EP3002499A1 - Valve closure device by actuating the expansion valve - Google Patents

Valve closure device by actuating the expansion valve Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3002499A1
EP3002499A1 EP15175993.3A EP15175993A EP3002499A1 EP 3002499 A1 EP3002499 A1 EP 3002499A1 EP 15175993 A EP15175993 A EP 15175993A EP 3002499 A1 EP3002499 A1 EP 3002499A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
expansion
expansion chamber
counter
fluid
piston
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP15175993.3A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3002499B1 (en
Inventor
Eric Thouvenin
Vincent MOUCHEL
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Cahouet
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Cahouet
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Publication of EP3002499A1 publication Critical patent/EP3002499A1/en
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/04—Arrangement or mounting of valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0329—Valves manually actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0332—Safety valves or pressure relief valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0335—Check-valves or non-return valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0338—Pressure regulators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0341—Filters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/035—Flow reducers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0382—Constructional details of valves, regulators
    • F17C2205/0385—Constructional details of valves, regulators in blocks or units
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0388—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters
    • F17C2205/0394—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters in direct contact with the pressure vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/011—Oxygen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/016—Noble gases (Ar, Kr, Xe)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/018—Acetylene
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/036—Very high pressure (>80 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2225/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2225/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/04—Methods for emptying or filling
    • F17C2227/048—Methods for emptying or filling by maintaining residual pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/04—Reducing risks and environmental impact
    • F17C2260/042—Reducing risk of explosion
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/02—Applications for medical applications
    • F17C2270/025—Breathing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/05—Applications for industrial use

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the expansion of fluids and more particularly the expansion devices incorporating a closure valve.
  • a single-stage fluid expansion device generally comprises a chamber provided with a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port.
  • a piston movable in the chamber comprises a substantially disc-shaped portion which separates the chamber into two volumes forming, for one, a relaxation chamber and, for the other, a counter-expansion chamber.
  • the piston also comprises a portion having a free end which projects into the expansion chamber and which is provided with a sealing member, such as an elastomeric buffer, capable of closing off the fluid inlet port.
  • a channel drilled in the projecting portion connects the relaxation chamber and the counter chamber.
  • a helical return spring extends from a wall of the expansion chamber to the disc-shaped portion of the piston and urges the piston to oppose the effect of pressure in the counter chamber. relaxation and thus maintain the port of arrival of open fluid. The force exerted by this return spring is calibrated and defines the pressure at the outlet of the expansion device.
  • shutoff valve of the fluid supply Upstream of the arrival port of the expansion device is often connected a shutoff valve of the fluid supply. It has been envisaged to implant the valve in the body of the expansion device but this considerably increases the weight and volume of the expansion device. Normative requirements, in particular relating to the capacity of the tap to be able to cut off the supply of fluid when the device is subjected to a torch flame, for example (so-called "flame exposure test”), require the use of materials expensive, fire resistant and contribute to increase and increase the size of a device that integrates these two functions.
  • An object of the invention is to reduce the size and weight of a fluid expansion device incorporating a function of cutting the fluid supply.
  • the movable element comprises a piston defining the movable wall of the counter-expansion chamber.
  • the movable element comprises a cylinder resting on a membrane.
  • a membrane expansion device can be implemented for applications in which the use of a membrane is required.
  • the displacement means of the inner portion of the movable element comprise an elastic element.
  • the force bringing the inner portion of the piston in the closed position is calibrated by the elastic element which limits the possibility that the user applies an excessive force on the internal portion likely to damage the arrival port.
  • the sensitivity of closure to aging is reduced. Indeed, the closing forces at the sealing member are almost constant and insensitive to variations in upstream and downstream pressures, which allows to implement the invention to a wide range of pressures (downstream pressure plus high) or relaxation (piston of larger diameter).
  • the invention also relates to an integrated pressure regulator valve assembly comprising a device previously defined and which further comprises a secondary expansion stage installed downstream of the expansion device.
  • the valve assembly with built-in expansion valve comprises a body 2 provided with a threaded end 3 adapted to be screwed onto a reservoir of a fluid such as a gas, which may be derived from a bottle of medicalized oxygen.
  • the end 3 comprises a bore 4 supplying a fluid inlet port 5 which opens into an expansion chamber 6.
  • the expansion chamber 6 comprises a first cylindrical section 6.1 into which the bore 4 opens and which opens into a second section 6.2.
  • the second section 6.2 comprises an annular portion surrounding a portion of the first section 6.1 delimiting therewith a tubular step 7 projecting from an annular surface 27 in the second section 6.2.
  • the second section 6.2 of the expansion chamber 6 opens into a bore 8 of diameter greater than that of the second section 6.2.
  • An outlet channel 9 connects a fluid outlet 10 expanded with an outlet port 11 opening into the bore 8.
  • a last bore 14 is formed from the face of the body 2 opposite the supply port 5 to open into the bore 8.
  • the sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the expansion chamber 6, the bore 8 and the bore 14 are, here, coaxial.
  • the bore 8 receives a disk 12 whose opposite face to the bore 14 defines a volume 13 in communication with the section 6.2 of the expansion chamber 6.
  • the outer portion 21 of the piston 20 comprises a peripheral groove 23 which accommodates an O-ring 24 sealing between the outer portion 21 of the piston 20 and the wall of the second section 6.2 of the expansion chamber 6.
  • a helical spring 26 is mounted in the second section 6.2 of the expansion chamber 6. The spring 26 has a first end 25 bearing against the annular surface 27 projecting from which the tubular step 7 extends and a second end 28 bearing on the outer portion 21 of the piston 20 so that the spring 26 pushes the piston 20.
  • the inner portion 22 of the piston 20 comprises a first end 22.1 engaged in the first tr member 6.1 of the expansion chamber 6 and a second end 22.2 engaged in a bore 21.1 of the outer portion 21.
  • the two ends 22.1 and 22.2 of the inner portion 22 of the piston 20 respectively comprise grooves 29 and 30 respectively receiving an O-ring 31 and 32.
  • the connection between the inner portion 22 and the wall of the first section 6.1 of the expansion chamber 6 and the connection between the inner portion 22 and the outer portion 21 of the piston 20 are sealed.
  • the outer portions 21 and inner 22 define with the disk 12 a counter-expansion chamber 40 which comprises in particular the volume 13.
  • the end 22.1 of the inner portion 22 also comprises a sealing member, here a buffer 33 of elastomeric material or plastic facing the fluid inlet port 5.
  • a first end of an axial channel 34 extending longitudinally in the inner portion 22 feeds a radial duct which is formed transversely in the inner portion 22, between the buffer 33 and the seal 31, so that the radial duct opens into the first section 6.1 of the expansion chamber 6.
  • the other end of the axial channel 34 opens at the end 22.2 of the inner portion 22 in the counter-expansion chamber 40 and thus connects the expansion chamber 6 and against expansion chamber 40.
  • the inner portion 22 also comprises an annular protrusion 35 on which rests the first end of a helical spring 36 having a second end bearing on a front face of the tubular step 7.
  • the spring 36 is a section - and therefore a stiffness - lower than the section of the spring 26 and pushes the inner portion 22 against a shoulder 37 of the outer portion 21.
  • the piston 20 can therefore move in the expansion chamber 6 between a fluid supply position represented in FIG. figure 1 wherein the inner portion 22 discovers the arrival port 5 and feeds the back flash chamber 40 with fluid to a fluid isolation position shown in FIG. figure 2 in which the inner portion 22 closes the arrival port by contacting the buffer 33 with the arrival port 5 and thus fluidly isolates the counter-chamber 40 of the arrival port 5.
  • the counter-expansion chamber 40 thus has a movable wall defined by the surface of the piston 20 facing the disk 12.
  • a lever-cam assembly 15 is housed in the bore 14.
  • the disc 12 comprises a central bore 50 opening into the volume 13 and whose diameter is substantially equal to that of the inner portion 22.
  • the bore 50 accommodates a cylindrical stud 51 projecting from the plate 52 of a pusher 53 extending into the bore 14.
  • the pin 51 comprises a groove 54 receiving an O-ring 55 bearing against the walls of the bore 50.
  • a coil spring 56 extends between the plate 52 and an inner surface 57 of a cap 58. This cap 58 is immobilized in the bore 14 by means of a clip 60 cooperating with a countersink 59 and which extends in two bores made perpendicularly to the cutting plane .
  • the end 61 of the pusher 53 opposite the stud 51 projects from the body 2 and comprises a circumferential groove 62.
  • a lever 63 is articulated around an axis 64 radially crossing the end 61 of the pusher 53.
  • the lever 63 is provided with a holding system comprising a ball 65 constrained by a spring 66 to cooperate with the groove 62 and which allows the selective locking of the lever 63 in a first position (represented in FIG. figure 1 ) or a second position (represented in figure 3 ) corresponding to a rotation of the lever 63 of 180 ° about the axis 64.
  • the pressurized fluid enters the inlet port 5 in the first section 6.1 of the expansion chamber 6 and circulates through the channel 34 to invade the counter-expansion chamber 40.
  • the pressure in the counter-expansion chamber 40 is greater than the force exerted by the spring 26 on the outer portion 21 against this pressure, the inner 22 and outer 21 portions of the piston 20 move from the position of full opening of the arrival port 5 (represented in figure 1 ), to a closing position of the arrival port 5 (shown in FIG. figure 2 ).
  • the pressures respectively in the first section 6.1 of the expansion chamber 6 and in the counter-expansion chamber 40 are equal to the expansion pressure.
  • the equipment to be supplied connected to the output 10 then receives the relaxed pressure.
  • the pressure in the first section 6.1 of the expansion chamber 6 and in the counter-expansion chamber 40 decreases as the consumption of fluid expanded by the equipment connected to the output 10 to reach a value insufficient to counter the return force of the spring 26 which then returns the piston 20 to the fully open position of the arrival port 5 ( figure 1 ). A new relaxation cycle can then begin.
  • the expansion device 1 according to the invention has several advantages over existing solutions.
  • the force exerted by the inner portion 22 on the arrival port 5 is calibrated and defined by the spring 56, the device according to the invention thus preserves the arrival port and ensures a good durability of the seal of this- ci in closed position.
  • the effort required to open the fluid supply is more important than the effort required to cut off the power supply.
  • the lever is more inclined to adopt a power cut-off position or to remain in the power-off position, except in the zone of full opening where the lever is maintained. by a truncation in the cam. It is possible to realize the lever in a fuse material, such as a synthetic material, whose cast iron will release the spring 56 and bring the inner portion 22 in the closed position of the arrival port 5.
  • the normative requirements of the test are they automatically insured?
  • the particular arrangement of the expansion stages and the closing device of the arrival port reduces the path of the high pressure and prohibits any adiabatic compression phenomenon associated with an opening too fast valve especially in use with oxygen. This further increases the security of the device.
  • a medical version may also be provided with a flow limiter 82 located upstream of the filter 74 and a pressure outlet 83.
  • thermal sparkers such as thermal sparkers, pressure relief valve and / or non-return can also be provided.
  • the integrated pressure regulator valve assembly comprises a body 2 provided with a bore 4 supplying a fluid inlet port 5 which opens into an expansion chamber 6.
  • the expansion chamber 6 comprises a first cylindrical section 106.1 in which the bore 4 opens and which is in fluid communication via a bore 107 with a second section 106.2 of the expansion chamber 6.
  • a release 10 of the expanded fluid opens into the second section 106.2 of the chamber of relaxation.
  • the end of the bore 107 opening into the first section 106.1 of the expansion chamber 6 comprises a flared portion 108.
  • the portion 109 of the second section 106.2 of the expansion chamber 6 facing the bore 107 is closed sealed by a membrane 110, here rubber, comprising a central pellet 111 rigid.
  • a cylinder 112 bears on the central pellet 111 and protrudes into the second portion 106.2 of the expansion chamber 6. This cylinder 112 comprises a transverse wall 112.1 facing the membrane 110.
  • a cylindrical piston 120 forming a movable element, slidably extends into the expansion chamber 6 through the bore 107 and includes a first end 120.1 extending into the first portion 106.1 of the expansion chamber 106.
  • first end 120.1 of the piston 120 comprises a conical section 121 provided with a circular groove 122 for receiving an O-ring 123.
  • the second end 120.2 of the piston 120 slidably traverses the transverse wall 112.1.
  • the piston 120 comprises an axial channel 34 opening radially along a first channel 125 at the base of the conical section 121 and along a second radial channel 126 at the second portion 106.2 of the expansion chamber. 6.
  • the channel 34 also opens, at the second end 120.2 of the piston 120 into a cavity 127 defined by the cylinder 112, the transverse wall 112.1 and the central pellet 111.
  • the second end 120.2 of the piston 120 also comprises a washer 128 extending radially in the cavity 127. The washer 128 provides an abutment of the piston 120 against the transverse wall 112.1.
  • the first and second portions 106.1 and 106.2 of the expansion chamber 6, the bore 107, the piston 120, the cylinder 112, the pellet 111 and the membrane 109 are coaxial.
  • the wall 112.1 then defines a movable wall-because of the flexibility of the membrane 109 of a counter-expansion chamber 40 comprising an outer portion, namely the wall 112.1 and an inner portion, namely the piston 120, mounted coaxially .
  • the piston 120 can take two positions: a first position represented in figure 5 in which the conical section 121 of the piston 120 cooperates with the flared portion 108 of the bore 120.
  • This flared portion 108 serves as a seat for the conical section 121 against which the O-ring 123 is compressed, thus isolating fluidically from the port of arrival 5, the second portion 106.2 of the expansion chamber 6 and the counter-expansion chamber 40.
  • the first channel 125 is no longer supplied by the fluid dispensed by the bore 4 in the first portion of the chamber relaxing 106.1.
  • the second position of the piston 120 is represented in figure 6 and corresponds to a position in which the conical section 121 of the piston 120 is no longer in contact with the flared portion 108 of the bore 107. In this position, the fluid distributed in the first portion 106.1 of the expansion chamber 6 by the bore 4 is conveyed to the counter chamber of relaxation 40 by the succession of channels 124-125 and 126. Pressure balancing of the space 127 is also realized.
  • the integral pressure regulator valve assembly 1 also includes a cylindrical hood 129 facing the surface of the membrane 109 opposite to that defining the cavity 127 and defining a volume 130.
  • a coil spring 26 is mounted in the volume 130 and has a first end 25 bearing against a transverse surface 131 of the cover 129 and a second end 28 bearing on the central pellet 111 of the membrane 110 so that the spring 26 pushes the pellet 111 and the cylinder 112.
  • a second coil spring 36 extends in the cavity 127 between the pellet 111 and the washer 128.
  • the spring 36 is of a section - and therefore of a stiffness - less than the section of the spring 26 and pushes the washer 128 against the wall 112.1.
  • a lever-cam assembly 15 controls the movement of a pusher 132 between a supply position of the fluid counter-chamber 40 shown in FIG. figure 6 (first position of the lever 15) and a fluid isolation position of the counter-expansion chamber 40 shown in FIG. figure 5 (second position of the lever 15).
  • the lever-cam assembly releases the action of a helical spring 56 which bears on the first end 120.1 of the piston 120 and therefore moves it independently of the wall 112.1.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Control Of Fluid Pressure (AREA)
  • Fluid-Damping Devices (AREA)
  • Mechanically-Actuated Valves (AREA)

Abstract

Dispositif de détente (1) comprenant un élément mobile (20) déplaçable dans une chambre de détente (6) ayant une paroi mobile reliée à l'élément mobile (20), caractérisé en ce que : - la paroi mobile comprend une portion externe (21) et une portion interne (22) montée coaxialement pour coulisser d'une position d'alimentation d'une contre chambre de détente vers une position d'isolement en fluide d'une contre chambre de détente; - des moyens de déplacement (15) de la portion interne (22) agissent sur la portion interne (22) indépendamment de la portion externe (21) ; - un premier élément élastique (26) repousse la portion externe (21) à l'encontre d'une pression dans la contre chambre de détente (40) ; - des moyens de butée (35, 37) sont disposés entre les portions interne (22) et externe (21).Expansion device (1) comprising a movable element (20) displaceable in an expansion chamber (6) having a movable wall connected to the movable element (20), characterized in that: the movable wall comprises an outer portion (21) and an inner portion (22) mounted coaxially to slide from a feed position of a counter-expansion chamber to a fluid isolation position of a counter chamber of relaxation; - Displacement means (15) of the inner portion (22) act on the inner portion (22) independently of the outer portion (21); a first elastic element (26) pushes the outer portion (21) against a pressure in the counter-expansion chamber (40); - Stop means (35, 37) are arranged between the inner portion (22) and outer (21).

Description

La présente invention concerne la détente des fluides et plus particulièrement les dispositifs de détente intégrant une vanne de fermeture.The present invention relates to the expansion of fluids and more particularly the expansion devices incorporating a closure valve.

ARRIERE PLAN DE L'INVENTIONBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Un dispositif de détente de fluide à simple étage comprend généralement une chambre pourvue d'un port d'arrivée de fluide et d'un port de sortie du fluide. Un piston mobile dans la chambre comprend une portion sensiblement en forme de disque qui sépare la chambre en deux volumes formant, pour l'un, une chambre de détente et, pour l'autre, une contre chambre de détente. Le piston comprend également une portion ayant une extrémité libre qui est en saillie dans la chambre de détente et qui est pourvue d'un organe d'étanchéité, tel qu'un tampon élastomère, apte à obturer le port d'arrivée de fluide. Un canal foré dans la portion en saillie relie la chambre de détente et la contre chambre de détente. Un ressort de rappel hélicoïdal s'étend depuis une paroi de la chambre de détente jusqu'à la portion en forme de disque du piston et repousse celui-ci de manière à s'opposer à l'effet de la pression dans la contre chambre de détente et donc à maintenir le port d'arrivée de fluide ouvert. L'effort exercé par ce ressort de rappel est calibré et définit la pression en sortie du dispositif de détente.A single-stage fluid expansion device generally comprises a chamber provided with a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port. A piston movable in the chamber comprises a substantially disc-shaped portion which separates the chamber into two volumes forming, for one, a relaxation chamber and, for the other, a counter-expansion chamber. The piston also comprises a portion having a free end which projects into the expansion chamber and which is provided with a sealing member, such as an elastomeric buffer, capable of closing off the fluid inlet port. A channel drilled in the projecting portion connects the relaxation chamber and the counter chamber. A helical return spring extends from a wall of the expansion chamber to the disc-shaped portion of the piston and urges the piston to oppose the effect of pressure in the counter chamber. relaxation and thus maintain the port of arrival of open fluid. The force exerted by this return spring is calibrated and defines the pressure at the outlet of the expansion device.

En amont du port d'arrivée du dispositif de détente est souvent raccordé un robinet de coupure de l'alimentation en fluide. Il a été envisagé d'implanter le robinet dans le corps du dispositif de détente mais ceci augmente considérablement le poids et le volume du dispositif de détente. Des exigences normatives, notamment relatives à la capacité du robinet à pouvoir couper l'alimentation en fluide lorsque le dispositif est soumis à une flamme de chalumeau par exemple (test dit « test d'exposition à la flamme »), imposent d'utiliser des matériaux coûteux, résistants au feu et qui contribuent à alourdir et à augmenter encore l'encombrement d'un dispositif qui intégrerait ces deux fonctions.Upstream of the arrival port of the expansion device is often connected a shutoff valve of the fluid supply. It has been envisaged to implant the valve in the body of the expansion device but this considerably increases the weight and volume of the expansion device. Normative requirements, in particular relating to the capacity of the tap to be able to cut off the supply of fluid when the device is subjected to a torch flame, for example (so-called "flame exposure test"), require the use of materials expensive, fire resistant and contribute to increase and increase the size of a device that integrates these two functions.

On aurait pu imaginer d'agir directement sur le piston de manière à le bloquer dans une position dans laquelle l'organe d'étanchéité de la portion en saillie est maintenu contre le port d'arrivée de fluide. Ceci aurait permis de couper l'alimentation en fluide sans requérir d'ajouter un robinet dédié. Plusieurs difficultés s'opposent à une telle conception et notamment le fait qu'une action directe sur le piston impose d'exercer un effort s'opposant à l'action du ressort de détente sur le piston. Dans le cas d'une telle conception, l'effort à fournir pour fermer l'alimentation est dépendant de la variation de la pression de détente et donc entraîne une usure prématurée de l'étage de détente. La conséquence est une qualité d'étanchéité aléatoire. L'utilisateur est obligé d'exercer un effort important sur le piston, susceptible d'endommager le port d'arrivée et/ou l'organe d'étanchéité et donc de dégrader l'étanchéité de la liaison organe d'étanchéité-port d'arrivée.One could have imagined to act directly on the piston so as to block it in a position in which the sealing member of the protruding portion is held against the fluid inlet port. This would have cut off the fluid supply without the need to add a dedicated faucet. Several difficulties are opposed to such a design and in particular the fact that a direct action on the piston requires to exert a force opposing the action of the expansion spring on the piston. In the case of such a design, the effort required to close the supply is dependent on the variation of the expansion pressure and therefore causes premature wear of the expansion stage. The consequence is a random seal quality. The user is obliged to exert a major force on the piston, which may damage the arrival port and / or the sealing member and thus degrade the sealing of the seal-port connection. 'arrival.

OBJET DE L'INVENTIONOBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Un but de l'invention est de réduire l'encombrement et le poids d'un dispositif de détente des fluides intégrant une fonction de coupure de l'alimentation en fluide.An object of the invention is to reduce the size and weight of a fluid expansion device incorporating a function of cutting the fluid supply.

RESUME DE L'INVENTIONSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A cet effet, on prévoit un dispositif de détente d'un fluide, le dispositif comprenant une chambre de détente pourvue d'un port d'arrivée et d'un port de sortie, un élément mobile déplaçable dans la chambre de détente entre une position d'alimentation et une position d'isolement en fluide d'une contre chambre de détente ayant une paroi mobile reliée à l'élément mobile, l'élément mobile comprenant un canal reliant la chambre de détente et la contre chambre de détente. Selon l'invention,

  • la paroi mobile de la contre chambre de détente comprend une portion externe et une portion interne montée coaxialement à la portion externe pour coulisser de la position d'alimentation dans laquelle la portion interne alimente la contre chambre de détente en fluide vers la position d'isolement en fluide dans laquelle la portion interne isole fluidiquement la contre chambre de détente du port d'arrivée ;
  • des moyens de déplacement de la portion interne vers la position de fermeture sont agencés pour agir sur la portion interne indépendamment de la portion externe ;
  • un premier élément élastique est agencé pour repousser la portion externe à l'encontre d'une pression dans la contre chambre de détente ;
  • des moyens de butée sont disposés entre les portions interne et externe de manière à interagir lorsque la portion externe est déplacée sous l'effet d'une pression dans la contre chambre de détente.
For this purpose, there is provided a device for expanding a fluid, the device comprising an expansion chamber provided with an inlet port and an outlet port, a movable element movable in the expansion chamber between a position supply and a fluid isolation position of a counter-expansion chamber having a movable wall connected to the movable element, the movable element comprising a channel connecting the expansion chamber and the counter-expansion chamber. According to the invention,
  • the movable wall of the counter-expansion chamber comprises an outer portion and an inner portion mounted coaxially with the outer portion to slide from the feed position in which the inner portion feeds the counter fluid expansion chamber to the isolated position in fluid in which the inner portion fluidly isolates the counter-expansion chamber from the arrival port;
  • means for moving the inner portion to the closed position are arranged to act on the inner portion independently of the outer portion;
  • a first elastic member is arranged to push the outer portion against a pressure in the counter-expansion chamber;
  • stop means are arranged between the inner and outer portions so as to interact when the outer portion is moved under the effect of pressure in the counter-expansion chamber.

On obtient ainsi un dispositif de détente permettant de couper son alimentation en fluide par déplacement de la portion interne de l'élément mobile. L'effort à fournir pour la coupure de l'alimentation est indépendant de l'effort exercé par l'élément élastique agissant sur la portion externe de l'élément mobile et qui correspond à la détente souhaitée. L'effort de manoeuvre, notamment pour le personnel médical dans le cas d'applications médicales (oxygène médicalisé) est réduit.There is thus obtained an expansion device for cutting off its fluid supply by moving the inner portion of the movable member. The force required to cut off the supply is independent of the force exerted by the elastic element acting on the outer portion of the movable element and corresponding to the desired expansion. The maneuvering force, especially for medical personnel in the case of medical applications (medical oxygen) is reduced.

Avantageusement, l'élément mobile comprend un piston définissant la paroi mobile de la contre chambre de détente. On obtient ainsi un dispositif de détente à piston comprenant une portion interne et une portion coaxiale externe.Advantageously, the movable element comprises a piston defining the movable wall of the counter-expansion chamber. There is thus obtained a piston expansion device comprising an inner portion and an outer coaxial portion.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation, l'élément mobile comprend un cylindre en appui sur une membrane. On obtient ainsi un dispositif de détente à membrane pouvant être mis en oeuvre pour des applications dans lesquelles l'utilisation d'une membrane est requise.According to another embodiment, the movable element comprises a cylinder resting on a membrane. Thus, a membrane expansion device can be implemented for applications in which the use of a membrane is required.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, les moyens de déplacement de la portion interne de l'élément mobile comprennent un élément élastique. Ainsi, l'effort amenant la portion interne du piston en position de fermeture est calibré par l'élément élastique qui limite la possibilité que l'utilisateur applique un effort excessif sur la portion interne susceptible d'endommager le port d'arrivée. La sensibilité de la fermeture au vieillissement est réduite. En effet, les efforts de fermeture au niveau de l'organe d'étanchéité sont quasiment constants et peu sensibles aux variations de pressions amont et aval, ce qui permet de mettre en oeuvre l'invention à une large palette de pressions (pression aval plus élevée) ou de détente (piston de plus gros diamètre).According to a particular embodiment, the displacement means of the inner portion of the movable element comprise an elastic element. Thus, the force bringing the inner portion of the piston in the closed position is calibrated by the elastic element which limits the possibility that the user applies an excessive force on the internal portion likely to damage the arrival port. The sensitivity of closure to aging is reduced. Indeed, the closing forces at the sealing member are almost constant and insensitive to variations in upstream and downstream pressures, which allows to implement the invention to a wide range of pressures (downstream pressure plus high) or relaxation (piston of larger diameter).

L'invention concerne également un ensemble robinet à détendeur intégré comprenant un dispositif précédemment défini et qui comprend en outre un étage de détente secondaire installé en aval du dispositif de détente.The invention also relates to an integrated pressure regulator valve assembly comprising a device previously defined and which further comprises a secondary expansion stage installed downstream of the expansion device.

BREVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINSBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Il sera fait référence aux figures annexées parmi lesquelles :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe d'un ensemble robinet détendeur intégrant un premier mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de détente selon l'invention dans une phase d'admission de fluide, la pression de détente n'étant pas encore atteinte;
  • la figure 2 est une vue identique à celle de la figure 1 dans laquelle le dispositif de détente est en fin de la phase de détente ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue identique à celle de la figure 1 dans laquelle l'alimentation en fluide est coupée ;
  • la figure 4 est une représentation schématique d'un ensemble robinet à détendeur intégré comprenant un dispositif de détente selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 5 est une représentation schématique d'un ensemble robinet à détendeur intégré intégrant un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de détente selon l'invention, dans laquelle l'alimentation en fluide est coupée ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue identique à celle de la figure 5, dans laquelle l'alimentation en fluide est ouverte, la pression de détente n'étant pas encore atteinte ;
  • la figure 7 est une vue identique à celle de la figure 6, dans laquelle le dispositif de détente est en fin de la phase de détente.
Reference will be made to the appended figures among which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of an expansion valve assembly incorporating a first embodiment of an expansion device according to the invention in a fluid intake phase, the expansion pressure has not yet been reached;
  • the figure 2 is a view identical to that of the figure 1 in which the expansion device is at the end of the expansion phase;
  • the figure 3 is a view identical to that of the figure 1 wherein the fluid supply is cut off;
  • the figure 4 is a schematic representation of an integrated pressure reducing valve assembly comprising an expansion device according to the invention;
  • the figure 5 is a schematic representation of an integrated pressure regulator valve assembly incorporating a second embodiment of an expansion device according to the invention, wherein the fluid supply is cut off;
  • the figure 6 is a view identical to that of the figure 5 wherein the fluid supply is open, the expansion pressure has not yet been reached;
  • the figure 7 is a view identical to that of the figure 6 in which the expansion device is at the end of the expansion phase.

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE L'INVENTIONDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

En référence à la figure 1, l'ensemble robinet à détendeur intégré selon l'invention, généralement désigné 1, comprend un corps 2 pourvu d'une extrémité filetée 3 apte à être vissée sur un réservoir d'un fluide tel qu'un gaz, pouvant être issu d'une bouteille d'oxygène médicalisé. L'extrémité 3 comprend un alésage 4 alimentant un port d'arrivée 5 de fluide qui débouche dans une chambre de détente 6. La chambre de détente 6 comprend un premier tronçon 6.1 cylindrique dans lequel débouche l'alésage 4 et qui débouche dans un deuxième tronçon 6.2. Le deuxième tronçon 6.2, comprend une partie annulaire entourant une partie du premier tronçon 6.1 en délimitant avec celui-ci un redan tubulaire 7 en saillie d'une surface annulaire 27 dans le deuxième tronçon 6.2. Le deuxième tronçon 6.2 de la chambre de détente 6 débouche dans un alésage 8 de diamètre supérieur à celui du deuxième tronçon 6.2. Un canal de sortie 9 relie une sortie 10 de fluide détendu avec un port de sortie 11 débouchant dans l'alésage 8. Un dernier alésage 14 est ménagé depuis la face du corps 2 opposée au port d'alimentation 5 pour déboucher dans l'alésage 8. Les tronçons 6.1 et 6.2 de la chambre de détente 6, l'alésage 8 et l'alésage 14 sont, ici, coaxiaux.With reference to the figure 1 , the valve assembly with built-in expansion valve according to the invention, generally designated 1, comprises a body 2 provided with a threaded end 3 adapted to be screwed onto a reservoir of a fluid such as a gas, which may be derived from a bottle of medicalized oxygen. The end 3 comprises a bore 4 supplying a fluid inlet port 5 which opens into an expansion chamber 6. The expansion chamber 6 comprises a first cylindrical section 6.1 into which the bore 4 opens and which opens into a second section 6.2. The second section 6.2, comprises an annular portion surrounding a portion of the first section 6.1 delimiting therewith a tubular step 7 projecting from an annular surface 27 in the second section 6.2. The second section 6.2 of the expansion chamber 6 opens into a bore 8 of diameter greater than that of the second section 6.2. An outlet channel 9 connects a fluid outlet 10 expanded with an outlet port 11 opening into the bore 8. A last bore 14 is formed from the face of the body 2 opposite the supply port 5 to open into the bore 8. The sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the expansion chamber 6, the bore 8 and the bore 14 are, here, coaxial.

L'alésage 8 reçoit un disque 12 dont la face opposée à l'alésage 14 définit un volume 13 en communication avec le tronçon 6.2 de la chambre de détente 6.The bore 8 receives a disk 12 whose opposite face to the bore 14 defines a volume 13 in communication with the section 6.2 of the expansion chamber 6.

Un piston 20, formant un élément mobile, s'étend dans la chambre de détente 6 et comprend une portion externe 21 sensiblement en forme de bague et une portion interne 22 tubulaire montée à coulissement dans la portion externe 21, coaxialement à la portion externe 21. La portion externe 21 du piston 20 comprend une rainure périphérique 23 qui accueille un joint torique 24 assurant l'étanchéité entre la portion externe 21 du piston 20 et la paroi du deuxième tronçon 6.2 de la chambre de détente 6. Un ressort 26 hélicoïdal est monté dans le deuxième tronçon 6.2 de la chambre de détente 6. Le ressort 26 possède une première extrémité 25 en appui contre la surface annulaire 27 en saillie de laquelle s'étend le redan tubulaire 7 et une deuxième extrémité 28 en appui sur la portion externe 21 du piston 20 de telle manière que le ressort 26 repousse le piston 20. La portion interne 22 du piston 20 comprend une première extrémité 22.1 engagée dans le premier tronçon 6.1 de la chambre de détente 6 et une deuxième extrémité 22.2 engagée dans un alésage 21.1 de la portion externe 21. Les deux extrémités 22.1 et 22.2 de la portion interne 22 du piston 20 comprennent respectivement des rainures 29 et 30 recevant respectivement un joint torique 31 et 32. La liaison entre la portion interne 22 et la paroi du premier tronçon 6.1 de la chambre de détente 6 ainsi que la liaison entre la portion interne 22 et la portion externe 21 du piston 20 sont donc étanches. Ainsi les portions externes 21 et interne 22 définissent avec le disque 12 une contre chambre de détente 40 qui comprend notamment le volume 13. L'extrémité 22.1 de la portion interne 22 comprend également un organe d'étanchéité, ici un tampon 33 en matière élastomère ou plastique faisant face au port d'arrivée 5 de fluide. Une première extrémité d'un canal axial 34 s'étendant longitudinalement dans la portion interne 22 alimente un conduit radial qui est ménagé transversalement dans la portion interne 22, entre le tampon 33 et le joint 31, de telle manière que le conduit radial débouche dans le premier tronçon 6.1 de la chambre de détente 6. L'autre extrémité du canal axial 34 débouche au niveau de l'extrémité 22.2 de la portion interne 22 dans la contre chambre de détente 40 et relie ainsi la chambre de détente 6 et la contre chambre de détente 40. La portion interne 22 comprend également une excroissance annulaire 35 sur laquelle s'appuie la première extrémité d'un ressort 36 hélicoïdal ayant une deuxième extrémité venant en appui sur une face frontale du redan tubulaire 7. Le ressort 36 est d'une section -et donc d'une raideur- inférieure à la section du ressort 26 et repousse la portion interne 22 contre un épaulement 37 de la portion externe 21.A piston 20, forming a movable element, extends in the expansion chamber 6 and comprises an outer portion 21 substantially in the form of a ring and an inner tubular portion 22 slidably mounted in the outer portion 21, coaxially with the outer portion 21 The outer portion 21 of the piston 20 comprises a peripheral groove 23 which accommodates an O-ring 24 sealing between the outer portion 21 of the piston 20 and the wall of the second section 6.2 of the expansion chamber 6. A helical spring 26 is mounted in the second section 6.2 of the expansion chamber 6. The spring 26 has a first end 25 bearing against the annular surface 27 projecting from which the tubular step 7 extends and a second end 28 bearing on the outer portion 21 of the piston 20 so that the spring 26 pushes the piston 20. The inner portion 22 of the piston 20 comprises a first end 22.1 engaged in the first tr member 6.1 of the expansion chamber 6 and a second end 22.2 engaged in a bore 21.1 of the outer portion 21. The two ends 22.1 and 22.2 of the inner portion 22 of the piston 20 respectively comprise grooves 29 and 30 respectively receiving an O-ring 31 and 32. The connection between the inner portion 22 and the wall of the first section 6.1 of the expansion chamber 6 and the connection between the inner portion 22 and the outer portion 21 of the piston 20 are sealed. Thus the outer portions 21 and inner 22 define with the disk 12 a counter-expansion chamber 40 which comprises in particular the volume 13. The end 22.1 of the inner portion 22 also comprises a sealing member, here a buffer 33 of elastomeric material or plastic facing the fluid inlet port 5. A first end of an axial channel 34 extending longitudinally in the inner portion 22 feeds a radial duct which is formed transversely in the inner portion 22, between the buffer 33 and the seal 31, so that the radial duct opens into the first section 6.1 of the expansion chamber 6. The other end of the axial channel 34 opens at the end 22.2 of the inner portion 22 in the counter-expansion chamber 40 and thus connects the expansion chamber 6 and against expansion chamber 40. The inner portion 22 also comprises an annular protrusion 35 on which rests the first end of a helical spring 36 having a second end bearing on a front face of the tubular step 7. The spring 36 is a section - and therefore a stiffness - lower than the section of the spring 26 and pushes the inner portion 22 against a shoulder 37 of the outer portion 21.

Le piston 20 peut donc se déplacer dans la chambre de détente 6 entre une position d'alimentation en fluide représentée en figure 1 dans laquelle la portion interne 22 découvre le port d'arrivée 5 et alimente la contre chambre de détente 40 en fluide vers une position d'isolement en fluide représentée en figure 2 dans laquelle la portion interne 22 ferme le port d'arrivée par mise en contact du tampon 33 avec le port d'arrivée 5 et isole ainsi fluidiquement la contre chambre de détente 40 du port d'arrivée 5. La contre chambre de détente 40 possède donc une paroi mobile définie par la surface du piston 20 faisant face au disque 12.The piston 20 can therefore move in the expansion chamber 6 between a fluid supply position represented in FIG. figure 1 wherein the inner portion 22 discovers the arrival port 5 and feeds the back flash chamber 40 with fluid to a fluid isolation position shown in FIG. figure 2 in which the inner portion 22 closes the arrival port by contacting the buffer 33 with the arrival port 5 and thus fluidly isolates the counter-chamber 40 of the arrival port 5. The counter-expansion chamber 40 thus has a movable wall defined by the surface of the piston 20 facing the disk 12.

Un ensemble levier-came 15 est logé dans l'alésage 14. Le disque 12 comprend un perçage 50 central débouchant dans le volume 13 et dont le diamètre est sensiblement égal à celui de la portion interne 22. Le perçage 50 accueille un téton 51 cylindrique venant en saillie du plateau 52 d'un poussoir 53 s'étendant dans l'alésage 14. Le téton 51 comprend une gorge 54 recevant un joint torique 55 venant en appui contre les parois du perçage 50. Un ressort 56 hélicoïdal s'étend entre le plateau 52 et une surface interne 57 d'un capuchon 58. Ce capuchon 58 est immobilisé dans l'alésage 14 au moyen d'une agrafe 60 coopérant avec une fraisure 59 et qui s'étend dans deux perçages réalisés perpendiculairement au plan de coupe. L'extrémité 61 du poussoir 53 opposée au téton 51 vient en saillie du corps 2 et comprend une rainure 62 circonférentielle. Un levier 63 est articulé autour d'un axe 64 traversant radialement l'extrémité 61 du poussoir 53. Le levier 63 est pourvu d'un système de maintien en position comprenant une bille 65 contrainte par un ressort 66 à coopérer avec la rainure 62 et qui permet le blocage sélectif du levier 63 dans une première position (représentée en figure 1) ou une deuxième position (représentée en figure 3) correspondant à une rotation du levier 63 de 180° autour de l'axe 64. Le point d'articulation du levier 63 sur l'axe 64 ainsi que sa géométrie sont définis de manière à ce que le levier 63 présente un profil de came qui, sous l'effet du ressort 56, provoque un déplacement du piston 53 vers le port d'arrivée 5 lorsqu'il passe de la première à la deuxième position. Ainsi, le passage du levier 63 de la première à la deuxième position entraîne un déplacement du téton 51 qui vient alors en appui sur la seule portion interne 22 du piston 20 et agit sur celle-ci indépendamment de la portion externe 21. Ce déplacement amène le tampon 33 en contact avec le port d'arrivée 5 et obture celui-ci. Cette situation est représentée en figure 3.A lever-cam assembly 15 is housed in the bore 14. The disc 12 comprises a central bore 50 opening into the volume 13 and whose diameter is substantially equal to that of the inner portion 22. The bore 50 accommodates a cylindrical stud 51 projecting from the plate 52 of a pusher 53 extending into the bore 14. The pin 51 comprises a groove 54 receiving an O-ring 55 bearing against the walls of the bore 50. A coil spring 56 extends between the plate 52 and an inner surface 57 of a cap 58. This cap 58 is immobilized in the bore 14 by means of a clip 60 cooperating with a countersink 59 and which extends in two bores made perpendicularly to the cutting plane . The end 61 of the pusher 53 opposite the stud 51 projects from the body 2 and comprises a circumferential groove 62. A lever 63 is articulated around an axis 64 radially crossing the end 61 of the pusher 53. The lever 63 is provided with a holding system comprising a ball 65 constrained by a spring 66 to cooperate with the groove 62 and which allows the selective locking of the lever 63 in a first position (represented in FIG. figure 1 ) or a second position (represented in figure 3 ) corresponding to a rotation of the lever 63 of 180 ° about the axis 64. The point of articulation of the lever 63 on the axis 64 and its geometry are defined so that the lever 63 has a cam profile which, under the effect of the spring 56, causes a displacement of the piston 53 to the arrival port 5 when it passes from the first to the second position. Thus, the passage of the lever 63 from the first to the second position causes a displacement of the pin 51 which then bears on the single inner portion 22 of the piston 20 and acts on it independently of the outer portion 21. This movement brings the buffer 33 into contact with the arrival port 5 and closes it. This situation is represented in figure 3 .

On obtient alors une ouverture/fermeture de vanne en un demi tour, permettant d'avoir des positions fixes et identifiables du moyen de manoeuvre de vanne.This results in a valve opening / closing in half a turn, allowing to have fixed and identifiable positions of the valve operating means.

Le fonctionnement du dispositif 1 va être décrit en référence aux figures 1 à 3. Le levier 15 étant dans sa première position (figure 1), le fluide sous pression entre par le port d'arrivée 5 dans le premier tronçon 6.1 de la chambre de détente 6 et circule à travers le canal 34 pour envahir la contre chambre de détente 40. Une fois que la résultante sur le piston 20 de la pression dans la contre chambre de détente 40 est supérieure à l'effort exercé par le ressort 26 sur la portion externe 21 à l'encontre de cette pression, les portions interne 22 et externe 21 du piston 20 se déplacent depuis la position de pleine ouverture du port d'arrivée 5 (représenté en figure 1), jusqu'à une position de fermeture du port d'arrivée 5 (représenté en figure 2). A ce moment, les pressions régnant respectivement dans le premier tronçon 6.1 de la chambre de détente 6 et dans la contre chambre de détente 40 sont égales à la pression de détente. L'équipement à alimenter connecté à la sortie 10 reçoit alors la pression détendue. La pression régnant dans le premier tronçon 6.1 de la chambre de détente 6 et dans la contre chambre de détente 40 diminue au fur et à mesure de la consommation de fluide détendu par l'équipement connecté à la sortie 10 jusqu'à atteindre une valeur insuffisante pour contrer l'effort de rappel du ressort 26 qui ramène alors le piston 20 en position de pleine ouverture du port d'arrivée 5 (figure 1). Un nouveau cycle de détente peut alors commencer.The operation of the device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 . Lever 15 being in its first position ( figure 1 ), the pressurized fluid enters the inlet port 5 in the first section 6.1 of the expansion chamber 6 and circulates through the channel 34 to invade the counter-expansion chamber 40. Once the resultant on the piston 20 the pressure in the counter-expansion chamber 40 is greater than the force exerted by the spring 26 on the outer portion 21 against this pressure, the inner 22 and outer 21 portions of the piston 20 move from the position of full opening of the arrival port 5 (represented in figure 1 ), to a closing position of the arrival port 5 (shown in FIG. figure 2 ). At this time, the pressures respectively in the first section 6.1 of the expansion chamber 6 and in the counter-expansion chamber 40 are equal to the expansion pressure. The equipment to be supplied connected to the output 10 then receives the relaxed pressure. The pressure in the first section 6.1 of the expansion chamber 6 and in the counter-expansion chamber 40 decreases as the consumption of fluid expanded by the equipment connected to the output 10 to reach a value insufficient to counter the return force of the spring 26 which then returns the piston 20 to the fully open position of the arrival port 5 ( figure 1 ). A new relaxation cycle can then begin.

Lorsqu'il souhaite couper l'alimentation en fluide du dispositif de détente 1, l'utilisateur fait passer le levier 15 de la première position représentée en figure 1 à la deuxième position représentée en figure 3. Lors de ce déplacement, le téton 51 vient en appui sur la portion interne 22 du piston 20 et, sous l'effet du ressort 56, amène la portion interne 22 en position de fermeture du port d'arrivée 5.When he wants to cut off the power supply fluid of the expansion device 1, the user moves the lever 15 from the first position shown in FIG. figure 1 at the second position represented in figure 3 . During this movement, the pin 51 bears on the inner portion 22 of the piston 20 and, under the effect of the spring 56, brings the inner portion 22 in the closed position of the arrival port 5.

Outre une compacité améliorée, le dispositif de détente 1 selon l'invention présente plusieurs avantages par rapport aux solutions existantes. L'effort exercé par la portion interne 22 sur le port d'arrivée 5 est calibré et défini par le ressort 56, le dispositif selon l'invention préserve donc le port d'arrivée et assure une bonne durabilité de l'étanchéité de celui-ci en position de fermeture. L'effort requis pour ouvrir l'alimentation en fluide est plus important que l'effort nécessaire à la coupure de l'alimentation. Ainsi, en cas de choc sur le levier, celui-ci est plus enclin à adopter une position de coupure de l'alimentation ou à rester en position de coupure de l'alimentation, hormis dans la zone de pleine ouverture où le levier est maintenu par une troncature dans la came. Il est possible de réaliser le levier en une matière fusible, telle qu'une matière synthétique, dont la fonte libérera le ressort 56 et amènera la portion interne 22 en position de fermeture du port d'arrivée 5. Ainsi, les exigences normatives du test de flamme sont-elles assurées automatiquement.In addition to improved compactness, the expansion device 1 according to the invention has several advantages over existing solutions. The force exerted by the inner portion 22 on the arrival port 5 is calibrated and defined by the spring 56, the device according to the invention thus preserves the arrival port and ensures a good durability of the seal of this- ci in closed position. The effort required to open the fluid supply is more important than the effort required to cut off the power supply. Thus, in the event of impact on the lever, the lever is more inclined to adopt a power cut-off position or to remain in the power-off position, except in the zone of full opening where the lever is maintained. by a truncation in the cam. It is possible to realize the lever in a fuse material, such as a synthetic material, whose cast iron will release the spring 56 and bring the inner portion 22 in the closed position of the arrival port 5. Thus, the normative requirements of the test are they automatically insured?

La disposition particulière des étages de détente et du dispositif de fermeture du port d'arrivée réduit le cheminement de la haute pression et interdit tout phénomène de compression adiabatique associé à une ouverture trop rapide de vanne surtout en utilisation avec de l'oxygène. Ceci augmente encore la sécurité du dispositif.The particular arrangement of the expansion stages and the closing device of the arrival port reduces the path of the high pressure and prohibits any adiabatic compression phenomenon associated with an opening too fast valve especially in use with oxygen. This further increases the security of the device.

Selon un mode de réalisation préférentiel représenté en figure 4, le dispositif de détente 1 selon l'invention est intégré à un ensemble robinet à détendeur intégré 70 comprenant un étage de détente secondaire 71 installé en aval du dispositif de détente 1. L'ensemble robinet à détendeur intégré 70 peut également comprendre un ou plusieurs des équipements suivants:

  • un manomètre 72 indiquant la pression régnant dans la bouteille à laquelle est connecté l'ensemble robinet à détendeur intégré 70 ;
  • un clapet de pression résiduelle 73 et un filtre 74 situés en amont du dispositif 1 ;
  • un second filtre 75 situé entre le dispositif 1 et l'étage de détente secondaire 71 ;
  • un débilitre 76 situé en amont d'un raccord de sortie 77 ;
  • une soupape de sécurité 78 située entre la sortie de l'étage de détente secondaire 71 et le débilitre 76 ;
  • une soupape de sécurité 84 située entre la sortie de l'ensemble robinet détendeur 1 et l'entrée de la détente secondaire 71 ;
  • un port 79 de remplissage de la bouteille à laquelle est connecté l'ensemble robinet à détendeur intégré 70. Ce port 79 pouvant être monté en série avec un clapet de remplissage 80 et un filtre de remplissage 81.
According to a preferred embodiment represented in figure 4 the expansion device 1 according to the invention is integrated with an integrated pressure regulator valve assembly 70 comprising a secondary expansion stage 71 installed downstream of the expansion device 1. The integrated pressure regulator valve assembly 70 may also comprise one or more following equipment:
  • a pressure gauge 72 indicating the pressure in the bottle to which is connected the integrated pressure regulator valve assembly 70;
  • a residual pressure valve 73 and a filter 74 located upstream of the device 1;
  • a second filter 75 located between the device 1 and the secondary expansion stage 71;
  • a debiliter 76 located upstream of an outlet connector 77;
  • a safety valve 78 located between the outlet of the secondary expansion stage 71 and the debiliter 76;
  • a safety valve 84 located between the outlet of the expansion valve assembly 1 and the inlet of the secondary expansion 71;
  • a bottle filling port 79 to which is connected the integral pressure regulator valve assembly 70. This port 79 can be mounted in series with a filling valve 80 and a filling filter 81.

Une version médicalisée pourra également être pourvue d'un limiteur de débit 82 implanté en amont du filtre 74 ainsi que d'une sortie pression 83.A medical version may also be provided with a flow limiter 82 located upstream of the filter 74 and a pressure outlet 83.

D'autres dispositifs tel que des éclateurs thermiques, clapet de surpression et/ou anti-retour peuvent également être prévus.Other devices such as thermal sparkers, pressure relief valve and / or non-return can also be provided.

Les éléments identiques ou analogues à ceux précédemment décrits porteront une référence numérique identique à ceux-ci dans la description qui suit d'un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention.The elements identical or similar to those previously described will bear a reference numerical identical to these in the following description of a second embodiment of the invention.

En référence à la figure 5, l'ensemble robinet à détendeur intégré selon l'invention, généralement désigné 1, comprend un corps 2 pourvu d'un alésage 4 alimentant un port d'arrivée 5 de fluide qui débouche dans une chambre de détente 6. La chambre de détente 6 comprend un premier tronçon 106.1 cylindrique dans lequel débouche l'alésage 4 et qui est en communication fluidique via un alésage 107 avec un deuxième tronçon 106.2 de la chambre de détente 6. Une sortie 10 de fluide détendu débouche dans le deuxième tronçon 106.2 de la chambre de détente. L'extrémité de l'alésage 107 débouchant dans le premier tronçon 106.1 de la chambre de détente 6 comprend une portion évasée 108. La portion 109 du deuxième tronçon 106.2 de la chambre de détente 6 faisant face à l'alésage 107 est fermée de manière étanche par une membrane 110, ici en caoutchouc, comprenant une pastille centrale 111 rigide. Un cylindre 112, est en appui sur la pastille centrale 111 et s'étend en saillie dans la deuxième portion 106.2 de la chambre de détente 6. Ce cylindre 112 comprend une paroi transversale 112.1 faisant face à la membrane 110.With reference to the figure 5 , the integrated pressure regulator valve assembly according to the invention, generally designated 1, comprises a body 2 provided with a bore 4 supplying a fluid inlet port 5 which opens into an expansion chamber 6. The expansion chamber 6 comprises a first cylindrical section 106.1 in which the bore 4 opens and which is in fluid communication via a bore 107 with a second section 106.2 of the expansion chamber 6. A release 10 of the expanded fluid opens into the second section 106.2 of the chamber of relaxation. The end of the bore 107 opening into the first section 106.1 of the expansion chamber 6 comprises a flared portion 108. The portion 109 of the second section 106.2 of the expansion chamber 6 facing the bore 107 is closed sealed by a membrane 110, here rubber, comprising a central pellet 111 rigid. A cylinder 112 bears on the central pellet 111 and protrudes into the second portion 106.2 of the expansion chamber 6. This cylinder 112 comprises a transverse wall 112.1 facing the membrane 110.

Un piston 120 cylindrique, formant un élément mobile, s'étend à coulissement dans la chambre de détente 6 au travers de l'alésage 107 et comprend une première extrémité 120.1 s'étendant dans la première portion 106.1 de la chambre de détente 106. La première extrémité 120.1 du piston 120 comprend une section conique 121 pourvue d'une gorge circulaire 122 d'accueil d'un joint torique 123. La deuxième extrémité 120.2 du piston 120 traverse à coulissement la paroi transversale 112.1. Le piston 120 comprend un canal axial 34 débouchant radialement selon un premier canal 125 au niveau de la base de la section conique 121 et selon un deuxième canal radial 126 au niveau de la deuxième portion 106.2 de la chambre de détente 6. Enfin, le canal 34 débouche également, au niveau de la deuxième extrémité 120.2 du piston 120 dans une cavité 127 définie par le cylindre 112, la paroi transversale 112.1 et la pastille centrale 111. La deuxième extrémité 120.2 du piston 120 comprend également une rondelle 128 s'étendant radialement dans la cavité 127. La rondelle 128 réalise une venue en butée du piston 120 contre la paroi transversale 112.1.A cylindrical piston 120, forming a movable element, slidably extends into the expansion chamber 6 through the bore 107 and includes a first end 120.1 extending into the first portion 106.1 of the expansion chamber 106. first end 120.1 of the piston 120 comprises a conical section 121 provided with a circular groove 122 for receiving an O-ring 123. The second end 120.2 of the piston 120 slidably traverses the transverse wall 112.1. The piston 120 comprises an axial channel 34 opening radially along a first channel 125 at the base of the conical section 121 and along a second radial channel 126 at the second portion 106.2 of the expansion chamber. 6. Finally, the channel 34 also opens, at the second end 120.2 of the piston 120 into a cavity 127 defined by the cylinder 112, the transverse wall 112.1 and the central pellet 111. The second end 120.2 of the piston 120 also comprises a washer 128 extending radially in the cavity 127. The washer 128 provides an abutment of the piston 120 against the transverse wall 112.1.

Les première et deuxième portions 106.1 et 106.2 de la chambre de détente 6, l'alésage 107, le piston 120, le cylindre 112, la pastille 111 et la membrane 109 sont coaxiaux.The first and second portions 106.1 and 106.2 of the expansion chamber 6, the bore 107, the piston 120, the cylinder 112, the pellet 111 and the membrane 109 are coaxial.

La paroi 112.1 définit alors une paroi mobile-en raison de la souplesse de la membrane 109-d'une contre chambre de détente 40 comprenant une portion externe, à savoir la paroi 112.1 et une portion interne, à savoir le piston 120, montée coaxialement. Le piston 120 peut prendre deux positions : une première position représentée en figure 5 dans laquelle la section conique 121 du piston 120 coopère avec la portion évasée 108 de l'alésage 120. Cette portion évasée 108 fait office de siège pour la section conique 121 contre lequel le joint torique 123 est compressé, isolant alors fluidiquement du port d'arrivée 5, la deuxième portion 106.2 de la chambre de détente 6 ainsi que la contre chambre de détente 40. En effet, le premier canal 125 n'est plus alimenté par le fluide distribué par l'alésage 4 dans la première portion de la chambre de détente 106.1. La deuxième position du piston 120 est représentée en figure 6 et correspond à une position dans laquelle la section conique 121 du piston 120 n'est plus en contact avec la portion évasée 108 de l'alésage 107. Dans cette position, le fluide distribué dans la première portion 106.1 de la chambre de détente 6 par l'alésage 4 est acheminé jusqu'à la contre chambre de détente 40 par la succession des canaux 124-125 et 126. Un équilibrage en pression de l'espace 127 est également réalisé.The wall 112.1 then defines a movable wall-because of the flexibility of the membrane 109 of a counter-expansion chamber 40 comprising an outer portion, namely the wall 112.1 and an inner portion, namely the piston 120, mounted coaxially . The piston 120 can take two positions: a first position represented in figure 5 in which the conical section 121 of the piston 120 cooperates with the flared portion 108 of the bore 120. This flared portion 108 serves as a seat for the conical section 121 against which the O-ring 123 is compressed, thus isolating fluidically from the port of arrival 5, the second portion 106.2 of the expansion chamber 6 and the counter-expansion chamber 40. Indeed, the first channel 125 is no longer supplied by the fluid dispensed by the bore 4 in the first portion of the chamber relaxing 106.1. The second position of the piston 120 is represented in figure 6 and corresponds to a position in which the conical section 121 of the piston 120 is no longer in contact with the flared portion 108 of the bore 107. In this position, the fluid distributed in the first portion 106.1 of the expansion chamber 6 by the bore 4 is conveyed to the counter chamber of relaxation 40 by the succession of channels 124-125 and 126. Pressure balancing of the space 127 is also realized.

L'ensemble robinet à détendeur intégré 1 comprend également un capot 129 cylindrique faisant face à la surface de la membrane 109 opposée à celle définissant la cavité 127 et qui définit un volume 130. Un ressort 26 hélicoïdal est monté dans le volume 130 et possède une première extrémité 25 en appui contre une surface transversale 131 du capot 129 et une deuxième extrémité 28 en appui sur la pastille centrale 111 de la membrane 110 de telle manière que le ressort 26 repousse la pastille 111 et le cylindre 112. Un deuxième ressort 36 hélicoïdal s'étend dans la cavité 127 entre la pastille 111 et la rondelle 128. Le ressort 36 est d'une section -et donc d'une raideur- inférieure à la section du ressort 26 et repousse la rondelle 128 contre la paroi 112.1.The integral pressure regulator valve assembly 1 also includes a cylindrical hood 129 facing the surface of the membrane 109 opposite to that defining the cavity 127 and defining a volume 130. A coil spring 26 is mounted in the volume 130 and has a first end 25 bearing against a transverse surface 131 of the cover 129 and a second end 28 bearing on the central pellet 111 of the membrane 110 so that the spring 26 pushes the pellet 111 and the cylinder 112. A second coil spring 36 extends in the cavity 127 between the pellet 111 and the washer 128. The spring 36 is of a section - and therefore of a stiffness - less than the section of the spring 26 and pushes the washer 128 against the wall 112.1.

Un ensemble levier-came 15 commande le déplacement d'un poussoir 132 entre une position d'alimentation de la contre chambre de détente 40 en fluide représentée en figure 6 (première position du levier 15) et une position d'isolement en fluide de la contre chambre de détente 40 représentée en figure 5 (deuxième position du levier 15). L'ensemble levier-came 15 libère l'action d'un ressort hélicoïdal 56 qui vient en appui sur la première extrémité 120.1 du piston 120 et déplace donc celui-ci indépendamment de la paroi 112.1.A lever-cam assembly 15 controls the movement of a pusher 132 between a supply position of the fluid counter-chamber 40 shown in FIG. figure 6 (first position of the lever 15) and a fluid isolation position of the counter-expansion chamber 40 shown in FIG. figure 5 (second position of the lever 15). The lever-cam assembly releases the action of a helical spring 56 which bears on the first end 120.1 of the piston 120 and therefore moves it independently of the wall 112.1.

Le fonctionnement du dispositif 1 va être décrit en référence aux figures 5 à 7. Le levier 15 étant dans sa première position (figure 6), le fluide sous pression entre par le port d'arrivée 5 dans le premier tronçon 106.1 de la chambre de détente 6, pénètre dans le canal 125 et circule à travers le canal 34 pour envahir la contre chambre de détente 40 via le canal 126. Une fois que la résultante sur la paroi 120.1 de la pression dans la contre chambre de détente 40 (ajoutée à la pression s'exerçant sur l'extrémité 120.1 du piston 120) est supérieure à l'effort exercé par le ressort 26 sur le cylindre 120 à l'encontre de cette pression, les portions interne et externe de la paroi mobile 112.1 se déplacent depuis la position d'alimentation en fluide de la contre chambre 40 (représentée en figure 6), jusqu'à une position d'isolement fluidique de la contre chambre 40 de détente par rapport au port d'arrivée 5 (représentée en figure 7). A ce moment, la pression régnant dans la contre chambre de détente 40 est égale à la pression de détente. L'équipement à alimenter connecté à la sortie 10 reçoit alors le fluide à la pression détendue. La pression régnant dans la contre chambre de détente 40 diminue au fur et à mesure de la consommation de fluide détendu par l'équipement connecté à la sortie 10 jusqu'à atteindre une valeur insuffisante pour contrer l'effort de rappel du ressort 26 qui ramène alors le piston 20 en position de pleine ouverture du port d'arrivée 5 (figure 6). Un nouveau cycle de détente peut alors commencer.The operation of the device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7 . Lever 15 being in its first position ( figure 6 ), the pressurized fluid enters the inlet port 5 in the first section 106.1 of the expansion chamber 6, enters the channel 125 and flows through the channel 34 to invade the counter-chamber 40 via the channel 126 Once the resultant on the wall 120.1 of the pressure in the counter chamber of relaxation 40 (added to the pressure exerted on the end 120.1 of the piston 120) is greater than the force exerted by the spring 26 on the cylinder 120 against this pressure, the inner and outer portions of the movable wall 112.1 move from the position fluid supply of the counter chamber 40 (shown in FIG. figure 6 ), to a position of fluidic isolation of the counter chamber 40 from expansion relative to the arrival port 5 (shown in FIG. figure 7 ). At this moment, the pressure in the counter-expansion chamber 40 is equal to the expansion pressure. The equipment to be supplied connected to the outlet 10 then receives the fluid at the relaxed pressure. The pressure in the counter-expansion chamber 40 decreases as fluid consumption expanded by the equipment connected to the output 10 to reach a value insufficient to counter the return force of the spring 26 which brings back then the piston 20 in fully open position of the arrival port 5 ( figure 6 ). A new relaxation cycle can then begin.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation décrits, mais englobe toute variante entrant dans le champ de l'invention telle que définie par les revendications.Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but encompasses any variant within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

En particulier :

  • bien qu'ici, le fluide à détendre soit de l'oxygène médicalisé, l'invention s'applique à tout type de fluide comme par exemple les gaz de soudage, les carburants gazeux, les gaz d'inertage ;
  • bien qu'ici le déplacement de la portion interne du piston soit assuré par un ensemble levier-came, l'invention s'applique également à d'autres types de moyens de déplacement de la portion interne comme par exemple un bouton-poussoir, un poussoir à visser, un levier simple ou un actionneur mécanique ;
  • bien qu'ici le levier et la came soient réalisés en une seule pièce, l'invention s'applique également à un levier actionnant une came distincte du levier ;
  • bien qu'ici la portion interne du piston soit ramenée en butée contre la portion externe du piston par un ressort hélicoïdal, l'invention s'applique également à d'autres types d'éléments élastiques comme par exemple des tampons élastomères ou des rondelles Belleville ;
  • bien qu'ici la portion externe du piston soit repoussée par un ressort hélicoïdal à l'encontre d'une pression dans la contre chambre de détente, l'invention s'applique également d'autres types d'éléments élastiques comme par exemple des tampons élastomères ou des rondelles Belleville ;
  • bien qu'ici la portion interne du piston comprenne une excroissance annulaire qui vient en butée sur un alésage de la portion externe du piston, l'invention s'applique également à d'autres moyens de butée comme par exemple une dent unique en saillie radiale de l'élément interne ou un épaulement dans la portion interne venant en butée sur la portion externe ;
  • bien qu'ici l'organe d'étanchéité comprenne un tampon 33 en matière élastomère ou plastique, l'invention s'applique à d'autres types d'organes d'étanchéité comme par exemple une étanchéité métal/métal ou une portion re-couverte de téflon ;
  • bien qu'ici les opérations de fermeture et d'ouverture soient réalisées en un demi tour de levier, l'invention s'applique également à des opérations de fermeture et d'ouverture réalisées à l'aide d'un quart de tour du levier ou à une indexation selon plusieurs positions du levier pouvant correspondre à des états intermédiaires d'ouverture partielle, ces positions intermédiaires pouvant être maintenues par clip ou par frottement ;
  • bien qu'ici la membrane soit en caoutchouc, l'invention s'applique également à d'autres types de membranes comme par exemple une membrane en élastomère, métallique ou tout autre matériau étanche et souple.
In particular :
  • although here, the fluid to be released is medicalized oxygen, the invention applies to any type of fluid such as welding gases, gaseous fuels, inerting gases;
  • although here the displacement of the inner portion of the piston is provided by a lever-cam assembly, the invention is also applicable to other types of means for moving the inner portion such as a push button, a screw driver, single lever or mechanical actuator;
  • although here the lever and the cam are made in one piece, the invention also applies to a lever actuating a cam separate from the lever;
  • although here the inner portion of the piston is brought into abutment against the outer portion of the piston by a coil spring, the invention is also applicable to other types of elastic elements such as elastomeric pads or Belleville washers ;
  • although here the outer portion of the piston is pushed by a helical spring against a pressure in the counter-expansion chamber, the invention also applies other types of elastic elements such as buffers elastomers or Belleville washers;
  • although here the inner portion of the piston comprises an annular protrusion which abuts on a bore of the outer portion of the piston, the invention also applies to other abutment means such as for example a single tooth radially projecting the inner member or a shoulder in the inner portion abutting the outer portion;
  • although here the sealing member comprises a buffer 33 of elastomeric or plastic material, the invention is applicable to other types of sealing members such as a metal / metal seal or a portion covered with teflon;
  • although here the closing and opening operations are performed in a half turn of the lever, the invention also applies to closing and opening operations performed using a quarter turn of the lever or indexing according to several positions of the lever that can correspond to intermediate states of partial opening, these intermediate positions can be held by clip or friction;
  • although here the membrane is rubber, the invention is also applicable to other types of membranes such as an elastomeric membrane, metal or other waterproof and flexible material.

Claims (7)

Dispositif de détente (1) d'un fluide, le dispositif comprenant une chambre de détente (6) pourvue d'un port d'arrivée (5) et d'un port de sortie (11), un élément mobile (20) déplaçable dans la chambre de détente (6) entre une position d'alimentation et une position d'isolement en fluide d'une contre chambre de détente (40) ayant une paroi mobile reliée à l'élément mobile (20), l'élément mobile (20) comprenant un canal (34) reliant la chambre de détente (6) et la contre chambre de détente (40), caractérisé en ce que : - la paroi mobile de la contre chambre de détente (40) comprend une portion externe (21) et une portion interne (22) montée coaxialement à la portion externe (21) pour coulisser de la position d'alimentation dans laquelle la portion interne (22) alimente la contre chambre de détente en fluide vers la position d'isolement en fluide dans laquelle la portion interne (22) isole fluidiquement la contre chambre de détente du port d'arrivée; - des moyens de déplacement (15) de la portion interne (22) vers la position de fermeture sont agencés pour agir sur la portion interne (22) indépendamment de la portion externe (21) ; - un premier élément élastique (26) est agencé pour repousser la portion externe (21) à l'encontre d'une pression dans la contre chambre de détente (40) ; - des moyens de butée (35, 37) sont disposés entre les portions interne (22) et externe (21) de manière à interagir lorsque la portion externe (21) est déplacée sous l'effet d'une pression dans la contre chambre de détente (40). Device for the expansion (1) of a fluid, the device comprising an expansion chamber (6) provided with an inlet port (5) and an outlet port (11), a displaceable movable element (20) in the expansion chamber (6) between a supply position and a fluid isolation position of a counter-expansion chamber (40) having a movable wall connected to the movable element (20), the movable element (20) comprising a channel (34) connecting the expansion chamber (6) and the counter-expansion chamber (40), characterized in that : the movable wall of the counter-expansion chamber (40) comprises an outer portion (21) and an inner portion (22) mounted coaxially with the outer portion (21) to slide from the feed position in which the inner portion ( 22) feeds the counter fluid expansion chamber to the fluid isolation position in which the inner portion (22) fluidly isolates the counter-expansion chamber from the arrival port; moving means (15) for moving the inner portion (22) towards the closed position are arranged to act on the inner portion (22) independently of the outer portion (21); a first elastic element (26) is arranged to push the outer portion (21) against a pressure in the counter-expansion chamber (40); - stop means (35, 37) are arranged between the inner (22) and outer (21) portions so as to interact when the outer portion (21) is moved under the effect of pressure in the counter chamber of relaxation (40). Dispositif de détente (1) d'un fluide selon la revendication 1 dans lequel l'élément mobile (20) comprend un piston (20) définissant la paroi mobile de la contre chambre de détente (40).An expansion device (1) for a fluid according to claim 1 wherein the movable member (20) comprises a piston (20) defining the movable wall of the against relaxation chamber (40). Dispositif de détente (1) d'un fluide selon la revendication 1 dans lequel l'élément mobile (20) comprend un cylindre 112.1 en appui sur une membrane (110).An expansion device (1) of a fluid according to claim 1 wherein the movable member (20) comprises a cylinder 112.1 resting on a membrane (110). Dispositif de détente (1) de fluide selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les moyens de déplacement (15) de la portion interne (22) du piston (20) comprennent un élément élastique (56).A fluid expansion device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the displacement means (15) of the inner portion (22) of the piston (20) comprises a resilient member (56). Dispositif de détente (1) de fluide selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel les moyens de déplacement (15) comprennent un levier (63) actionnant une came.A fluid expansion device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the displacement means (15) comprises a cam actuating lever (63). Dispositif de détente (1) de fluide selon la revendication 1 dans lequel la portion interne (22) du piston (20) est ramenée en butée contre la portion externe (21) du piston (20) par un deuxième élément élastique (36).An expansion device (1) fluid according to claim 1 wherein the inner portion (22) of the piston (20) is brought into abutment against the outer portion (21) of the piston (20) by a second elastic member (36). Ensemble robinet à détendeur intégré (70) comprenant un dispositif (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, l'ensemble (70) comprenant un étage de détente secondaire (71) installé en aval du dispositif de détente (1).An integral pressure regulator valve assembly (70) comprising a device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the assembly (70) comprising a secondary expansion stage (71) installed downstream of the expansion device (1).
EP15175993.3A 2014-07-28 2015-07-09 Valve closure device by actuating the expansion valve Active EP3002499B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1457305A FR3024204B1 (en) 2014-07-28 2014-07-28 VALVE CLOSING DEVICE BY OPERATING THE RELIEF VALVE

Publications (2)

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EP3002499A1 true EP3002499A1 (en) 2016-04-06
EP3002499B1 EP3002499B1 (en) 2018-10-24

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EP15175993.3A Active EP3002499B1 (en) 2014-07-28 2015-07-09 Valve closure device by actuating the expansion valve

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EP (1) EP3002499B1 (en)
FR (1) FR3024204B1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113167439A (en) * 2018-10-11 2021-07-23 卢森堡专利公司 Gas pressure reducer with cam-commanded shut-off valve
EP4145039A1 (en) * 2021-08-04 2023-03-08 Lincoln Global, Inc. Valve with integrated pressure regulator

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102017007628A1 (en) * 2017-08-12 2019-02-14 Hydac Technology Gmbh security system
LU100958B1 (en) 2018-10-11 2020-04-14 Luxembourg Patent Co Gas pressure reducer with integrated shut-off valve

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0811900A1 (en) * 1996-06-05 1997-12-10 Taema Gas control and dispensing assembly for gas cylinder
WO2006011023A1 (en) * 2004-07-21 2006-02-02 African Oxygen Limited Multifunctional valve unit
US7089956B1 (en) * 2003-11-14 2006-08-15 Gilbert Davidson Portable gas delivery device with impact protection
WO2012010817A1 (en) * 2010-07-20 2012-01-26 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Closure device
WO2013124187A1 (en) * 2012-02-20 2013-08-29 Luxembourg Patent Company S.A. Pressure reducer with flywheel for closing and putting into service

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0811900A1 (en) * 1996-06-05 1997-12-10 Taema Gas control and dispensing assembly for gas cylinder
US7089956B1 (en) * 2003-11-14 2006-08-15 Gilbert Davidson Portable gas delivery device with impact protection
WO2006011023A1 (en) * 2004-07-21 2006-02-02 African Oxygen Limited Multifunctional valve unit
WO2012010817A1 (en) * 2010-07-20 2012-01-26 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Closure device
WO2013124187A1 (en) * 2012-02-20 2013-08-29 Luxembourg Patent Company S.A. Pressure reducer with flywheel for closing and putting into service

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113167439A (en) * 2018-10-11 2021-07-23 卢森堡专利公司 Gas pressure reducer with cam-commanded shut-off valve
EP4145039A1 (en) * 2021-08-04 2023-03-08 Lincoln Global, Inc. Valve with integrated pressure regulator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3002499B1 (en) 2018-10-24
FR3024204B1 (en) 2016-07-15
FR3024204A1 (en) 2016-01-29

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