Deaerator with integrated stop valve

Abstract

A de-aerator (10) with integrated shut-off valve, comprising: a removable hollow body (12) formed by a lower part (13) of cup-shaped body provided with an inlet (14) suitable for being connected to a hydraulic manifold, an upper part (20) of cup-shaped body provided with a vent (22), said upper part (20) being suitable for stably cooperating in contact with said lower part (13) in such a way as to define a de-aeration chamber, a float assembly (30) comprising a float element (32) and a drive mechanism (34), a vent valve (40) stably resting on said upper part (20). The de-aerator (10) further comprises a shutter (70) slidingly arranged through said inlet (14) of said lower part (13), said shutter (70) comprising a shaped stem (71) shaped so as to allow the passage of liquid through said inlet (14), and a head (72) arranged on the inner end of the body (12), said shutter (70) being provided with a collar (74) formed on said shaped stem (71) and suitable for blocking the passage of liquid through the inlet (14) when the upper part (20) is separated from the lower part (13) of the body (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a degasser with an integrated shut-off valve.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to an automatic degasser for hydraulic systems and liquid circulating thermodynamic systems, which is provided with a shut-off valve integrated in the degasser body. Background Technology

[0003] The presence of air or gas in the piping and circuits of hydraulic systems is a particularly well-known problem in the fields of thermal and fluid circulation heating / cooling or sanitary heating systems. Air buildup is a typical phenomenon in any hydraulic system, and in addition to reducing efficiency and performance, it can worsen when encountering moving parts of pumps or other equipment due to cavitation.

[0004] To avoid this inconvenience, current hydraulic technology employs special types of valves called degassers or automatic vent valves, configured to automatically release excess air accumulated or generated during the operation of a circuit or system into the outdoor environment without leaking fluid from the circuit. These devices typically feature a cylindrical body with one end connected to the hydraulic manifold, pipe, tank, or hydraulic unit for fluid flow, preferably located at a high point—higher than the rest of the system where air or air pockets are more likely to form.

[0005] A degassing chamber is formed within the main body, in which a float element is slidably arranged in the vertical direction. This float element is connected via a rocker mechanism or rod to a venting valve or venting assembly typically located at the opposite end of the main body. In the following description, "high" and "low" in the vertical direction essentially refer to the direction in which gravity is applied.

[0006] The operation of automatic vents or vent valves is based on the principle of buoyancy of an object submerged in a fluid. When there is no air or gas accumulation in the degassing chamber, the float is held in an elevated position by the fluid, and the system keeps the vent valve baffle in the closed position.

[0007] The degasser then intercepts the liquid flowing down from the inlet manifold into the degassing chamber, where microbubbles present in the liquid gather and accumulate at the top of the degassing chamber as they pass through the discharge grooves longitudinally etched on the float element.

[0008] The decrease in buoyancy caused by air accumulation in the upper part of the degassing chamber opens the vent valve baffle via the rocker arm mechanism, expelling excess air until the initial buoyancy level is restored. Once the excess air is expelled, the liquid returns to filling the degassing chamber by pushing the float upwards, which returns the rocker arm to the closed position of the safety valve.

[0009] During the loading phase of the system loop, since there is no liquid in the degassing chamber, the float element descends completely, and the vent valve opens fully, allowing air to be rapidly expelled. Air release into the external environment can usually be manually prevented by closing the side baffle of the vent valve orifice.

[0010] The known type of degasser typically has a body divided into several parts or components, which is detachable so that the float assembly or vent valve can be separated and pulled out for maintenance and cleaning operations.

[0011] These anti-backflow devices may also have a threaded connection corresponding to the liquid inlet for connecting to a pipe or device in the hydraulic circuit, but they may also have a section of pipe that can be oriented so that the anti-backflow device can be installed independently in the vertical or horizontal section of the pipe or circuit in its vertical working position.

[0012] These degassers can remove air from the equipment circuit during normal operation or during fluid filling after the equipment has been previously emptied from the hydraulic circuit.

[0013] European Patent EP2607759(B1) illustrates a typical example of these known types of degassers, describing a float vent valve for a degassing device in a heating system. The valve body has a cavity defining a chamber extending along a longitudinal axis, a float slidably housed within the cavity, and a cover member for closing the upper portion of the valve body. The cover member has a vent transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a baffle for the vent connected to the float. The cover member and valve body have a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, each defining a rotatable joint adapted to prevent relative axial movement between the cover member and valve body parallel to the longitudinal axis. This allows, for example, adjustment of the cover member's angle about the longitudinal axis and relative to the valve body during operation of the heating system, thereby orienting the vent in a desired manner. The first and second connecting portions also define an annular retainer for accommodating a retaining device adapted to prevent relative axial movement and allow angle adjustment of the cover element during valve operation.

[0014] Other examples of degassers of these known types are shown in European patent application EP0854310 (A1), UK application GB976953 (A) and Italian utility model ITMI20030125 (U1).

[0015] However, these known types of degassers or vent valves have drawbacks and operational limitations.

[0016] The known limitations of these vent valves in operation stem from the fact that, for embedded or wall-mounted systems or installations in confined spaces, these devices cannot have a large overall size, and the space available for installation and tightening with tools and fixtures is often too limited.

[0017] Another important limitation of these anti-backflow devices is their extreme sensitivity to impurities and contaminants that are inevitably present in the system loop fluid, which can lead to malfunctions or even fluid leaks.

[0018] The further limitations of these known degassers stem from the fact that during maintenance and cleaning operations, the equipment must be stopped or fluid must be prevented from entering the degassing chamber via shut-off valves or external taps, thus increasing space and the number of components present.

[0019] The further limitation of these known degassers is the fact that, in order to perform maintenance and cleaning operations, they must have more removable parts, and therefore must be larger in size and have more fluid seals. Summary of the Invention

[0020] The purpose of this invention is to at least partially overcome and avoid the disadvantages and operational limitations of the aforementioned known technologies.

[0021] More specifically, one object of the present invention is to provide users with an automatic degasser with an integrated shut-off valve, which has a small and compact size, is easy to install, and does not require a large operating space.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide users with an automatic degasser with an integrated shut-off valve that can prevent liquid leakage during cleaning and maintenance operations without stopping the system.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide users with an automatic degasser having a limited number of components and fluid sealing elements.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic degasser with an integrated shut-off valve that can maintain a high level of resistance and reliability over time and can be easily and economically manufactured.

[0025] The structural and functional features of the degasser with a shut-off valve, which is the subject of this invention, will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which represent some preferred and non-limiting embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1a This is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the integrated shut-off valve degasser of the present invention, wherein the vent valve is arranged laterally;

[0027] Figure 1b This is a schematic perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the integrated shut-off valve degasser of the present invention, wherein the vent valve is arranged vertically;

[0028] Figure 2yes Figure 1a A schematic exploded perspective view of the degassing device with an integrated shut-off valve of the present invention, as an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 3a yes Figure 1a A schematic partial cross-sectional perspective view of the degassing device with an integrated shut-off valve of the present invention, as exemplified in the embodiments;

[0030] Figure 3b yes Figure 1a A schematic diagram of an orthogonal projection view of the degasser with an integrated shut-off valve of the present invention as an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 4a yes Figure 1a A schematic diagram of the orthogonal projection of the degasser with integrated shut-off valve of the present invention in the form of an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 4b yes Figure 1a The present invention, in the form of an embodiment of the degassing device with an integrated shut-off valve, is along... Figure 4a A schematic diagram of the longitudinal sectional view of axis IV;

[0033] Figure 5a yes Figure 1a A schematic and functional perspective view of a degasser with an integrated shut-off valve, wherein the upper part is connected to and closes the lower part, and the shut-off valve baffle is open;

[0034] Figure 5b yes Figure 1a A schematic and functional perspective view of a degasser with an integrated shut-off valve, wherein the upper and lower parts are separated, the degassing chamber is open, and the shut-off valve baffle is closed. Detailed Implementation

[0035] First refer to Figure 1a and Figure 1b The degasser with an integrated shut-off valve of the present invention is shown in two possible embodiments and is indicated by reference numeral 10 in the figures.

[0036] In the following description, the terms “up” and “down”, “high” and “low”, “vertical” or “horizontal” are understood with reference to the direction in which gravity is applied.

[0037] Also specifically referenced Figure 2 , Figure 3a and Figures 4a to 5b The degasser 10 includes:

[0038] - A detachable hollow body 12 made of metal, plastic or other suitable material, said body 12 being formed of the following parts:

[0039] - The lower part 13 of the main body has a general cup shape and an inlet 14 at the bottom suitable for connection to a hydraulic manifold.

[0040] - The upper part 20 or cover of the main body, which has a general cup shape and is provided with a vent 22, the upper part 20 being adapted to be stabilized on the lower part 13 by a known fixing device, thereby defining a degassing chamber 24 within the main body 12;

[0041] - A float assembly 30, which includes a float element 32 slidably disposed in the degassing chamber 24, and the float assembly 30 further includes a drive mechanism 34, a rocker arm or rod disposed in movably cooperating with the float element 32;

[0042] - A vent valve 40, which is stabilized on the upper part 20, is adapted to be driven by the drive mechanism 34.

[0043] Referring to the above figures, the degasser 10 includes an innovative feature of a baffle 70 slidably disposed through an inlet 14 of the lower portion 13 and including a forming rod 71 adapted to allow liquid to pass through the inlet 14. The baffle 70 also includes a head 72 disposed on the inner end of the body 12, and the baffle 70 is provided with a collar 74 formed on the forming rod 71 and adapted to prevent liquid from passing through the inlet 14 when the upper portion 20 is removed from the lower portion 13 of the body 12.

[0044] The forming rod 71 of the baffle 70 preferably has a flat shape extending from the end connected to the head 72 to the free end, but it can be formed in any form to fit a portion of the cross-sectional dimension smaller than the minimum dimension of the inlet 14, thereby allowing liquid to pass longitudinally when the baffle 70 is inserted into the inlet 14.

[0045] The collar 74 is preferably formed or retracted onto the forming rod 71 and includes a substantially circular cross-section and, for example, allows it to move through the inlet 14, thereby preventing liquid from passing through when the collar 74 is inserted into the inlet 14.

[0046] For details, please refer to the following: Figure 2 The baffle 70 may include a sealing ring 76 or an O-ring, which is received in a circular seat 78 formed at the collar 74. The outer diameter of the sealing ring 76 is larger than the maximum size of the inlet 14, thereby ensuring a fluid seal when the baffle 70 contacts the surface of the inlet 14 through the sealing ring 76. Figure 5b As shown.

[0047] Now for special reference Figure 2 and Figure 3aThe head 72 of the baffle 70 may have a flange shape, and the central hub 75, which engages with the forming rod 71, has a through opening 73 to allow liquid to flow into the degassing chamber 24. The flange-shaped head 72 may also include at least a second through opening 77, which is adapted to allow better liquid flow into the degassing chamber 24.

[0048] Refer again Figure 2 , Figure 3a and Figures 4a to 5b The degasser 10 of the present invention may also advantageously include an elastic element 80, such as a helical spring, a gas spring or other equivalent device, said elastic element 80 being adapted to hold the baffle 70 in a raised position from the body 12, pushed between its head 72 and the bottom of the body 12 to keep the sealing ring 76 arranged on the collar 74 in contact with the inlet 14 of the body 12, thereby preventing liquid from flowing into the degassing chamber 24 of the body 12.

[0049] In the preferred embodiment, please refer to the specific details. Figure 5a and Figure 5b The elastic element 80 includes a helical spring housed in the inlet 14 of the lower portion 13 and arranged coaxially on the forming rod 71, the spring being adapted to operate between the underside of the supporting shoulder 15 and the head 72.

[0050] Refer again Figure 2 , Figure 3a and Figures 4a to 5b The degasser 10 of the present invention may further include a filter or flat filter element 90, in the form of a cup or box (not shown), arranged in the degassing chamber 24 and advantageously arranged or supported to contact the surface of the head 72 of the baffle 70 facing the degassing chamber 24 or above, the filter element 90 being configured to move vertically together with the baffle 70.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the filter element 90 may be directly integrated or formed into the flange head 72 of the baffle 70, wherein the correspondingly sized through opening 73 and second through opening 77 may be adapted to serve as filter openings.

[0052] Referring again to the above figures, when the upper part 20 is closed and fixed to the lower part 13, in order to close the degassing chamber 24, the upper part 20 presses the head 72 of the baffle 70 by the filter element 90, which can be used as a gasket, and pushes the baffle 70 together with the forming rod 71 and the collar 74 to the lower part of the lower part 13, and the sealing ring 76 disengages from the inlet 14.

[0053] In an optional variant embodiment (not shown), the upper portion 20 is adapted to press directly onto the head 72 on the baffle 70 without contacting the filter element 90.

[0054] Also specifically referenced Figure 1a and Figure 1b The vent 22 of the upper part 20 can be located in a horizontal or vertical position, so as to allow for separate ventilation openings. Figure 1a horizontally or like Figure 1b That way, the vent valve 40 is accommodated upwards.

[0055] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figure, the means for securing the upper part 20 to the lower part 13 of the body 12 may advantageously include a fork-shaped member 50 or a resilient cotter pin, preferably having a flat, semi-circular shape, the fork-shaped member 50 being adapted to be inserted into at least one opening 16 formed in one of the lower part 13 or the upper part 20 of the body 12.

[0056] Special Reference Figure 5a The fork-shaped member 50 is also adapted to contact the surface of the radial shoulder 26, which is preferably continuously formed on one of the lower part 13 and the upper part 20 opposite to the portion on which the opening 16 is formed, in such a way that the upper part 20 is rotatably stabilized on the lower part 13, preventing axial sliding and separation from the upper part 20 in the vertical direction. The vent valve 40 is applied to the vent 22 and rotates and is positioned 360° itself.

[0057] The fastening device 50 may also be a conventional removable fastening device, such as a thread, quick coupling, press-fit fitting, or equivalent.

[0058] Referring to the illustrative embodiment in the accompanying drawings, the inlet 14 of the lower part 13 and the vent 22 of the upper part 20 may advantageously be provided with additional second fastening devices for external manifolds or hydraulic circuits or vent valves, respectively. The fastening devices preferably include threads (as shown), but may also include other conventional alternative fastening devices, such as quick couplings, press-fit fittings or equivalents.

[0059] For further details, please refer to the following: Figure 2 , Figure 3a and Figures 4a to 5b The degasser 10 may also include an O-ring 60 or a sealing gasket, typically having an annular shape, which is arranged in the opposing seat formed between the upper part 20 and the lower part 13 when the body 12 is closed, thereby ensuring the fluid seal of the degasser chamber 24.

[0060] For details, please refer to the following: Figures 4b to 5b The body 12 may also be provided with a further positioning shoulder 28, which defines a connecting stop between the upper part 20 and the lower part 13 of the body 12.

[0061] The operation described below is demonstrated from the description of the degasser 10 of the present invention.

[0062] The degasser 10 of the present invention is advantageously suited for use as a fluid shut-off valve to prevent fluid from flowing into the degasser chamber when the body 12 is opened or disassembled, and subsequently from leaking fluid from the hydraulic circuit.

[0063] Referring to the preferred embodiments in the accompanying drawings, in particular Figure 5a and Figure 5b The degasser 10 of the present invention, with an integrated shut-off valve, can be threaded at the inlet 14 to a section, end, or row of a circuit in a hydraulic thermal system, tank, or other hydraulic equipment, such as... Figure 5a The operation configuration is shown below.

[0064] Still referencing Figure 5a During operation, the liquid can flow into the inlet 14 of the lower part 13, bypass the collar 74, sealing ring 76 and forming rod 71 of the baffle 70, and pass through the through opening 73 and the second through opening 77 formed in the head 72 of the baffle, and also pass through the filter element 90 to reach the degassing chamber 24.

[0065] When maintenance or cleaning of the degasser 10 is required, it can be done by... Figure 5b The arrows shown indicate the direction to separate the upper part 20 from the lower part 13 to disassemble the main body 12.

[0066] Then the baffle 70, along with the filter element, is no longer pressed down by the upper part 20 and can move freely. Figure 5b As the baffle 70 is pushed upward in the direction of the arrow, it returns to the rest position by means of the elastic element 80, thereby causing the forming rod 71, together with the collar 74 and the sealing ring 76, to close the inlet 14 outward, thereby preventing liquid from leaking through the body 12 of the disassembled baffle 10 and maintaining the operation of the circuit or hydraulic system.

[0067] A sealing ring 76, which is larger than the inlet 14, is prevented from protruding from the lower part 13 by the liquid pressure of the hydraulic system or circuit, thus preventing the baffle 70 from moving further upward.

[0068] In a variant not shown, the degasser 10 of the present invention can also operate without the spring element 90, where the liquid pressure at the collar 74 effectively pushes the baffle 70 upward, bringing it into the closed position, wherein the sealing ring 76 makes closed contact with the inlet 14, as... Figure 5b As shown in the configuration.

[0069] The upward translation of the baffle 70 advantageously moves its head 70 and filter element upward toward the upper opening 13' of the open lower portion 13, thereby facilitating cleaning or pulling out through said upper opening 13', as... Figure 5b As shown again in the text.

[0070] It is also advantageous to pull out the baffle 70 without removing the lower part 13 of the body 12 from its position, simply by translating the baffle 70 upward opening 13' and forcing the sealing ring 76 to compress itself by passing through the inlet 14.

[0071] Using a device that quickly secures the upper part 20 to the lower part 13, such as a U-shaped clip 50 inserted into the opening 16 and defining the undercut at the shoulder 26, to prevent the upper part 20 from shifting, facilitates easier and faster cleaning and maintenance of the degasser 10 of the present invention.

[0072] When the degasser 10 is assembled by closing the upper part 20 and securing it to the lower part 13, the baffle 70 is held down by the lower surface of the head 72 and pressed against the bottom of the lower part 13, which also overcomes the force of the elastic element 80, which, if present, is pressed between the head 72 of the baffle and the support shoulder 15 of the inlet 14.

[0073] As can be seen from the above, the advantages of the degasser 10 with integrated shut-off valve of the present invention are obvious.

[0074] The degasser 10 with an integrated shut-off valve of the present invention is particularly advantageous because it allows for quick and easy disassembly of the body 12 during maintenance and cleaning operations without leakage of liquid, without the need for special tools or appliances, and without the need to stop the system or shut off valves or taps to hydraulically isolate the degasser.

[0075] Another advantage of the degasser 10 with an integrated shut-off valve, which is the subject of this invention, is that the baffle 70 can be pulled out without having to remove the lower part of the body 12 from the system or hydraulic circuit.

[0076] Another advantage of the degasser 10 with integrated shut-off valve of the present invention is that it allows users to obtain a device in which the filter element is included and integrated in the valve body.

[0077] A significant advantage of the degasser 10 with integrated shut-off valve of the present invention is that, since the filter element can be directly integrated into the baffle 70, users can obtain a device with a reduced number of parts.

[0078] Another advantage of the degasser 10 with integrated shut-off valve of the present invention is that it allows users to obtain a single device that combines the function of a shut-off valve with the function of a degasser, and has a reduced overall size compared to devices of the prior art, making it suitable for use in embedded or wall-mounted hydraulic systems or circuits where space and operating dimensions are extremely limited.

[0079] Although the invention has been described above with particular reference to several preferred embodiments given for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above description. Therefore, the invention is intended to include all modifications and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A degassing device (10), comprising: - A detachable hollow body (12) formed by the following parts: - The lower part (13) of the cup-shaped body has an inlet (14) suitable for connection to a hydraulic manifold. - The upper part (20) of the cup-shaped body is provided with a vent (22), and the upper part (20) is configured to stably contact and cooperate with the lower part (13) by means of a fixing device, thereby defining a degassing chamber (24) within the body (12). - A float assembly (30) including a float element (32) that slides in the degassing chamber (24), the float assembly (30) further including a drive mechanism (34); - A vent valve (40) is fixed on the upper part (20) and the vent valve is configured to be operated by the drive mechanism (34); The degasser (10) is characterized in that it includes a baffle (70) sliding through the inlet (14) of the lower portion (13), the baffle (70) including a forming rod (71) configured to allow liquid to pass through the inlet (14), and the baffle (70) including a head (72) located on the inner end of the body (12), the baffle (70) having a collar (74) formed on the forming rod (71) and configured to block liquid from passing through the inlet (14) when the upper portion (20) is separated from the lower portion (13) of the body (12), the degasser (10) including an elastic element (80) adapted to hold the baffle (70) in an elevated position from the body (12), the elastic element being adapted to push between the head (72) of the baffle (70) and the bottom of the lower portion (13).

2. The degasser (10) according to claim 1, wherein the forming rod (71) of the baffle (70) has a flat shape extending from the engagement end with the head (72) to the free end, thereby allowing liquid to pass longitudinally through the baffle (70) when it is inserted through the inlet (14).

3. The degasser (10) according to claim 1, wherein the collar (74) is formed on or located on the forming rod (71) and includes a substantially circular cross section to allow liquid to pass through the inlet (14).

4. The degasser (10) according to claim 1, wherein the baffle (70) includes a sealing ring (76) or an O-ring, wherein the outer diameter of the sealing ring (76) is larger than the maximum size of the inlet (14) to ensure fluid sealing.

5. The degasser (10) according to claim 4, wherein the sealing ring (76) is housed in a circular seat (78) corresponding to the collar (74).

6. The degasser (10) according to claim 1, wherein the head (72) of the baffle (70) is flange-shaped, the central hub (75) engages the forming rod (71) and is provided with a through opening (73) through which liquid can pass.

7. The degasser (10) according to claim 6, wherein the flange-shaped head (72) includes at least one second opening (77) adapted for liquid passage.

8. The degasser (10) according to claim 7, wherein the elastic element (80) comprises a helical spring, a gas spring or other equivalent device.

9. The degasser (10) according to claim 8, wherein the elastic element (80) comprises a helical spring housed in the inlet (14) of the lower portion (13) and coaxially located on the rod (71), the spring being configured to operate between the support shoulder (15) and the lower surface of the head (72).

10. The degasser (10) according to claim 1, comprising a filter element (90) located within the degasser chamber (24).

11. The degasser (10) according to claim 10, wherein the filter element (90) is arranged to contact the surface or upper surface of the head (72) of the baffle (70) facing the degassing chamber (24), and the filter element (90) is configured to move vertically together with the baffle (70).

12. The degasser (10) according to claim 10, wherein the filter element (90) is directly integrated or formed in the flange head (72) of the baffle (70).

13. The degasser (10) according to claim 10, wherein the filter element (90) has a flat shape, a glass cup shape, or a box shape.

14. The degasser (10) according to claim 1, wherein the means for securing the upper part (20) to the lower part (13) comprises a flat, semi-circular fork-shaped member (50) or a resilient cotter pin, the fork-shaped member (50) being configured to fit into at least one opening (16) cut in one of the lower part (13) or the upper part (20) of the body (12).

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