WO2013164634A1

WO2013164634A1 - Pressure regulator

Info

Publication number: WO2013164634A1
Application number: PCT/GB2013/051156
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan Brooks; Richard Edwards
Original assignee: Norgren Limited
Priority date: 2012-05-04
Filing date: 2013-05-03
Publication date: 2013-11-07
Also published as: GB201207833D0

Abstract

A pressure regulator (100) is provided. The pressure regulator (100) includes a housing (101) with a first fluid port (104) and a second fluid port (105). The pressure regulator (100) further includes a valve assembly (106) movable within the housing to selectively open a fluid passage between the first and second fluid ports (104, 105). A first biasing member (110) is provided that biases the valve assembly (106) in a first direction to close the fluid passage between the first and second fluid ports (104, 105). A second biasing member (112) is provided that biases the valve assembly (106) in a second direction opposite the first direction to open the fluid passage between the first and second fluid ports (104, 105). The pressure regulator (100) further includes an actuator (111) contacting the second biasing member (112) and movable with respect to the housing (101) to change a biasing force of the second biasing member (112).

Description

PRESSURE REGULATOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments described below relate to, pressure regulators, and more particularly, to a pressure regulator with an integral valve.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pressure regulators are generally known in the art for reducing a high input pressure to a lower (regulated) output operating pressure. Many pressure regulators operate by limiting the size of the fluid flow path through which the input pressure is allowed to flow in order to decrease the pressure to a suitable output pressure. Often, the pressure regulator is provided with a flexible diaphragm that is biased using a spring to press a valve member against a valve seat. The force of the spring is often adjusted so the valve opens at a predetermined pressure, resulting in a set outlet pressure. Some prior art systems adjust the spring force using a twisting screw cap or the like. An example of such a prior art pressure regulator can be seen in WO/2011/073622 assigned on its face to the present applicants. The pressure regulator shown in the '622 publication includes a screw cap that can be adjusted to change the compression of a spring that acts on the regulating diaphragm. The adjustment to the spring therefore can change the pressure required to act on the opposite side of the diaphragm to move the valve member against the valve seat and thus, close the pressure regulator. A desired output pressure can thus be achieved by adjusting the position of the screw cap. However, in the '622 publication, once the desired output pressure is chosen, the cap is permanently bonded to the housing resulting in a fixed output pressure. Further, once the desired output pressure is set, a separate shut-off valve is required to completely stop flow.

Although the pressure regulator provided by the '622 publication can adequately control an output pressure, it suffers from a number of drawbacks. Although the cap is initially adjustable, it is bonded into place once a desired output pressure is reached. Thus, to adjust the output pressure a whole new regulator is required. Another problem with the pressure regulator is that the pressure regulator is only designed to control the output pressure based on a given input pressure. However, the pressure regulator only closes when the pressure at the outlet exceeds the predetermined set pressure. Once the output pressure falls below the threshold pressure, the pressure regulator opens once again to allow fluid flow. Consequently, in order to completely stop the flow through the regulator, a separate shut-off valve is required as mentioned above. Therefore, for applications that may require frequent on/off fluid supply, an overly complex system is required.

One exemplary system that requires frequent on/off operation is when the pressure regulator receives a pressurized fluid from a container, such as a carbon dioxide container used to distribute powders. For example, it is known to use pressurized gas to pick up, entrain, and transport powder in some applications. Carbon dioxide is often used because it is generally cheap, non-toxic, easy to handle, and is generally unreactive with a wide variety of other substances. The powder distribution using carbon dioxide often requires a pressure regulator to reduce the pressure of the carbon dioxide from the container pressure to the desired outlet pressure as well as a valve to control the timing of the distribution. Therefore, the prior art requires an excessive number of components. Other applications certainly exist that require on/off supply of the pressurized fluid.

The embodiments described below overcome these and other problems and an advance in the art is achieved. The embodiments that follow provide a pressure regulator with an integral valve function. Therefore, a single control of the pressure regulator also opens the regulator. Therefore, in the absence of an actuation of the pressure regulator, the pressure regulator also prevents fluid flow through the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A pressure regulator is provided according to an embodiment. According to an embodiment, the pressure regulator comprises a housing including a first fluid port and a second fluid port and a valve assembly movable within the housing to selectively open a fluid passage between the first and second fluid ports. According to an embodiment, the pressure regulator further comprises a first biasing member biasing the valve assembly in a first direction to close the fluid passage between the first and second fluid ports. According to an embodiment, the pressure regulator further comprises a second biasing member biasing the valve assembly in a second direction opposite the first direction to open the fluid passage between the first and second fluid ports. An actuator is provided that contacts the second biasing member and is movable with respect to the housing to change a biasing force of the second biasing member.

A method for regulating a pressure with a pressure regulator is provided according to an embodiment. The pressure regulator includes a housing with a first fluid port and a second fluid port. According to an embodiment, the method comprises a step of biasing a valve assembly movable within the housing in a first direction with a first biasing member to close a fluid passage between the first and second fluid ports. According to an embodiment, the method comprises another step of biasing the valve assembly in a second direction opposite the first direction with a second biasing member. According to an embodiment, the method further comprises a step of actuating an actuator contacting the second biasing member and movable with respect to the housing to increase a biasing force of the second biasing member to at least partially open the fluid passage between the first and second fluid ports. ASPECTS

According to an aspect, a pressure regulator comprises:

a housing including a first fluid port and a second fluid port;

a valve assembly movable within the housing to selectively open a fluid passage between the first and second fluid ports;

a first biasing member biasing the valve assembly in a first direction to close the fluid passage between the first and second fluid ports;

a second biasing member biasing the valve assembly in a second direction opposite the first direction to open the fluid passage between the first and second fluid ports; and

an actuator contacting the second biasing member and movable with respect to the housing to change a biasing force of the second biasing member. Preferably, the actuator comprises a pushbutton slidable within the housing. Preferably, the actuator comprises a lever pivotable with respect to the housing. Preferably, the pressure regulator further comprises a diaphragm coupled to the valve assembly and exposed to a pressure chamber between the first fluid port and the second fluid port. Preferably, the valve assembly comprises a valve member extending through a portion of the first fluid port and configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with a valve seat.

Preferably, the valve member forms a substantially fluid-tight seal with the valve seat when the actuator is in a first position.

According to another aspect, a method for regulating a pressure with a pressure regulator including a housing with a first fluid port and a second fluid port comprises steps of:

biasing a valve assembly movable within the housing in a first direction with a first biasing member to close a fluid passage between the first and second fluid ports;

biasing the valve assembly in a second direction opposite the first direction with a second biasing member; and

actuating an actuator contacting the second biasing member and movable with respect to the housing to increase a biasing force of the second biasing member to at least partially open the fluid passage between the first and second fluid ports.

Preferably, the actuator comprises a pushbutton slidable within the housing and the step of actuating the actuator comprises pressing the pushbutton in the second direction.

Preferably, the actuator comprises a lever pivotable with respect to the housing and the step of actuating the actuator comprises pivoting an end of the lever in the second direction.

Preferably, the method further comprises a step of biasing the valve assembly in the first direction with fluid pressure within a pressure chamber between the first and second fluid ports acting on a diaphragm coupled to the valve assembly.

Preferably, the valve assembly comprises a valve member extending through a portion of the first fluid port and configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with a valve seat.

Preferably, the method further comprises a step of forming the substantially fluid-tight seal between the valve member and the valve seat prior to actuating the actuator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a pressure regulator according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the pressure regulator according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 - 2 and the following description depict specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of embodiments of a pressure regulator. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations from these examples that fall within the scope of the present description. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the pressure regulator. As a result, the embodiments described below are not limited to the specific examples described below, but only by the claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a pressure regulator 100 according to an embodiment. According to an embodiment, the pressure regulator 100 can perform a pressure regulation and a valve function. Therefore, when using the pressure regulator 100, a separate shut-off valve is not required to turn the flow through the pressure regulator 100 on and off.

According to an embodiment, the pressure regulator 100 includes a housing 101 comprising a first housing portion 101a and a second housing portion 101b. According to an embodiment, the first and second housing portions 101a, 101b may be coupled or otherwise held together. The housing portions 101a, 101b may be coupled using a wide variety of methods such as mechanical fasteners, brazing, bonding, adhesives, snap-fit, etc. The particular method used to couple the two housing portions 101a and 101b together should in no way limit the scope of the present embodiment. As discussed throughout the remainder of the description, the housing 101 may refer to the housing portion 101a or the housing portion 101b unless otherwise specified.

According to an embodiment, the two housing portions 101a, 101b can clamp a diaphragm 102 in place when the two housing portions 101a, 101b are coupled. As shown, the diaphragm 102 along with the first housing portion 101a can at least partially define a pressure chamber 103. The use and function of the diaphragm 102 is discussed in greater detail below.

The pressure regulator 100 can also include a first fluid port 104 and a second fluid port 105. Although both of the fluid ports 104, 105 are shown as being formed in the first housing portion 101a, in other embodiments, one or both of the fluid ports can be formed in the second housing portion 101b. According to an embodiment, both of the fluid ports 104, 105 terminate in the pressure chamber 103. According to the embodiment shown, the first fluid port 104 generally comprises a fluid inlet while the second fluid port comprises the fluid outlet; however, in other embodiments, the flow may be reversed.

According to an embodiment, the pressure regulator 100 can further include a valve assembly 106. The valve assembly 106 is movable within the housing 101 in order to selectively open a fluid passage between the first and second fluid ports 104, 105. According to the embodiment shown, the valve assembly 106 includes a valve member 107, which extends through a portion of the first fluid port 104 and a valve seat 108 and can selectively form a fluid- tight seal against the valve seat 108. As can be appreciated, in FIG. 1, the valve member 107 is seated against the valve seat 108 and thus, fluid is substantially prevented from flowing through the pressure regulator 100. According to an embodiment the valve member 107, the valve seat 108, or both may be formed from a compressible material such as rubber or plastic to increase the sealing effectiveness between the two components.

According to an embodiment, a spring seat 109 can be coupled to the valve member 107 and can receive a first biasing member 110, such as the spring shown. In some embodiments, the first biasing member 110 may be coupled to the spring seat 109. However, in other embodiments, the first biasing member 110 may simply slide over the spring seat 109 and be held in place by compression. According to an embodiment, the first biasing member 110 can provide a biasing force on the valve assembly 106 in a first direction. In the embodiment shown, the first direction is up, wherein the first biasing member 110 biases the valve assembly 106 to seat the valve member 107 against the valve seat 108. According to an embodiment, the pressure regulator 100 further comprises an actuator 111. In the embodiment shown, the actuator 111 comprises a slidable pushbutton. However, the actuator 111 may take other forms such as a lever (See FIG. 2). The actuator 111 is movable with respect to the housing 101 and can be moved to change a biasing force provided by a second biasing member 112. In contrast to prior art pressure regulators that require a time-consuming rotating action to adjust the biasing force, the actuator 111 of the present embodiment can slide within the housing 101 to provide a much faster change in the biasing force of the second biasing member 112. According to an embodiment, the actuator 111 can move from a first position (shown) to a second position within an actuation range, d. The actuation range, d may be determined and limited by one or more shoulders 114a, 114b formed in the second housing portion 101b, for example. As shown, the shoulder 114b does not extend as far inward as the shoulder 114a. According to an embodiment, this may be to allow the actuator 111 to be pressed into the second housing portion 101b during assembly. Therefore, during assembly, the actuator 111 can be pressed down and the second housing portion 101b can be partially deformed outward as the actuator 111 slides within the shoulder 114b. Upon reaching the position shown in FIG. 1, the second housing portion 101b can snap back to its original position and the shoulder 114b can retain the actuator 111 in place.

According to an embodiment, the second biasing member 112 provides a biasing force on the diaphragm 102 and the valve assembly 106 via a spring seat 113. The spring seat 113 may be coupled to the diaphragm 102 or may simply rest on top of the diaphragm 102. According to the embodiment shown, the diaphragm 102 is clamped between the spring seat 113 and the valve assembly 106. With the diaphragm 102 clamped between the valve assembly 106 and the spring seat 113, the three components can move in unison.

According to an embodiment, the second biasing member 112 can provide the second biasing force on the valve assembly 106 in a direction substantially opposite the biasing force provided by the first biasing member 110. Therefore, in the embodiment shown, while the first biasing member 110 biases the valve assembly 106 upwards, the second biasing member 112 can bias the valve assembly 106 downward. According to an embodiment, when the actuator 111 is in the first position shown (de-actuated), the second biasing force provided by the second biasing member 112 is lower than the first biasing force provided by the first biasing member 110. In some embodiments, if the pressure at the first fluid inlet 104 is known and remains constant, the biasing force of the second biasing member 112 can be lower than the combined biasing force provided by the first biasing member 110 and the pressure at the first fluid port 104, or may be lower than the biasing force of the first biasing member 110 alone. Consequently, in either situation, when the actuator 111 is in the first position, the valve member 107 is sealed against the valve seat 108 and the pressure regulator 100 is closed.

In use, the pressure regulator 100 can be fluidly coupled to a pressurized fluid source (not shown). Typically, the pressurized fluid source will be coupled to the first fluid port 104. With the pressurized fluid being in fluid communication with the first fluid port 104, the pressurized fluid acts on the spring seat 109 and the valve member 107. Because the valve member 107 is sealed against the valve seat 108, there is less surface area on the top of the valve member 107 and thus, the pressurized fluid provides a net biasing force in the first direction (up as shown in the figures). Further, the first biasing member 110 provides an additional biasing force in the first direction. Although the second biasing member 112 may be providing a second biasing force on the valve assembly 106 in the second direction, as discussed above with the actuator 111 in the first position shown, the biasing force provided by the second biasing member 112 is configured to be less than the biasing force of the first biasing member 110 and the fluid pressure acting on the valve assembly 106. Therefore, the biasing forces provided by the pressurized fluid as well as the first biasing member 110 keeps the valve member 107 sealed against the valve seat 108 and thus, no fluid flows through the regulator 100. According to an embodiment, with the valve member 107 sealed against the valve seat 108, pressurized fluid is prevented from reaching the fluid chamber 103 due to the fluid- tight seal between the valve member 107 and the valve seat 108 as well as with seal provided by the sealing member 115 between the valve seat 108 and the housing 101.

Once a user or operator desires to provide fluid to the second port 105, the actuator 111 can be actuated. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, actuating the actuator 111 comprises pushing down on the pushbutton style actuator 111 to move the actuator 111 in the second direction. As can be appreciated, as the actuator 111 is moved down, the second biasing member 112 is compressed, which increases the biasing force provided by the second biasing member 112. In some embodiments, the pushbutton may include a bleed port so a vacuum is not created between the pushbutton and the diaphragm 102. However, in other embodiments, the pushbutton and the second housing portion 101b may not form a fluid-tight seal and thus, a bleed port may not be necessary. Once the biasing force provided by the second biasing member 112 overcomes the frictional force of the components, and the biasing force provided by the pressure at the first fluid port 104 and the first biasing member 110, the valve assembly 106 as well as the diaphragm 102 moves in a second direction, which is substantially opposite the first direction. As the valve assembly 106 moves down in the second direction, the valve member 107 unseats from the valve seat 108 to open a fluid passageway between the first and second fluid ports 104, 105. In the embodiment shown, the fluid passageway is provided between the valve assembly 106 and the valve seat 108 as well as the pressure chamber 103.

As fluid flows from the first fluid port 104 towards the pressure chamber 103, the pressure within the pressure chamber 103 increases. The pressure in the pressure chamber 103 continues to increase if a backpressure begins to develop at the second fluid port 105 due to a flow from the first fluid port 104 being greater than a flow out of the second fluid port 105. The pressure within the pressure chamber 103 increases until a threshold pressure is reached. Once the threshold pressure is reached, the pressure within the pressure chamber 103, which acts on the diaphragm 102 and the valve assembly 106, along with the force provided by the first biasing member 110 overcomes the biasing force provided by the second biasing member 112 and the diaphragm 102 along with the valve assembly 106 moves in the first direction. As the valve assembly 106 moves in the first direction, the space between the valve member 107 and the valve seat 108 is decreased and thus, the flow from the first fluid port 104 towards the pressure chamber 103 decreases, resulting in a decreased pressure within the pressure chamber 103 and thus, the second fluid port 105.

According to an embodiment, in order to increase the pressure at the second fluid port 105 and thus, the threshold pressure in the pressure chamber 103, the actuator 111 can be actuated further in the second direction in order to increase the biasing force provided by the second biasing member 112. The maximum compression of the second biasing member 112 and thus, the biasing force provided by the second biasing member 112 is limited by the shoulder 114a, which stops movement of the actuator 111 in the second direction. Conversely, if the pressure at the second fluid port 105 is higher than desired, the actuator 111 can be at least partially de-actuated in the first direction (up as shown in the drawings) to decrease the biasing force provided by the second biasing member 112. In this manner, a force balance can be achieved in order to control the pressure at the second fluid port 105.

As can be appreciated upon de-actuating the actuator 111 completely, the compression of the second biasing member 112 becomes a minimum and the biasing force 112 becomes a minimum. With the biasing force of the second biasing member 112 at a minimum, the pressure acting on the diaphragm 102 as well as the biasing force from the first biasing member 110 moves the valve assembly 106 in the first direction to once again seat the valve member 107 on the valve seat 108 thereby closing the fluid passage between the first and second fluid ports 104, 105.

The above embodiment implements an actuator 111 that is in the form of a pushbutton. However, other types of actuators can be used.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the regulator 100 according to another embodiment. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except the actuator 111 is now shown in the form of a lever. The lever can be coupled to the housing 101. According to an embodiment, the lever can be pivotably coupled to the housing 101 about a hinge 211. Further, a stop 214 can be provided that can help define the actuation range, d. Additionally, the spring that comprised the second biasing member 112 in FIG. 1 has been replaced with a compressible ball to form the second biasing member 112. Like the spring, the compressible ball increases its biasing force on the valve assembly 106 as it compresses due to movement of the actuator 111. The compressible ball may be coupled to the actuator 111, the valve assembly 106, or both to hold the compressible ball in the proper orientation. It should be appreciated that other types of biasing members may be used and the claims that follow should in no way be limited to the two examples provided. Actuation of the regulator 100 is substantially the same as described above.

The embodiments described above provide an improved pressure regulator 100 that closes when the actuator 111 is in a first (de-actuated) position. Consequently, the pressure regulator (100) does not need a separate shut-off valve as in the prior art. Further, the actuator 111 is readily movable with respect to the housing 101 of the regulator 100 and can thus, be actuated much more easily and faster than in the prior art that requires a time-consuming screwing action. Therefore, the on/off flow as well as adjustments to the output pressure can be made much faster than in the prior art.

The detailed descriptions of the above embodiments are not exhaustive descriptions of all embodiments contemplated by the inventors to be within the scope of the present description. Indeed, persons skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above-described embodiments may variously be combined or eliminated to create further embodiments, and such further embodiments fall within the scope and teachings of the present description. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the above-described embodiments may be combined in whole or in part to create additional embodiments within the scope and teachings of the present description.

Thus, although specific embodiments are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present description, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings provided herein can be applied to other pressure regulators, and not just to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying figures. Accordingly, the scope of the embodiments described above should be determined from the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A pressure regulator (100), comprising:

a housing (101) including a first fluid port (104) and a second fluid port (105);

a valve assembly (106) movable within the housing to selectively open a fluid passage between the first and second fluid ports (104, 105); a first biasing member (110) biasing the valve assembly (106) in a first direction to close the fluid passage between the first and second fluid ports (104, 105);

a second biasing member (112) biasing the valve assembly (106) in a second direction opposite the first direction to open the fluid passage between the first and second fluid ports (104, 105); and

an actuator (111) contacting the second biasing member (112) and movable with respect to the housing (101) to change a biasing force of the second biasing member (112).

2. The pressure regulator (100) of claim 1, wherein the actuator (111) comprises a pushbutton slidable within the housing (101).

3. The pressure regulator (100) of claim 1, wherein the actuator (111) comprises a lever pivotable with respect to the housing (101).

4. The pressure regulator (100) of claim 1, further comprising a diaphragm (102) coupled to the valve assembly (106) and exposed to a pressure chamber (103) between the first fluid port (104) and the second fluid port (105).

5. The pressure regulator (100) of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly (106) comprises a valve member (107) extending through a portion of the first fluid port (104) and configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with a valve seat (108).

6. The pressure regulator (100) of claim 5, wherein the valve member (107) forms a substantially fluid-tight seal with the valve seat (108) when the actuator (111) is in a first position.

7. A method for regulating a pressure with a pressure regulator including a housing with a first fluid port and a second fluid port, comprising steps of:

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the actuator comprises a pushbutton slidable within the housing and the step of actuating the actuator comprises pressing the pushbutton in the second direction.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the actuator comprises a lever pivotable with respect to the housing and the step of actuating the actuator comprises pivoting an end of the lever in the second direction.

10. The method of claim 7, further comprising a step of biasing the valve assembly in the first direction with fluid pressure within a pressure chamber between the first and second fluid ports acting on a diaphragm coupled to the valve assembly.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve member extending through a portion of the first fluid port and configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with a valve seat.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising a step of forming the substantially fluid-tight seal between the valve member and the valve seat prior to actuating the actuator.