Pressure reducer

Abstract

A pressure reducer for reducing fluid pressure includes a pressure reducer body defining at least one pressure reducer chamber. The pressure reducer chamber includes an inlet section and an outlet section fluidly coupled with the inlet section. The pressure reducer chamber further includes a spring-operated piston rod and a sealing element operatively coupled with the piston rod. A flange is sealingly coupled with the pressure reducer body. The pressure reducer body defines a pressure compensation bore. The pressure reducer is characterized in that the pressure reducer body has a first threaded portion and the flange has a second threaded portion such that the pressure reducer body and the flange are coupled by threads. The pressure compensation bore is disposed in the first threaded portion of the pressure reducer body such that the flange is adapted to enclose the pressure compensation bore when the flange is coupled to the pressure reducer body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to pressure reducers. More specifically, this disclosure relates to the efficient operation of pressure reducers without being hindered by dirt or other unwanted foreign elements. Background Technology

[0002] Pressure regulators are found in many common household and industrial applications. For example, they are used in applications such as: regulating propane in gas ovens, regulating natural gas in domestic furnaces, regulating oxygen and anesthetic gases in medical and dental equipment, regulating compressed air in pneumatic automation systems, regulating fuel in engines, and regulating irrigation in gardening systems. As this section of the list shows, pressure regulators are now used in many applications, and in each application, they provide the same function. A pressure regulator reduces the supply (or inlet) pressure to a lower outlet pressure, and it maintains that outlet pressure even when the inlet pressure fluctuates. This reduction from inlet pressure to a lower outlet pressure is a key characteristic of pressure regulators.

[0003] The pressure reducer includes a spring-operated piston rod and a diaphragm operatively connected to the piston rod within the pressure reducer chamber. For smooth operation of the piston rod and diaphragm, the pressure reducer also includes a pressure compensation orifice. The pressure compensation orifice ensures the movement of the piston rod and diaphragm in the axial direction of the pressure reducer. In known pressure reducers, the pressure compensation orifice is exposed to the surrounding environment and can therefore be clogged by dirt, sand, or any other foreign elements. Furthermore, insufficient or excessive pressure generated within the pressure reducer chamber can restrict the movement of the piston rod and diaphragm, thereby compromising the functional safety of the pressure reducer. Therefore, there is a need for an improved pressure reducer that can at least partially prevent the pressure compensation orifice from being directly exposed to the surrounding environment.

[0004] Examples of pressure regulators are provided in Chinese Utility Model No. 204,512,569 (hereinafter referred to as '569 Reference'). '569 Reference provides a filter pressure regulator comprising a pressure regulator and a filter device. The pressure regulator includes a main part, a regulator, and a valve cover. The outer wall of the valve cover is equipped with reinforcing ribs and a pressure regulating orifice, and the interior of the valve cover is equipped with a filter screen. However, there is still a need for a simple and improved pressure regulator that can prevent clogging of the pressure compensation orifice without requiring any additional accessories (such as a filter screen). Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the foregoing, the object of the present invention is to solve or at least reduce the aforementioned deficiencies. This object is achieved at least in part by a pressure reducer for reducing fluid pressure. The pressure reducer includes a pressure reducer body defining at least one pressure reducer chamber. The pressure reducer chamber includes an inlet section and an outlet section fluidly connected to the inlet section, such that the inlet section and the outlet section respectively allow fluid inflow and outflow. The pressure reducer chamber also includes a spring-operated piston rod and a sealing element operatively connected to the piston rod. A flange is sealingly connected to the pressure reducer body such that the seal prevents backflow of fluid through the outlet section. The pressure reducer body also defines a pressure compensation orifice. The pressure reducer is characterized in that the pressure reducer body has a first threaded portion, and the flange has a second threaded portion complementary to the first threaded portion, such that the pressure reducer body and the flange are threadedly connected to each other through the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion. The pressure compensation orifice is arranged in the first threaded portion of the pressure reducer body such that when the flange is connected to the pressure reducer body, the flange is adapted to close the pressure compensation orifice.

[0006] Therefore, this disclosure provides an improved pressure reducer that is simple in construction and easy to install. The pressure reducer is advantageously designed so that the pressure compensation orifice is not directly exposed to the external environment. The pressure compensation orifice is closed or covered by a flange, thereby protecting it from the influence of foreign elements present in the environment surrounding or outside the pressure reducer. The flange prevents the pressure compensation orifice from being blocked by dirt, sand, etc. Therefore, the pressure compensation orifice allows or ensures unimpeded movement of the piston rod within the pressure reducer chamber, thereby allowing or ensuring the efficient operation of the pressure reducer.

[0007] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the pressure compensation hole is located near the first threaded portion of the pressure reducer body, such that the flange closes the pressure compensation hole. The location of the pressure compensation hole in or near the first threaded portion of the pressure reducer body depends on, but is not limited to, factors such as application requirements and construction feasibility. However, regardless of the location of the pressure compensation hole, such as in or near the first threaded portion, the pressure compensation hole is always covered by the flange to substantially prevent clogging.

[0008] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the pressure compensation orifice is a circular hole. The hole is preferably circular because drilling a circular hole is easy. Furthermore, a circular hole substantially prevents material loss compared to manufacturing or producing holes of other shapes. However, the hole can have any other suitable shape without limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the pressure compensation orifice is a passage extending at least partially along the length of a first threaded portion of the pressure reducer body. The passage provides a relatively large area for fluid ventilation during pressure reducer operation. Therefore, even if the passage is partially blocked due to unforeseen or uncontrollable external factors or interference, fluid ventilation can still be sufficient to facilitate unimpeded operation of the pressure reducer.

[0009] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the threaded connection between the pressure reducer body and the flange serves as a filter body for fluid drawn in via the pressure compensation orifice. The pressure reducer body has a first threaded portion, and the flange has a second threaded portion complementary to the first threaded portion. The first and second threaded portions, in addition to allowing the connection between the pressure reducer body and the flange, also serve as a filter body for fluid drawn in via the pressure compensation orifice during the intake stroke of the piston rod in the pressure reducer chamber of the pressure reducer. The first and second threaded portions substantially prevent foreign elements such as dirt and sand from entering the interior of the pressure reducer chamber. Therefore, no additional elements or separate components in the form of a filter are required, thus avoiding additional costs in the manufacture and installation of the pressure reducer.

[0010] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a sealing element seals the connection between a flange and a pressure reducer body. The boundary or end of the sealing element abuts or presses against the flange and pressure reducer body, thereby providing a fluid seal. The fluid seal is a result of the contact pressure applied to the sealing element due to the connection between the flange and the pressure reducer body. The seal prevents backflow of fluid through the outlet section, thereby eliminating any possible leakage and improving the overall efficiency of the pressure reducer.

[0011] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sealing element is a diaphragm. The diaphragm transmits excess fluid pressure at the outlet section to the piston rod for the downward stroke of the piston rod. Furthermore, the diaphragm allows for a seal between the flange and the pressure regulator body. A significant use or application of the diaphragm is that it eliminates the need for a separate sealing element (e.g., an O-ring) for sealing. Therefore, the pressure regulator is easily assembled with all its necessary components or accessories, and further benefits from lower manufacturing costs due to the fewer components or materials required for its assembly or manufacture. Additionally, the fewer components also reduce maintenance costs. Moreover, the seal prevents air from entering the outlet section, thereby preventing air drawn in from the pressure compensation orifice from mixing with the fluid (e.g., a liquid).

[0012] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the pressure reducer generates a constant output pressure of 4 bar. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the pressure reducer generates a constant output pressure of 1.5 bar. The constant output pressure can be predetermined and preset during the manufacture of the pressure reducer according to the application requirements. For example, a constant output pressure of 1.5 bar is very suitable and preferred for the operation of drippers and nozzles in horticultural operations.

[0013] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the valve selectively allows or disallows fluid passage through the inlet section. For example, the valve selectively allows fluid through the outlet section to maintain a constant output pressure of the pressure regulator. The piston rod oscillates to temporarily block the fluid supply from the inlet section toward the outlet section.

[0014] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the pressure reducer is used for drip irrigation. The pressure reducer of this disclosure has been found to have applications in horticultural operations (e.g., but not limited to drip irrigation). However, the pressure reducer of this disclosure is not limited to its application areas. The pressure reducer can be conveniently and effectively used in any domestic or industrial application.

[0015] Other features and aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view of a pressure reducer assembly according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a pressure reducer assembly according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown; and

[0019] Figure 3 Another perspective view of a pressure reducer assembly according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The invention will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which examples of embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the invention may be utilized in other embodiments and even in other types of structures and / or methods. In these drawings, similar numerals denote similar elements.

[0021] Certain terms used herein are for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting the invention. For example, “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “transverse,” “upward,” “downward,” “forward,” “backward,” “sideways,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upward,” “inner,” “outer,” “inward,” “outer,” “top,” “bottom,” “higher,” “above,” “below,” “central,” “middle,” “centered,” “between,” “end,” “adjacent,” “near,” “far,” “remote,” “radial,” “circumferential,” etc., describe only the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings. In fact, these components can be oriented in any direction, and therefore, unless otherwise specified, these terms should be understood to include such variations.

[0022] Figure 1 A pressure reducer 100 is shown. The pressure reducer 100 of this disclosure is used to reduce the fluid pressure of fluids intended for drip irrigation or other horticultural operations. However, the pressure reducer 100 of this disclosure is not limited to its application areas. The pressure reducer 100 can be conveniently and efficiently used in any other domestic or industrial application.

[0023] Furthermore, depending on the application requirements of the pressure regulator 100, the fluid used with the pressure regulator 100 can be a liquid (e.g., water) or a gas (e.g., air). The fluid can be selectively supplied by a fluid source (not shown) at a pressure greater than the output pressure requirement of the application in which the pressure regulator 100 is used.

[0024] For example, the fluid source can advantageously be equipped with a valve to regulate the outflow of fluid from the fluid source. Furthermore, the fluid source can be equipped with accessories that can automatically regulate the outflow of fluid from the fluid source. For example, when the fluid is water, the fluid source can be equipped with a watering computer. The watering computer can allow and regulate the outflow of water from the fluid source (or water source) based on factors such as the time of day and preset water outflow times.

[0025] The fluid source may be fluidly connected to the pressure reducer 100 via a hose or any other device generally known and understood in the related art, without limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the fluid source may be fluidly connected to multiple pressure reducers 100 via a fluid distributor (generally available in the related art).

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the pressure reducer 100 includes a pressure reducer body 110. The pressure reducer body 110 of this disclosure is a cylindrical body having a central axis X-X' along the longitudinal direction of the pressure reducer 100. However, in the actual implementation of this disclosure, the pressure reducer body 110 may have any other shape without limiting the scope of this disclosure. The pressure reducer body 110 may be made of brass, plastic, and aluminum. Various grades of stainless steel (e.g., 303, 304, and 316) may also be used to manufacture the pressure reducer body 110. However, any other material suitable for handling various fluids and operating environments may be used to make or manufacture the pressure reducer body 110. Furthermore, any suitable manufacturing process may be used to manufacture the pressure reducer body 110 without limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0027] The pressure reducer body 110 defines at least one pressure reducer chamber 120. The pressure reducer chamber 120 includes an inlet section 122 and an outlet section 124 fluidly connected to the inlet section 122, such that the inlet section 122 and the outlet section 124 allow fluid inflow and outflow, respectively. The inlet section 122 is defined along a central axis Y-Y' and the outlet section 124 is defined along a central axis Z-Z'. In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the central axes Y-Y', Z-Z', and X-X' overlap each other along the longitudinal direction of the pressure reducer 100. In some embodiments, the central axes Y-Y', Z-Z', and X-X' may be parallel to each other, but may not necessarily overlap. In some embodiments, the central axes Y-Y', Z-Z', and X-X' may have any other angular orientation relative to each other or relative to the longitudinal direction of the pressure reducer 100, without limiting the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0028] Inlet section 122 is fluidly connected to a fluid source via connector 126, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the coupling 126 can be advantageously designed such that fluid (received from a fluid source) is selectively allowed to pass through it only when the coupling 126 is fluidly connected to the inlet section 122 of the pressure regulator 100. This design of the coupling 126 essentially prevents fluid leakage when the pressure regulator 100 is not in operation or in use. In some embodiments, the inlet section 122 can be hermetically coupled to the coupling 126. This seal can be provided by a gasket, an O-ring, or any other known and readily available sealing device (or sealing element).

[0029] The inlet section 122 also includes a threaded portion 123 such that the threaded portion 123 threadedly engages with a complementary threaded portion 127 of the connecting joint 126. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the inlet section 122 and the connecting joint 126 are threadedly engaged or connected to each other. However, in a practical embodiment of this disclosure, the fluid connection between the inlet section 122 and the connecting joint 126 can be achieved by any suitable device known and understood in the related art.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, such as Figure 2 As shown, the inlet section 122 also includes a filter element 125. The filter element 125 is operatively coupled to the inlet section 122 such that it filters the fluid received from the fluid source before the fluid enters the pressure regulator chamber 120. The filter element 125 prevents clogging of the inlet section 122, thereby promoting smooth operation of the pressure regulator 100. The filter element 125 can be coupled to the inlet section 122 using any device known in the art. For example, the filter element 125 can be bonded to the inlet section.

[0031] Furthermore, the filter element 125 can have any shape, size, and type, depending on the application requirements. In some embodiments, the filter element 125 can be a surface filter made of tightly woven fabric or treated paper with uniform pore size. Fluid from a fluid source flows through the pores of the filter element 125, and contaminants are trapped on the surface of the filter element. In some embodiments, the filter element 125 can be a depth filter made of multiple layers of fabric or fiber layers that provide numerous tortuous paths for fluid flow. The pores or channels are larger than the nominal size of the filter element 125 so that particles are retained in the depth of the medium rather than on the surface. In some embodiments, the filter element 125 can be a 5-micron element, a woven mesh, a micron-sized element, a porous metal, or a magnetic type. Micron-sized and 5-micron-sized elements have non-washable filter media and can be discarded upon removal, while porous metal, woven mesh, and magnetic filter elements are designed to be cleaned and reused.

[0032] In addition, such as Figure 2As shown, inlet section 122 includes valve 129. Valve 129 selectively allows fluid from a fluid source to pass through pressure reducing chamber 120. Valve 129 selectively allows or disallows fluid from passing through inlet section 122. For example, valve 129 selectively allows fluid to pass through outlet section 124 to maintain a constant output pressure of pressure reducing device 100. Valve 129 is located downstream of the filter element in the direction of fluid flow. Valve 129 can be coupled to inlet section 122 using any suitable device known in the art. However, in a preferred embodiment, valve 129 is screwed into inlet section 122. The threaded connection between valve 129 and inlet section 122 allows valve 129 to move relative to the inlet section along the longitudinal direction of pressure reducing device 100. Movement of valve 129 along the longitudinal direction of pressure reducing device 100 can also help adjust the constant output pressure generated by pressure reducing device 100.

[0033] In some embodiments, valve 129 may be along the central axis X-X' of pressure regulator body 110. In some embodiments, valve 129 may be along the central axis Y-Y' of inlet section 122. In some embodiments, valve 129 may be parallel to the central axis X-X' of pressure regulator body 110. In some embodiments, valve 129 may be biased towards the central axis X-X' of pressure regulator body 110. In some embodiments, valve 129 may be angled towards the central axis X-X' of pressure regulator body 110. In some embodiments, valve 129 may be parallel to the central axis Y-Y' of inlet section 122. In some embodiments, valve 129 may be biased towards the central axis Y-Y' of inlet section 122. In some embodiments, valve 129 may be angled towards the central axis Y-Y' of inlet section 122. Valve 129 may have an orientation relative to the longitudinal direction of pressure regulator 100 without limiting the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0034] Valve 129 also includes a seal 130. Seal 130 may be an O-ring or any other type of seal commonly available in related technologies. In some embodiments, seal 130 may be a flat seal. In some embodiments, seal 130 may be a radial seal, i.e., providing a seal for fluid in the radial direction.

[0035] Continue to refer to Figure 2The pressure reducing chamber 120 also includes a spring-operated piston rod 121. The piston rod 121 is a hollow rod that allows fluid that will reduce its pressure within the pressure reducing chamber 100 to pass through. The spring 131 may be a compression spring or any other known type of spring commonly used to operate the piston rod 121. In some embodiments, the spring 131 may be wound along the outer peripheral surface of the piston rod 121. In some embodiments, the spring 131 may be a plurality of springs 131 equidistantly positioned along the outer peripheral surface of the piston rod 121, such that the plurality of springs 131 are oriented along the longitudinal direction of the pressure reducing chamber 100. The spring 131 may have sufficient strength to operate the piston rod 121. The spring 131 may have sufficient length to generate the strength required to operate the piston rod 121. The strength of the spring 131 may not exceed the strength required to operate the piston rod 121, because a stronger spring 131 would require more mounting space, thus unnecessarily increasing the size of the pressure reducing chamber 100.

[0036] Furthermore, the piston rod 121 may be coaxial with the pressure reducer body 110 or the pressure reducer chamber 120. In some embodiments, the piston rod 121 may have any other orientation relative to the previously defined central axes X-X', Y-Y', and Z-Z', depending on the operational feasibility of the pressure reducer 100. The piston rod 121 of this disclosure is configured to oscillate substantially back and forth within the pressure reducer chamber 120. The back and forth movement of the piston rod 121 is due to a force difference experienced by the piston rod 121. When the pressure at the outlet section 124 is greater than the pressure required for the application for which the pressure reducer 100 is intended, the piston rod 121 is forced to exhibit a downward stroke, i.e., toward the inlet section 122. Furthermore, when the pressure at the outlet section 124 is equal to the pressure required for the application for which the pressure reducer 100 is intended, the piston rod 121 exhibits an upward stroke, i.e., toward the outlet section 124.

[0037] Fluid in outlet section 124 is prevented from leaking back into pressure regulator chamber 120 by a sealing element 128 operatively coupled to piston rod 121 in pressure regulator chamber 120. Sealing element 128 may be a lip seal, an O-ring, or any other known type of sealing element 128 known and understood in the related art. However, in a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, sealing element 128 is a diaphragm. The diaphragm transmits excess fluid pressure at outlet section 124 to piston rod 121 for the downstroke of piston rod 121. Furthermore, for the remainder of this disclosure, sealing element 128 will be considered as a diaphragm.

[0038] The force difference borne by piston rod 121 is considered. The force borne by piston rod 121 is generated by spring 131 and diaphragm, which are operatively connected to piston rod 121 in pressure reducing chamber 120. The direction of movement of piston rod 121 at any given moment is controlled by the direction of the net force generated on piston rod 121 by spring 131 and diaphragm. For example, when the net force is in the upstream direction because the force generated by diaphragm is greater than the force generated by spring 131, piston rod 121 moves in the upstream direction.

[0039] The constant output pressure generated by the pressure reducer 100 can be adjusted by changing the initial distance or gap between the piston rod 121 and the seal 130 during the manufacture of the pressure reducer 100. For example, the constant output pressure can be predetermined and preset during the manufacture of the pressure reducer 100 according to the application requirements of the pressure reducer 100. Some applications may require a constant output pressure of 4 bar, while other applications, such as drippers and nozzles for gardening operations, may require a constant output pressure of 1.5 bar. Therefore, the initial distance or gap between the piston rod 121 and the seal 130 for generating a constant output pressure of 4 bar is increased, while the initial distance or gap for generating a constant output pressure of 1.5 bar is relatively decreased.

[0040] Continue to refer to Figure 2 And also refer to Figure 3 The pressure reducer body 110 includes a first threaded portion 112 on its outer surface opposite to the pressure reducer chamber 120. The first threaded portion 112 can be used to connect the pressure reducer body 110 to other accessories of the pressure reducer 100. The pressure reducer body 110 also includes a pressure compensation hole 114 in the first threaded portion 112. The pressure compensation hole 114 ensures unrestricted movement of the piston rod 121. When the piston rod 121 moves upstream of the fluid flow in the pressure reducer 100, the pressure compensation hole 114 allows the release of air pressure generated in the pressure reducer chamber 120. When the piston rod 121 moves upstream of the fluid flow in the pressure reducer 100, the pressure compensation hole 114 allows air to escape from the pressure reducer chamber 120. Conversely, when the piston rod 121 moves downstream of the fluid flow in the pressure reducer 100, the pressure compensation hole 114 allows the intake of ambient air (outside the pressure reducer 100).

[0041] In some embodiments, the pressure compensation hole 114 may be located near the first threaded portion 112 of the pressure reducer body 110. In some embodiments, the pressure compensation hole 114 is a circular hole. The hole is preferably circular because drilling a circular hole is easy. Furthermore, a circular hole substantially prevents material loss compared to manufacturing or producing holes of other shapes. However, the hole can have any other suitable shape without limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0042] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the pressure compensation hole 114 may be a passage extending at least partially along the length of the first threaded portion 112 of the pressure reducer body 110. This passage provides a relatively large area for fluid ventilation during operation of the pressure reducer 100. Therefore, even if the passage is partially blocked due to unforeseen or uncontrollable external factors or disturbances, fluid ventilation may still be sufficient to facilitate unimpeded operation of the pressure reducer 100. Furthermore, the passage may be a straight passage, a serrated passage, or a passage with any other configuration, without limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0043] In some embodiments, a sealing element 133 is used to seal the air around the spring-operated piston rod 121 in the pressure regulator chamber 120 from the valve 129. The sealing element 133 prevents the air in the pressure regulator chamber 120 from mixing with the fluid introduced into the pressure regulator 100 via the inlet section 122. The sealing element 133 may be an O-ring or any other commonly available sealing element known in the art, without limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Flange 132 is sealingly connected to pressure regulator body 110 such that the seal prevents backflow of fluid through outlet section 124. Flange 132 is coaxial with pressure regulator body 110. A diaphragm (alternatively, sealing element 128) seals the connection between flange 132 and pressure regulator body 110. The boundary or end of the diaphragm abuts or presses between flange 132 and pressure regulator body 110, thereby providing a fluid seal. The fluid seal is a result of the contact pressure applied to the diaphragm due to the connection between flange 132 and pressure regulator body 110.

[0045] The seal prevents or disallows backflow of fluid through the outlet section 124, thereby eliminating any possible leakage and improving the overall efficiency of the pressure regulator 100. Furthermore, many uses or applications of the diaphragm eliminate the need for separate sealing elements (e.g., O-rings) for sealing. Therefore, the pressure regulator 100 is easily assembled with all its necessary components or accessories, and has the further advantage of low manufacturing costs due to the fewer components or materials required for its assembly or manufacture. Additionally, fewer components also reduce pressure regulator maintenance costs. Moreover, the seal prevents air from entering the outlet section 124, thereby preventing air drawn in from the pressure compensation orifice from mixing with the fluid (e.g., liquid).

[0046] Flange 132 has a second thread 134 complementary to the first thread 112, such that pressure reducer body 110 and flange 132 are threadedly connected to each other via the first thread 112 and the second thread 134. Pressure compensation hole 114 is arranged in the first thread 112 of pressure reducer body 110, such that when flange 132 is connected to pressure reducer body 110, flange 132 is adapted to close pressure compensation hole 114.

[0047] The pressure compensation hole 114 is located either in or near the first threaded portion 112 of the pressure reducer body 110, depending on factors such as, but not limited to, application requirements and construction feasibility. However, regardless of the location of the pressure compensation hole 114 (e.g., in or near the first threaded portion 112), it is always covered by the flange 132 to substantially prevent blockage. Therefore, when the piston rod 121 moves in the upstream and downstream directions, the pressure compensation hole 114 is always operational to remove air from or draw air into the pressure reducer chamber 120.

[0048] In some embodiments, the pressure compensation hole 114 may be additionally arranged in the second threaded portion 134 of the flange 132. In some embodiments, there may be more than one pressure compensation hole 114 in the pressure reducer body 110, such that the pressure compensation hole 114 is covered or closed by the flange 132.

[0049] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The threaded connection between the pressure reducer body 110 and the flange 132 serves as a filter body for fluid drawn in via the pressure compensation orifice 114. The pressure reducer body 110 has a first threaded portion 112, and the flange 132 has a second threaded portion 134 complementary to the first threaded portion 112. In addition to allowing the connection between the pressure reducer body 110 and the flange 132, the first threaded portion 112 and the second threaded portion 134 also serve as a filter body for fluid drawn in via the pressure compensation orifice 114 during the input stroke of the piston rod 121 in the pressure reducer chamber 120 of the pressure reducer 100 (when the piston rod 121 moves in the downstream direction).

[0050] The first threaded portion 112 and the second threaded portion 134 substantially prevent foreign elements such as dirt and sand from entering the pressure reducing chamber 120 or the pressure compensation port 114, thereby preventing any potential blockage of the pressure compensation port 114. Therefore, no additional elements or separate components in the form of filters are required, thus incurring no additional costs in the manufacture and installation of the pressure reducing device 100.

[0051] The flange 132 also includes a third threaded portion 136. The third threaded portion 136 is formed on the outer surface of the flange 132, opposite to the second threaded portion 134 formed on the inner surface of the flange 132. The third threaded portion 136 faces the pressure reducer body 110, while the second threaded portion 134 faces away from the pressure reducer body 110 in the opposite direction.

[0052] The second threaded portion 134 connects the flange 132 and the pressure reducer body 110, while the third threaded portion 136 connects the flange 132 and the connector 138 (or joint 138). The connector 138 completes the pressure reducer assembly and allows fluid with reduced pressure to be delivered to a variety of domestic and industrial applications. The connection between the flange 132 and the connector 138 is a threaded connection due to the threaded engagement of the third threaded portion 136 and the threaded portion 140 of the connector 138. However, in some embodiments, the connection between the flange 132 and the connector 138 can be due to any other connecting device known and understood in the related art.

[0053] In operation, fluid from a fluid source enters the pressure reducer 100 at high pressure from inlet section 122. After being filtered using filter element 125, the fluid reaches valve 129. Valve 129 selectively allows fluid to flow toward spring-operated hollow piston rod 121. Fluid from piston rod 121 flows outward toward flange 132 and ultimately to connector 138 for use in various domestic and industrial applications.

[0054] The pressure of the high-pressure fluid from the fluid source is reduced by the oscillating motion of a piston rod 121, essentially within the pressure reducing chamber 120. The piston rod 121 oscillates to reduce the fluid pressure to a constant output pressure. The piston rod 121 temporarily blocks the fluid supply from the inlet section 122 towards the outlet section 124. The piston rod 121 blocks the fluid supply by engaging a seal 130 with the valve 129. The seal 130 can seal the piston rod 121 axially or radially to prevent fluid from entering the piston rod 121.

[0055] When the piston rod 121 is squeezed upstream of the fluid flow direction by the diaphragm resisting the spring force, the fluid supply from the inlet section 122 is temporarily blocked. Furthermore, as the fluid squeezes the diaphragm, causing it to further squeeze the piston rod 121 and move it upstream of the fluid flow direction, some energy may be lost. Thus, the high fluid pressure is reduced to the final output pressure.

[0056] Furthermore, when the fluid pressure near the outlet section 124 decreases to its final value, the spring 131 can overcome the force of the diaphragm, causing the piston rod 121 to move downstream toward its original position. As described above, the oscillating movement of the piston rod 121 is assisted by the pressure compensation orifice 114.

[0057] Therefore, this disclosure provides an improved pressure reducer 100 that is simple in construction and easy to install. The pressure reducer 100 is advantageously designed so that the pressure compensation port 114 is not directly exposed to the external environment. The pressure compensation port 114 is closed or covered by a flange 132, thereby protecting the pressure compensation port 114 from the influence of foreign elements present in the environment surrounding or outside the pressure reducer 100. The flange 132 prevents the pressure compensation port 114 from becoming clogged due to dirt, sand, etc. Therefore, the pressure compensation port 114 allows or ensures unimpeded movement of the piston rod 121 and diaphragm within the pressure reducer chamber 120, thereby allowing or ensuring efficient operation of the pressure reducer 100.

[0058] Preferred embodiments and examples of the invention have been disclosed in the accompanying drawings and description. Although specific terminology has been used, it is used only in a general and descriptive sense and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

[0059] Component list:

[0060] 100 Pressure Reducer

[0061] 110 Pressure Reducer Body

[0062] 112 First thread section

[0063] 114 Pressure compensation hole

[0064] 120 Pressure Regulator Chamber

[0065] 121 Piston Rod

[0066] 122 Entrance Section

[0067] 123 Threaded section

[0068] 124 Exit Section

[0069] 125 filter element

[0070] 126 Connecting joint

[0071] 127 Threaded section

[0072] 128 Sealing element

[0073] 129 valve

[0074] 130 Seals

[0075] 131 Spring

[0076] 132 flange

[0077] 133 Sealing element

[0078] 134 Second thread section

[0079] 136 Third thread section

[0080] 138 connector / connector

[0081] 140 threaded section

[0082] X-X' central axis

[0083] Y-Y' central axis

[0084] Z-Z' central axis

Claims

1. A pressure reducer (100) for reducing fluid pressure, comprising: A pressure reducer body (110) defines at least one pressure reducer chamber (120), said pressure reducer chamber (120) comprising: An inlet section (122) and an outlet section (124) fluidly connected to the inlet section (122) allow fluid to flow in and out, respectively. Spring-operated piston rod (121); and A sealing element (128) is operatively connected to the piston rod (121); The flange (132) is sealingly connected to the pressure reducing body (110) such that the seal prevents backflow of fluid through the outlet section (124); and Pressure compensation orifice (114) defined by the pressure reducing body (110); Its features are: The pressure reducer body (110) has a first threaded portion (112), and the flange (132) has a second threaded portion (134) complementary to the first threaded portion (112), such that the pressure reducer body (110) and the flange (132) are threadedly connected to each other through the first threaded portion (112) and the second threaded portion (134); and The pressure compensation hole (114) is arranged in the first threaded portion (112) of the pressure reducer body (110) such that when the flange (132) is connected to the pressure reducer body (110), the flange (132) is adapted to close the pressure compensation hole (114). The threaded connection between the pressure reducing body (110) and the flange (132) serves as a filter body for fluid drawn in via the pressure compensation hole (114).

2. The pressure reducer (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The pressure compensation hole (114) is located near the first threaded portion (112) of the pressure reducer body (110), such that the flange (132) closes the pressure compensation hole (114).

3. The pressure reducer (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The pressure compensation hole (114) is a round hole.

4. The pressure reducer (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The pressure compensation hole (114) is a passage that extends at least partially along the length of the first threaded portion (112) of the pressure reducer body (110).

5. The pressure reducer (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sealing element (128) seals the connection between the flange (132) and the pressure reducing body (110).

6. The pressure reducer (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sealing element (128) is a diaphragm.

7. The pressure reducer (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The pressure reducer (100) generates a constant output pressure of 4 bar.

8. The pressure reducer (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The pressure reducer (100) generates a constant output pressure of 1.5 bar.

9. The pressure reducer (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The valve (129) selectively allows or disallows the passage of fluid through the inlet section (122).

10. The pressure reducer (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The pressure reducer (100) is used for drip irrigation.

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