Indicator to signal the occurrence of a pressurized fluid leak in a vent chamber of a pressurized fluid device

Abstract

Indicator for indicating the occurrence of a leak of pressurized fluid in a vent chamber of a pressurized fluid apparatus Indicator (8), for indicating the occurrence of a leak of pressurized fluid in a vent chamber (28, 37) of a pressurized fluid apparatus (1), the indicator comprising a support tube (80), comprising a connection opening (81), fluidically connected to the vent chamber of the pressurized fluid apparatus, and an external opening (82), opening onto an exterior (24). The indicator includes a sight (90), movable in the support tube (80), between an initial position and a signaling position, under the effect of an overpressure occurring at the connection opening, the sight (90) being positioned further from the connection opening (81) in the signaling position than in the initial position, to indicate the occurrence of the leakage of pressurized fluid in the vent chamber when the sight is in the signaling position.Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Indicator for indicating the occurrence of a leak of pressurized fluid in a vent chamber of a pressurized fluid apparatus

[0001] The present invention relates to an indicator for indicating the occurrence of a leak of pressurized fluid in a vent chamber of a pressurized fluid apparatus and to a pressurized fluid apparatus comprising such an indicator.

[0002] FR3100302A1 relates to a coating product application system, equipped of a valve. The valve comprises a body, with an internal central orifice and a chamber, and a piston, forming a rod mounted in the internal orifice and a piston head located in the chamber. A portion of the valve chamber is filled with a pressurized control fluid so as to obtain, against the force of a spring housed in the body, a movement of the piston relative to the body. The valve is mounted in a bore of the application system, in which pressurized coating product circulates and in which the movement of the rod allows or interrupts this circulation of product. The valve also comprises a sealing device housed in the body around the piston rod, on one side of the valve where the piston rod extends out of the body.

[0003] The valve comprises a vent duct, provided in the piston rod and communicating with the internal central orifice, beyond the sealing device with respect to the bore, the vent duct communicating with the exterior of the application system. In the event of leakage of coating product through the sealing device, the leaked coating product is received in the vent duct and diverted to the exterior of the valve, by pressure difference with the exterior of the system. This limits the damage caused by the leak, in that the leak only affects the valve, which can be disassembled and repaired or replaced, without damaging the rest of the application system.

[0004] When the leak concerns a coating product, a solvent or another liquid, the leak can generally be detected by the technician, who can visually see the presence of the leak on the machine. However, the leak is only detected after a relatively long period of time during which the liquid has clogged, corroded and / or permanently damaged the valve, in that it is the fact that the valve has become inoperative that prompts the technician to look for a cause of the failure. Then, the valve is particularly difficult to repair, and is generally replaced with a new valve. In some cases, the leak is detected so late that the product has invaded other parts of the machine, particularly when the outlet of the vent pipe is hidden under a cover.

[0005] When the leak concerns an invisible or volatile fluid, for example an air leak, the technician generally does not detect the leak. Indeed, during operation, the operating noise of the machine can cover the noise of the leak itself. During a maintenance operation, the leak may not be detected because the fluids and energies supplying the machine are cut off. The leak is generally detected late, when a significant loss of efficiency of the machine on which the valve is equipped is observed.

[0006] It is these drawbacks that the invention intends to remedy by proposing a solution for detecting early and with certainty the occurrence of a fluid leak in a vent chamber of a pressurized fluid device.

[0007] The invention relates to an indicator for indicating the occurrence of a leak of pressurized fluid in a vent chamber of a pressurized fluid apparatus. The indicator comprises a support tube, comprising: a connection opening, configured to be fluidically connected to the vent chamber of the pressurized fluid apparatus, and an external opening, configured to open onto an exterior with respect to the pressurized fluid apparatus.The indicator further comprises a witness, arranged in the support tube and movable relative to the support tube, between an initial position and a signaling position, under the effect of an overpressure occurring at the connection opening, compared to the external opening, the witness being positioned further from the connection opening in the signaling position than in the initial position, to indicate the occurrence of the leak of pressurized fluid in the vent chamber when the witness is in the signaling position.

[0008] Thanks to the invention, a technician can immediately and reliably determine that a leak has occurred in the vent chamber, by observing the position of the indicator, regardless of the pressurized fluid concerned. By "vent chamber" is meant an internal volume of the pressurized fluid apparatus, consisting of one or more chambers and / or possibly one or more conduits, this internal volume being specially designed to serve as a receptacle for the leakage of pressurized fluid in the apparatus, the internal volume being adjacent to a wall or a member, in particular a sealing device, which is known to be particularly subject to failures, untimely or linked to the lifespan of parts of the pressurized fluid apparatus, likely to cause a leak of pressurized fluid. The implementation of the indicator allows early detection of the leak in the vent chamber.

[0009] The invention applies particularly, but not only, to the case where the fluid constitutes a coating product and / or a control fluid, in particular oil or air and where the device is a valve.

[0010] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, the invention may incorporate one or more of the following features, taken in any technically permissible combination.

[0011] Preferably, the indicator comprises a signaling end which: protrudes out of the external opening when the indicator is in the signaling position, to indicate the occurrence of the leak; and is at least partially retracted into the external opening when the indicator is in the initial position, to indicate an absence of leakage of pressurized fluid into the vent chamber.

[0012] Preferably, the indicator is shaped to seal the support tube and thus prevent leakage of pressurized fluid from the connection opening to the external opening, at least when the indicator is in the signaling position, preferably also when the indicator is in the initial position.

[0013] Preferably, the support tube comprises a primary axial surface facing towards the connection opening and arranged inside the support tube, between the external opening and the connection opening. Preferably, the indicator comprises a secondary axial surface facing towards the primary axial surface, so that the indicator abuts against the support tube when the indicator is in the signaling position, by abutting the secondary axial surface against the primary axial surface.

[0014] Preferably, the indicator comprises locking elements, for mechanically locking the indicator in position relative to the support tube, when the indicator is in the signaling position.

[0015] Preferably, the locking elements comprise an inner wall portion of the support tube and an outer wall portion of the indicator, the inner wall portion and the outer wall portion being shaped such that the outer wall portion is received in conical engagement in the inner wall portion when the indicator is in the signaling position, thereby locking the indicator in the signaling position.

[0016] Preferably, the support tube includes a primary attachment means, preferably an external thread, so that the indicator can be securely received in a receiving port of the pressurized fluid apparatus.

[0017] The invention also relates to a pressurized fluid apparatus, comprising: the indicator as described above, the external opening of the indicator opening onto the outside; the vent chamber, the connection opening of the indicator being fluidically connected to the vent chamber; at least one pressurized fluid chamber; and at least one sealing device, fluidically separating the vent chamber from said at least one pressurized fluid chamber.

[0018] Preferably, the pressurized fluid apparatus comprises a valve, fluidically connected with the vent chamber or forming all or part of the vent chamber, and comprising: a body, having a distal body end and forming a central conduit, coaxially crossed by a central axis, the central conduit having a distal conduit end which opens at the distal body end; and a piston, received in the central conduit and configured to slide relative to the body along the central axis and emerging from the central conduit at the distal conduit end.

[0019] Preferably, the central duct comprises an intermediate chamber which is fluidically connected to the vent chamber or which forms all or part of the vent chamber. Preferably, said at least one sealing device comprises at least one piston sealing device, belonging to the valve, the piston sealing device radially connecting the piston to the body, so that the piston sealing device separates the intermediate chamber from said at least one pressurized fluid chamber.

[0020] Preferably, the pressurized fluid apparatus comprises a base, comprising a bore in which the body is received and is fixedly attached, to form: said at least one pressurized fluid chamber, delimited by the bore and the valve, and a peripheral chamber, delimited by the bore and the body, radially with respect to the central axis, the peripheral chamber being adjacent to the pressurized fluid chamber and being fluidically connected to the vent chamber or forming all or part of the vent chamber. Preferably, said at least one sealing device comprises a body sealing device, interposed between the body and the base, such that the body sealing device separates the peripheral chamber with respect to said at least one pressurized fluid chamber.

[0021] Preferably, the indicator is mounted in the base, with the support tube fixedly attached to the base.

[0022] Preferably, the indicator is mounted on the valve, with the support tube fixedly attached to the valve.

[0023] Preferably, the indicator is mounted on the piston, with the support tube fixedly attached to a proximal base belonging to the piston, the proximal base being opposite the distal end of the body, such that the indicator is visible from the outside for at least one position of the piston relative to the body and such that the position of the indicator relative to the body reflects the position of the piston.

[0024] Preferably, the pressurized fluid apparatus is a coating product application apparatus. Preferably, the pressurized fluid comprises the coating product and / or a valve control fluid.

[0025] Preferably, the indicator comprises a sensor, a state of which reflects the current position of the indicator relative to the support tube. Preferably, the pressurized fluid apparatus comprises an electronic monitoring unit to which the sensor is connected, and which is configured to issue an alert to a person when the sensor status reflects that the indicator is in the signal position.

[0026] The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of examples in accordance with its principle, with reference to the following drawings.

[0027] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a longitudinal sectional view of a pressurized fluid apparatus comprising an indicator and a valve, according to a first embodiment of the invention, the valve being in a closed configuration and a witness of the indicator being in an initial position.

[0028] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a view similar to that of [Fig.l], where the valve is in a open configuration and the witness is in the initial position.

[0029] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a view similar to that of the previous figures, where the valve is in the closed configuration and the witness is in a signaling position.

[0030] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a longitudinal sectional view of a pressurized fluid apparatus comprising an indicator and a valve, according to a second embodiment of the invention, the valve being in an open configuration and a witness of the indicator being in an initial position.

[0031] Figures 1 to 4 show, in the context of a pressurized fluid apparatus, an indicator 8. The indicator 8 is intended to indicate the occurrence of a leak of pressurized fluid in a vent chamber of the pressurized fluid apparatus, such as the apparatuses shown in Figures 1-4. In other words, the indicator 8 is intended to alert a technician that a leak has occurred in the vent chamber.

[0032] The indicator 8 comprises a support tube 80 and a witness 90.

[0033] The support tube 80 is tubular in shape, along a main axis X80 passing through the support tube 80. The support tube 80 comprises an opening 81, called the “connection opening” and an opening 82, called the “external opening”, which are opposite and crossed by the axis X80. The openings 81 and 82 are connected by an internal conduit delimited by the tube along the axis X80. The connection opening 81 is configured to be fluidically connected to the vent chamber of the pressurized fluid apparatus. The external opening 82 is configured to open onto an exterior with respect to the pressurized fluid apparatus, i.e. to the open air.

[0034] The indicator 90 is arranged inside the support tube 80, being received in the inner conduit. The indicator 90 is movable in translation along the axis X80, relative to the tube 80, between an initial position, shown in Figures 1 and 2, and a signaling position, shown in [Fig. 3]. The tube 80 guides the indicator 90 in sliding along the axis X80 to ensure this mobility. From the initial position to the signaling position, the indicator 90 has moved along the axis X80, in a direction which goes from the connection opening 81 to the external opening 82. In other words, the indicator 90 is positioned further from the connection opening 81 in the signaling position than in the initial position.

[0035] The indicator 90 advantageously comprises a signaling end 91 and a thrust end 92 opposite and crossed by the axis X80. The signaling end 91 is arranged on the side of the external opening 82 and the thrust end 92 is arranged on the side of the connection opening 81.

[0036] The thrust end 92 advantageously occupies the entire internal cross-section of the tube 80 at the connection opening 81. Preferably, as illustrated, the thrust end 92 has a hollow surface facing the outside of the connection opening 81. More generally, the thrust end 92 and, in general, the indicator 90, is shaped to be moved from the initial position to the signaling position when an overpressure occurs at the connection opening 81, compared to the pressure prevailing at the external opening 82. This overpressure, caused by a leak of pressurized fluid in the vent chamber, pushes the indicator 90 to the signaling position, bearing on the thrust end 92. In practice, the pressurized fluid itself, having leaked and invaded the vent chamber, can flow to the thrust end 92 to directly push the indicator 90 to the reporting position.

[0037] When the indicator 90 is in the initial position as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the signaling end 91 is preferably retracted into the external opening 82, which indicates to the technician that there has been no leak of pressurized fluid into the vent chamber. When the indicator 90 is in the signaling position, the signaling end 91 is visible through the opening 82, or even, preferably, protrudes out of the opening 82 as shown in [Fig. 3], which indicates to the technician the occurrence of the leak of pressurized fluid in the vent chamber.

[0038] Preferably, the support tube 80 comprises an axial surface 83 called the “primary axial surface”, facing towards the connection opening 81 and arranged inside the support tube, between the external opening 82 and the connection opening 81. In practice, the surface 83 can be formed by a reduction in the internal diameter of the internal conduit of the tube 80. The surface 83 is advantageously annular, and extends around the axis X80. In a complementary manner, the indicator 90 advantageously comprises an axial surface 93, called the “secondary axial surface”, facing towards the primary axial surface 83 and the external opening 82. The surface 93 is for example formed on an external shoulder 96 of the indicator 90. The surface 93 is advantageously annular and extends around the axis X80. In the initial position, surfaces 83 and 93 are distant along the X80 axis.In the signaling position, the surfaces 83 and 93 come into contact with each other along the axis X80. In other words, the indicator 90 comes into contact, along the axis X80, with the support tube 80, when the indicator 90 is in the signaling position, by putting the . secondary axial surface 93 against the primary axial surface 83. The overpressure applied to the indicator 90 cannot therefore eject the indicator 90 from the tube 80 via the external opening 82.

[0039] Preferably, the internal conduit of the support tube 80 has an internal wall portion 84, which extends from the external opening 82 towards the connection opening 81. The internal wall portion 84 is frustoconical, centered on the axis X80 and converging towards the external opening 82. Complementarily, the indicator 90 has an external wall portion 94, which extends from the signaling end 91 towards the thrust end 92. The external wall portion 94 is frustoconical, centered on the axis X80 and converging towards the signaling end 91. Alternatively, only one of the portions 84 and 94 is frustoconical, while the other may have a different shape, for example cylindro-conical.

[0040] In the initial position, the portions 84 and 94 are distant and therefore do not oppose the movement of the indicator 90 in the tube 80. In the signaling position, the portion 94 comes into conical engagement in the portion 84, which locks the indicator 90 in the signaling position. In other words, by cooperation of the portions 84 and 94, the indicator 90 is wedged in the signaling position. The portions 84 and 94 therefore constitute locking elements belonging to the indicator, to mechanically lock the indicator 90 in position relative to the support tube 80, when the indicator 90 is in the signaling position. Once the signaling position is reached, the indicator 90 cannot therefore return to the initial position, even if the overpressure in the vent chamber is interrupted. Advantageously, provision is made for a person to be able to return the indicator 90 to the initial position by manually pushing on the indicator 90.This can be done, for example, if the pressurized fluid device has been repaired and cleaned, and therefore there are no longer any leaks.

[0041] Preferably, the tube 80 comprises an internal cylindrical surface 85, centered on the axis X80, which connects the portion 84 to the surface 83. Preferably, the tube 80 comprises an internal cylindrical surface 86, centered on the axis X84, which connects the surface 83 to the connection opening 81. Preferably, the cylindrical surface 86 is of larger diameter than the surface 85. Preferably, the indicator 90 comprises an external cylindrical surface 95, centered on the axis X80, which connects the portion 94 to the surface 93 formed by the external shoulder 96. The shoulder 96 is of larger diameter than the surface 95.

[0042] Preferably, the sliding of the indicator 90 in the tube 80 is guided by sliding of the shoulder 96 in the internal cylindrical surface 86. The sliding can alternatively or additionally be guided by sliding of the external cylindrical surface 95 in the internal cylindrical surface 85. It may also be preferred, as shown, that radial clearance is provided between surfaces 85 and 95.

[0043] Alternatively or in addition to the locking of the surfaces 84 and 94, it may be provided that the locking is achieved by cooperation of the end 92 with the internal cylindrical surface 86. To this end, it is provided, for example, that the end 92 has a diameter adjusted with that of the surface 86, so that the end 92 adheres and / or rubs radially with the surface 86 when the indicator 90 reaches the signaling position. Preferably, the internal conduit of the support tube 80 has an internal wall portion 87, which connects the connection opening 81 to the internal cylindrical surface 86, being centered on the axis X80 and converging in the direction of the external opening 82. In the initial position, the end 92 of the indicator is positioned in the portion 87, which provides radial clearance between the portion 87 and the end 92, so that the end 92 does not lock the indicator 90 in the initial position.When the indicator 90 is moved to the signaling position, the end 92 comes into fitted radial contact with the inner cylindrical surface 86, which locks the indicator 90.

[0044] Preferably, the indicator 90 is shaped to close the internal conduit of the support tube 80 and thus prevent leakage of pressurized fluid through the tube 80, from the connection opening 81 to the external opening 82. This closing is preferably obtained when the indicator 90 is in the signaling position. To this end, as shown in [Fig. 3], provision may be made for the indicator 90 to close the internal conduit of the tube 80 at least for the signaling position. Preferably, the indicator 90 closes the tube 80 by means of a radial engagement of the end 92 with the internal cylindrical surface 86 when the indicator 90 is in the signaling position. When the indicator 90 is in the initial position, the internal conduit of the tube 80 is advantageously not closed, in that the end 92 is arranged at the height of the portion 87, so that a radial clearance is provided between the end 92 and the portion 87.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, the closure can be obtained by the engagement of the locking elements in the signaling position, in particular the conical engagement of the portions 84 and 94. However, it can also be provided that the closure also takes place when the indicator 90 is in the initial position.

[0046] Whatever the solution adopted, it is expected that this closure prevents or limits a leak of liquid pressurized fluid, in particular a coating product, through the tube 80, while allowing a leak of air or gas through the tube 80. Alternatively, it is expected that this closure allows a leak of liquid pressurized fluid, but makes it possible to limit it, to reduce the risk of formation of a jet of liquid through the tube 80 when the leak occurs.

[0047] Preferably, the tube 80 comprises a fixing means 88, called “primary fixing means”, which is formed on the outside of the tube 80. For example, it is an external thread centered on the axis X80. The external thread is here formed from the opening connection 81. The primary fastening means 88 is configured so that the indicator 8 can be fixedly received in a receiving orifice of the pressurized fluid apparatus, comprising a fastening means, called "secondary fastening means", complementary to said primary fastening means, in particular an internal thread. The primary fastening means 88 is configured so that the tube 80 is fixed in the receiving orifice of the pressurized fluid apparatus with the opening 81 facing the inside of the receiving orifice to be connected to the vent chamber and the opening 82 facing the outside of the receiving orifice to give onto the outside of the apparatus.

[0048] Alternatively, the primary and secondary fixing means are means for snap-fastening the tube 80 onto the pressurized fluid device. Other solutions are possible, for example fixing by gluing.

[0049] In the following, the integration of the indicator 8 into a pressurized fluid device is described.

[0050] Figures 1 to 3 show a part of an apparatus 1 for applying a coating product. This apparatus 1 is for example a sprayer for paint, varnish, anti-corrosion coating, or any other type of coating product that can be envisaged. The apparatus 1 is a particular type of pressurized fluid apparatus, using at least two pressurized fluids, namely the coating product or other products used in the context of the coating, for example a solvent or constituents of the coating product, and a control fluid, for example compressed air. The coating product is a pressurized fluid in that it is used under a pressure of between 1 and 16 bar, preferably between 2 and 10 bar, in the apparatus 1. This also applies to the case of a solvent or a constituent of the coating product.The control fluid is a pressurized fluid in that it is implemented under a pressure of between 1 and 10 bar, preferably between 2 and 6 bar in the device 1.

[0051] The apparatus 1 comprises a base 2, a valve 3 and the indicator 8. The indicator 8 is particularly suitable for use with the apparatus 1 and the valve 3 described below, but can also be used with other types of pressurized fluid apparatus, such as pneumatic or hydraulic apparatus, using one or more pressurized fluids other than those described here.

[0052] The base 2 forms a bore 20, an inlet conduit 21 for coating product, a discharge conduit 22 for the coating product, and a conduit 23 for the circulation of a control fluid, the conduits 21, 22 and 23 opening into the bore 20. The bore 20 opens onto an exterior 24 of the apparatus 1, that is to say is advantageously open to the open air. The valve 3 is fixedly received in the bore 20 by closing the bore 20. The valve 3 and the bore 20 define a central axis X3 common. The central axis X3 passes through the bore 20 from the opening to the bottom of the bore. In this case, the discharge conduit 22 is centered on the axis X3. Unless otherwise stated, terms such as “distal”, “proximal”, “radially” and “axially” are indicated with reference to the axis X3.

[0053] The conduits 21 and 22 open into a zone of the bore 20 which delimits a chamber 25 for the coating product, the solvent, or the coating product constituent. The chamber 25 is crossed by the axis X3 and is preferably located at the bottom of the bore 20. The chamber 25 is therefore a pressurized fluid chamber, here the coating product or one of the other aforementioned products. A closure seat 27 is formed at the opening of the conduit 22 in the chamber 25, here coaxially with the axis X3. As shown in [Fig.2], a flow F21 of pressurized fluid, which is here coating product, but which could be another fluid such as air, is intended to circulate successively in the conduit 21, the chamber 25 and the conduit 22, via the seat 27, when the valve 3 is in an open configuration.When valve 3 is in a closed configuration as shown in Figures 1 and 3, flow F21 is interrupted by valve 3, which closes seat 27.

[0054] The conduit 23 opens into a zone of the bore 20 which delimits a chamber 26, called the “peripheral control chamber”, which extends between the chamber 25 and the outlet of the bore 20 on the exterior 24. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a flow F23 of control fluid circulates between the conduit 23 and the peripheral control chamber 26 to mechanically control the valve 3. The chamber 26 is therefore a chamber of pressurized fluid, namely the control fluid.

[0055] The valve 3 comprises a body 30. The central axis X3 is fixed relative to the body 30. Along the axis X3, the body 30 has a distal end 31 called the “distal end of the body” and a proximal end 32 called the “proximal end of the body”, opposite and crossed by the axis X3.

[0056] The valve 3 is received and fixed in the bore 20, by means of the body 30.

[0057] Thus received, the distal end of body 31 is disposed at the bottom of the bore 20 and delimits, with the bore 20 of the base 2, the chamber 25.

[0058] The proximal end of body 32 is arranged at the opening of bore 20, opening onto the exterior 24. The control chamber 26 is delimited radially between body 30 and bore 20 of base 2, at the height of the opening of conduit 23. Another chamber 28, called “peripheral chamber”, is delimited radially between body 30 and bore 20 of base 2, axially between chamber 25 and chamber 26.

[0059] To be fixed to the bore 20, the body 30 advantageously comprises an external thread 34, here centered on the axis X3, or any other suitable fixing means, cooperating with a complementary fixing means belonging to the base 2, here an internal thread (not shown) complementary to the external thread 34, formed at inside the bore 20 near the opening. In the example, the thread 34 is arranged at the proximal end 32. In particular, the thread 34 is arranged between the proximal end 32 and the control chamber 26.

[0060] To delimit the chamber 25 in a manner that is sealed to the coating product, the valve 3 advantageously comprises a sealing device 71, called a “body sealing device”. The sealing device 71 is here in the form of a static seal, for example an O-ring, which surrounds the body 30 over its entire periphery, around the axis X30. The sealing device 71 is interposed between the body 30 and the base 2, here between the body 30 and the bore 20, radially relative to the axis X30. The device 71 thus separates the chamber 25 from the rest of the bore 20, to prevent coating product from the chamber 25 from escaping to the exterior 24 via the opening of the bore 20 along the body 30. In particular, the device 71 is axially arranged between the conduits 21 and 23. In particular, the device 71 fluidically separates the chamber 25 from the chamber 28, which are adjacent to said device 71.The device 71 therefore prevents a leak of coating product from the chamber 25 to the chamber 28, or even to the control chamber 26.

[0061] To delimit the chamber 26 in a manner that is sealed to the control fluid, the valve 3 advantageously comprises a sealing device 72 and a sealing device 73. The chamber 26 is axially delimited by the devices 72 and 73, extending between the devices 72 and 73. The chamber 28 is axially delimited by the devices 71 and 72, extending between the devices 71 and 72.

[0062] The sealing devices 72 and 73 are each in the form of a static seal, for example an O-ring. Each sealing device 72 and 73 surrounds the body 30 over its entire circumference, around the axis X30. Each sealing device 72 and 73 is interposed between the body 30 and the base 2, here between the body 30 and the bore 20, radially relative to the axis X30. In particular, the sealing device 72, called the “body sealing device”, is axially arranged between the sealing device 71 and the sealing device 73. In particular, the sealing device 72 is axially arranged between the conduit 23 and the sealing device 71. The device 72 fluidly separates the chamber 26 from the chamber 28, which are adjacent to the device 72, to prevent control fluid from the chamber 26 from escaping to the chamber 28, or even to the chamber 25, by flowing along the body 30.The sealing device 73 separates the chamber 26 from the opening of the bore 20. In particular, the device 73 is axially arranged between the thread 34 or fixing means and the conduit 23. The device 73 therefore prevents a leak of control fluid from the chamber 26 towards the thread 34, or even towards the exterior 24.

[0063] The body 30 forms a central conduit 33, which is coaxial with the axis X3 and crossed by the axis X3 over its entire length. The conduit 33 passes through the body 30 from one side to the other. The central conduit 33 opens at the distal end of the body 31 and at the proximal end of the body 32.

[0064] At the distal end of body 31, the central conduit 33 defines a distal end of conduit 36, which terminates the central conduit 33 and which opens at the distal end of body 31. From the end 36, and successively along the axis X3, the central conduit 33 advantageously delimits, inside the body 30, an intermediate chamber 37, a control chamber 38 and a proximal chamber 39. These chambers 37, 38 and 39 are crossed by the axis X3.

[0065] The valve 3 further comprises a piston 50. The piston 50 is received in the central duct 33 and is configured to slide relative to the body 30 along the axis X3, being guided by the central duct 33 for this sliding. The piston 50 slides between a closed position, thereby obtaining the closed configuration of the valve 3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and an open position, thereby obtaining the open configuration of the valve 3 shown in [Fig.2].

[0066] The piston 50 advantageously comprises, successively along the axis X3, a distal head 51, a rod 52, a collar 55 and a proximal base 53.

[0067] The piston 50 emerges from the central duct 33, at the distal end of duct 36, in the chamber 25. The head 51 of the piston 50 is arranged in the chamber 25, at a distal end of the piston 50, and is crossed by the axis X3. The head 51, in the open position of the piston 50, is distant from the seat 27 to allow the flow F21 to circulate, and, in the closed position of the piston 50, is in axial support against the seat 27 to close the duct 22 and prevent the circulation of the flow F21.

[0068] The rod 52 connects the head 51 to the collar 55. The rod 52 is connected to the head 51 in the chamber 25. The rod 52 emerges in the chamber 25, then successively passes through the distal end of the conduit 36 ​​and the intermediate chamber 37, and emerges in the control chamber 38. Preferably, the piston 50 is guided in sliding by radial sliding of the rod 52 along a wall of the intermediate chamber 37.

[0069] The rod 52 is connected to the collar 55 in the control chamber 38. The collar 55 connects the rod 52 to the proximal base 53, separating the control chamber 38 from the proximal chamber 39.

[0070] The proximal base 53, formed at a proximal end of the piston 50, is opposite the distal head 51. The proximal base 53 is disposed in the proximal chamber 39.

[0071] The valve advantageously comprises sealing devices 74, 75 and 76. Each sealing device 74, 75 and 76 extends radially between the conduit 33 and the piston 50, to fluidically separate the chambers 25, 37, 38 and 39 from each other and axially delimit said chambers 25, 37, 38 and 39. These sealing devices 74, 75 and 76 are dynamic sealing devices, between the fixed body 30 and the 50 mobile piston.

[0072] The sealing device 74, called the “piston sealing device”, is here in the form of a scraper seal, fixed to the body 30 and sliding along the piston 50. However, it could be in the form of a bellows or a diaphragm, fixed on the one hand to the body 30 and on the other hand to the piston 50. In any case, the device 74 surrounds the piston 50 over its entire periphery, and is radially interposed between the piston 50 and the body 30, in particular the conduit 33. In particular, the device 74 radially connects the piston 50 to the distal end of the body 31. Here, the device 74 is fixed to the distal end of the body 31, and the rod 52 of the piston slides inside the device 74. In the case of a bellows or a diaphragm, it could be provided that the device 74 is fixed, in a part, at the distal end of body 31 and, on the other hand, either to the rod 52 or to the head 51.In this case, it can further be provided that the head is formed by the device 74 itself.

[0073] The sealing device 74 fluidly separates the chamber 25 from the conduit 33, which are adjacent to the sealing device 74. In particular, the sealing device 74 separates the chambers 25 and 37, which are adjacent to it. The pressurized fluid, here the coating product, admitted into the chamber 25, is prevented from leaking towards the intermediate chamber 37, thanks to the sealing device 74.

[0074] The sealing device 75, called the “piston sealing device”, is here in the form of a scraper seal, fixed to the body 30 and sliding along the piston 50. The device 75 surrounds the piston 50 over its entire circumference, and is radially interposed between the piston 50 and the body 30, in particular the conduit 33. In particular, the device 75 radially connects the rod 52 to a part of the conduit 33 located at the intersection between the intermediate chamber 37 and the control chamber 38. The sealing device 75 fluidly separates the chambers 37 and 38 of the conduit 33, which are adjacent to the sealing device 75.

[0075] The sealing device 76 is here in the form of a scraper seal, fixed to the piston 50 and sliding along the body 30. The device 76 surrounds the piston 50 over its entire periphery, and is radially interposed between the piston 50 and the body 30, in particular the conduit 33. In particular, the device 76 radially connects the collar 55 to a part of the conduit 33 located at the intersection between the control chamber 38 and the proximal chamber 39. The sealing device 76 fluidly separates the chambers 38 and 39 of the conduit 33, which are adjacent to the sealing device 76.

[0076] The valve 3 advantageously comprises a spring 54, which exerts an elastic return force E54 on the piston 50, here via the proximal base 53, bearing on the body 30. The elastic return force E54 is here directed parallel to the axis X3. The elastic return force E54 tends to move the piston 50 from its open position to its closed position. Preferably, the spring 54 is arranged inside the body 30, here in the proximal chamber 39, around the piston 50. The spring 54 is for example a compression spring interposed between a wall belonging to the proximal end of the body 32 and the base 53.

[0077] The conduit 23 and the control chamber 26, delimited by the base 2, are fluidically connected to the control chamber 38 formed inside the body 30. For this, the body 30 provides one or more conduits 35, connecting the chambers 26 and 38 when the valve 3 is mounted on the base 2. The control fluid F23 can therefore invade the control chambers 26 and 38, and thus exert a pressure force E38 on the collar 55 by pressurizing the chamber 38, tending to move the piston 50 from the closed position to the open position, against the force E54 developed by the spring 54. The application of the force E38 by pressurizing with control fluid puts the piston 50 in the open position, the release of the force E38 by lowering the pressure authorizes the spring 54 to return the piston 50 to the closed position, using the force E54. Opening and closing can thus be controlled.The control fluid received in the control chamber 38 is prevented from leaking to the exterior 24 by the sealing device 76, the conduit 33 and the piston 50 delimiting the chamber 38. The control fluid received in the control chamber 38 is prevented from leaking to the intermediate chamber 37 by the sealing device 75, the conduit 33 and the piston 50 delimiting the chamber 38.

[0078] Preferably, the peripheral chamber 28, delimited by the body 30 and the base 2, is fluidically connected to the intermediate chamber 37, delimited inside the body 30. For this, the body 30 provides one or more conduits 40, connecting the chambers 28 and 37 when the valve 3 is mounted on the base 2. One of the conduits 40, outside the section plane of figures 1 to 3, is shown by transparency in broken lines in [Fig.l].

[0079] The intermediate chamber 37, the peripheral chamber 28 and the conduit(s) 40 then together constitute a vent chamber. Indeed, in the event of failure of one of the sealing devices 71 or 74, pressurized fluid, namely coating product, coming from the chamber 25, leaks into the vent chamber. In the event of failure of the device 71, or incorrect mounting of the body 30 in the bore 20, the coating product leaks into the chamber 37, i.e. into the vent chamber. In the event of failure of the device 74, the coating product leaks into the chamber 28, i.e. into the vent chamber. Similarly, in the event of failure of one of the sealing devices 72 and 75, pressurized fluid, namely control fluid, from one of the control chambers 26 and 38 leaks into the vent chamber. In the event of failure of the device 75, the control fluid leaks into the chamber 37 belonging to the vent chamber.In the event of failure of the device 72, or incorrect mounting of the body 30 in the bore 20, the control fluid leaks into the chamber 28 belonging to the vent chamber.

[0080] In the present example, it is provided that the chambers 28 and 37 belong to the vent chamber. However, it could be provided that the vent chamber is formed elsewhere and that the chamber 28 and / or the chamber 37 is fluidically connected thereto.

[0081] Preferably, the piston 50 comprises a receiving orifice 58 for receiving the indicator 8. Here, the receiving orifice 58 is formed inside the proximal base 53, along the axis X3, being open in the opposite direction from the distal head 51. For example, the orifice 58 is open onto the proximal chamber 39. It is advantageously provided that the proximal chamber 39 is open to the exterior 24, the conduit 33 ending in a proximal through orifice 41, formed through the proximal end 32 and opening onto the exterior 24. The orifice 41 is preferably centered on the axis X3.

[0082] The receiving orifice 58 is designed to fixedly receive the indicator 8, the tube 80 being fixedly received in the orifice 58, so as to be fixedly secured to the piston 50. The axis X80 is then advantageously coaxial with the axis X3. To fix the tube 80, the receiving orifice 58 carries a secondary fixing means 59, here for example an internal thread, cooperating with the primary fixing means 88 of the tube 80. The connection opening 81 is directed towards the bottom of the receiving orifice 58 while the external opening 82 is directed towards the outside 24, and preferably emerges from the body 30, to the outside 24, through the orifice 41, at least for the signaling position.

[0083] The indicator 8 being thus fixed to the proximal base 53, the position of the indicator 8 reflects the position of the piston 50. The indicator 8 moves at the same time as the piston 50, and thus serves as a position indicator for the piston 50. For this, while the piston 50 is not or barely visible from the outside 24, the indicator 8 protrudes from the body 30, at least when the piston 50 is in the open position. The position of the indicator 8 relative to the body 30 then informs a technician of the current position of the piston 50. The indicator 8 therefore serves to indicate not only the possible occurrence of a leak, but also the current position of the piston 50.

[0084] The piston 50 advantageously comprises a through internal conduit 60, which connects the bottom of the receiving orifice 58 to the intermediate chamber 37, i.e. to the vent chamber. For this, the internal conduit 60 advantageously comprises a part coaxial with the axis X3, which extends from the bottom of the receiving orifice 58 to the height of the chamber 37, and a radial part, which opens on the one hand into the chamber 37 and on the other hand into the coaxial part of the conduit 60. The internal conduit 60 therefore ensures a fluid connection between the connection opening 81 of the indicator and the chamber 37, i.e. the vent chamber.

[0085] In the event of a leak of pressurized fluid in the vent chamber, the excess pressure caused is transmitted to the indicator 90 via the conduit 60, and puts the indicator in the position of reporting.

[0086] Alternatively, the receiving orifice 58 could have been formed on the body 30, being fluidically connected to the vent chamber. For this purpose, an internal conduit is provided, for example, connecting the receiving orifice formed on the body 30 and the intermediate chamber 37.

[0087] Optionally, the indicator 8 comprises a sensor 99, a state of which, in particular an electrical state, reflects the current position of the indicator 90 relative to the support tube 80. The sensor 99 is shown schematically only in [Fig.l]. The state of the sensor makes it possible to determine whether the indicator 90 is in the signaling position or in the initial position. For example, the sensor 99 is a Hall effect sensor, positioned on the support tube 80, the state of which varies depending on the position of the indicator 90, the indicator 90 for this purpose incorporating a ferromagnetic element to which the sensor 99 is sensitive. Alternatively, the sensor is a magnetic, pneumatic, optical, or mechanical sensor. The apparatus 1 then comprises an electronic monitoring unit 98, to which the sensor 99 is connected, for example wired or wirelessly.The electronic monitoring unit 98 is configured to communicate to the technician the position of the indicator 90 detected by the sensor 99, for example in the form of an alert when the indicator 90 is in the signaling position. The alert can for example be issued in audible or visual form, or be transmitted to the technician via a human-machine interface, such as a computer or a smartphone, available to the technician.

[0088] [Fig.4] shows another embodiment where the receiving orifice is not mounted on the valve, but on the body of the pressurized fluid device.

[0089] In [Fig. 4], the elements of the apparatus which correspond to those already described in Figures 1-3 bear reference signs increased by 100. Identical elements bear the same reference signs. The description of [Fig. 4] focuses essentially on the differences between the embodiment of [Fig. 4] and that of Figures 1-3. Most of the common elements are therefore not described again in detail.

[0090] [Fig.4] shows a pressurized fluid apparatus 101, with a base 102, a valve 103 operating on the same principles as for device 1, and including the same indicator 8 as that of figures 1-3.

[0091] The base 102 forms a bore 120, an inlet conduit 121 for coating product, a discharge conduit 122 for the coating product, and a conduit 123 for the circulation of a control fluid, the conduits 121, 122 and 123 opening into the bore 120. The bore 120 opens onto an exterior 124. The valve 103 is fixedly received in the bore 120 by closing the bore 120. The valve 103 and the bore 120 define a common central axis X103.

[0092] The conduits 121 and 122 open into a zone of the bore 120 which delimits a chamber 125 for the pressurized fluid, here a coating product. A closure seat 127 is formed at the outlet of the conduit 122 in the chamber 125. A flow F121 of pressurized fluid circulates successively in the conduit 121, the chamber 125 and the conduit 122, via the seat 127, when the valve 103 is in an open configuration as shown in [Fig.4]. When the valve 103 is in a closed configuration, the flow F121 is interrupted by the valve 103, by closing the seat 127.

[0093] The conduit 123 opens into a zone of the bore 120 which delimits a peripheral control chamber 126, which extends between the chamber 125 and the outlet of the bore 120 on the exterior 124. A flow F123 of control fluid circulates between the conduit 123 and the chamber 126 to mechanically control the valve 103.

[0094] The valve 103 comprises a body 130. The body 130 has a distal end 131 called the “distal end of the body” and a proximal end 132 called the “proximal end of the body”, opposite each other and crossed by the axis X103.

[0095] The valve 103 is received and fixed in the bore 120, by means of the body 130, with the distal end of the body 131 disposed at the bottom of the bore 120 and delimiting, with the bore 120, the chamber 125.

[0096] The proximal end of body 132 is arranged at the opening of bore 120, opening onto the exterior 124. The control chamber 126 is delimited radially between body 130 and bore 120, at the height of the opening of conduit 123. Another chamber 128, called “peripheral chamber”, is delimited radially between body 130 and bore 120, axially between chamber 125 and chamber 126.

[0097] To be fixed to the bore 120, the body 130 advantageously comprises an external thread 134, cooperating with a complementary internal thread formed in the bore 120. The thread 134 is advantageously arranged between the proximal end 132 and the control chamber 126.

[0098] To delimit the chamber 125 in a manner that is sealed to the coating product, the valve 103 advantageously comprises a sealing device 171, called a “body sealing device”. The sealing device 171 is here in the form of a static seal, for example an O-ring, which surrounds the axis X130. The sealing device 171 is interposed between the body 130 and the bore 120, axially. The device 171 thus separates the chamber 125 from the rest of the bore 120. In particular, the device 171 fluidly separates the chamber 125 from the chamber 128, which are adjacent to said device 171. The device 171 therefore prevents a leak of coating product from the chamber 125 to the chamber 128, or even to the control chamber 126.

[0099] To delimit the chamber 126 in a manner sealed to the control fluid, the valve 103 advantageously comprises a sealing device 172 and a sealing device 173. The chamber 126 is axially delimited by the devices 172 and 173, extending between the devices 172 and 173. The chamber 128 is axially delimited by the devices 171 and 172, extending between the devices 171 and 172.

[0100] The sealing devices 172 and 173 are each in the form of a static seal, for example an O-ring. Each sealing device 172 and 173 surrounds the body 130 over its entire circumference, around the axis X130. Each sealing device 172 and 173 is interposed between the body 130 and the bore 120. In particular, the sealing device 172, called the “body sealing device”, is axially arranged between the sealing device 171 and the sealing device 173. In particular, the sealing device 172 is axially arranged between the conduit 123 and the sealing device 171.The device 172 fluidly separates the chamber 126 from the chamber 128, which are adjacent to the device 172, to prevent control fluid from the chamber 126 from escaping to the chamber 128, or even to the chamber 125. The sealing device 173 separates the chamber 126 from the opening of the bore 120. In particular, the device 173 is axially arranged between the thread 134 and the conduit 123. The device 173 therefore prevents control fluid from the chamber 126 to the exterior 124.

[0101] The body 130 forms a central conduit 133, which is coaxial with the axis X103 and passes through the body 130, opening out at the distal end of the body 131.

[0102] At the distal end of body 131, the central conduit 133 defines a distal end of conduit 136, which terminates the central conduit 133 and which opens at the distal end of body 131. The central conduit 133 advantageously delimits, inside the body 130, an intermediate chamber 137, a control chamber 138 and a proximal chamber 139.

[0103] The valve 103 further comprises a piston 150. The piston 150 is received in the central duct 133 and is configured to slide relative to the body 130 along the axis X103, being guided by the central duct 133 for this sliding. The piston 150 slides between a closed position, thereby obtaining the closed configuration of the valve 103, and an open position, thereby obtaining the open configuration of the valve 103 shown in [Fig.4].

[0104] The piston 150 advantageously comprises, successively along the axis X103, a distal head 151, a rod 152, a collar 155 and a proximal base.

[0105] The piston 150 emerges from the central conduit 133, at the distal end of conduit 136, into the chamber 125. The head 151 is arranged in the chamber 125. In the open position of the piston 150, the head 151 is distant from the seat 127 to allow the flow F121 to circulate. In the closed position of the piston 150, the head 151 is in axial support against the seat 127 to close the conduit 122 and prevent the flow of the flow F121 from circulating.

[0106] The rod 152 connects the head 151 to the collar 155, through the distal end of conduit 136, of the intermediate chamber 137 of the control chamber 138. preferably, the piston 150 is guided in sliding by radial sliding of the rod 152 along a wall of a conduit formed by the intermediate chamber 137 coaxially with the axis XI03.

[0107] The rod 152 is connected to the collar 155 in the control chamber 138. The collar 155 connects the rod 152 to the proximal base, separating the control chamber 138 from the proximal chamber 139.

[0108] The proximal base, formed at a proximal end of the piston 150, is opposite the distal head 151. The proximal base is disposed in the proximal chamber 139.

[0109] The valve 103 advantageously comprises sealing devices 174, 175 and 176. Each sealing device 174, 175 and 176 extends radially between the conduit 133 and the piston 150, to fluidically separate the chambers 125, 137, 138 and 139.

[0110] The sealing device 174, called the “piston sealing device”, is here in the form of a scraper seal, fixed to the body 130 and sliding along the piston 150. The device 174 surrounds the rod 152 over its entire circumference, and is radially interposed between the piston 150 and the conduit 133. In particular, the device 174 radially connects the piston 150 to the distal end of the body 131. Here, the device 174 is fixed to the distal end of the body 131, and the rod 152 of the piston slides inside the device 174.

[0111] The sealing device 174 fluidly separates the chamber 125 from the conduit 133, which are adjacent to the sealing device 174. In particular, the sealing device 174 separates the chambers 125 and 137, which are adjacent to it. The pressurized fluid, here the coating product, admitted into the chamber 125, is prevented from leaking towards the intermediate chamber 137, thanks to the sealing device 174.

[0112] The sealing device 175, called the “piston sealing device”, is here in the form of a scraper seal, fixed to the body 130 and sliding along the piston 150. The device 175 surrounds the piston 150 over its entire circumference, and is radially interposed between the piston 150 and the body 130, in particular the conduit 133. In particular, the device 175 radially connects the rod 152 to a part of the conduit 133 located at the intersection between the intermediate chamber 137 and the control chamber 138. The sealing device 175 fluidly separates the chambers 137 and 138 of the conduit 133, which are adjacent to the sealing device 175.

[0113] The sealing device 176 is here in the form of a scraper seal, fixed to the piston 150 and sliding along the body 130. The device 176 surrounds the piston 150 over its entire circumference, and is radially interposed between the piston 150 and the body 130, in particular the conduit 133. In particular, the device 176 radially connects the collar 155 to a part of the conduit 133 located at the intersection between the control chamber 138 and the proximal chamber 139. The sealing device 176 fluidly separates chambers 138 and 139 of conduit 133, which are adjacent to sealing device 176.

[0114] The valve 103 advantageously comprises a spring 154, represented symbolically, which exerts an elastic return force E154 on the piston 150, via the proximal base, by bearing on the body 130. The elastic return force E154 tends to move the piston 150 from its open position to its closed position. Preferably, the spring 154 is arranged in the proximal chamber 139, in the same way as the spring 54.

[0115] The conduit 123 and the control chamber 126 are fluidically connected to the control chamber 138 formed inside the body 130, via one or more conduits (not shown) arranged in the body 130 and connecting the chambers 126 and 138 when the valve 103 is mounted. The control fluid F123 can therefore invade the control chambers 126 and 138, and thus exert a pressure force E138 on the collar 155 by pressurizing the chamber 138, tending to move the piston 150 from the closed position to the open position. The application of the force E38 therefore makes it possible to control the valve 103. The control fluid received in the control chamber 38 is prevented from leaking towards the exterior 124 thanks to the sealing device 176 and towards the intermediate chamber 137 thanks to the sealing device 175.

[0116] Preferably, the peripheral chamber 128 is fluidically connected to the intermediate chamber 137, delimited inside the body 130. For this, the body 130 provides one or more conduits (not shown), connecting the chambers 128 and 137 when the valve 103 is mounted on the base 102.

[0117] The intermediate chamber 137, the peripheral chamber 128 and the conduit(s) which connect these two chambers then together constitute a vent chamber. Indeed, in the event of failure of one of the sealing devices 171 or 174, pressurized fluid, namely coating product, coming from the chamber 125, leaks into the vent chamber. In the event of failure of the device 171, or incorrect mounting of the body 130 in the bore 120, the coating product leaks into the chamber 137, i.e. into the vent chamber. In the event of failure of the device 174, the coating product leaks into the chamber 128, i.e. into the vent chamber. Similarly, in the event of failure of one of the sealing devices 172 and 175, pressurized fluid, namely control fluid, from one of the control chambers 126 and 138 leaks into the vent chamber.In the event of failure of the device 175, the control fluid leaks into the chamber 137 belonging to the vent chamber. In the event of failure of the device 172, or incorrect mounting of the body 130 in the bore 120, the control fluid leaks into the chamber 128 belonging to the vent chamber.

[0118] Unlike the embodiment of figs 1 to 3, provision is made for the apparatus 101 that a receiving orifice 158, for receiving the indicator 8, is provided in the base 102 rather than in the valve 103. The orifice 158 opens onto the exterior 124 and is not coaxial with the axis X103. The receiving orifice 158 is designed to securely receive the indicator 8, the tube 80 being securely received in the orifice 158, so as to be securely attached to the base 102. To secure the tube 80, the receiving orifice 158 carries a secondary fastening means 159, here an internal thread, cooperating with the primary fastening means 88 of the tube 80. The connection opening 81 is directed towards the bottom of the receiving orifice 158 while the external opening 82 is directed towards the outside 124, and preferably emerges from the base 102, to the outside 124.

[0119] The base 102 advantageously comprises an internal through conduit 160, which connects the bottom of the receiving orifice 158 to the peripheral chamber 128, i.e. to the vent chamber. In the event of a leak of pressurized fluid in the vent chamber, the excess pressure caused is transmitted to the indicator 90 via the conduit 160.

[0120] For this embodiment, a position indicator 197 is mounted on the proximal base of the piston 150, and is visible from outside the valve 103 to indicate the current position of the piston 150 to a person. For this embodiment, the indicator 197 is therefore distinct from the indicator 8.

[0121] Any feature described above for one of the embodiments or variants can be implemented for the other embodiments and variants described above, as far as technically possible.

Claims

Claims

1. An indicator (8), for indicating the occurrence of a leak of pressurized fluid in a vent chamber (28, 37; 128, 137) of a pressurized fluid apparatus (1; 101), the indicator (8) comprising: • a support tube (80), comprising: • a connection opening (81), configured to be fluidically connected to the vent chamber (28, 37; 128, 137) of the pressurized fluid apparatus (1; 101), and • an external opening (82), configured to open onto an exterior (24; 124) with respect to the pressurized fluid apparatus (1; 101); and • a witness (90), arranged in the support tube (80) and movable relative to the support tube (80), between an initial position and a signaling position, under the effect of an overpressure occurring at the connection opening (81), compared to the external opening (82), the witness (90) being positioned further from the connection opening (81) in the signaling position than in the initial position, to indicate the occurrence of the leak of pressurized fluid in the vent chamber (28, 37; 128, 137) when the witness (90) is in the signaling position, wherein the indicator (8) comprises locking elements (84, 94), for mechanically locking the indicator (90) in position relative to the support tube (80), when the indicator (90) is in the signaling position; and characterized in that the locking elements (84, 94) comprise an inner wall portion of the support tube (80) and an outer wall portion of the indicator (90), the inner wall portion and the outer wall portion being shaped such that the outer wall portion is received in conical engagement in the inner wall portion when the indicator (90) is in the signaling position, thereby locking the indicator (90) in the signaling position.

2. An indicator (8) according to claim 1, wherein the indicator (90) comprises a signaling end (91) which: • protrudes from the external opening (82) when the indicator (90) is in the signaling position, to indicate the occurrence of the leak; and • is at least partially retracted into the external opening (82) when the indicator (90) is in the initial position, to indicate an absence of leakage of pressurized fluid into the vent chamber (28, 37; 128, 137).

3. Indicator (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indicator (90) is shaped to close the support tube (80) and thus prevent leakage of pressurized fluid from the connection opening (81) to the external opening (82), at least when the indicator (90) is in the signaling position, preferably also when the indicator (90) is in the initial position.

4. Indicator (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: • the support tube (80) comprises a primary axial surface (83) facing towards the connection opening (81) and arranged inside the support tube (80), between the external opening (82) and the connection opening (81); and • the indicator (90) comprises a secondary axial surface (93) facing towards the primary axial surface (83), so that the indicator (90) abuts against the support tube (80) when the indicator (90) is in the signaling position, by abutting the secondary axial surface (93) against the primary axial surface (83).

5. An indicator (8) according to any preceding claim, wherein the support tube (80) comprises a primary securing means (88), preferably an external thread, so that the indicator (8) can be securely received in a receiving port (58; 158) of the pressurized fluid apparatus (1; 101).

6. Pressurized fluid apparatus (1; 101), comprising: • the indicator (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, the external opening (82) of the indicator (8) opening onto the exterior (24; 124); • the vent chamber (28, 37; 128, 137), the connection opening (81) of the indicator (8) being fluidically connected to the vent chamber (28, 37; 128, 137); • at least one pressurized fluid chamber (25, 26, 38; 125, 128, 138); and • at least one sealing device (71, 72, 74, 75; 171, 172, 174, 175), fluidically separating the vent chamber (28, 37; 128, 137) from said at least one pressurized fluid chamber (25, 26, 38; 125, 128, 138).

7. A pressurized fluid apparatus (1; 101) according to claim 6, wherein the pressurized fluid apparatus (1; 101) comprises a valve (3; 103), fluidically connected with the vent chamber (28, 37; 128, 137) or forming all or part of the vent chamber (28, 37; 128, 137), and comprising: • a body (30; 130), having a distal body end (31; 131) and forming a central conduit (33; 133), coaxially crossed by a central axis (X3; X103), the central conduit (33; 133) having a distal conduit end (36; 136) which opens at the distal body end (31; 131); and • a piston (50; 150), received in the central duct (33; 133) and configured to slide relative to the body (30; 130) along the central axis (X3; X103) and emerging from the central duct (33; 133) at the distal end of the duct (36; 136).

8. A pressurized fluid apparatus (1; 101) according to claim 7, wherein: • the central conduit (33; 133) comprises an intermediate chamber (37; 137) which is fluidically connected to the vent chamber (28, 37; 128, 137) or which forms all or part of the vent chamber (28, 37; 128, 137); and • said at least one sealing device (71, 72, 74, 75; 171, 172, 174, 175) comprises at least one piston sealing device (74, 75; 174, 175), belonging to the valve (3; 103), the piston sealing device (74, 75; 174, 175) connecting

9.

10.

11.

12. radially the piston (50; 150) to the body (30; 130), so that the piston sealing device (74, 75; 174, 175) separates the intermediate chamber (37; 137) from said at least one pressurized fluid chamber (25, 26, 38; 125, 128, 138). A pressurized fluid apparatus (1; 101) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein: • the pressurized fluid apparatus (1; 101) comprises a base (2; 102), comprising a bore (20; 120) in which the body (30; 130) is received and is fixedly attached, to form: • said at least one pressurized fluid chamber (25, 26, 38; 125, 128, 138), delimited by the bore (20; 120) and the valve (3; 103), and • a peripheral chamber (28; 128), delimited by the bore (20; 120) and the body (30; 130), radially with respect to the central axis (X3; X103), the peripheral chamber (28; 128) being adjacent to the pressurized fluid chamber (25, 26, 38; 125, 128, 138) and being fluidically connected to the vent chamber (28, 37; 128, 137) or forming all or part of the vent chamber (28, 37; 128, 137); and • said at least one sealing device (71, 72, 74, 75; 171, 172, 174, 175) comprises a body sealing device (71, 72; 171, 172), interposed between the body (30; 130) and the base (2; 102), so that the body sealing device (71, 72; 171, 172) separates the peripheral chamber (28; 128) from said at least one pressurized fluid chamber (25, 26, 38; 125, 128, 138). A pressurized fluid apparatus (101) according to claim 9, wherein the indicator (8) is mounted in the base (102), with the support tube (80) fixedly attached to the base (102). A pressurized fluid apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the indicator (8) is mounted on the valve (3), with the support tube (80) fixedly attached to the valve (3). A pressurized fluid apparatus (1) according to claim 11, wherein the indicator (8) is mounted on the piston (50), with the support tube (80) fixedly attached to a proximal base (53) belonging to the piston (50), the proximal base (53) being opposite the distal end of the body (31), so that the indicator (8) is visible from the outside (24) for at least one position of the piston (50) relative to the body (30) and so that the position of the indicator (8) relative to the body (30) reflects the position of the piston (50).

13. A pressurized fluid apparatus (1; 101) according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein: • the pressurized fluid apparatus (1; 101) is a coating product application apparatus; and • the pressurized fluid comprises the coating product and / or a valve control fluid.

14. A pressurized fluid apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein: • the indicator (8) comprises a sensor (99) a state of which reflects the current position of the indicator (90) relative to the support tube (80); and • the pressurized fluid apparatus (1) comprises an electronic monitoring unit (98) to which the sensor (99) is connected, and which is configured to issue an alert to a person when the state of the sensor (99) reflects that the indicator (90) is in the signaling position.

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