High pressure washer including rupture disk valve assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a rupture disk valve assembly (V) and a high-pressure washer. The rupture disk valve assembly (V) is configured to be connected to the pump, where the rupture disk valve assembly (V) comprises: a rupture disk (30) located in the discharge passage, the rupture disk (30) fully blocking the discharge passage if the fluid pressure between the 5 pump and the rupture disk (30) does not exceed a threshold value, and the rupture disk (30) blocking the discharge passage if the pressure between the pump and the rupture disk (30) exceeds the threshold value, and the rupture disk (30) blocking the discharge passage if the pressure between the pump and the rupture disk (30) does not exceed the threshold value. The rupture disk (30) is rupturable to open the discharge channel; and a check valve (40) connected between the rupture disk (30) and the pump (10), configured to cause the fluid generated by the pump to travel only in one path from the pump to the rupture disk (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of valves, and in particular to a rupture disc valve assembly, preferably a rupture disc valve assembly for a high pressure cleaning machine. Background Art

[0002] Rupture discs (also called bursting discs) are safety devices used in various industries to protect instruments, processes, and personnel from overpressure conditions. They work by bursting or rupturing at a predetermined pressure threshold, allowing pressure to be released to prevent catastrophic failure or explosion. Compared to traditional pressure relief valves, rupture discs provide fast and reliable pressure relief. They are typically thin, flat, round or dome-shaped metal parts made of materials such as stainless steel, aluminum or nickel alloys. When integrated into a valve, the assembly is called a rupture disc valve assembly. The assembly combines the functions of a valve and a rupture disc to provide pressure relief and control in a single unit. When the rupture disc ruptures at a predetermined pressure threshold, the valve controls the flow of the fluid. Therefore, under normal operating conditions, the integrated valve acts as a conventional control valve, regulating the flow of process fluids. If the pressure inside the system exceeds a predetermined limit, the rupture disc inside the valve bursts, creating an opening for the excess pressure to escape.

[0003] A particular problem arises with high-pressure cleaners. Here, the water pressure in the pipes fluctuates frequently when the machine changes from standby mode to operating mode and vice versa. This causes the rupture disc to be subject to metal fatigue and thus to a very short service life of the high-pressure cleaner. One solution is to increase the rupture pressure of the rupture disc, for example by using thicker discs. In practice, however (e.g. in order to comply with EN 1829-1, 4.2.2 Safety devices against excessive pressure), it is often necessary to also increase the maximum permissible operating pressure, resulting in the use of higher rated and more expensive components. Summary of the invention

[0004] Therefore, an improved high pressure washer would be advantageous, and in particular a rupture disk valve assembly having a durable rupture disk would be advantageous.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a high pressure cleaning machine having an improved service life. This can be achieved by providing an improved rupture disc valve assembly that solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.

[0006] A first aspect relates to a rupture disk valve assembly configured to be connected to a pump, wherein the rupture disk valve assembly comprises:

[0007] a rupture disk located in the discharge channel, which completely blocks the discharge channel if the fluid pressure between the pump and the rupture disk does not exceed a threshold value, and which is capable of rupturing to open the discharge channel if the pressure between the pump and the rupture disk exceeds a threshold value;

[0008] A check valve connected between the rupture disk and the pump and configured to allow the fluid produced by the pump to follow only one path, from the pump to the rupture disk.

[0009] A second aspect relates to a system for pumping a fluid, the system comprising:

[0010] - a pump unit adapted to pump a fluid; and

[0011] - a rupture disk valve assembly, which is in fluid communication with the pump unit via a conduit; wherein the rupture disk valve assembly comprises:

[0012] - a discharge / fluid passage comprising a first section in fluid communication with the conduit, and a second section;

[0013] a rupture disk embedded in the fluid passage to block fluid flow from the first section to the second section; wherein when the fluid pressure between the pump unit and the rupture disk is above a preset threshold, the rupture disk is configured to burst to open the drainage / fluid passage between the first section and the second section; and

[0014] a check valve connected to or forming part of the first section of the discharge / fluid passage and positioned between the rupture disk and the conduit, wherein the check valve is configured to allow fluid to flow from the pump unit to the rupture disk via the conduit and the first section of the discharge / fluid passage.

[0015] In some embodiments, the rupture disk valve assembly includes a housing, and the rupture disk and the check valve are both disposed inside the housing. The check valve integrated inside the housing makes the rupture disk valve assembly compact and simple in structure.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the check valve is a backflow ball valve. These valves enable one-way flow while preventing backflow. Ball valves use a spherical ball inside the flow path to prevent reverse flow. When they rotate during operation, self-cleaning occurs as the ball rotates.

[0017] In some embodiments, the rupture disk valve assembly includes a blocking member, wherein the fluid can travel through the blocking member, and any part of the check valve will be blocked by the blocking member and cannot reach the rupture disk. The blocking member acts as a safety member. In the event that the rupture disk ruptures due to high pressure, the check valve will not eject.

[0018] Specifically, the check valve includes a support and a ball, the housing includes an inlet at one end near the pump, wherein the ball is disposed inside the housing and the ball is movable between the inlet and the support to open and close the inlet, the support separates the ball and the rupture disk, the support includes at least one hole, the fluid is able to travel through the hole, but the ball cannot travel through the hole.

[0019] Specifically, the support member includes at least two holes. In the event that the rupture disk bursts and the ball moves to block one hole, at least one other hole opens to release pressure.

[0020] Specifically, the check valve also includes an elastic component, which is arranged between the ball and the support. The elastic component is used in practice to ensure that the ball is guided to close the inlet so as to minimize any backflow before the ball seals.

[0021] Specifically, the support member includes a first support component in a cylindrical shape, the elastic component is a coil spring, and the elastic component is disposed around the first support component.

[0022] Specifically, one end of the first support member facing the ball comprises a concave portion. The concave portion creates a stable contact area for the first support member when in contact with the ball. In particular in a burst situation where water is expelled, the ball can be held by the concave portion without tilting off center as the stream rushes past.

[0023] In some embodiments, the support member includes a second support component that contacts the rupture disk to seal the space between the rupture disk and the housing.

[0024] Specifically, the second support member has a bowl shape to form a disc cavity, the rupture disc is at least partially disposed in the disc cavity, and at least a portion of the disc cavity has the same shape as the rupture disc. The bowl shape cooperates with the rupture disc so as to form a seal with the rupture disc once the head of the rupture disc valve assembly is tightened.

[0025] In some embodiments, the check valve further comprises a sleeve, wherein the ball is at least partially located inside the sleeve. The sleeve provides a guide for the ball during its movement to keep the ball centered.

[0026] Specifically, the sleeve includes a main chamber and at least one groove, the ball is disposed in the main chamber but cannot travel into the groove, while the fluid can flow through the groove. The groove creates a space for water to travel through, particularly forming a drainage channel around the ball in the event that the maximum pressure of the rupture disk is exceeded.

[0027] Specifically, the inner hole of the sleeve includes a first chamber and a second chamber at each end of the sleeve, and a third chamber between the first chamber and the second chamber, the inner diameter of the first chamber is larger than the inner diameter of the second chamber, and the inner diameter of the third chamber is larger than the inner diameter of the second chamber. This internal structure allows water to easily flow into the housing and further flow to the rupture disk.

[0028] In some embodiments, the rupture disk valve assembly includes a drain cup including a sidewall covering at least a portion of an exit opening of the drain passage. The drain cup can act as a stopper when the rupture disk ruptures and water sprays out.

[0029] In a second aspect, the invention provides a high pressure washer comprising a pump and a pipe, the pump being connected to the pipe to be able to provide high pressure water, wherein the high pressure washer further comprises a rupture disc valve assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, the rupture disc valve assembly being connected to the pipe. After thousands of trigger activations, the water pressure in the pipe fluctuates, but the water pressure at the rupture disc remains stable. As a result, the rupture disc has a long service life.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, a drain / fluid passage is formed in a housing including a first section and a head component including a second section, and wherein the housing and the head component are releasably secured to one another.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the check valve is positioned within the housing and is configured to form a portion of the first section.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, a portion of the check valve is configured as a support for the rupture disk.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the rupture disk is releasably secured between the head component and the check valve.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises a safety shield mounted, preferably releasably mounted, to the head component, the safety shield comprising a wall portion adapted to cover at least a portion of an outlet of the discharge / fluid passage, wherein the outlet is positioned in the second section.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, a drain / fluid passage is formed in a housing including a first section; wherein a check valve is positioned within the housing and is configured to form a portion of the first section; wherein the check valve includes a support and a ball; wherein the housing includes an inlet leading to the first section; wherein the ball is adapted to move between the inlet and the support to open and close the inlet; wherein the support is adapted to separate the ball from the rupture disk.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the support member includes at least one passageway / aperture to allow fluid / water to flow to the rupture disk, the at least one passageway / aperture forming part of the first section of the drainage / fluid passageway.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the check valve includes a resilient member positioned between the ball and the support.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the support member includes a first support component having a cylindrical shape, and wherein the elastic component is a coil spring positioned around the first support component.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the first end of the first support member faces the ball, and wherein the first end comprises a concave portion adapted to receive the ball.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the support member includes a second support component adapted to abut the rupture disk, thereby acting as a seal between the rupture disk and the housing.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the second support member is shaped to form a cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of a rupture disk.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the check valve further includes a sleeve configured as a guide for the ball as it moves between the inlet and the support.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the sleeve includes a main chamber and at least one groove, wherein the main chamber is configured to receive the ball and wherein the groove is sized and / or shaped to prevent the ball from moving in the groove while at the same time allowing a portion of the fluid / water entering the inlet to bypass the ball during movement of the ball toward the support.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the cartridge further comprises a first chamber facing the inlet and configured as a front chamber of the at least one groove and the main chamber.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the sleeve further comprises a second chamber facing the support and configured as a collection chamber for the at least one groove and the main chamber.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the at least one tank and at least a portion of the main chamber are pre-filled with antifreeze, preferably during transportation and storage of the system.

[0047] A third aspect relates to a high-pressure cleaning machine comprising a system according to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The device according to the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate one way of implementing the invention and should not be interpreted as limiting other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a prior art rupture disk valve V'.

[0050] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a prior art rupture disk valve V'.

[0051] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of a rupture disk valve assembly V according to the present invention.

[0052] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of a rupture disk valve assembly V according to the present invention.

[0053] Figure 5 is a portion of a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of a rupture disk valve assembly V according to the present invention.

[0054] Figure 6 to Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a support member of a rupture disk valve assembly V according to the present invention.

[0055] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of a rupture disk valve assembly V according to the present invention.

[0056] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a rupture disk valve assembly V according to the present invention connected to a pump.

[0057] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a sleeve of a rupture disk valve assembly V according to the present invention.

[0058] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 Cross-sectional side view of the sleeve in FIG.

[0059] Description of Reference Numerals

[0060] V' Rupture Disc Valve

[0061] V Rupture Disc Valve Assembly

[0062] P Pump Unit

[0063] 10, 10' shell

[0064] 11 Entrance

[0065] 20, 20' Head

[0066] 21, 21' center hole

[0067] 22, 22' discharge hole

[0068] 23 Protrusion

[0069] 30, 30' rupture disc

[0070] 40 Check valve

[0071] 41 Support

[0072] 411 first supporting member

[0073] 4110 Concave part

[0074] 412 second supporting member

[0075] 4120 Chamber

[0076] 4121 bottom wall

[0077] 413 Passage / Hole

[0078] 42 Sleeve

[0079] 420 protrusion

[0080] 42m main chamber

[0081] 42g slot

[0082] 421 First Chamber

[0083] 422 Second Chamber

[0084] 423 Intermediate Chamber

[0085] 43 goals

[0086] 44 Elastic components

[0087] 50 Drain cup

[0088] 51 Sidewall

[0089] 60 Fasteners

[0090] 61 Bolt

[0091] 62 Spring washer DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] Figure 1 to Figure 2An example of a rupture disk valve assembly V' (hereinafter referred to as valve assembly V') is shown. The valve assembly V' includes a housing 10', a head 20' and a rupture disk 30'. The rupture disk 30' is placed between the housing 10' and the head 20'. The interior of the housing 10' is hollow, and the head 20' includes a central hole 21' and a number of connecting discharge holes 22'. The housing 10' is suitable for being connected to a pipeline with a pump. In the event that the pressure inside the pipeline is lower than the maximum allowable working pressure, the rupture disk 30' will seal the central hole 21' at one of the ends of the central hole, thereby preventing water from flowing to the discharge holes 22'. In the event that the pressure inside the pipeline exceeds the maximum allowable working pressure, the rupture disk 30' will break to reduce the water pressure.

[0093] Figures 3 to 7 An exemplary embodiment of a rupture disk valve assembly V according to the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as a valve V) is shown. Although the valve assembly V may be used in other fluid pumping systems, its integration in a high pressure washer will be described below.

[0094] A high pressure washer typically includes a pump unit that delivers high pressure water to a water gun through a pipe. A trigger is integrated into the water gun to control the spraying operation, i.e., to allow or prevent water from being forced out of the barrel of the water gun. To prevent the water pressure inside the pipe from becoming too high, a rupture disc valve assembly V is operably connected to the pipe.

[0095] Reference Figure 3 to Figure 4 , there is shown a valve assembly V according to the present invention, which includes a housing 10 , a head 20 , a rupture disk 30 , a check valve 40 (hereinafter also referred to as NRV 40 ), a discharge cup 50 and a fastener 60 .

[0096] The housing 10 is hollow inside and includes a discharge / fluid passage. At a first end of the discharge / fluid passage (hereinafter referred to as the upstream end, relative to the fluid / water flow), an inlet 11 is formed. The inlet 11 is configured to be connected to a pipe in a high-pressure cleaner, or to a pipe in another type of system for pumping fluid. The opposite second end of the discharge / fluid passage (hereinafter referred to as the downstream end, relative to the fluid / water flow) is in fluid communication with the head 20. The rupture disk 30 is positioned in the discharge / fluid passage, thereby blocking it.

[0097] In the event that the pressure inside the pipeline is below the maximum allowable working pressure, the rupture disk 30 will block the drain / fluid passage; and in the event that the pressure inside the pipeline exceeds the maximum allowable working pressure, the rupture disk 30 will break / rupture to allow water / fluid from the pipeline to escape through the drain / fluid passage.

[0098] The NRV 40 is positioned upstream of the rupture disk 30. Water can bypass the NRV 40 in only one direction, from the inlet 11 to the rupture disk 30. Therefore, once the pump is started, water will flow into the housing 10 through the inlet 11. Then, within the maximum allowable working pressure, even if the trigger changes its activation mode (from active to inactive), or the pump changes its working mode (from active to inactive), a certain amount of water will remain in the area between the NRV 40 and the rupture disk 30 inside the housing 10, thereby keeping the pressure stable at the upstream side of the rupture disk 30. At the downstream side of the rupture disk 30, which is open to the ambient air, the pressure is also substantially stable.

[0099] Therefore, when the high pressure washer changes mode from standby mode to working mode, or vice versa, the pressure at both sides of the rupture disk 30 remains stable. As a result, the rupture disk 30 will not be easily subjected to metal fatigue, thereby achieving a relatively long service life of the rupture disk 30 and the entire high pressure washer.

[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, the NRV 40 is positioned inside the housing 10. The NRV 40 illustrated here includes a support 41, a sleeve 42, a ball 43, and an elastic member 44.

[0101] The support member 41 is configured to support both the rupture disk 30 and the elastic member 44. In addition, the support member 41 is also configured as a blocking member to prevent the ball 43 from being ejected from the housing 10 in the event that the rupture disk 30 is broken.

[0102] Reference Figures 5 to 7 , the support member 41 is shown to include a first support part 411 and a second support part 412. The first support part 411 has an outer diameter smaller than that of the second support part 412.

[0103] The second support member 412 is shown as having a bowl shape that forms a disc chamber 4120 (see e.g. Figure 7 ). The rupture disk 30 is partially mounted inside the disk chamber 4120, wherein the upstream side of the rupture disk 30 is in contact with the second support member 412. At least a portion of the disk chamber 4120 has a shape corresponding to the rupture disk 30. When the head 20 is mounted on top of the rupture disk 30, (once the head 20 is tightened) the head 20 presses from the top side, thereby holding the rupture disk 30 in place. At the same time, the outer circumference of the second support member 412 is sealed with the inner surface of the housing 10, the upstream side of the rupture disk 30 is sealed with the second support member 412, the downstream side of the rupture disk 30 is sealed with the head 20, and the head 20 is sealed with the housing 10. This structure ensures a watertight / liquid-tight seal over the entire rupture disk 30 within the discharge / fluid passage.

[0104] The bottom wall 4121 of the bowl-shaped second support member 412 forms one or more passages / holes 413 (four are shown here). Preferably, the diameter of the passages / holes 413 is smaller than the diameter of the ball 43. The bottom wall 4121 acts as a partition wall for the ball 43, which allows water to flow to the rupture disk 30, but at the same time keeps the ball 43 away from the rupture disk 30. This structure allows the second support member 412 to act as a blocking member, which is particularly useful in the event of a rupture of the rupture disk 30 to prevent the ball 43 from being ejected from the housing 10 like a bullet under pressure. Preferably, the number of holes 413 is at least two to avoid that the ball 43 can block all holes 413, thereby preventing pressure release.

[0105] The first support member 411 is connected to the second support member 412. The first support member 411 has a cylindrical / tubular shape and extends toward the ball 43. The first support member 411 mainly functions as a support for the elastic member 44.

[0106] In this embodiment, the elastic member 44 is a coil spring. The elastic member 44 is positioned / mounted around the first support member 411. One end of the elastic member 44 faces the ball 43, and the elastic member 44 is thereby adapted to push the ball 43 against the inlet 11 so as to close the inlet 11 when the water / fluid pressure in the pipeline is relatively low (e.g., when the pump unit is not activated). When the pump unit is activated, the water / fluid pressure in the pipeline is relatively high. This pressure acts on the ball 43 and the elastic member 44, and the elastic member is forced away from the inlet 11 when compressed (or stretched according to a specific configuration), causing the ball 43 to move toward the first support member 411, thereby causing the fluid / water to flow through the inlet 11. Once the water / fluid pressure drops, the coil spring 44 forces the ball to return to contact with the inlet 11, thereby preventing the discharge / fluid channel upstream of the rupture disk 30 from being completely emptied.

[0107] It should be noted that the elastic member 44 is not necessary in all embodiments, for example, in an embodiment where the housing 10 is configured to be positioned with the inlet 11 facing downward. Here, gravity will act on the ball 43, and once the water / fluid pressure at the upstream side of the ball decreases, the ball 43 will fall to seal the inlet 11.

[0108] Preferably, the end of the first support member 411 facing the ball 43 forms a concave portion 4110 suitable for receiving the ball 43, such as Figure 6 As shown. When the rupture disk 30 ruptures, the ball 43 can thereby be captured by the concave portion 4110. In this way, when the water / fluid flow rushes through, the concave portion 4110 prevents the ball 43 from tilting away from the center. Preferably, the inner surface of the concave portion 4110 is conical. This embodiment provides a stable support for the ball 43 because the contact area will thereby be rounded.

[0109] The sleeve 42 is shown positioned around the elastic member 44. The outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 42 is configured to achieve an interference fit (also referred to as a friction fit) with the housing 10 to fix the sleeve 42 in the radial direction R (see, for example, Figure 4 and Figure 5 ). One end of the sleeve 42 contacts the bottom wall of the housing 10, and the other end of the sleeve 42 contacts the second support member 412, thereby keeping the sleeve 42 fixed in the axial direction A.

[0110] The upstream portion of the sleeve 42 (again with respect to the fluid flow) abuts the inlet 11 and the downstream portion of the sleeve 42 abuts the hole 413 formed in the second support member 412. The sleeve 42 holds the ball 43 in the center and at the same time forms a drainage passage around the ball in the event that the fluid pressure exceeds the maximum allowable working pressure.

[0111] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 , the sleeve 42 is shown to include a main chamber 42m and four grooves 42g surrounding the main chamber 42m. The ball 43 is positioned in the main chamber 42m, and the grooves 42g are each adapted to direct fluid / water through the sleeve 42 and into each hole 413 in the second support member 412. Thus, generally speaking, the number of grooves 42g corresponds to the number of holes 413 in the second support member 412.

[0112] A protrusion 420 is formed between two adjacent grooves 42g, and the protrusion is used to guide the ball during the movement of the ball 43. The inner diameter of the main chamber 42m is preferably slightly larger than the diameter of the ball 43. For example, the protrusion 420 and the ball 43 have a clearance fit. In this configuration, the sleeve 42 serves as a guide for the ball 43.

[0113] Preferably, the inner hole of the sleeve 42 includes a first chamber 421, a second chamber 422 and an intermediate chamber 423 (see, for example Figure 5 and Fig.10 ). The first chamber 421 is positioned at the upstream side, the second chamber 422 is positioned at the downstream side, and the intermediate chamber 423 is positioned between the first chamber 421 and the second chamber 422 .

[0114] The inner diameter of the first chamber 421 is shown here as being larger than the inner diameter of the middle chamber 423, which allows water / fluid to flow freely into the groove 42g.

[0115] The inner diameter of the second chamber 422 is also shown to be larger than the inner diameter of the middle chamber 423. The second chamber 422 is directly coupled to the hole 413, both of which help to make the water / fluid flow toward the rupture disk 30 more easily.

[0116] Preferably, the structures of the two ends of the sleeve 42 are symmetrical, or in other words, the first chamber 421 and the second chamber 422 are identical, which makes it easier to assemble the sleeve 42.

[0117] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the head 20 is shown fixed to the end of the housing 10 opposite to the end with the inlet 11. The head 20 is hollow and includes a central hole / passageway 21 along the axial direction A. The central hole / passageway 21 is in fluid communication with the discharge / fluid passage of the housing. The end of the head 20 farthest from the rupture disk 30 forms at least one discharge hole 22 (six discharge holes 22 are shown in this embodiment), which opens along a radial direction R perpendicular to the central passageway 21. The discharge hole 22 connects the central passageway / hole 21 with the outside air, forming an outlet to the central passageway 21. When the water pressure inside the pipeline exceeds the maximum allowable working pressure, the rupture disk 30 will rupture, and the fluid / water will flow through the central passageway 21 and out of the discharge hole 22. In this way, the rupture disk valve assembly (V) includes a discharge / fluid passageway, which includes a first section (here, the discharge / fluid passageway of the housing) and a second section (here, the central passageway 21 in the head 20). The first section is in fluid communication with the pipeline, but when the fluid pressure in the pipeline is relatively low, this communication may be blocked by the ball 43. At the same time, when the rupture disk 30 ruptures, the second section will also be in fluid communication with the pipeline via the first section.

[0118] Preferably, the head 20 is provided with an external thread, while the housing 10 is provided with an internal thread. In this way, the head 20 can be mounted to the housing by being partially inserted into the housing 10, and thereby the head 20 is mounted on top of the rupture disk 30, as described above. Preferably, the head 20 comprises a protrusion 23 at the end farthest from the discharge hole 22. The protrusion 23 is inserted into the disk chamber 4120 of the support 41, as also described above. The protrusion 23 abuts against the rupture disk 30 to fix the rupture disk 30 in the axial direction A.

[0119] By using the threaded connection, the housing 10 and the head 20 can be easily assembled and disassembled, which also makes it easy to perform maintenance on the rupture disk 30 .

[0120] It should be noted that the water / fluid filled space between the ball 43 and the rupture disk 30 inside the housing 10 can be constructed to be relatively small. In this way, when the head 20 is removed from the housing 10, the impact force from the water / fluid in the space is considered safe.

[0121] The drain cup 50 may be secured to the head 20 via fasteners 60 (see e.g. Figure 3 and Figure 4). The discharge cup 50 shown here includes a side wall 51. The side wall 51 is adapted to cover the discharge hole 22 in the axial direction A. A gap is formed between the side wall 51 and the head 20. Therefore, when high-pressure water / fluid is ejected from the discharge hole 22, the side wall 51 will serve as a safety shield, thereby preventing the flow of fluid / water from damaging nearby people or objects.

[0122] Preferably, the fastener 60 includes a bolt 61 and a spring washer 62. In this embodiment, the head 20 includes a threaded hole at the end where the discharge hole 22 is located. The bolt 61 matches the threaded hole.

[0123] Figure 8 A second embodiment of a rupture disk valve assembly V according to the invention is shown. In the following description of the second embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment are explained in more detail. The explanations relating to the first embodiment also apply in the same way or in a similarly same way to the second embodiment. The same reference numerals indicate the same features or functionally equivalent features that have already been explained with reference to the first embodiment.

[0124] Compared with the first embodiment, the rupture disk valve assembly V does not include a drain cup and does not require fasteners. Without a drain cup, when the rupture disk ruptures, water / fluid will spray out freely.

[0125] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the examples presented. For example:

[0126] (i) As part of a rupture disk valve assembly, the NRV is not limited to being integrated within the housing 10. For example, see Fig. 9 , the NRV 40 may be positioned outside the housing (not shown), while the rupture disk 30 may be positioned inside the housing, and the NRV may be connected to the housing at a position upstream of the housing.

[0127] (ii) The NRV is not limited to having the same structure as in the first embodiment. Any type of check valve may be applied to keep a certain amount of water inside the housing 10 to create a stable water pressure for the rupture disk 30.

[0128] The scope of the invention is set out by the attached claims. In the context of the claims, the terms "comprise" or "comprising" do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Furthermore, references such as "a" or "an" etc. should not be interpreted as excluding a plurality. The reference signs used in the claims with respect to indicating elements in the drawings should also not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features mentioned in different claims may be advantageously combined, and the mention of these features in different claims does not exclude that a combination of features is possible and advantageous.

Claims

1. A high pressure cleaning machine, comprising a system for pumping a fluid, the system comprising: - a pump unit adapted to pump a fluid; as well as - a rupture disk valve assembly (V) in fluid communication with the pump unit via a conduit; Wherein the rupture disc valve assembly (V) comprises: - a discharge / fluid passage comprising a first section in fluid communication with the conduit, and a second section; and - a rupture disk (30) embedded in the fluid passage to block the flow of fluid from the first section to the second section; wherein when the fluid pressure between the pump unit and the rupture disk (30) is higher than a preset threshold, the rupture disk (30) is configured to burst to open the discharge / fluid passage between the first section and the second section; Characterized in that the rupture disc valve assembly (V) further comprises: a check valve (40) connected to or forming part of the first section of the discharge / fluid passage and positioned between the rupture disk (30) and the conduit, wherein the check valve (40) is configured to allow fluid to flow from the pump unit to the rupture disk (30) via the conduit and the first section of the discharge / fluid passage.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the discharge / fluid passage is formed in a shell (10) including the first section and a head component (20) including the second section, and wherein the shell (10) and the head component (20) are releasably fastened to each other.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the check valve (40) is positioned within the housing (10) and is configured to form a portion of the first section.

4. The system according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein a portion of the non-return valve (40) is configured as a support (41) for the rupture disk (30).

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the rupture disk (30) is releasably secured between the head component (20) and the check valve (40).

6. The system according to any one of claims 2 to 5 further comprises a safety shield (50) mounted, preferably releasably mounted, to the head component (20), the safety shield (50) comprising a wall portion (51) suitable for covering at least a portion of the outlet (22) of the discharge / fluid passage, wherein the outlet (22) is positioned in the second section.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the check valve (40) is selected from the group consisting of a piston check valve, a return ball valve, a swing check valve, a spring-loaded check valve and a tilting disk check valve.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the non-return valve (40) is a return ball valve.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the discharge / fluid passage is formed in a housing (10) including the first section; wherein the check valve (40) is positioned within the housing (10) and is constructed to form a part of the first section; wherein the check valve (40) includes a support (41) and a ball (43); wherein the housing (10) includes an inlet (11) leading to the first section; wherein the ball (43) is suitable for moving between the inlet (11) and the support (41) to open and close the inlet (11); wherein the support (41) is suitable for separating the ball (43) from the rupture disk (30).

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the support member (41) includes at least one passage / hole (413) to allow fluid / water to flow to the rupture disk (30), the at least one passage / hole (413) forming part of the first section of the drainage / fluid passage.

11. System according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the non-return valve (40) comprises an elastic member (44) positioned between the ball (43) and the support (41).

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the support (41) comprises a first support member (411) of cylindrical shape, and wherein the elastic member (44) is a helical spring positioned around the first support member (411).

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein a first end of the first support member (411) faces the ball (43), and wherein the first end comprises a concave portion (4110) adapted to receive the ball (43).

14. The system according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the support (41) comprises a second support component (412) adapted to abut against the rupture disk (30) thereby acting as a seal between the rupture disk (30) and the housing (10).

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the second support member (412) is shaped to form a chamber (4120) adapted to receive at least a portion of the rupture disk (30).

16. The system according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the non-return valve (40) further comprises a sleeve (42) configured as a guide for the ball (43) when the ball (43) moves between the inlet (11) and the support (41).

17. A system according to claim 16, wherein the sleeve (42) includes a main chamber (42m) and at least one groove (42g), wherein the main chamber (42m) is configured to receive the ball (43), and wherein the size and / or shape of the groove (42g) is set to prevent the ball (43) from moving in the groove while allowing a portion of the fluid / water entering the inlet (11) to bypass the ball (43) during movement of the ball toward the support member (41).

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the sleeve (42) further comprises a first chamber (421) facing the inlet (11) and configured as a front chamber of the at least one groove (42g) and the main chamber (42m).

19. A system according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the sleeve (42) further comprises a second chamber (422) facing the support (41) and being constructed as a collection chamber for the at least one groove (42g) and the main chamber (42m / 423).

20. The system according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the at least one tank (42g) and at least a portion of the main chamber (42m) are pre-filled with antifreeze.

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