative to the seat body between an open position, in which the membrane defines, with the seat body, a passage space for the fluid having crossed through the passage orifice, able to guide the fluid toward the outlet, and a closed position in which the membrane is in tight contact with the seat body and obstructs the passage space. 35 According to the invention, the seat body is a separate part from the main body and is provided with a peripheral groove for receiving a sealing gasket able to bear 1a against the circumferential wall or against a skirt of a butt positioned between the circumferential wall and the seat body. 2016204052 16 Jun2016

Owing to the invention, the structure of the main body is simplified and the assembly of the various elements making up the pressure regulator is easier. Indeed, the 5 fact that the seat body is a separate part from the main body makes it possible to facilitate the manufacture of the main body by producing the seat body and the main body separately. Furthermore, this allows a unilateral assembly of the various elements making up the regulating device in the main body, which simplifies the structure of the main body and facilitates the assembly. Furthermore, associating a sealing gasket with the seat body 10 makes it possible to facilitate the insertion and assembly of the seat body in the receiving housing of the regulator device.

According to advantageous but optional aspects of the invention, such a pressure regulator comprises one or more of the following features, considered alone or in any technically allowable combination: 15 - the spring is configured so that the moving gate is in the closed position and the membrane is in the open position when the fluid exerts a force on the moving gate and the membrane greater than a first predetermined threshold value, and so that the membrane is in the closed position and the moving gate is in the open position when the fluid exerts a force on the moving gate and the membrane that is below a second predetermined 20 threshold value, the first predetermined threshold value being higher than the second predetermined threshold value; - the moving gate comprises an upstream end for closing off the passage orifice, a downstream end and a rod extending through the passage orifice and connecting the upstream end to the downstream end, while the regulator device comprises a buffer acting 25 as the interface between the spring on the one hand, and the membrane and the moving gate on the other hand; - the main body comprises, along the central axis, an open end for assembling the pressure regulating device with the main body and a closed end, the circumferential wall connecting the open end and the closed end; 30 - the sealing gasket bears against the circumferential wall, and the regulator device comprises a cover fastened to the main body, the cover comprising a peripheral contour defining a receiving space for the spring, the peripheral contour comprising, along the central axis and relative to the seat body, a distal bearing end of the spring and a proximal end, defining an opening opposite the membrane, the spring being positioned between 35 the distal end and the membrane; 2 - the seat body comprises a peripheral wall defining a receiving zone for the membrane and the proximal end of the cover and the membrane comprises a bearing web against the seat body extending radially to the central axis and an outer cylindrical wall extending from the bearing web toward the cover, the outer cylindrical wall being 2016204052 16 Jun2016 5 radially jammed between the peripheral wall and the proximal end; - the regulator device comprises a member for adjusting the pressure of the fluid at the outlet, the adjusting member comprising the butt and a part for adjusting the position of the butt relative to the seat body, the adjusting part defining at least two positions maintaining the butt relative to the seat body, offset relative to one another along the 10 central axis and, for at least one maintaining position of the butt, the sealing gasket is in tight contact against the skirt of the butt; - the butt comprises a contact wall, in contact with the spring, extending radially to the skirt, while the spring is positioned between the membrane and the contact wall, and the maintaining positions of the butt correspond to different positions of the contact wall 15 relative to the seat body; - for one of the maintaining positions of the butt relative to the seat body, the skirt and the sealing gasket define a fluid circulation space connecting the inlet to the outlet; - the adjusting part defines at least three maintaining positions for the butt offset relative to one another along the central axis, while the skirt comprises a peripheral 20 groove for receiving an additional sealing gasket in tight contact with the circumferential wall and, for two of the maintaining positions for the butt, the sealing gasket is in tight contact against the skirt.

The invention further relates to a pressure regulator for a fluid and a range of pressure regulators, comprising at least two pressure regulators. According to the 25 invention, the range comprises a first regulator as defined above and a second regulator as defined above, and in the first and second regulators, the seat body, the gate and the membrane are identical.

The invention also relates to a spray system comprising a fluid reservoir, a spray nozzle for the fluid and a pressure regulator mounted between the fluid reservoir and the 30 spray nozzle. According to the invention, the pressure regulator is as defined above.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in light of the following description, provided solely as a non-limiting example and done in reference to the appended drawings, in which; - figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a spray system that comprises a 35 pressure regulator according to a first embodiment of the invention; 3 - figure 2 is a perspective illustration of the pressure regulator of the system of figure 1; 2016204052 16 Jun2016 - figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the pressure regulator of figure 2; - figure 4 is a sectional view of the pressure regulator along plane IV in figure 2; 5 - figure 5 is a perspective illustration of a pressure regulator according to a second embodiment of the invention; - figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the pressure regulator of figure 5; - figure 7 is a sectional view of the pressure regulator along plane VII in figure 5; - figure 8 is a partial perspective illustration with cutaway of the pressure regulator 10 of figures 5 to 7 in a first configuration; and - figure 9 is a view similar to figure 8 of the pressure regulator in a second configuration.

The spray system 10 shown in figure 1 comprises a fluid F reservoir 12, a pressure regulator 14 according to a first embodiment of the invention and a spray nozzle 16.

15 The spray system 10 also comprises a first conduit 18 able to transmit the fluid F from the reservoir 12 toward the pressure regulator 14 and a second conduit 20 able to transmit the fluid F having traversed the pressure regulator 14 to the spray nozzle 16.

The spray system 10 is for example a high-pressure cleaner, and the fluid F is for example water. 20 The pressure regulator 14 is able to regulate the pressure of the fluid F originating from the reservoir 12 in the first conduit 18 and to deliver the fluid F to the spray nozzle 16, via the second conduit 20, at a regulated pressure.

In other words, the pressure regulator 14 is mounted between the fluid reservoir 12 and the first conduit 18 on the one hand, and the second conduit 20 and the spray nozzle 25 16 on the other hand.

The spray nozzle 16 is configured to spray the fluid F. The spray nozzle 16 for example comprises a member, not shown, for manually controlling the spraying of the fluid F and able to spray the fluid F based on the vision of the manual control member.

As shown in more detail in figures 2 to 4, the pressure regulator 14 comprises a 30 main body 22 and a device 24 for regulating the pressure of the fluid F.

The main body 22 includes an inlet 26 for receiving fluid F and an outlet 28 for dispensing fluid F.

The main body 22 comprises a circumferential wall 30 defining a housing 32 for receiving the regulating device 24 centered on an axis Z1, which is vertical in figures 2 to 35 4. 4

As shown in figure 3, the main body 22 also comprises, along the axis Z1, an open end 34 for assembling the pressure regulating device 24 with the main body 22 and a closed end 36. 2016204052 16 Jun2016

The main body 22 further comprises a first fluid F intake part 40 received on the 5 inlet 26 in the housing 32 and a second part 42 connecting the housing 32 and the outlet 28.

The inlet 26 comprises means, not shown, for connecting the main body 22 to the first conduit 18.

The outlet 28 comprises an end-piece 44 for fastening to the second conduit 20. 10 The circumferential wall 30 connects the open end 34 and the closed end 36.

The regulating device 24 is positioned in the housing 32 between the inlet 26 and the outlet 28.

The regulating device 24 comprises a seat body 48, a gate 50 movable relative to the seat body 48 along the central axis Z1 of the seat body 48, and a membrane 52 15 mechanically secured to the gate 50.

The central axis extends substantially parallel to the axis Z1, is combined with the axis Z1 in figures 2 to 4 and bears the same reference below.

The regulator device 24 also comprises a buffer 54, a spring 56 for pressing the membrane 52 against the seat body 48 and a cover 58 mechanically secured to the main 20 body 22 and that defines a space 60 for receiving the spring 56.

The seat body 48 comprises a first seat 62 that defines an orifice 64 for passage of the fluid F and that is associated with the moving gate 50. More specifically, the first seat 62 surrounds the passage orifice 64.

The seat body 48 comprises a second seat 66 associated with the membrane 52. 25 The seat body 48 comprises a peripheral wall 70, which defines a zone 72 for receiving the membrane 52 and a proximal end 74 of the cover 58 relative to the seat body 48. The peripheral wall 70 is cylindrical.

The seat body 48 comprises, along the peripheral wall 70, a peripheral groove 76 for receiving a first sealing gasket 78 able to bear against the inner surface of the 30 circumferential wall 30. The first sealing gasket 78 is an O-ring, for example made from elastomer.

The seat body 48 also comprises, at the peripheral wall 70, a through orifice 79, along a direction radial to the central axis Z1, which is connected to the outlet 28.

The seat body 48 is a separate part from the main body 22. It is therefore not in a 35 single piece with the main body 22. 5

The seat body 48 is mechanically secured to the main body 22. It is for example welded to the main body 22. 2016204052 16 Jun2016

The gate 50 is movable between a closed position in which the gate 50 obstructs the orifice 64 and is in tight contact with the first seat 62 and an open position in which the 5 gate 50 frees the orifice 64.

The gate 50 comprises an upstream end 80, a downstream end 82 and a rod 84, which connects the upstream end 80 to the downstream end 82.

The upstream end 80 has a shape suitable for bearing against the first seat 62, so as to obstruct the passage orifice 64 when the gate 50 is in the closed position. 10 The downstream end 82 comprises a bulge 85 intended to cooperate with the buffer 54 in order to be fastened to the buffer 54.

The rod 84 extends through the passage orifice 64.

The membrane 52 is mechanically secured to the gate 50.

The membrane 52 is movable between an open position, in which the membrane 15 52 defines, with the seat body 66, a passage space 86 for the fluid F having traversed the passage orifice 64, and a closed position, in which the membrane 52 is in tight contact with the second seat 66 and obstructs the passage space 86.

In figure 4, the membrane 52 is shown in the closed position.

The passage orifice 64 is centered on the central axis Z1. The fluid F traverses the 20 passage orifice 64 substantially parallel to the central axis Z1 and the passage space 86 substantially radially to the central axis Z1.

The membrane 52 comprises a bearing web 88 against the second seat 66, extending radially to the central axis Z1.

The membrane 52 also comprises an outer cylindrical wall 90 and an inner 25 cylinder wall 92, which extend from the bearing web 88 toward the open end 34.

The membrane 52 is for example made from elastomer.

The bearing web 88 is able to bear against the second seat 66, under the effect of a bearing force E1 exerted by the spring 56 on the membrane 52, toward the second seat 66.

30 The bearing force E1 is exerted in a direction opposite a flow direction of the fluid F through the regulating device 24, at the passage orifice 64.

The outer cylindrical wall 90 is jammed, radially to the central axis Z1, between the peripheral wall 70 and the proximal end 74 of the cover 58.

The inner cylindrical wall 92 is jammed radially to the central axis Z1, between the 35 buffer 54 and the downstream end 82, so as to be mechanically secured to the moving gate 50 and the buffer 54. 6

The membrane 52 ensures the sealing between the seat body 48 and the space 60 for receiving the spring 56, owing to the bearing web 88 and the jamming of the outer cylindrical wall 90 between the peripheral wall 70 and the proximal end 74 of the cover 50 and of the inner cylindrical wall 92 between the buffer 54 and the downstream end 82. 2016204052 16 Jun2016 5 The buffer 54 acts as an interface between the spring 56 on the one hand and the membrane 52 on the other hand, and in particular the bearing web 88.

The buffer 54 comprises a housing 94 for receiving the downstream end 82 and the inner cylindrical wall 92 and a contact web 96 with the bearing web 88.

The buffer 54 is able to transmit the bearing force E1 to the membrane 52 and the 10 gate 50.

The housing 94 comprises, along the central axis Z1, toward the open end 34, a first cylindrical part 94A and a second cylindrical part 94B extending the first cylindrical part 94A.

The second cylindrical part 94B receives a piece of the downstream end 82 and 15 cooperates with the bulge 85, so as to mechanically secure the gate 50 to the buffer 54.

The first cylindrical part 94A has a diameter larger than that of the second cylindrical part 94B and receives the downstream end 82 and the inner cylindrical wall 92, which is mechanically secured to the buffer 54 and to the moving gate 50 by jamming between the downstream end 82 and an inner wall of the first cylindrical part 94A. 20 The contact wing 96 comprises a contact face 96A with the spring 56, on which the spring 56 exerts the bearing force E1. The contact face 96A is in contact with the spring 56.

The contact wing 96 also comprises, opposite the contact face 96A, another contact face 96B with the bearing web 88. 25 The spring 56 is able to exert the bearing force E1 on the membrane 52 and the gate 50 through the buffer 54.

The spring 56 is positioned along the central axis Z1 between the contact face 96A and the cover 58 and exerts the bearing force E1 on the buffer 54, which transmits it to the membrane 52 and the gate 50. 30 More specifically, the spring 56 is positioned in the receiving space 60 and is jammed between the contact face 96A and the cover 58.

The spring 56 is configured so that the moving gate 50 is in the closed position and the membrane 52 is in the open position when the fluid F exerts a force on the moving gate 50 and the membrane 52, along the central axis Z1, greater than a first 35 predetermined threshold value, and so that the membrane 52 is in the closed position and the moving gate 50 is in the open position when the fluid F exerts a force, along the 7 central axis Z1, on the moving gate 50 and the membrane 52 that is below a second predetermined threshold value. 2016204052 16 Jun2016

The spring 56 is also configured so that when the fluid F exerts a force on the moving gate 50 and the membrane 52, along the central axis Z1, comprised between the 5 first predetermined threshold value and the second predetermined threshold value, the upstream end 80 being separated from the first seat 62 and the bearing web 88 or separated from the second seat 66. In this configuration, the fluid F then crosses through the passage orifice 64, then the passage space 86.

In other words, the stiffness and/or length of the spring 56 are for example 10 configured so that, based on the force exerted by the fluid F on the moving gate 50 and the membrane 52, the moving gate 50 and the membrane 52 are in the positions described above.

More generally, the spring 56 is configured so that, for a given distance over which the spring extends between the contact face 96A and the cover 58, the moving gate 50 15 and the membrane 52 are in the positions described above depending on the force exerted by the fluid F on the moving gate 50 and the membrane 52.

The first predetermined threshold value is for example equal to 13.5 Newton and corresponds to a fluid F pressure of 1.2 bars and is greater than the second predetermined threshold value, which is for example equal to 11.3 Newton and 20 corresponds to a pressure of the fluid F of 1 bar.

The cover 58 advantageously comprises an opening, not shown, crossing through along the central axis Z1 and suitable for allowing air to pass between the receiving space 60 and the outside of the pressure regulator 14.

The cover 58 comprises a peripheral contour 98 and a wing 100 for fastening to 25 the main body 22.

Advantageously, the cover 58 is welded to the main body 22.

The peripheral contour 98 defines the receiving space 60 for the spring 56, and comprises, along the central axis Z1, the proximal end 74, which defines an opening 101 across from the membrane 52, and a distal end 102 for bearing of the spring 56. The 30 peripheral contour 98 is cylindrical.

The proximal end 74 bears radially against the outer cylindrical wall 90 and keeps the outer cylindrical wall 90 bearing against the peripheral wall 70.

The fastening wing 100 extends radially to the central axis around the peripheral contour 98. 35 The fastening wing 100 bears tightly against one end of the peripheral wall 70. 8

The fastening wing 100 comprises a face 104 for fastening to the main body 22, with a shape complementary to a fastening wall 106 of the main body 22. The fastening face 104 and the fastening wall 106 have shapes appropriate so as, following the fastening of the cover 58 to the main body 22, to ensure sealing between the housing 32 5 and the outside of the pressure regulator 14. 2016204052 16 Jun2016

The bearing end 102 is in contact with the spring 56, which is positioned between the bearing end 102 and the contact face 96A.

The bearing end 102 for example comprises the through opening suitable for allowing air to pass between the receiving space 60 and the outside of the pressure 10 regulators.

The fact that the seat body 48 is separate from the main body 22 makes it possible to simplify the structure and manufacture of the main body 22.

Furthermore, the fact that the seat body 48 is not in a single piece with the main body 22 also allows a unilateral assembly, i.e., by a single side, of the different elements 15 making up the regulating device 24 in the receiving space 60. Thus, it is not necessary for both ends of the main body along the axis Z1 to be open, and an opening on only one side, i.e., at only the end 34, if necessary, while the end 36 is closed.

Furthermore, the use of the first sealing gasket 78 between the seat body 48 and the circumferential wall 30 makes it possible to facilitate the assembly of the seat body 48 20 on the main body 22 and to guarantee sealing between the circumferential wall 30 and the peripheral wall 70.

The seat body 48, the moving gate 50, the membrane 52 and the spring 56 make it possible to guarantee the regulation of the pressure of the fluid delivered to the outlet 28. Indeed, the seat body 48, the moving gate 50, the membrane 52 and the spring 56 25 make it possible to deliver, on the outlet 28, a fluid at a constant pressure, the pressure of which depends on the characteristics of the spring 56, such as the stiffness and the length of the spring, as well as the distance, measured along the central axis Z1, between the bearing end 102 and the contact face 96A.

Furthermore, the first sealing gasket 78 and the fact that the membrane 52 30 provides sealing of the receiving space 60 with respect to the fluid having traversed the passage orifice 64, make it possible to have a precise regulation of the pressure, since the fluid flows only through the passage orifice 64, the passage space 86 and the through orifice 79. It is thus primarily the bearing force E1 applied by the spring 56 that determines the pressure of the outlet fluid 28. 35 The passage orifice 64, the passage space 86 and the through orifice 79 define a fluid circulation conduit connecting the inlet 26 to the outlet 28 and make it possible to 9 deliver the fluid F at a regulated pressure on the outlet 28, while the membrane 52 and the fastening wing 100 form a tight wall of said circulation conduit. 2016204052 16 Jun2016

In reference to figures 5 to 9, a pressure regulator 214 according to a second embodiment of the invention is illustrated. 5 The pressure regulator 214 is able to be mounted in the spray system 10, in place of the pressure regulator 14.

In the rest of the description, the elements of the pressure regulator 214 similar to the elements of the pressure regulator 14 are not described again and bear the same references. The operation of the pressure regulator 214 is comparable to that of the 10 pressure regulator 14. The main differences between the first and second embodiments will be described below.

The pressure regulator 214 comprises a main body 222 and a device 224 for regulating the pressure of the fluid F.

The main body 222 includes an inlet 26 for receiving fluid F and an outlet 28 for 15 dispensing fluid F.

The main body 222 comprises a circumferential wall 230 defining a housing 32 for receiving the regulating device 224 centered on an axis Z1, which is vertical in figures 5 to 9.

The main body 222 comprises an open end 34 for assembling the pressure 20 regulating device 24 with the main body 22, a closed end 36, a first fluid F intake part 40 received on the inlet 26 in the housing 32 and a second part 42 connecting the housing 32 to the outlet 28.

The main body 222 further comprises a tongue 232 extending radially to the circumferential wall 130. The tongue 232 protrudes from the rest of the main body 222, 25 toward the outside of the main body 222, i.e., in a direction opposite the axis Z1.

The circumferential wall 230 connects the open end 34 and the closed end 36.

The circumferential wall 230 defines a first cylinder portion 233 and a second cylinder portion 234.

Along the axis Z1, the first cylinder portion 233 extends between the closed end 36 30 and the second cylinder portion 234, while the second cylinder portion 234 extends between the first cylinder portion 232 and the open end 34.

The diameter of the first cylinder portion 232 is smaller than the diameter of the second cylinder portion 233.

The regulator device 224 comprises the seat body 48, the moving gate 50 along 35 the central axis Z1, the membrane 52, the buffer 54 and the spring 56. 10

The regulator device 224 also comprises a member 236 for adjusting the pressure of the fluid F at the outlet 28, which defines a space 237 for receiving the spring 56. 2016204052 16 Jun2016

The seat body 48 is mechanically secured to the main body 222 and is, for example, welded to the main body 222. 5 The outer cylinder wall 90 of the membrane 52 is jammed, radially to the central axis Z1, between the peripheral wall 70 of the seat body 48 and the adjusting member 236.

The spring 56 is positioned along the central axis Z1 between the contact face 96A and the adjusting member 236 and exerts the bearing force E1 on the buffer 54, which 10 transmits it to the membrane 52 and the gate 50.

More specifically, the spring 56 is positioned in the receiving space 237 and is jammed between the contact face 96A and the adjusting member 236.

The adjusting member 236 comprises a moving part 238, along the central axis Z1, relative to the seat body 48 and a part 240 for adjusting the position of the butt 238 15 relative to the seat body 48.

The adjusting member 236 comprises a button 242 for changing the position of the butt 238 relative to the seat body 48.

The butt 238 comprises a main wing 244 across from the open end 34 and a peripheral skirt 246 extending along the central axis Z1 from the main wing 244 toward the 20 closed end 36.

The butt 238 also comprises an inner hub 248 extending along the central axis Z1 from the main wing 244 toward the seat body 48, a slug 252 extending radially to the skirt 246 and a contact wall 254 extending radially to the skirt 246.

The spring 56 is positioned between the buffer 54 and the contact wall 254. More 25 specifically, the contact wall 254 is in contact with one end of the spring and the contact face 96A is in contact with another end of the spring 56.

The skirt 246 is positioned between the circumferential wall 230 and the peripheral wall 70. Thus, the first sealing gasket 78 is able to bear against the peripheral skirt 246.

The skirt 246 comprises, relative to the open end 34 and the main wing 244, a 30 proximal cylindrical part 256 extended, along the central axis Z1, by a distal cylindrical part 258.

The proximal cylindrical part 256 is positioned across from the second cylinder portion 234 and the distal cylinder part 258 is positioned across from the first cylindrical part 233. 35 The proximal cylindrical part 256 is provided with a peripheral groove 260 for receiving a second sealing gasket 262. 11

The peripheral groove 260 and the second seal 262 are positioned, along the central axis Z1, near the open end 34, i.e., for example 2 cm from the open end 34. 2016204052 16 Jun2016

The second seal 262 is able to be in tight contact against an inner face of the second cylinder portion 234, irrespective of the position of the butt 238. The second seal 5 262 ensures the sealing between the circumferential wall 230 and the skirt 246 with respect to the outset environment of the pressure regulator 214 on the one hand, and in particular the air surrounding the pressure regulator 214, and fluid having traversed the passage space 86 and the through orifice 79 and circulating toward the outlet 28 on the other hand. 10 The distal cylindrical part 258 is provided with a peripheral groove 264 for receiving a third sealing gasket 266.

The peripheral groove 264 and the third seal 266 are positioned, along the central axis Z1, near the first seal 78.

The third seal 266 is able to be in tight contact against an inner face of the first 15 cylinder portion 233, irrespective of the position of the butt 238. The third seal 266 provide sealing between the circumferential wall 230 and the skirt 246, with respect to the fluid originating from the inlet 26 and circulating toward the seat body 48.

The second 262 and third 266 seals are O-rings, for example made from an elastomer. 20 The adjusting part 240 is mechanically secured to the seat body 48, and is for example welded to the seat body 48.

The adjusting part 240 is positioned inside the skirt 246.

The adjusting part 240 comprises, along the central axis Z1, a first open end 268 across from the membrane 52 and a second open end 270 for passage of the inner hub 25 248.

The adjusting part 240 also comprises a peripheral contour 272 provided with a slot 274 for guiding the slug 252, inside which the slug 252 is positioned and movable.

The adjusting part 240 further comprises an outer peripheral groove 276 for receiving a fourth sealing gasket 278 able to bear against an inner face of the skirt 246. 30 The fourth seal 278 ensures the sealing between the skirt 246 and the adjusting part 240 with respect to the fluid F having traversed the passage space 86 and the through orifice 79 and circulating toward the outlet 28.

The fourth seal 278 is an O-ring, for example made from elastomer.

In the example of figures 2 to 6, the adjusting part 240 defines three positions 35 maintaining the butt relative to the seat body, offset relative to one another along the 12 central axis Z1 and corresponding to three different positions of the contact wall 254 relative to the seat body 48. 2016204052 16 Jun2016

The three maintaining positions each correspond to maintaining positions of the butt 238, where the butt 238 is immobilized relative to the seat body 48, for which the 5 bearing force E1 exerted by the spring 56 on the membrane 52 and the moving gate 50 is different.

More specifically, the guide slot 274 defines the three maintaining positions of the butt that correspond to three positions of the slug 252 in the slot 274.

As shown in figures 8 and 9, the guide slot 274 comprises a side 280 defining two 10 surfaces 282, 284 for maintaining the slug 252, which extend in a plane perpendicular to the central axis Z1 and which are offset relative to one another along the central axis Z1.

Advantageously and as shown in figures 8 and 9, the side 280 has a serrated shape, such that when the slug 252 is in contact with one of the maintaining surfaces 282, 284, the slug 252 is immobilized and kept in contact with said maintaining surface 282, 15 284.

The guide slot 274 also comprises an open end 286, along the central axis Z1, toward the outside of the adjusting part 240 and positioned across from the main wing 244.

The slot 274 thus defines the maintaining positions, which respectively correspond 20 to the position of the slug 252 at the open end 286 of the slot 274, in contact with the maintaining surface 282, and in contact with the maintaining surface 284.

In other words, the slug 252 is movable in the slot 274 between three positions respectively corresponding to the position of the slug 252 at the open end 286 of the slot 274, in contact with the maintaining surface 282, and in contact with the maintaining 25 surface 284.

When the slug 252 is positioned at the open end 286 of the slot 274, the butt 238 is in a first maintaining position, shown in figure 9, and the skirt 246 and the first sealing gasket 78 define a fluid circulation space 290 connecting the inlet 26 to the outlet 28. The pressure of the fluid F is then not regulated and the fluid F circulates freely between the 30 inlet 26 and the outlet 28.

When the slug 252 is positioned at the maintaining surface 282, the slug 238 is in a second maintaining position, the first sealing gasket 78 is in tight contact against the skirt 246 of the butt 238 and the bearing force E1 has a first predetermined value. The pressure of the fluid F is then regulated to a first property, for example equal to 1 bar. 35 When the slug 252 is positioned at the maintaining surface 284, the slug 238 is in a third maintaining position, shown in figure 8, the first sealing gasket 78 is in tight contact 13 against the skirt 246 of the butt 238 and the bearing force E1 has a second predetermined value. The pressure of the fluid F is then regulated to a second property greater than the first property, for example equal to 3 bar. In general, the second predetermined value is greater than the first predetermined value. 2016204052 16 Jun2016 5 The movement of the slug 252 in the slot 274 and therefore of the butt 238 relative to the seat body 48 makes it possible to compress the spring 56 and thus to adjust he bearing force E1 exerted by the spring 56 on the membrane 52 and the gate 50.

The button 242 is secured to the butt 238.

More specifically, the button 242 is for example fastened to the butt 238 via two 10 fastening tabs 292, 294, shown in figure 6 and extending along the central axis Z1 through an orifice traversing the contact wall 254. The fastening tabs 292, 294 for example comprise portions, not shown, for maintaining the position of the tabs on the central axis Z1, which extend radially to the central axis Z1 and cooperate with the contact wall 254.

The button 242 comprises a slit 296 for receiving the tongue 232 inside which the 15 tongue 232 is positioned.

The slit 296 has a shape complementary to the guide slot 274 such that when the slug 252 moves in the guide slot 274, the tongue 232 moves in the slit 296.

More specifically, the slit 296 is configured so that when the slug 252 is positioned at the open end 286 of the guide slot 274, the tongue 232 is positioned bearing against an 20 edge of the slit 296 that keeps the button 242 in position. Thus, the slug 252 is kept in the guide slot 274 and the butt 238 remains assembled with the adjusting part 240.

In an alternative that is not shown, the adjusting part 240 comprises the slug, while the butt 238 comprises the guide slot.

According to another alternative, the first sealing gasket 78 is in tight contact 25 against the skirt, irrespective of the position of the butt 238. In this alternative, the shape of the circumferential wall is appropriate so that when the butt 238 is in the first position, the skirt and the circumferential wall 230 define a fluid circulation space connecting the inlet 26 to the outlet 28, while when the butt 238 is in the second and third positions, the skirt 246 is in tight contact with the circumferential wall 240. 30 According to another alternative, the guide slot 274 defines a single maintaining surface or more than two maintaining surfaces.

According to another alternative, the guide slot 274 does not comprise an open end and defines two maintaining surfaces.

According to another alternative, an air exhaust vent is provided at the butt 238 35 while the modification of the position of the butt 238, which causes the compression of the spring 56, does not create air compression in the receiving space 60. 14

The advantages described above for the first embodiment are also valid for the second embodiment. 2016204052 16 Jun2016

The regulators 14 and 214 form a range of pressure regulators whereof the seat body, the gate, the membrane and the spring are identical. 5 Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the fact that the adjusting member 240 defines several maintaining positions for the butt 238, which correspond to different positions of the contact wall 254 relative to the seat body 48, makes it possible to adjust the pressure of the fluid delivered at the outlet simply from the adjusting member 236, and in particular from manipulating the button 242. 10 This makes it possible to facilitate the adjustment of the pressure of the fluid F at the outlet 28, since it suffices to manipulate the button 242 without separating the butt 238 from the rest of the pressure regulator 214, i.e., without disassembling the pressure regulator and in particular the regulating device 224 from the main body 222.

Furthermore, the use of the slug 252 associated with the guide slot 274 makes it 15 possible to position the butt 238 simply relative to the seat body 48 and maintain the butt 238 relative to the seat body 48 in the desired position.

Furthermore, the fact that the butt 238 is able to be moved into a position where the seat body 48 and the skirt 246 define a fluid circulation space 290 connecting the inlet 26 to the outlet 28 makes it possible to deactivate the use of the pressure regulator 214 20 and to allow the fluid F to circulate freely between the inlet 26 and the outlet 28.

In the example of figures 5 to 9, the adjusting part 240 defines three positions for maintaining the butt 238 and allows both an adjustment of the pressure of the fluid at the outlet between two predetermined values and the activation or deactivation of the pressure regulator, all from a single adjusting member 236 and in particular via the 25 manipulation of a single button 242. The use of the pressure regulator 214 is therefore simplified.

The embodiments and alternatives considered above can be combined with one another to create new embodiments of the invention.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived 30 from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context 35 requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group 15 2016204052 16 Jun2016 of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. 16

Claims (12)

1. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

   1. - A pressure regulator, comprising: - a device for regulating the pressure of a fluid and a main body including an inlet for receiving the fluid, a circumferential wall defining a housing for receiving the regulating device, and a dispensing outlet for the fluid, the regulating device being positioned in the housing between the inlet for receiving the fluid and the outlet for dispensing the fluid and including: - a seat body defining a fluid passage orifice, - a gate movable relative to the seat body, along the central axis of the seat body, between a closed position in which the gate obstructs the passage orifice and an open position in which the gate frees the passage orifice, - a membrane mechanically secured to the gate, and - a bearing spring for pressing the membrane against the seat body, able to exert a bearing force on the membrane, the membrane being movable relative to the seat body between an open position, in which the membrane defines, with the seat body, a passage space for the fluid having crossed through the passage orifice, able to guide the fluid toward the outlet, and a closed position in which the membrane is in tight contact with the seat body and obstructs the passage space, wherein the seat body is a separate part from the main body and is provided with a peripheral groove for receiving a sealing gasket able to bear against the circumferential wall or against a skirt of a butt positioned between the circumferential wall and the seat body.
2. 2. - The regulator according to claim 1, wherein the spring is configured so that the moving gate is in the closed position and the membrane is in the open position when the fluid exerts a force on the moving gate and the membrane greater than a first predetermined threshold value, and so that the membrane is in the closed position and the moving gate is in the open position when the fluid exerts a force on the moving gate and the membrane that is below a second predetermined threshold value, the first predetermined threshold value being higher than the second predetermined threshold value.
3. 3. - The regulator according to claim 2, wherein the moving gate comprises an upstream end for closing off the passage orifice, a downstream end and a rod extending through the passage orifice and connecting the upstream end to the downstream end, and wherein the regulator device comprises a buffer acting as the interface between the spring on the one hand, and the membrane and the moving gate on the other hand.
4. 4. - The regulator according to claim 1, wherein the main body comprises, along the central axis, an open end for assembling the pressure regulating device with the main body and a closed end, the circumferential wall connecting the open end and the closed end.
5. 5. - The regulator according to claim 1, wherein the sealing gasket bears against the circumferential wall, and in that the regulator device comprises a cover fastened to the main body, the cover comprising a peripheral contour defining a receiving space for the spring, the peripheral contour comprising, along the central axis and relative to the seat body, a distal bearing end of the spring and a proximal end, defining an opening opposite the membrane, the spring being positioned between the distal end and the membrane.
6. 6. - The regulator according to claim 5, wherein the seat body comprises a peripheral wall defining a receiving zone for the membrane and the proximal end of the cover and wherein the membrane comprises a bearing web against the seat body extending radially to the central axis and an outer cylindrical wall extending from the bearing web toward the cover, the outer cylindrical wall being radially jammed between the peripheral wall and the proximal end.
7. 7. - The regulator according to claim 1, wherein the regulator device comprises a member for adjusting the pressure of the fluid at the outlet, the adjusting member comprising the butt and a part for adjusting the position of the butt relative to the seat body, the adjusting part defining at least two positions maintaining the butt relative to the seat body, offset relative to one another along the central axis and wherein, for at least one maintaining position of the butt, the sealing gasket is in tight contact against the skirt of the butt.
8. 8. - The regulator according to claim 7, wherein the butt comprises a contact wall, in contact with the spring, extending radially to the skirt, wherein the spring is positioned between the membrane and the contact wall, and wherein the maintaining positions of the butt correspond to different positions of the contact wall relative to the seat body.
9. 9. - The regulator according to claim 7, wherein, for one of the maintaining positions of the butt relative to the seat body, the skirt and the sealing gasket define a fluid circulation space connecting the inlet to the outlet.
10. 10. - The regulator according to claim 9, wherein the adjusting part defines at least three maintaining positions for the butt offset relative to one another along the central axis, wherein the skirt comprises a peripheral groove for receiving an additional sealing gasket in tight contact with the circumferential wall and wherein, for two of the maintaining positions for the butt, the sealing gasket is in tight contact against the skirt.
11. 11. - A range of pressure regulators, comprising at least two pressure regulators, wherein the first range comprises a first regulator according to claim 5 and a second regulator according to claim 7, and in wherein the first and second regulators, the seat body, the gate and the membrane are identical.
12. 12. - A spray system comprising a fluid reservoir, a spray nozzle for the fluid and a pressure regulator mounted between the fluid reservoir and the spray nozzle, wherein the pressure regulator is according to claim 1.