Pressure valve provided with rotary valve member

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressure valve (10) comprising:-a body (11) having a fluid inlet opening (12) and a fluid outlet opening (13),-a valve member (18) provided with a valve stem (19) mounted so as to be movable relative to the body (11) in an axial direction between a closed position, in which the valve member (18) rests on a valve seat (15), and an open position, in which the valve member (18) rests on the valve seat (15), the valve member (18) moves away from the valve seat (15). More particularly, the pressure valve (10) further comprises at least one fin (41) arranged upstream of the valve member (18) and for generating rotation of the valve member (18) when fluid flows from upstream to downstream from the fluid inlet opening (12) through the body (11) to the fluid discharge opening (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a pressure valve provided with a rotating valve member. The invention can be implemented with any type of pipeline in which a fluid (e.g. gas and / or liquid) circulates. The invention is particularly advantageously, but not exclusively, applied to aviation pipelines in which air and / or fuel circulates. Background Art

[0002] In a manner known per se, a spring-loaded pressure valve comprises a body having a fluid inlet opening and a fluid discharge opening. The pressure valve also comprises a guide and a valve member provided with a rod, the rod being mounted so as to be able to move in translation relative to the guide between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the valve member rests on a valve member seat, wherein in the open position the valve member is spaced apart from the valve member seat. In the closed position, a return spring between the guide and the valve member pushes the valve member against the valve member seat. The calibration of the return spring allows to define a pressure threshold value, beyond which the pressure valve switches to the open position. However, at low fluid flow rates, the partial opening of the valve member produces a significant pressure loss.

[0003] Furthermore, for certain operating points, it can be observed that the valve member is unstable and undergoes an oscillating state at frequencies up to 60 Hz. Such oscillations may lead to premature wear or even fracture of the internal components of the pressure valve. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to effectively solve the above disadvantages by proposing a pressure valve, the pressure valve comprising:

[0005] - a body having a fluid inlet opening and a fluid outlet opening, and

[0006] - a valve member provided with a stem mounted to be movable in axial direction relative to the body between a closed position, in which the valve member abuts against a valve member seat, and an open position, in which the valve member is spaced apart from the valve member seat.

[0007] Furthermore, the pressure valve further comprises at least one fin located upstream of the valve member, the at least one fin being used to rotate the valve member when the fluid flows from upstream to downstream from the fluid inlet opening through the body to the fluid outlet opening.

[0008] Due to the integration of one or more fins, the invention allows a torque to be generated at the stem of the valve member in order to fully open the valve and to keep it in the fully open position. The pressure valve can be fully opened at the lowest flow rate, which reduces pressure losses in such operating areas. In addition, the fins, which do not interfere with the flow of the fluid, avoid any unstable operating conditions of the valve member.

[0009] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the pressure valve may include:

[0010] - a plurality of fins which are angularly spaced apart from each other in a regular manner, and / or

[0011] a guide fixed in translation relative to the body and comprising guide means for guiding the valve member relative to the guide along a specific trajectory, in particular a helical trajectory, in order to convert a rotational movement of the valve member into an axial displacement.

[0012] Furthermore, the guiding device may comprise at least one finger mechanically coupled to one element selected from the rod of the valve member and the guide, the finger cooperating with a guiding groove formed in another element selected from the rod of the valve member and the guide, the guiding groove particularly having a helical shape.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the pressure valve can be such that:

[0014] - the fins are carried by pins arranged or fixed on the face of the valve member facing the fluid inlet opening;

[0015] - the pressure valve comprises a plurality of blades arranged on the outer periphery of the guide;

[0016] - Each blade has a notch allowing the passage of a ring, the ring being intended to cooperate with a circumferential groove of corresponding shape formed in the internal face of the body, so as to keep the guide fixed relative to the body without translation;

[0017] the guide element has a support portion, against which one end of the return spring abuts, in particular axially between the guide element and the valve member;

[0018] - the body has an engagement portion for fixing to a structural element; and / or

[0019] The pressure valve is made of a metallic material, in particular of aluminum.

[0020] Of course, different features, variants and / or embodiments of the invention can be associated with one another in various combinations, as long as they are compatible or not mutually exclusive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will be apparent from reading the following detailed description, which includes embodiments presented by way of non-limiting examples given for illustrative purposes with reference to the accompanying drawings, which may serve to fully understand the invention and the description of its implementation, and ultimately contribute to the definition of the invention, in which:

[0022] Figure 1a and Figure 1b are three-dimensional views of the pressure valve according to the present invention from two different angles;

[0023] Figure 2a and Figure 2b are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the pressure valve according to the present invention in a closed position and an open position, respectively;

[0024] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the internal components of the pressure valve according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a valve member of a pressure valve according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a guide for a pressure valve according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] It should be noted that in the accompanying drawings, structural and / or functional elements common to different embodiments may have the same reference numerals. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, these elements have the same structure, size and / or material properties.

[0028] Figure 1a , Figure 1b , Figure 2a and Figure 2b Respectively showing a three-dimensional view of the pressure valve 10 according to the present invention from two different angles and a longitudinal cross-sectional view in a closed position and an open position;

[0029] Figure 1a , Figure 1b , Figure 2a and Figure 2b A pressure valve 10 is shown comprising a body 11 having a fluid inlet opening 12 and a fluid discharge opening 13 .

[0030] The first end of the body 11 is located on the side of the inlet opening 12 and can be connected in particular to a fluid inlet (not shown), in particular a pipe, in particular a pipe in which air and / or fuel circulates. For this purpose, the first end of the body 11 can include a groove 16 capable of receiving a seal around which the fluid inlet (in particular a pipe in which air and / or fuel circulates) is positioned. The fluid inlet can be held in place by a flange, a clamp or any other holding means suitable for the application.

[0031] The second end of the body 11 is situated on the side of the discharge opening 13 and may in particular be connected to a fluid outlet (not shown), in particular a duct, in particular a duct in which air and / or fuel circulates.

[0032] According to an alternative solution (not shown), the second end of the body 11 may include a groove capable of receiving a seal around which a fluid outlet (in particular a duct through which air and / or fuel circulates) is positioned. The fluid outlet may be held in place by a flange, a clamp or any other retaining means suitable for the application.

[0033] Alternatively, the second end of the body 11 may open into a fluid recovery volume, such as a tank. This arrangement is advantageous in which no seal receiving groove is provided on the side of the fluid discharge opening 13.

[0034] Arrows F indicate the direction of circulation of the fluid in the pressure valve 10 .

[0035] like Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown, the pressure valve 10 comprises a valve member 18 extending along an axis XX′ defining an axial direction. More specifically, the valve member 18 is provided with a stem 19 .

[0036] Furthermore, the pressure valve 10 includes a guide 23 for guiding the valve member 18 and a valve member seat 15 as a support member for receiving the valve member 18 .

[0037] In this arrangement, the valve member 18 is mounted to be movable relative to the body 11 (particularly relative to the guide 23) in the axial direction of the axis XX' between a closed position, in which the valve member 18 abuts against the valve member seat 15, and an open position, in which the valve member 18 is spaced apart from the valve member seat 15. Thus, the valve member 18 can move axially along the axis XX'.

[0038] More specifically, the valve member 18 has a disc shape extending radially relative to the stem 19. In addition, a valve member seat 15 is formed in the body 11.

[0039] In order to ensure the seal between the valve member 18 and the valve member seat 15, the valve member 18 may include a gasket 24, advantageously molded on the shoulder, such as Figure 2b As shown. The gasket 24 can be made of an elastomeric material or other material suitable for the application. The material of the gasket 24 is selected according to the compatibility of the gasket 24 with the fluid circulating inside the pressure valve 10. However, alternatively, such a gasket 24 is not necessary, as long as the sealing can be ensured directly by surface contact between the valve member 18 and the valve member seat 15 (more particularly between the contact surface of the valve member 18 and the surface of the valve member seat 15), thereby generating surface support.

[0040] The guide 23 is fixed relative to the body 11 and does not translate.

[0041] To this end, according to Figure 2a and Figure 2b as well as Figure 3 and Figure 5 In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 3 and Figure 5 1 is a perspective view of the internal components of the pressure valve 10 according to the present invention, more particularly the guide 23, which comprises a sleeve 25 provided with a passage 27 through which the stem 19 of the valve member 18 passes. More particularly, the sleeve 25, preferably a tubular sleeve, may consist of a cylindrical portion into which the stem 19 of the valve member 18 is inserted.

[0042] Additionally or alternatively, a bearing portion 26 , such as an annular ring bushing, may be arranged radially between the outer periphery of the rod 19 and the inner periphery of the sleeve 25 .

[0043] At one end thereof, in particular the downstream end close to the fluid discharge opening 13, the guide 23 may include a plurality of vanes 30. The plurality of vanes 30 assist in retaining the sleeve 25 and thus the guide 23 in the pressure valve 10.

[0044] Ideally, a plurality of blades 30 are arranged on the outer circumference of the sleeve 25 , in particular, the blades 30 are carried by the outer circumference of a cylindrical portion forming the sleeve 25 .

[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment, the blades 30 extend in radial projection in at least one plane containing the axis XX′ of the valve member 18. The blades 30 advantageously have a small thickness, in particular of the order of millimeters, so as not to impede the circulation of the fluid inside the pressure valve 10.

[0046] like Figure 1a , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, each blade 30 comprises a notch 31, preferably a shallow notch. This notch 31 can be used to receive an annular collar 33, which is particularly toroidal in shape and is particularly provided with a steering rim at its end.

[0047] The annular retaining ring 33 is intended to cooperate with a circumferential groove 34 of corresponding shape in the inner face of the body 11, such as Figure 2a and Figure 2b This configuration allows the guide 23 to remain fixed relative to the body 11 without translation.

[0048] In the example shown, the guide 23 comprises four blades 30, preferably arranged at an angle of 90 degrees between them. Of course, the number of blades 30 can be less than or greater than 4. This depends on the application, in particular on the forces supported by the guide 23 when the pressure valve 10 is operated. Preferably, the blades 30 are angularly distributed in a regular manner along the periphery of the guide 23. Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 3As shown, a return spring 36 is arranged axially between the guide 23 and the valve member 18. According to the example shown, the return spring 36 is arranged around the stem 19 and the portion of the sleeve 25 that axially extends beyond the blade 30. In the closed position, the return spring 36 pushes the valve member 18 against the valve member seat 15. The calibration of the return spring 36 makes it possible to define a pressure threshold value, above which the pressure valve 10 passes from the closed position to the open position.

[0049] The guide 23 comprises a support 38 against which the downstream end of the return spring 36 rests. The support 38 may have an annular shape extending radially relative to the axis XX', forming a support washer. The support 38 may be formed by the upstream edge of the vane 30 facing the valve member 18. Alternatively, the support 38 may be an additional portion that rests or presses against the upstream edge of the vane 30 facing the valve member 18. This arrangement makes it possible to ensure a flat support of the return spring 36 on the side of the guide 23.

[0050] The upstream end of the return spring 36 bears against the valve member 18. According to such a particular embodiment, the valve member 18 comprises a housing 39 for receiving the upstream end of the return spring 36. The diameter of the housing 39 corresponds to the diameter of the return spring 36. The housing 39 is arranged in the end face of the valve member 18 facing the vane 30.

[0051] like Figure 1b , Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 1 is a three-dimensional view of a valve 16 of a pressure valve 10 according to the present invention, the pressure valve 10 further comprising at least one fin 41, particularly located upstream of the valve member 18, for rotating the valve member 18 when the fluid flows from upstream to downstream from the fluid inlet opening 12 through the body 11 to the fluid discharge opening 13.

[0052] In this case, the pressure valve 10 comprises a plurality of fins 41 which are advantageously angularly spaced apart from one another in a regular manner.

[0053] The fin 41 is carried by a pin 44, in particular on the upstream face of the valve member 18 facing the fluid inlet opening 12. The pin 44 extends along an axis XX'.

[0054] According to an alternative embodiment, the pin 44 may be an additional portion fixed to the upstream face of the valve member 18 facing the fluid inlet opening 12 .

[0055] As shown in the figures, the rod 19 intended to cooperate with the guide 23 and the pin 44 carrying the fin 41 extend on both sides of the valve member 18, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 More particularly shown in .

[0056] Valve member 18, rod 19 and pin 44 can form a single piece. In addition, rod 19 and pin 44 can be integral with valve member 18, or can be attached and fixed to the corresponding face of valve member 18, particularly by threaded connection, gluing, welding or any other fixing technology suitable for the application.

[0057] The fins 41 may form a non-zero angle of attack. Thus, the fins 41 are not contained in a plane perpendicular to the axis XX′ but form an angle therewith. The angle of attack of the fins 41 may be adjusted according to the desired rotational speed of the valve member 18 and the desired torque on the pin 44 .

[0058] In the example shown, the valve member 18 has four fins 41. Of course, the number of fins 41 may be less than or greater than four.

[0059] Alternatively, the fins 41 may be arranged directly on the face of the valve member 18 facing the fluid inlet opening 12. In this arrangement, the pressure valve 10 does not comprise the pin 44.

[0060] In addition, the pressure valve 10 may include a guide device 45, in particular Figure 2a , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , for guiding the valve member 18 relative to the guide 23. In particular, the guide device 45 allows guiding the valve member 18 along a specific trajectory, in particular a helical trajectory, relative to the guide 23. According to this arrangement, it is thus possible to convert the rotational movement of the valve member 18 into an axial displacement.

[0061] For this purpose, the guide device 45 comprises a finger 46 mechanically connected to the stem 19 of the valve member 18, the finger 46 cooperating with a guide groove 47, in particular a spiral-shaped guide groove 47, in the guide 23. The finger 46 extends as a radial protrusion relative to the outer circumference of the stem 19. The finger 46 is inserted into the guide groove 47 in the sleeve 25 of the guide 23. The guide groove 47 may extend radially through the wall of the sleeve 25 of the guide 23.

[0062] Alternatively, the structure may be reversed, ie the finger 46 may be mechanically connected to the guide 23 , whereas the guide groove 47 is provided in the stem 19 of the valve member 18 .

[0063] In another variant, the guide means 45 can be implemented by a screw-nut connection in which a thread is provided on the rod 19 and a correspondingly shaped tapping is provided in the inner face of the sleeve 25 of the guide 23. Figure 1a , Figure 1b , Figure 2a and Figure 2bAs can be seen in the figure, the body 11 may include a fixed interface 50 for engaging with a structural element (such as a tank or a pipe). As a specific example, each fixed interface 50 may be formed by a protruding lug, which is provided with an opening for a fixing member (such as a screw or a rivet or any other fixing member suitable for the application) to pass through.

[0064] The pressure valve 10 is made of a metallic material, in particular aluminum, which avoids the risk of static electricity in explosive environments.

[0065] Alternatively, particularly for applications where there is no particular risk associated with the presence of flammable and / or explosive fluids, the various components of the pressure valve 10 may be made of plastic or composite materials reinforced with glass or carbon fibers.

[0066] The operation of the pressure valve 10 according to the present invention is described below. When the fluid flows along the flow direction F inside the pressure valve 10 which is initially in the closed position, as shown in FIG. Figure 2a As shown, the energy of the fluid in contact with the blade 41 generates a force on the blade 41, thereby rotating the valve member 18 due to the non-zero angle of attack of the blade 41. A torque is then applied to the valve member 18, in particular to the pin 44, by the fluid. The guide device 45 converts the rotational movement of the blade 41 into an axial displacement of the valve member 18. Therefore, when the return spring 36 is compressed, the finger 46 then moves inside the guide groove 47 in a direction away from the seat of the valve member 18. When the valve member 18 is fully opened, as shown in FIG. Figure 2b As shown, the finger 46 abuts on the end edge of the guide groove 47 .

[0067] Once abutted, the torque generated by the action of the fluid flow on the fins 41 on the valve member 18 (in particular on the pin 44) allows the valve member 18 to be maintained in the fully open position and prevents the occurrence of oscillation phenomena. When the pressure on the side of the fluid inlet opening 12 decreases, the return spring 36 extends and pushes the valve member 18 towards the valve member seat 15. The finger 46 of the rod 19 then moves inside the guide groove 47, so that the valve member 18 returns to the closed position, as shown in FIG. Figure 2a Then, the finger-shaped portion 46 abuts on the opposite end edge of the guide groove 47.

[0068] Of course, different features, variants and / or embodiments of the invention can be associated with one another in various combinations, as long as they are compatible or not mutually exclusive.

[0069] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but is provided as an example only. The present invention includes various modifications, alternative forms and other variations that can be conceived by those skilled in the art in the context of the present invention, and in particular, any combination of the above-mentioned various operating modes can be adopted individually or in combination.

Claims

1. A pressure valve (10), comprising: - a body (11), said body having a fluid inlet opening (12), and a fluid discharge opening (13), a valve member (18) provided with a rod (19) mounted so as to be movable in an axial direction relative to the body (11) between a closed position and an open position, In the closed position, the valve member (18) abuts against the valve member seat (15), and In the open position, the valve member (18) moves away from the valve member seat (15), and Characterized in that the pressure valve (10) further comprises at least one fin (41) located upstream of the valve member (18), and the at least one fin (41) is used to rotate the valve member (18) when the fluid flows from the fluid inlet opening (12) through the body (11) to the fluid discharge opening (13) from upstream to downstream.

2. The pressure valve (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The pressure valve (10) comprises a plurality of fins (41) which are angularly spaced apart from each other in a regular manner.

3. The pressure valve (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The pressure valve (10) comprises a guide (23) which is fixed relative to the body (11) without translation, and comprises a guide device (45) for guiding the valve member (18) along a specific trajectory relative to the guide (23), in particular along a helical trajectory, so as to convert the rotational movement of the valve member (18) into an axial displacement.

4. The pressure valve (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The guide device (45) comprises at least one finger (46) mechanically coupled to one element selected from the rod (19) of the valve member (18) and the guide (23), the finger (46) cooperating with a guide groove (47) formed in the other element selected from the rod (19) of the valve member (18) and the guide (23), the guide groove (47) in particular having a helical shape.

5. The pressure valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The fin (41) is carried by a pin (44) which is arranged or fixed on a face of the valve member (18) facing the fluid inlet opening (12).

6. The pressure valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The pressure valve (10) includes a plurality of blades (30) arranged on the outer circumference of the guide (23).

7. The pressure valve (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that Each blade (30) has a notch (31) allowing the passage of a ring (33), the ring (33) being intended to cooperate with a circumferential groove (34) of corresponding shape formed in the internal face of the body (11) so as to keep the guide (23) fixed relative to the body (11) without translation.

8. The pressure valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The guide (23) has a support portion (38) against which one end of a return spring (36) abuts, in particular axially between the guide (23) and the valve member (18).

9. The pressure valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The body (11) comprises a fixed joint (50).

10. The pressure valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The pressure valve (10) is made of a metal material, in particular of aluminum.

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