Pressure reducer with seat and shutter inserted from bottom surface

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressure reducer (2) for compressing a gas, comprising a body (4) having a gas inlet (6), a gas outlet (8) and a gas channel (22); a valve arrangement (16) comprising a seat (16.1) and a shutter (16.2) having a poppet valve (16.2. 1) configured to contact an upstream side of the seat (16.1) and an actuation lever (16.2. 2) extending from the poppet valve (16.2. 1) through the seat (16.1); an adjuster (10) comprising an adjuster body (12) attached to the main body (4) and a resilient member (26, 28) cooperating with an actuation lever (16.2. 2) of the shutter (16.2); wherein the seat (16.1) is accommodated in a bore (4.1) of the main body (4), which bore (4.1) is open on a bottom side (4.2) of the main body (4) opposite the regulator (10) and is closed by a plug.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pressure regulators, and more particularly to pressure reducers for compressed gases. Background Technology

[0002] Publicly available prior art patent document US 2011 / 0174395 A1 discloses a pressure reducer for compressed gas, comprising a body, a valve device housed within the body, and a regulator attached to the body and cooperating with a gate of the valve device. The pressure reducer also includes a membrane or diaphragm extending between the gate of the regulator and a resilient member, thereby defining a pressure sensing chamber. The outer edge of the diaphragm is hermetically clamped between the upper surface of the body and the regulator housing, which engages with the body. The valve device, such as its seat and gate, is mounted from the upper surface of the body into a hole formed therein and opening in the upper surface. However, this arrangement requires a central portion where the seat can rest towards a shoulder on which the regulator rests.

[0003] Publicly available prior art patent document DE 40 00 694 A1 similarly discloses a pressure regulator for compressed gas, comprising a body, a valve device housed within the body, a regulator mounted to the body and attached to a gate of the valve device, and a diaphragm defining a pressure sensing chamber. A seat of the valve device is inserted from the regulator side into a hole having a shoulder. The seat thus rests on the shoulder in a direction opposite to the closing direction of the gate toward the seat. This means that when the gate contacts the seat, the elastic force applied to the gate by the regulator tends to move the seat out of its position on the shoulder of the hole. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] The technical problem of the present invention is to overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art described above. More specifically, the technical problem of the present invention is to provide a pressure reducer with a valve device that is reliable to manufacture and assemble and is cheaper.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] This invention relates to a pressure regulator for compressed gas, comprising: a body having a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and a gas passage fluidly interconnecting the gas inlet and the gas outlet; a valve device in the gas passage including a seat and a gate, the gate having a lift valve configured to contact an upstream side of the seat and an actuating rod extending from the lift valve through the seat; a regulator including a regulator body attached to the body, and an elastic member cooperating with the actuating rod of the gate and defining a gas sensing chamber downstream of the seat in the gas passage together with the body and the regulator body; wherein the seat is received in a bore in the body, the bore opening on a bottom side of the body opposite the regulator and being closed by a plug.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the hole forms a bottom shoulder, and the seat abuts against the bottom shoulder toward the gas sensing chamber.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the seat is made of a plastic material and has an outer corrugated surface that elastically deforms when the seat is inserted through the hole and holds the seat in place within the hole.

[0010] Advantageously, the seat is held in place by the sole friction between its outer surface and the hole against the bottom shoulder.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the hole is formed by a closed shoulder engaged by a plug.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the closed shoulder includes an outer circular groove that forms a reduced contact surface with the plug, the reduced contact surface being plastically deformed by the plug.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the plug includes a first portion that threadedly engages with a hole on the bottom side of the body, a second portion that engages with the hole over a closed shoulder, and a radial contact surface between the first and second portions that contacts the closed shoulder in an airtight manner.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the plug includes a first component and a second component, the first component engaging with the hole in an airtight manner, and the second component mechanically engaging with the body and applying a force to the first component to create an airtight engagement.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the second component is hollow and has an inner non-circular surface configured for rotational engagement with a tool.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the gate also includes a guide rod extending from the lifting valve toward the plug, the end of the guide rod slidably engaging with a guide hole formed in the plug.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the valve device further includes a compression spring that surrounds the guide rod and rests on the plug and pushes the gate toward the seat.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating rod contacts the elastic member, but is not attached to it.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating rod is attached to the elastic member.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the seat, the gate, and the hole are configured such that the seat and the gate can be inserted through the hole from the bottom surface of the body before the plug engages with the hole.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the inlet port and the outlet port are located on opposite sides of the main body.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the pressure reducer further includes a membrane extending between the actuating rod and the elastic member, the membrane defining a gas sensing chamber.

[0023] Advantages of the present invention

[0024] What is particularly interesting about this invention is the simplification of the pressure regulator's construction and assembly. The valve device actually shows a limited number of parts, so all parts are inserted from the same bottom surface of the body. The seat is inserted into the bore of the body, for example, by elastic radial deformation, up to the bottom shoulder, without any additional means for holding the seat in place. A gate and optional compression spring can then be inserted into the bore. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the pressure reducer according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the pressure reducer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the pressure reducer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figure 1 The pressure reducer according to the present invention is shown in perspective view.

[0029] Pressure reducer 2 includes a main body 4 having a gas inlet 6 and a gas outlet 8. Gas passage ( Figure 1 (invisible in the middle) via valve device ( Figure 1 (Not visible in the middle) interconnects the gas inlet 6 and the gas outlet 8. The pressure reducer 2 also includes a regulator 10, which includes a regulator body 12 mounted on the main body 4. The regulator body 12 houses a resilient member that can be adjusted by a handwheel 14. Figure 1 (Not visible in the middle). Regulator 10 and valve assembly ( Figure 1 (Invisible in the middle) In coordination, the cross-section of the gas passage is selectively increased or decreased by moving its gate according to the gas pressure downstream of the valve device.

[0030] Figure 2 According to the first embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of the pressure reducer.

[0031] The valve device 16 is housed in the body 4, more specifically in a hole 4.1 in the body 4. The hole 4.1 extends longitudinally, i.e., parallel to and preferably concentric with the longitudinal axis of the regulator 10. The hole 4.1 opens on the bottom side 4.2 of the body 4 and is closed by a plug 18 on the bottom side 4.2. The hole 4.1 preferably includes a main portion 4.1.1 and a bottom shoulder 4.1.2 at the end of the hole 4.1 opposite to the bottom side 4.2 of the body 4. The hole 4.1, passing through the bottom shoulder 4.1.2, opens on the top side 4.3 of the body opposite to the bottom side 4.2.

[0032] The valve device 16 includes a seat 16.1 received in a bore 4.1, the seat 16.1 resting on a bottom shoulder 4.1.2 of the bore 4.1. The valve device 16 also includes a gate 16.2, which is movable and configured to engage with the seat 16.1 to adjust the cross-section of a gas passage through the valve device 16 and thereby adjust the outlet pressure. The gate 16.2 preferably includes a lift valve 16.2.1 located upstream of the seat 16.1, and an actuating rod 16.2.2 extending from the lift valve 16.2.1 through the seat 16.1 toward the top side 4.3 of the body 4 towards the top side 4.3 of the body 4. The valve device 16 may also include a compression spring 16.3 that pushes the gate 16.2, such as the lift valve 16.2.1, toward the seat 16.1. The compression spring 16.3 has a first end and a second end. The first end rests on the gate 16.2, for example on the upstream shoulder formed between the lift valve 16.2.1 and the guide rod 16.2.3 extending from the lift valve 16.2.1 in the opposite direction to the actuating rod 16.2.2. The second end rests on the plug 18.

[0033] The seat 16.1 is advantageously made of a non-metallic material, such as plastic, which is softer than metal and capable of slight elastic deformation by radial compression during insertion into the hole 4.1 until it contacts the bottom shoulder 4.1.2. The main portion 4.1.1 of the hole 4.1 may be corrugated on the section 4.1.1.1 adjacent to the bottom shoulder 4.1.2, as shown in the enlarged view of the hole 4.1, for secure engagement by deformation of the seat 16.1. These corrugations may include adjacent inclined annular surfaces interconnected by sharp shoulder surfaces. The inclined annular surfaces are oriented to facilitate insertion of the seat 16.1 while preventing its retraction. The depth of the corrugations in the radial direction may include between 0.1 and 1 mm. The number of corrugations may be at least one, preferably at least two, and may not exceed six, preferably five. These corrugations may be machined, which is facilitated by the fact that the body 4 is circular. Alternatively or additionally, the seat 16.1 may have an outer corrugated surface that elastically deforms when the seat is inserted through the hole and holds the seat in place in the hole 4.1 and against the bottom shoulder 4.1.2.

[0034] The plug 18 may include a first component 18.1 that hermetically engages with the bore 4.1 and a second component 18.2 that mechanically engages with the body 4 and applies a force to the first component 18.1 to generate the hermetically engaged connection. The hermetically engaged connection may be achieved by forming a closed shoulder 4.1.3 between the first component 18.1 and the bore 4.1, the closed shoulder 4.1.3 being formed at the end of the main portion 4.1.1 of the bore 4.1 adjacent to the bottom side 4.2 of the body 4. The closed shoulder 4.1.3 may include an outer circular groove 4.1.3.1 that forms a reduced contact surface 4.1.3.2 with the plug 18 (e.g., with its first component 18.1), the reduced contact surface 4.1.3.2 being plastically deformed by the plug 18 (e.g., by its first component 18.1). The second component 18.2 may be hollow and have an inner non-circular surface, such as a hexagon, configured for rotational engagement with a tool (e.g., an Allen wrench). It should be understood that any other non-circular surface and corresponding tools may be considered.

[0035] The main portion 4.1.1 of the hole 4.1 forms a continuous guide surface for the seat 16.1 during insertion, extending from the opening of the hole 4.1 on the bottom side 4.2 of the body 4 (intended to be closed by the plug 18) to the bottom shoulder 4.1.2 of the hole 4.1. For this purpose, the main portion 4.1.1 of the hole 4.1 can have a substantially constant diameter over its entire length; however, some variation is possible, for example, within a 10% tolerance.

[0036] Clearly, the gate 16.2 may include a guide rod 16.2.3 extending from the lift valve 16.2.1 in the opposite direction to the actuating rod 16.2.2. The guide rod 16.2.3 may be slidably received in a corresponding guide hole formed in the plug 18, for example in its first part 18.1. A compression spring 16.3 slides along the guide rod 16.2.3 and rests at one end on the lift valve 16.2.1 and at the other end on the plug 18, for example on its first part 18.1.

[0037] The gas passage 22, which fluidly interconnects the gas inlet 6 and the gas outlet 8, includes a transverse portion 22.1 that extends laterally from the side of the body 4 where the gas inlet 6 is located, connecting the gas inlet 6 to the orifice 4.1. The orifice 4.1 and the gas sensing chamber 20 form another portion of the gas passage 22. The gas passage 22 also includes a longitudinal portion 22.2 and another transverse portion 22.3. The longitudinal portion 22.2 extends longitudinally from the top side 4.3 of the body 4 and the gas sensing chamber 20 toward the bottom side 4.2 of the body 4, offset from the orifice 4.1. The other transverse portion 22.3 extends laterally from the side of the body 4 where the gas outlet 8 is located, opposite the gas inlet 6, connecting the gas outlet 8 to the longitudinal portion 22.2 of the gas passage 22.

[0038] The pressure reducer 2 also includes a membrane or diaphragm 24 extending laterally between the body 4 and the regulator body 12, defining the gas sensing chamber 20. The membrane 24 is preferably circular, with its outer peripheral end sandwiched between the body 4 and the regulator body 12. For this purpose, the regulator body 12 engages with the body 4 via corresponding threads on both the regulator body 12 and the body 4. Figure 1 As shown, the regulator body 12 includes two parallel external planes adapted to engage with a fork-type tool, allowing the regulator body 12 to be rotated and tightened on the body 4.

[0039] The diaphragm 24 is preferably made of a metallic material. The diaphragm 24 is contacted by the gate 16.2 of the valve device 16 on its surface defining the gas sensing chamber 20, for example, by the actuating rod 16.2.2 of the gate 16.2. The opposite surface of the diaphragm 24 is contacted by a piston 26 slidably housed in the actuator body 12 and is pushed against and toward the diaphragm 24 by an elastic member, for example, an regulator spring 28 also housed in the regulator body 12. The regulator spring 28 has a first end adjacent to the piston and a second opposite end adjacent to the actuator 30, the longitudinal position of which is adjustable, for example, by rotation of the handwheel 14. The regulator spring 28 is thus in a prestressed state, pushing the gate 16.2 of the valve device 16 away from the seat 16.1, opening the gas passage 22.

[0040] Once the pressure reducer is connected to a compressed gas source at the gas inlet 6, the gas flows along the gas passage 22 through the gas sensing chamber 20 to the gas outlet 8, where the gas pressure counteracts the force of the regulator spring 28 (and the rigidity of the diaphragm 24, depending on its deformation), causing the piston 26 to move away from the gas sensing chamber 20, resulting in the closing movement of the gate 16.2, which reduces the pressure downstream of the valve assembly 16 compared to the gas pressure at the gas inlet 6.

[0041] The functions of the pressure reducer described above are known and therefore do not require further detailed description.

[0042] A particular advantage of the aforementioned pressure reducer 2 is that the construction of the body 4 and the assembly of the pressure reducer are significantly simplified, and the generation of particles secured by threaded gaskets in the gas is avoided. All components of the valve assembly 16 are mounted into the bore 4.1 from the same bottom side 4.2 of the body 4. On the opposite top side 4.3, the diaphragm 24 and the regulator 10 are the only components to be installed. This provides significant simplification and the highest possible level of cleanliness for the gas-wetted surface.

[0043] Furthermore, the bottom side 4.2 of the body 4 may include one or more threaded blind holes 32 for securing the body 4 and thus the pressure reducer 2 to any support.

[0044] Figure 3This is according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of the pressure reducer. Reference numerals in the first embodiment are used to denote the same or corresponding elements; however, these numbers are increased by 100. Also refer to the description of these elements in conjunction with the first embodiment.

[0045] The pressure reducer 102 of the second embodiment is very similar to that of the pressure reducer of the first embodiment. The main difference is that the gate 116.2 of the valve device 116 is attached to the piston 126, instead of being pushed against the piston by a compression spring of the valve device as in the first embodiment. For this purpose, the piston 126 includes a preferably threaded center hole 126.1 or a bore, and a fastener 126.2 that passes through the diaphragm 124 and engages in the center hole 126.1 to provide an airtight connection between the diaphragm 124 and the fastener 126.2. Furthermore, the fastener 126.2 includes a blind threaded hole into which the actuating rod 116.2.2 of the gate 116.2 is rigidly engaged.

[0046] Obviously, the gate 116.2 does not need to include a guide rod and a spring as in the first embodiment.

[0047] Pressure reducer 102 exhibits the same advantages as the first embodiment in terms of simplifying the construction and cleanliness of the gas-wetting surface of the body and assembling the components of the pressure reducer onto the body.

Claims

1. A pressure regulator (2; 102) for compressed gas, comprising: Main body (4; 104), which has a gas inlet (6; 106), a gas outlet (8; 108) and a gas passage (22; 122) that fluidly interconnects the gas inlet and the gas outlet; A valve device (16; 116) in a gas passage (22; 122) includes a seat (16.1; 116.1) and a gate (16.2; 116.2), the gate (16.2; 116.2) having a lift valve (16.2.1; 116.2.1) configured to contact the upstream side of the seat (16.1; 116.1) and an actuating rod (16.2.2; 116.2.2) extending from the lift valve (16.2.1; 116.2.1) through the seat (16.1; 116.1); A regulator (10; 110) includes a regulator body (12; 112) attached to a body (4; 104), and an elastic member (28; 128) that engages with an actuation rod (16.2.2; 116.2.2) of a gate (16.2; 116.2) and, together with the body (4) and the regulator body (12; 112), defines a gas sensing chamber (20; 120) downstream of a seat (16.1; 116.1) in a gas passage (22; 122). Its features are, The seat (16.1; 116.1) is received in a hole (4.1; 104.1) in the body (4; 104), the hole (4.1; 104.1) opening on the bottom side (4.2; 104.2) of the body (4; 104) opposite the adjuster (10; 110), closed by a plug (18; 118), and comprising a main portion from the opening to the bottom of the hole (4.1; 104.1). 4.1.1), the main part (4.1.1) forms the continuous guide surface of the seat (16.1; 116.1).

2. The pressure reducer (2; 102) according to claim 1, wherein, The hole (4.1; 104.1) forms a bottom shoulder (4.1.2; 104.1.2), and the seat (16.1; 116.1) abuts against the bottom shoulder (4.1.2; 104.1.2) toward the gas sensing chamber (20; 120).

3. The pressure reducer (2; 102) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The main portion (4.1.1) of the hole (4.1) includes a corrugated (4.1.1.1) section (4.1.1.1), and the seat (16.1; 116.1) is made of plastic material and has an outer surface that elastically deforms when the seat is inserted through the hole (4.1; 104.1) and holds the seat in place within the hole.

4. The pressure reducer (2; 102) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The hole (4.1; 104.1) forms a closed shoulder (4.1.3; 104.1.3) engaged by the plug (18; 118).

5. The pressure reducer (2; 102) according to claim 4, wherein, The closed shoulder (4.1.3; 104.1.3) includes an outer circular groove (4.1.3.1), which forms a reduced contact surface with the plug (18; 118). 4.1.3.2), the reduced contact surface is achieved through the plastic deformation of the plug.

6. The pressure reducer (2; 102) according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein, The plug (18; 118) includes a first portion, a second portion, and a radial contact surface between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion is threaded into a hole (4.1; 104.1) on the bottom side (4.2; 104.2) of the body (4; 104). The second portion extends over the closed shoulder (4.1.3; 104.1.3) and engages with the hole. The radial contact surface contacts the closed shoulder (4.1.3; 104.1.3) in an airtight manner.

7. The pressure reducer (2; 102) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The plug (18) includes a first component (18.1; 118.1) and a second component (18.2; 118.2). The first component (18.1; 118.1) is engaged with the hole (4.1; 104.1) in an airtight manner, and the second component (18.2; 118.2) is mechanically engaged with the body (4; 104) and applies a force to the first component (18.1; 118.1) to create an airtight connection.

8. The pressure reducer (2; 102) according to claim 7, wherein, The second component (18.2; 118.2) is hollow and has an inner non-circular surface configured for rotational engagement with a tool.

9. The pressure reducer (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The gate (16.2) also includes a guide rod (16.2.3) extending from the lifting valve (16.2.2) toward the plug (18), the end of the guide rod (16.2.3) being slidably engaged with a guide hole formed in the plug (18).

10. The pressure reducer (2) according to claim 9, wherein, The valve device (16) also includes a compression spring (16.3) that surrounds the guide rod (16.2.3) and rests on the plug (18) and pushes the gate (16.2) toward the seat (16.1).

11. The pressure reducer (2) according to claim 10, wherein, The actuating rod (16.2.2) contacts the elastic member (26, 28), but is not attached to it.

12. The pressure reducer (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The actuating rod (116.2.2) is attached to the elastic member (126).

13. The pressure reducer (2; 102) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The seat (16.1; 116.1), the gate (16.2; 116.2), and the hole (4.1; 104.1) are configured such that, before the plug (18; 118) engages with the hole, the seat (16.1; 116.1) and the gate (16.2; 116.2) can be inserted from the bottom surface (4.2; 104.2) of the body (4; 104) through the hole (4.1; 104.1).

14. The pressure reducer (2; 102) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The inlet port (6; 106) and the outlet port (8; 108) are located on opposite sides of the main body (4; 104).

15. The pressure reducer (2; 102) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a membrane (20; 120) extending between the actuating rod (16.2.2; 116.2.2) and the elastic member (26, 28; 126, 128), the membrane defining the gas sensing chamber (20; 120).

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