Combustion tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a vaporizer (1) for a combustion tool (10). The vaporizer (1) comprises an inlet (2), an outlet (3), a first pressure regulator (4) fluidly connected to the inlet (2), a second pressure regulator (5) fluidly connected to the outlet (3), and an evaporator (6) fluidly connected between the first pressure regulator (4) and the second pressure regulator (5). The vaporizer (1) is configured to receive, during use, liquid and / or gaseous fuel from a fuel cartridge (11) of the combustion tool (10) at the inlet (2), such that it passes through the first pressure regulator (4), then through the evaporator (6), and then through the second pressure regulator (5) so that the gaseous fuel is delivered through the outlet (3) at a substantially constant pressure.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to combustion tools, and in particular to a fuel supply system for combustion tools. More specifically, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a fuel supply system for combustion tools comprising a vaporizer. Technical background

[0002] Fuel supply systems for combustion tools normally include a pressurized gaseous fuel cartridge coupled to a metering means to deliver a predetermined amount of pressurized gaseous fuel to the combustion chamber. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a more versatile fuel supply system in which a wider variety of fuels can be used.

[0004] The invention relates to a vaporizer for a combustion tool, the vaporizer comprising an evaporator for vaporizing a liquid and / or gaseous fuel and at least one pressure regulator for delivering the vaporized fuel at a substantially constant pressure.

[0005] The vaporizer may include an inlet. The vaporizer may include an outlet. The vaporizer may include a first pressure regulator, which may be connected, for example, via a fluid connection, to the inlet. The vaporizer may include a second pressure regulator, which may be connected, for example, via a fluid connection, to the outlet. The evaporator may be fluidly connected to the first and / or the second pressure regulator. The evaporator may be fluidly connected between the first and second pressure regulators.

[0006] The vaporizer can be configured to receive liquid and / or gaseous fuel during operation, for example from a fuel cartridge of the combustion tool, at the inlet. The vaporizer can be configured to receive the liquid and / or gaseous fuel at the inlet so that it passes through the first pressure regulator, and / or through the evaporator, and / or through the second pressure regulator, for example, so that the gaseous fuel is delivered through the outlet at a substantially constant pressure.

[0007] The invention also relates to a vaporizer for a combustion tool, the vaporizer comprising: an inlet; an outlet; a first pressure regulator fluidly connected to the inlet; a second pressure regulator fluidly connected to the outlet; and an evaporator fluidly connected between the first pressure regulator and the second pressure regulator; wherein the vaporizer is configured to receive, during use, liquid and / or gaseous fuel from a fuel cartridge of the combustion tool in the inlet such that it passes through the first pressure regulator, then through the evaporator and then through the second pressure regulator so that the gaseous fuel is delivered through the outlet at a substantially constant pressure.

[0008] The inventors determined that the presence of two pressure regulators and an evaporator between the two can ensure that liquid and / or gaseous fuel received from a fuel cartridge, the supply pressure of which can vary considerably, is supplied to the evaporator at a substantially constant pressure, while also ensuring that the vaporized fuel is also supplied to the combustion chamber at a substantially constant pressure.

[0009] The evaporator may include a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can be configured to heat, for example selectively heat, the liquid and / or gaseous fuel passing through it.

[0010] More specifically, the evaporator may include a heat exchanger configured to selectively heat the liquid and / or gaseous fuel passing through it.

[0011] The evaporator may include a heating device to heat the heat exchanger.

[0012] The heat exchanger may include a tortuous flow path through which the liquid and / or gaseous fuel passes.

[0013] The tortuous flow allows the liquid to be captured inside the evaporator when it changes direction and maximizes its chances of evaporation.

[0014] The tortuous flow path may have a spiral or serpentine shape.

[0015] This allows the liquid to travel a longer distance to maximize its chances of evaporation, while minimizing bulk.

[0016] The evaporator and / or heat exchanger may include an inlet and / or an outlet. The evaporator and / or heat exchanger may be substantially cylindrical. The tortuous flow path may be formed in one of the sides of the evaporator or heat exchanger, for example, one of its axial sides.

[0017] An outer radial end of the tortuous flow path can form or be fluidly connected to the inlet or outlet of the evaporator or heat exchanger. An inner radial end of the tortuous flow path can form or be fluidly connected to the inlet or outlet of the evaporator or heat exchanger.

[0018] According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the fuel supply system according to the invention comprises a fuel cartridge connected in a fluid manner to the inlet to deliver liquid and / or gaseous fuel contained in the fuel cartridge.

[0019] The evaporator and / or heat exchanger may include a radial hole that may describe the inlet or outlet of the evaporator or heat exchanger.

[0020] The first pressure regulator can be configured to supply liquid and / or gaseous fuel, for example to an evaporator inlet, at a first predetermined pressure, which can be substantially constant.

[0021] The second pressure regulator can be configured to supply gaseous fuel, for example at the outlet, at a second predetermined pressure, which can be substantially constant.

[0022] More specifically, the first pressure regulator can be configured to supply liquid and / or gaseous fuel to an evaporator inlet at a substantially constant first predetermined pressure, with the second pressure regulator being configured to supply gaseous fuel to the outlet at a substantially constant second predetermined pressure.

[0023] The evaporator can be configured to increase the pressure of the liquid and / or gaseous fuel as it passes through it.

[0024] The first predetermined pressure can be substantially equal to the second predetermined pressure.

[0025] The first predetermined pressure may be lower than the second predetermined pressure.

[0026] The first predetermined pressure may be higher than the second predetermined pressure.

[0027] The inlet can be provided by a fluid connection. The first pressure regulator may include an inlet passage. The fluid connection can be coupled, for example by threading, to the inlet passage of the first pressure regulator. The first pressure regulator may include an inlet chamber. The inlet passage of the first pressure regulator may lead to the inlet chamber.

[0028] The first pressure regulator may include an outlet passage. The inlet chamber of the first pressure regulator may be connected, for example via a fluid connection, to the outlet passage by means of a pressure reducer. The outlet passage of the first pressure regulator may be connected, for example via a fluid connection, to the evaporator. The inlet of the evaporator or heat exchanger may be connected, for example via a fluid connection, to the outlet passage of the first pressure regulator.

[0029] The pressure regulator of the first pressure regulator can be configured to regulate a pressurized liquid and / or gaseous fuel that is supplied to the inlet chamber of the first pressure regulator, for example to ensure that the pressurized liquid and / or gaseous fuel is supplied to the evaporator at a substantially constant first pressure.

[0030] The first pressure regulator may include an adjustment means, such as a pressure adjusting screw. This pressure adjusting means of the first pressure regulator may be operable to adjust the pressure relief valve, for example, to maintain a substantially constant initial pressure. The pressure adjusting means of the first pressure regulator may be actuated by an automatic adjustment mechanism.

[0031] The second pressure regulator may include an inlet passage. The outlet of the evaporator or heat exchanger may be connected, for example, via a fluid connection, to the inlet passage of the second pressure regulator. The second pressure regulator may include an inlet chamber. The inlet passage of the second pressure regulator may lead to the inlet chamber.

[0032] The second pressure regulator may include an outlet passage. The inlet chamber of the second pressure regulator may be connected, for example via a fluid connection, to the outlet passage by means of a pressure regulator. The outlet passage of the second pressure regulator may be connected, for example via a fluid connection, to the outlet. The outlet may be provided by a fluid fitting. The fluid fitting may be connected, for example via a threaded connection, to the outlet passage of the second pressure regulator.

[0033] The pressure regulator of the second pressure regulator can be configured to regulate a pressurized gaseous fuel that is supplied to the inlet chamber of the second pressure regulator, for example to ensure that the pressurized gaseous fuel is supplied to the outlet at a substantially constant second pressure.

[0034] The second pressure regulator may include an adjustment means, such as a pressure adjusting screw. This pressure adjusting means of the second pressure regulator may be operable to adjust the pressure relief valve, for example, to maintain a substantially constant initial pressure. The pressure adjusting means of the second pressure regulator may be actuated by an automatic adjustment mechanism.

[0035] The invention also relates to a fuel supply system. The system may include a vaporizer, for example a vaporizer as described above.

[0036] The system may include a metering means. The metering means may be connected, for example via a fluid connection, to the vaporizer. The metering means may be operable to supply a measured quantity of gaseous fuel, for example at a predetermined pressure, to a combustion chamber of a combustion tool.

[0037] The invention also relates to a fuel supply system comprising a vaporizer as described above and a metering means fluidly connected to the vaporizer and operable to supply a measured quantity of gaseous fuel at a predetermined pressure to a combustion chamber of a combustion tool.

[0038] The dosing means may include a dosing device. The dosing device may include an inlet and / or an outlet. The inlet of the dosing device may be connected, for example via a fluid connection, to the outlet of the vaporizer. The outlet of the dosing device may be coupled, for example via a fluid connection, to a combustion chamber of a combustion tool.

[0039] The system may include a fuel cartridge. The fuel cartridge may be connected, for example via a fluid connection, to the vaporizer to deliver a liquid and / or gaseous fuel contained in the fuel cartridge.

[0040] More specifically, the system may include a fuel cartridge fluidly connected to the vaporizer to deliver liquid and / or gaseous fuel contained in the fuel cartridge.

[0041] The fuel cartridge may include a fuel cartridge without a bag.

[0042] The invention also relates to a combustion tool. The combustion tool may include a fuel supply system, for example, a fuel supply system as described above. The combustion tool may include a combustion chamber connected, for example, fluidly, to the fuel supply system.

[0043] The invention also relates to a combustion tool comprising a fuel supply system as described above and a combustion chamber fluidly connected thereto.

[0044] The combustion tool may include a driving tool for driving a fastener into a substrate.

[0045] The combustion tool may include a nail gun or a stapler.

[0046] To avoid any doubt, all the characteristics described herein also apply to every aspect of the invention.

[0047] To avoid any ambiguity, the terms "may", "and / or", "for example", and any other similar terms used in this document should be interpreted as non-limiting, so that not every feature so described is necessarily present. Brief description of the figures

[0048] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for an understanding of which reference should be made to the attached drawings in which: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a vaporizer according to an example [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 illustrates a perspective view using a spray bottle. figure 1 ; Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the vaporizer evaporator Figures 1 And 2 ; And [ Fig. 4 ] there figure 4illustrates a diagram of a combustion tool including the vaporizer of figures 1 to 3 . Detailed description of the invention

[0049] Now, referring to figures 1 to 3 , we can see a vaporizer 1 for a combustion tool 10 (illustrated in the figure 4 ). The vaporizer 1 includes an inlet 2, an outlet 3, a first pressure regulator 4 fluidly connected to the inlet 2, a second pressure regulator 5 fluidly connected to the outlet 3 and an evaporator 6 fluidly connected between the first pressure regulator 4 and the second pressure regulator 5.

[0050] Vaporizer 1 provides a flow path for the fuel which extends from the inlet 2, through the first pressure regulator 4, then through the evaporator 6 and finally through the second pressure regulator 5, before exiting through the outlet orifice 3. Thus, the fuel received through the inlet 2 is regulated to a first predetermined and substantially constant pressure by the first pressure regulator 4, before entering the evaporator 6, while the vaporized fuel is regulated to a second predetermined and substantially constant pressure by the second pressure regulator 5 before exiting through the outlet orifice 3.

[0051] In this example, the inlet 2 is provided by a fluid fitting 20, which is threaded to an inlet passage 40 of the first pressure regulator 4. The inlet passage 40 of the first pressure regulator 4 leads to an inlet chamber 41, which is fluidly connected to an outlet passage 42 by a pressure reducer 43. The outlet passage 42 is fluidly connected to the evaporator 6.

[0052] The pressure reducing valve 43 of the first pressure regulator 4 is configured to regulate a pressurized liquid and / or gaseous fuel that is supplied to the inlet chamber 41 in the usual manner. This ensures that the pressurized liquid and / or gaseous fuel is supplied to the evaporator 6 at a substantially constant initial pressure.

[0053] The first pressure regulator 4 also includes a pressure adjusting screw 44, which can be used to adjust the pressure regulator 43 to maintain a substantially constant initial pressure. The pressure adjusting screw 44 can be operated by an automatic adjustment mechanism (not shown).

[0054] In this example, the evaporator 6 includes a heat exchanger 60 and a heating device 61 for selectively heating the liquid and / or gaseous fuel passing through it. The heat exchanger 60 includes a tortuous flow path 62 through which the liquid and / or gaseous fuel passes. The tortuous flow path 62 has a spiral or serpentine shape.

[0055] The heat exchanger 60 is substantially cylindrical, and the tortuous flow path 62 is formed in one of its axial sides. A radially outer end of the tortuous flow path 62 forms an inlet 63 of the evaporator 6, which is fluidly connected to an outlet passage 42 of the first pressure regulator 4. A radially innermost end of the tortuous flow path 62 includes a radial hole that describes an outlet 64 of the evaporator 6, which is fluidly connected to an inlet passage 50 of the second pressure regulator 5.

[0056] The inlet passage 50 of the second pressure regulator 5 leads to an inlet chamber 51, which is fluidly connected to an outlet passage 52 by a pressure regulator 53. In this example, the outlet 3 is provided by a fluid fitting 30, which is threaded coupled to the outlet passage 52 of the second pressure regulator 5.

[0057] The pressure reducing valve 53 of the second pressure regulator 5 is configured to regulate the pressurized gaseous fuel vaporized by the evaporator 6 and supplied to the inlet chamber 51 in the usual manner. This ensures that the pressurized liquid and / or gaseous fuel is supplied to the outlet 3 at a substantially constant pressure.

[0058] The second pressure regulator 5 also includes a pressure adjusting screw 54, which can be used to adjust the pressure relief valve 53 of the second pressure regulator 5, in order to maintain a substantially constant pressure. The pressure adjusting screw 54 can also be operated by an automatic adjustment mechanism (not shown).

[0059] Vaporizer 1 is therefore configured to receive, during use, pressurized liquid and / or gaseous fuel in the inlet 2 so that it passes through the first pressure regulator 4, then through the evaporator 6 and then through the second pressure regulator 5 so that the gaseous fuel is delivered through the outlet 3 at a substantially constant pressure.

[0060] By heating the pressurized liquid and / or gaseous fuel, the evaporator 6 increases its pressure as the fuel passes through it. In some cases, the first predetermined pressure may be approximately equal to the second predetermined pressure. In other cases, the first predetermined pressure may be lower than the second predetermined pressure. In still other cases, the first predetermined pressure may be higher than the second predetermined pressure.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will understand that the pressure regulators 43, 53 of the first and second pressure regulators 4, 5 can be adjusted by means of the pressure adjusting screws 44, 54 to suit any particular fuel. In embodiments where this adjustment is automated, this operation can be performed automatically.

[0062] Now, referring to the figure 4 , we can see a tool operating with a combustion 10. The combustion tool 10 includes a fuel cartridge 11 and a fuel supply system 12 fluidly connected to the fuel cartridge 11.

[0063] The fuel supply system 12 includes the vaporizer 1 and a metering means 13 fluidly connected to the vaporizer 1. The metering means 13 is operable to supply a measured quantity of gaseous fuel at a predetermined pressure to a combustion chamber 14 of the combustion tool 10.

[0064] In this example, the Combustion Tool 10 includes a driving tool for driving a fastener into a substrate. More specifically, the Combustion Tool 10 includes a self-contained combustion nailer.

[0065] A person skilled in the art will understand that the methods of implementation described above can vary in many ways. List of reference signs

[0066] 1 Vaporizer 10 Combustion tool 11 Fuel cartridge 12 Fuel supply system 13 Metering device 14 Combustion chamber 2 Vaporizer inlet 20 Inlet fluid fitting 3 Vaporizer outlet 30 Outlet fluid fitting 4 First pressure regulator 40 Inlet passage of first pressure regulator 41 Inlet chamber of first pressure regulator 42 Outlet passage of first pressure regulator 43 Pressure reducer of first pressure regulator 44 Pressure adjustment screw of first pressure regulator 5 Second pressure regulator 50 Inlet passage of second pressure regulator 51 Inlet chamber of second pressure regulator 52 Outlet passage of second pressure regulator 53 Pressure reducer of second pressure regulator 54 Pressure adjustment screw of second pressure regulator 6 Evaporator 60 Heat exchanger 61 Heating device 62 Tortuous flow path 63 entrance ofevaporator 64 evaporator outlet

Claims

1. A vaporizer (1) for a combustion tool (10), the vaporizer (1) comprising: an inlet (2); an outlet (3); a first pressure regulator (4) fluidly connected to the inlet (2); a second pressure regulator (5) fluidly connected to the outlet (3); and an evaporator (6) fluidly connected between the first pressure regulator (4) and the second pressure regulator (5); wherein the vaporizer (1) is configured to receive, during use, liquid and / or gaseous fuel from a fuel cartridge (11) of the combustion tool (10) in the inlet (2) such that it passes through the first pressure regulator (4), then through the evaporator (6) and then through the second pressure regulator (5) so that the gaseous fuel is delivered through the outlet (3) at a substantially constant pressure.

2. Vaporizer (1) according to claim 1, in which the evaporator (6) comprises a heat exchanger (60) configured to selectively heat the liquid and / or gaseous fuel passing through it.

3. Vaporizer (1) according to claim 2, wherein the evaporator (6) includes a heating device (61) for heating the heat exchanger (60).

4. Vaporizer (1) according to claim 2 or claim 3, in which the heat exchanger (60) includes a tortuous flow path (62) through which the liquid and / or gaseous fuel passes.

5. Vaporizer (1) according to claim 4, in which the tortuous flow path (62) has a spiral or serpentine shape.

6. Vaporizer (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first pressure regulator (4) is configured to supply liquid and / or gaseous fuel to an inlet (63) of the evaporator (6) at a first substantially constant predetermined pressure and the second pressure regulator (5) is configured to supply gaseous fuel to the outlet (3) at a second substantially constant predetermined pressure.

7. Vaporizer (1) according to claim 6, wherein the evaporator (6) is configured to increase the pressure of the liquid and / or gaseous fuel as it passes through it.

8. Vaporizer (1) according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the first predetermined pressure is substantially equal to the second predetermined pressure.

9. Vaporizer (1) according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the first predetermined pressure is less than the second predetermined pressure.

10. Vaporizer (1) according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the first predetermined pressure is greater than the second predetermined pressure.

11. Fuel supply system (12) comprising a vaporizer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a metering means (13) fluidly connected to the vaporizer (1) and operable to supply a measured quantity of gaseous fuel at a predetermined pressure to a combustion chamber (14) of a combustion tool (10).

12. Fuel supply system (12) according to claim 11, comprising a fuel cartridge (11) fluidly connected to the inlet (2) to deliver liquid and / or gaseous fuel contained in the fuel cartridge (11).

13. Combustion tool (10) comprising a fuel supply system (12) according to claim 11 or claim 12 and a combustion chamber (14) fluidly connected thereto.

14. Combustion tool (10) according to claim 13, comprising a driving tool for driving a fastening element into a substrate.

15. Combustion tool (10) according to claim 13 or claim 14 comprising a nail gun or a stapler.

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