Valve with ventilation function

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve (1) for connecting to a pressure source (3) and transferring the pressure to at least one load, having a valve body with a pressure channel (4). A ventilation valve (2) is incorporated into the pressure channel (4), wherein the ventilation valve (2) has an axially movable pin (12) which is held in an operating position and which can be brought to a ventilating position by axially moving the pin (12), thus dispensing the pressure present in the pressure channel (4) into the surroundings (U).

Description

[0001] Valve with venting function

[0002] The present invention relates to a valve for connection to a pressure source according to the features in the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] It is known from the prior art to use high pressures, especially high media pressures, in certain applications. For example, in stationary fire protection systems in particular, an extinguishing gas, primarily CO2, can be stored in pressure cylinders and, when needed, transported to the scene via pipes by manual or automatic activation. Operating pressures of more than 100 bar up to 150 bar are sometimes stored.

[0004] It is also common practice for various tools, especially hand tools, to be driven pneumatically. Operating pressures of up to 300 bar are stored in this case. The operating pressure is also provided in a pressure source, particularly a pressure cylinder, and then transferred to the consumer, i.e., the hand tool, via lines, particularly hoses.

[0005] For transport or maintenance purposes, it is necessary to partially dismantle such an arrangement or to remove the lines, especially hoses. However, if these are still subjected to the aforementioned high pressures, this poses a significant risk to occupational safety.

[0006] The present invention therefore has the object of showing a possibility to improve safety and user-friendliness in the aforementioned high-pressure applications.

[0007] The above-mentioned object is achieved according to the invention with a valve for connection to a pressure source according to the features of claim 1.

[0008] Advantageous developments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] The valve is used to connect to a pressure source and transmit the pressure to at least one consumer. The valve is preferably a cylinder valve and the pressure source is preferably a pressure cylinder. The valve is suitable for operating pressures of up to 300 bar. The consumer is, for example, a fire protection system or a pneumatic hand tool. A gaseous pressure medium is used in particular as the pressure medium. The valve has a valve body. The valve body has a pressure channel. The pressure channel serves to connect the pressure medium in the pressure source and transmit it to a line, in particular a hose, in order to transmit the pressure medium to the consumer when required. In the operating state, the cylinder valve is therefore open and the operating pressure is applied to the consumer in the pressure channel and in the line.

[0010] According to the invention, a vent valve is now incorporated into the pressure channel. It is provided that, for example, by closing the valve, in particular the cylinder valve, the pressure still present in the line and pressure channel can then be released to the environment via the vent valve. The line, in particular the hose, can then be disconnected from the valve, or the consumer can also be disconnected from the hose. Optimally, ambient pressure is then present in the pressure channel, line, or hose.

[0011] To ensure the vent valve is particularly user-friendly and easy to operate, it features an axially movable bolt that is held in an operating position. Initially, the bolt of the vent valve is held in the operating position, thus connecting the pressure source to the pressure channel and the lines connected to the pressure channel. By axially moving the bolt to a venting position, the pressure in the pressure channel can be released to the environment.

[0012] The vent valve with an axially movable bolt is therefore significantly easier to operate, as the position of the vent valve is immediately visible in the operating position. The pressure can be released by simply actuating it, for example with a thumb, and moving the bolt in the axial direction. In particular, the bolt is held in the operating position against a spring force. This has the advantage that the pressure can be released at any time by pressing in the bolt. As soon as a force is released from the bolt, for example, applied by the hand or thumb of a technician, it returns to the operating position and no further venting takes place.

[0013] The vent valve itself has a mechanically robust, solid, and simple design. It is formed, in particular, from an outer sleeve. Alternatively, it is preferably also possible for the previously described movable bolt to be integrated directly into the valve. In this case, a recess or a multi-stage bore with different diameters is integrated directly into the valve or bore. All of the following statements regarding the sleeve or inner surface of the sleeve in interaction with the bolt therefore also apply to direct integration into the valve. The outer sleeve can preferably be inserted into the higher-level valve. The wall of the sleeve has openings that pass through it and are in fluid communication with the pressure channel. The bolt is mounted in the sleeve so that it passes axially through the sleeve. A pressure chamber is preferably formed between the sleeve and the bolt.For this purpose, the bolt itself is particularly preferably designed to be constricted, tapered, or reduced in its pressure gauge. Seals are incorporated axially spaced from the taper or recesses in the walls of the sleeve, thus forming the pressure chamber. A spring is particularly preferably arranged at one axial end, wherein the spring holds the bolt in the operating position. An abutment is particularly preferably formed in the sleeve of the vent valve and in the bolt, so that in the operating position, the spring holds the bolt in the operating position against the stop of the abutment.

[0014] At an opposite end of the sleeve, it is widened, at least along its inner surface. The bolt has a sealing ring near one end. By axially displacing the bolt with the sealing ring in the direction of the sleeve's widening, the pressure chamber is opened to the environment. The pressure in the pressure chamber is thus released to the environment. The pressure chamber is connected to the pressure channel in a pressure-conducting manner, allowing the pressure channel to be vented.

[0015] This is where another special feature of the invention comes into play. Since the application takes place, particularly at pressures exceeding 100 bar, and the ambient pressure under normal conditions is approximately 1 bar, the high pressure difference creates a pressure surge when the venting process is initially initiated. However, this pressure surge has a detrimental effect on the venting function itself as well as on the longevity of the sealing ring.

[0016] This is where the present invention comes in, with an additional seal arranged in the axial direction upstream of the actual sealing ring. According to the invention, the actual sealing ring completely seals the pressure chamber between operating pressure and ambient pressure. The additional seal preferably does not have a 100% sealing function, so that a lower operating pressure, which is nevertheless higher than the ambient pressure, prevails between the additional seal and the sealing ring. When the bolt is moved axially, the initial pressure surge on the actual sealing ring is thus reduced, since the pressure surge from the additional seal only occurs when the additional seal passes the widened portion. The additional seal can also be referred to as a sacrificial seal. If the vent valve is used repeatedly, sometimes even over years of use, the additional seal can wear out, but the sealing capability of the vent valve is always ensured by the actual seal.The pressure surge itself only reaches the seal to a reduced extent or not at all, since the pressure surge occurs at the additional seal.

[0017] A further advantageous development of the present invention further provides that the additional seal has an opening that extends through the wall of the additional seal. The additional seal itself is designed as a sealing ring. The opening particularly preferably extends through the wall itself in the radial direction and is designed as a slot that extends radially around sections. This in turn ensures that, when the opening of the additional seal passes the widened portion, pressure is initially released or vented there. Thus, when the additional seal is completely passed, the resulting pressure surge is reduced in its peak or intensity.

[0018] In a further advantageous design variant, the vent valve is arranged transversely to the pressure channel. This facilitates the operation and actuation of the vent valve.

[0019] Further advantages, features, properties, and aspects of the present invention are the subject of the following description. Preferred embodiments are shown schematically in the following figures.

[0020] These serve to facilitate understanding of the invention. They show:

[0021] Figure 1 shows the valve according to the invention in longitudinal section,

[0022] Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along section line AA in Figure 1,

[0023] Figure 3 View according to Figure 2 in a venting position,

[0024] Figure 4 Representation of the vent valve according to Figure 2 and

[0025] Figure 5 Representation of the vent valve according to Figure 3,

[0026] Figures 6 to 8 show an alternative design variant to Figures 1 to 3 with direct integration of the bolt into the valve body in a longitudinal section view and two cross-sectional views analogous to Figures 2 and 3,

[0027] In the figures, the same reference symbols are used for identical or similar components, even if a repeated description is omitted for reasons of simplification.

[0028] Figure 1 shows a valve 1 in longitudinal section. According to the invention, a vent valve 2 is inserted into the valve 1.

[0029] The valve 1 itself is designed to be attached to an indicated pressure source 3 in the form of a pressure bottle. A pressure channel 4 is formed here, which transmits an operating pressure of the pressure source 3 via the pressure channel 4. Furthermore, a screw connection 5 is provided so that the connected pressure source 3 can be opened and closed. An operating pressure can be displayed via a pressure gauge 6. Furthermore, a connection 7 is provided. A consumer can be connected to the connection 7, in particular via a hose line (not shown in detail). The connection 7 can also be provided for filling the pressure source 3. A closure 8 seals the pressure channel 4 with regard to the pressure source 3 when the screw connection 5 is actuated. The connection 7 is in fluid communication with the pressure channel 4.If the venting position according to Figure 3 is taken and the screw connection 5 is closed until the pressure source is sealed, the pressure channel 4 is vented to the environment U.

[0030] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view along section line AA in Figure 1 . The vent valve 2 is inserted into the valve 1 transversely to the pressure channel 4. For this purpose, the valve 1 has a receiving opening 9 in the form of a complex bore. The vent valve 2 is inserted transversely. Various seals 10 are provided on the outside, which seal the vent valve 2 with the valve 1 with respect to its pressure channel 4. Recesses 11 are provided in a lateral surface of the vent valve 2, which connect the pressure channel 4 to the vent valve 2 in a fluid-conducting manner.

[0031] Figure 3 shows the view according to Figure 2, with the vent valve 2 not shown in an operating position as in Figure 2, but in a venting position. For this purpose, a bolt 12 is displaced in the axial direction to an outer sleeve 13. This fluidically connects a pressure chamber 14 of the vent valve 2, located in Figure 2, to the environment U. A filter screen 15 is located at one axial end of the vent valve 2 so that no mechanical contamination can affect the function of the vent valve 2.

[0032] . qu

[0033] Also shown in Figures 2 and 3 is a hose connection 16. This serves to fill the pressure source 3 and preferably has a backflow preventer or check valve. The hose connection 16 is not mandatory and can also be omitted. In particular, filling the pressure source 3 can then take place via connection 7, as already described above.

[0034] Figures 4 and 5 each show detailed views of the vent valve 2 according to Figures 2 and 3. The vent valve 2 has an outer sleeve 13 and an axially displaceable pin 12 in the sleeve 13. The pin 12 can also be referred to as a piston. The pin 12 is held in the operating position shown in Figure 4 against a spring force (F). For this purpose, a stop is provided between the pin 12 and the sleeve 13.

[0035] 18. The bolt 12 is covered by a cap 19. Within the cap

[0036] 19, a grub screw 20 is provided so that the bolt 12 holds the compression spring 17 and the compression spring 17 simultaneously applies a spring force (F) to the bolt 12. In the operating position, a pressure chamber 14 is formed between the inner circumferential surface 21 of the sleeve 13 and the bolt 12. The pressure chamber 14 is supplied with the operating pressure from the outside via the recesses 11 located in the circumferential surface of the sleeve 13, such that the operating pressure is also present in the pressure chamber 14. If the venting position shown in Figure 5 is now assumed, the bolt 12 is displaced to the left in the axial direction A in the image plane. The pressure chamber 14 is thus connected to the environment U in a fluid-conducting manner. For this purpose, the sleeve 13 is initially widened on its inner circumferential surface 21 in an axial end section. The axial displacement of the bolt 12 thus exposes a seal 22, since it no longer rests on the inner surface 21.As a result, the pressure chamber 14 is then connected to the environment U, so that the venting function is carried out. In an intermediate step not shown in detail between Figures 4 and 5, i.e. the axial displacement of the bolt 12 in the sleeve 13, a pressure surge occurs when the sealing ring 22 passes the expanded inner surface 21 when the operating pressure in the pressure chamber 14 is released or vented to the environment U. This pressure surge has a detrimental effect on the operation and operational reliability as well as on the longevity of the sealing ring 22. Therefore, an additional seal 23 is arranged upstream in the axial direction A at a distance towards the pressure chamber 14. The actual sealing ring is preferably designed as an O-ring. The additional seal 23 can be designed as a square or rectangular seal.Thus, the seal first passes through the expanded inner surface 21 as the main seal, with the additional seal 23 then sealing the pressure chamber 14 from the environment U. Only at a later point in time, namely when the bolt 12 is pushed further into the sleeve 13, does the additional seal 23 then also pass through the expanded inner surface 21 and releases the operating pressure in the pressure chamber 14 to the environment U. The actual seal 22 is therefore not fully affected by the initial pressure surge itself, since the intensity of the pressure surge is weakened by the additional seal 23.

[0037] To further reduce the pressure surge, a slot 24 formed in the radial direction R is provided through the wall of the additional seal 23. Through this slot 24, an initial pressure maximum of the pressure surge can escape to the environment U while passing through the expanded inner surface 21, thereby reducing the intensity of the pressure surge. The slot 24 is formed radially in sections and oriented in the radial direction in the additional seal 23.

[0038] For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that the pressure chamber 14 on the right-hand side of the image plane is also sealed off from the ambient pressure by a sealing ring 22 and an additional seal 23. Furthermore, a further additional seal 23 or a support ring 25 can be provided, which is arranged upstream of the sealing ring 22 in the axial direction A opposite the additional seal 23. Figures 6, 7 and 8 show an alternative design variant to Figures 1 to 3. Here, the bolt 12 is integrated directly into the valve 1. There is no additional sleeve. All statements relating to Figures 1 to 3 apply accordingly. The inner circumferential surfaces of Figures 1 to 3 and in particular also of Figures 4 and 5 apply accordingly, whereby the sleeve is now omitted and the inner circumferential surface 27 of a bore 26 in the valve 1 or valve body itself interacts directly with the seal 22 and the additional seal 23.

[0039] Reference symbol:

[0040] 1 - Valve

[0041] 2 - Vent valve

[0042] 3 - Pressure source

[0043] 4 - Pressure channel

[0044] 5 - Screw connection

[0045] 6 - Pressure gauge

[0046] 7 - Connection

[0047] 8 - Closure

[0048] 9 - Recording opening in 1 for 2

[0049] 10 - Seals

[0050] 11 - Recesses

[0051] 12 - Bolt

[0052] 13 - Sleeve

[0053] 14 - Pressure chamber

[0054] 15 - Filter sieve

[0055] 16 - Hose connection

[0056] 17 - Compression spring

[0057] 18 - Attack

[0058] 19 - Cap

[0059] 20 - Grub screw

[0060] 21 - widened inner surface

[0061] 22 - Seal

[0062] 23 - Additional seal

[0063] 24 - Slot

[0064] 25 - Support ring

[0065] 26 - Hole to 1

[0066] 27 - inner surface to 26

[0067] U - Environment

[0068] A - Axial direction

[0069] R - radial direction

[0070] F - spring force

Claims

A valve (1) for connection to a pressure source (3) and for transmitting the pressure to at least one consumer, comprising a valve body with a pressure channel (4), characterized in that a vent valve (2) is incorporated in the pressure channel (4), wherein the vent valve (2) has an axially displaceable bolt (12) which is held in an operating position and can be brought into a venting position by axially displacing the bolt (12), thus releasing the pressure present in the pressure channel (4) to the environment (U). Valve (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the vent valve (2) has an outer sleeve (13), and the bolt (12) is mounted axially displaceably in the sleeve (13), or that the bolt (12) is incorporated directly in a bore (26) in the valve (1).Valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer sleeve (13) has recesses (11) passing through its outer surface, wherein the recesses (11) are in fluid communication with the pressure channel (4). Valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that seals (10) are incorporated between the sleeve (13) and the valve (1). Valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sleeve (13) widens towards a venting end at least with its inner surface (21) or that the bore (26) widens towards a venting end in its inner surface (27). Valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the bolt (12) and the sleeve (13). in the operating position, a pressure chamber (14) is formed or in that a pressure chamber (14) is present between the bolt (12) and the bore (26) in the operating position. Valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that seals (22, 23) are incorporated between the bolt (12) and the sleeve (13) or in that seals (22, 23) are incorporated between the bolt (12) and the bore (26). Valve (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that a seal (22), in particular an O-ring, is incorporated at one end of the pressure chamber (14), wherein an additional seal (23) is arranged upstream of the seal (22) in the direction of the pressure chamber (14), wherein the additional seal (23) is axially spaced from the sealing ring (22). Valve (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the additional seal (23) has at least one opening which passes through the wall of the additional seal (23).Valve (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the opening is designed as a slot (24) running radially around sections. Valve (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the opening passes through the wall of the additional seal (23) in the radial direction. Valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vent valve (2) is arranged transversely to the course of the pressure channel (4). Valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bolt (12) is held in the operating position against a spring force (F).

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