Pulse generation system for a pulsed working fluid supply, and industrial machine comprising such a system

Abstract

------ Pulse generation system for a pulsed working fluid supply, and washing machine comprising such a system The invention relates to a pulse generation system (1) for a pulsed working fluid supply, comprising a pipeline (2), a pressurized working fluid source (3) connected to the pipeline (2), an angle seat valve (4) connected to the pipeline, a pressurized control fluid source (5), a pressure regulator (6) connected to the pressurized control fluid source (5), a three-way, two-position control valve (7) connected to the pressure regulator (6) and to the angle seat valve (4) and configured to control the angle seat valve (4), and a controller (8) configured to control the pressure regulator (6) according to desired pulse amplitudes and to control the control valve (7) according to desired pulse frequencies.The invention also relates to a washing machine (10) comprising a system (1). Figure to be published: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Pulse generation system for a pulsed working fluid supply, and industrial machine comprising such a system

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of working fluid supply systems, and more particularly relates to a pulse generation system for a pulsed working fluid supply, and an industrial machine comprising such a system.

[0002] Systems already exist for generating pulses of working fluid, for example compressed air. Patent application WO2016063499 A1 discloses, for example, an intermittent air generation device. However, existing systems are generally complex and expensive. In addition, with existing systems, it is often complicated to ensure operational reliability at high pulse frequencies, and to vary the frequency and pressure at each pulse.

[0003] Therefore, the prior art solutions proposed for working fluid supply systems still have drawbacks and improvements are possible.

[0004] The present invention aims in particular to solve the problems indicated above by proposing a pulse generation system for a pulsed working fluid supply having a simple structure and allowing reliable operation at high frequencies, and an industrial machine comprising such a system.

[0005] Thus, the present invention relates to a pulse generation system for a pulsed working fluid supply, characterized in that the system comprises: a pipeline, comprising an inlet end and an outlet end through which pulsed working fluid is delivered; a source of pressurized working fluid, fluidly connected to the inlet end of the pipeline; an inclined seat valve, fluidly connected to the pipeline between the inlet end and the outlet end, the inclined seat valve comprising a piston movable between a first end position, in which the piston completely closes the pipeline, and a second end position, in which the piston opens the pipeline with a maximum opening of the inclined seat valve; a source of pressurized control fluid;a pressure regulator, fluidly connected to the source of pressurized control fluid and configured to adjust a pressure of the control fluid; a three-way, two-position control valve, a first way of the control valve; is connected to the pressure regulator, a second port of the control valve is connected to the angle seat valve, and a third port of the control valve is connected to a control fluid outlet, the three-way, two-position control valve being configured to control a movement of the piston of the angle seat valve to any position between the first end position and the second end position, inclusive, using control fluid pressure-adjusted by the pressure regulator;and a controller in communicative connection with the pressure regulator and the three-way, two-position control valve, the controller being configured to control the pressure regulator according to desired pulse amplitudes and to control the three-way, two-position control valve according to desired pulse frequencies, so as to proportionally move the piston of the angle seat valve and generate pulses of pulsating working fluid. ;

[0006] This configuration provides a pulse generation system for a pulsed working fluid supply, configured to generate pulses of pulsed working fluid, which has a simple structure and allows reliable operation at high frequencies.

[0007] The pulse generation system according to the invention may comprise several inclined seat valves in series on the pipeline according to the preceding type, each inclined seat valve having its source of pressurized control fluid, a pressure regulator, fluidically connected to the source of pressurized control fluid and a three-way, two-position control valve, the different inclined seat valves being controlled in a synchronized manner via the control device.

[0008] According to a particular embodiment, the three-way, two-position control valve is one of a three-way on / off valve and a 3 / 2-way distributor.

[0009] These types of valves allow in particular operation of the system at high frequencies.

[0010] It will be understood that a three-way on-off valve may, for example, be a three-way on-off valve comprising a servomotor actuating a rod comprising a shutter. It will also be understood that the 3 / 2-way distributor may, for example, be chosen from an electrically controlled distributor, an electromagnetically controlled distributor and a hydraulically controlled distributor. It will also be understood that in the case of an electromagnetically controlled distributor or a hydraulically controlled distributor, the control device comprises electromagnetic control means or hydraulic control means configured to control the 3 / 2-way distributor.

[0011] According to a particular embodiment, the inclined seat valve is of the normally closed type and is controlled to open using the control fluid, such that the first end-of-stroke position of the piston is a rest position.

[0012] It will be understood that the use of a normally closed type inclined seat valve makes it possible in particular to improve the safety and reliability of use of the system. It will be understood, however, that, according to non-preferred variants, a normally open type inclined seat valve or an inclined seat valve controlled both in opening and closing using the control fluid could also be used. It will also be understood that in the latter case, the control valve must also be chosen to allow the opening and closing of the inclined seat valve to be controlled.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment, the system further comprises a pressure sensor disposed at the outlet end of the pipe, the pressure sensor being configured to measure a pressure of the working fluid and to be in communication connection with the control device.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment, the system is a feedback system and the control device is configured to adjust the control of the pressure regulator based on the pressure measurements received from the pressure sensor.

[0015] It will be understood that this configuration makes it possible to improve the precision of the pressure of the generated working fluid pulses.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, the control device comprises memory means and is further configured to perform automatic learning regarding the control of the pressure regulator as a function of the pressure measurements of the pressure sensor, in order to, in use, predict a more precise control of the pressure regulator for a desired pulse amplitude.

[0017] It will be understood that this configuration makes it possible in particular to calibrate the system and to take into account particularities, for example dimensional, of the installation, so as to reduce a need for feedback once the automatic learning has been carried out. It will also be understood that this configuration is particularly suitable in the case where the system is intended to be sold in kit form and assembled by a user, for example for retrofitting onto an existing installation.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, the control device comprises a programmable controller.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment, the pressure regulator is an analog pressure regulator.

[0020] It will be understood that the use of an analog pressure regulator allows in particular a very precise and rapid adjustment of the pressure of the control fluid.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment, at least one of the working fluid and the control fluid is air.

[0022] It will be understood, however, that the working fluid and the control fluid could be other fluids. For example, the working fluid could be water. For example, the control fluid could be oil.

[0023] The present invention also relates to an industrial machine, in particular a washing machine, characterized in that the washing machine comprises a system according to the invention and a member using pulsed air fluidically connected to the outlet end of said system, so as to be supplied with pulsed working fluid. When the industrial machine is a washing machine, the member using pulsed air may for example be a washing ramp.

[0024] It will be understood that a washing machine according to the invention can take different forms, for example a machine for washing industrial parts, for example for washing industrial parts after a machining operation, or even an automatic washing machine for vehicles, for example cars.

[0025] Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] In these drawings:

[0027] [Fig-1] is a schematic representation of a pulse generation system for a pulsed working fluid supply according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0028] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the invention, comprising the system of [Fig.l].

[0029] If we first refer to [Fig.l], we can see that there is shown a system 1 for generating pulses for a supply of pulsed working fluid according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] The system 1 comprises a pipeline 2, a source of pressurized working fluid 3, an inclined seat valve 4, a source of pressurized control fluid 5, a pressure regulator 6, a three-way, two-position control valve 7, and a control device 8.

[0031] The pipe 2 comprises an inlet end 2a, configured to admit working fluid under pressure, and an outlet end 2b, through which pulsed working fluid is delivered.

[0032] According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the pipe 2 comprises a first pipe element 21 and a second pipe element 22, each in the form of a rectilinear cylindrical tube. It will be understood, however, that, as a variant, the pipe elements 21, 22 could be in other forms, for example in the form of flexible pipes.

[0033] The source of pressurized working fluid 3 is fluidically connected to the inlet end 2a of the pipe 2. The working fluid is preferably air. It will be understood, however, that alternatively the working fluid could be another fluid, for example water. The source of pressurized working fluid may for example be a compressor, a pressure accumulator, a pressure fluid line of a building, for example a compressed air line.

[0034] The inclined seat valve 4 is fluidically connected to the pipeline 2 between the inlet end 2a and the outlet end 2b. According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the inclined seat valve 4 is connected between the first pipeline element 21 and the second pipeline element 22.

[0035] Furthermore, the inclined seat valve 4 comprises a piston 41 movable between a first end-of-travel position, in which the piston 41 completely closes the pipeline, and a second end-of-travel position, in which the piston 41 opens the pipeline with a maximum opening of the inclined seat valve 4.

[0036] It will be understood that the seat of the inclined seat valve 4 is inclined towards the outlet end 2b of the pipe 2, so as to promote a flow of fluid from the inlet end 2a towards the outlet end 2b and to avoid a water hammer effect.

[0037] The inclined seat valve 4 further comprises a control chamber 42 and a spring 43 disposed in the control chamber 42, the spring 43 being configured to bias the piston 41 towards a rest position.

[0038] According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the inclined seat valve 4 is of the normally closed type and is controlled in opening using the control fluid, such that the first end-of-stroke position of the piston 41 corresponds to the rest position. It will be understood that the use of an inclined seat valve 4 of the normally closed type makes it possible in particular to improve the safety and reliability of use of the system 1. It will however be understood that, according to non-preferred variants, an inclined seat valve 4 of the normally open type or an inclined seat valve 4 controlled both in opening and in closing using the control fluid could also be used. It will also be understood that in the latter case, the control valve 7 must also be chosen to allow the opening and closing of the inclined seat valve 7 to be controlled.

[0039] The pressurized control fluid source 5 is configured to deliver control fluid to be delivered into the control chamber 42 to control the angle seat valve 4. The control fluid is preferably air. It will be understood, however, that alternatively the control fluid could be another fluid, for example oil. The pressurized control fluid source 5 may for example be a compressor, a pressure accumulator, a pressure line pressurized fluid of a building, for example a compressed air line.

[0040] The pressure regulator 6 is fluidically connected to the pressurized control fluid source 5 and is configured to adjust a pressure of the control fluid downstream of the pressurized control fluid source 5. The pressure regulator 6 is preferably an analog pressure regulator 6, this in particular allows a very precise and rapid adjustment of the pressure of the control fluid.

[0041] The three-way, two-position control valve 7 is fluidically connected to the pressure regulator 6 and the angle seat valve 4. A first port 7a of the control valve 7 is connected to the pressure regulator 6, a second port 7b of the control valve 7 is connected to the control chamber 42 of the angle seat valve 4, and a third port 7c of the control valve 7 is connected to a control fluid outlet.

[0042] According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the control fluid outlet is an ambient air outlet, i.e. an outlet opening onto an immediate environment of the system 1, at atmospheric pressure. It will be understood, however, that the control fluid outlet may also open onto a control fluid recovery tank, for example if the control fluid is oil.

[0043] It will also be understood that a first position of the three-way, two-position control valve 7 fluidly connects the second port 7b to the third port 7c, such that working fluid can exit the control chamber 42 and pass through the control fluid outlet, and that a second position of the three-way, two-position control valve 7 fluidly connects the first port 7a to the second port 7b, such that working fluid, coming from the pressure regulator 6, is introduced into the control chamber 42. Preferably, the three-way, two-position control valve 7 is a three-way on / off valve or a 3 / 2-way distributor. These types of valves allow in particular operation of the system 1 at high frequencies.

[0044] It will be understood that a three-way on-off valve may, for example, be a three-way on-off valve comprising a servomotor actuating a rod comprising a shutter. It will also be understood that the 3 / 2 distributor may, for example, be chosen from an electrically controlled distributor, an electromagnetically controlled distributor, an electropneumatic distributor and a hydraulically controlled distributor. It will also be understood that in the case of an electromagnetically controlled distributor or a hydraulically controlled distributor, the control device 8 comprises electromagnetic control means or hydraulic control means configured to control the distributor. 3 / 2.

[0045] Furthermore, the three-way, two-position control valve 7 is configured to control a movement of the piston 41 of the inclined seat valve 4 to any position between the first end-of-stroke position and the second end-of-stroke position, inclusive, using the control fluid pressure-adjusted by the pressure regulator 6.

[0046] It will also be understood that depending on the pressure of the control fluid delivered into the control chamber 42 of the inclined seat valve 4 by the three-way, two-position control valve 7, the piston 41 can be positioned in the first end-of-stroke position, in the second end-of-stroke position or in any intermediate position between the first end-of-stroke position and the second end-of-stroke position. It will also be understood that, if necessary, working fluid can be discharged through the third port 7c of the control valve 7 to obtain the desired pressure in the control chamber 42.

[0047] The control device 8 is configured to be connected in communication with the pressure regulator 6 and the three-way, two-position control valve 7.

[0048] The control device 8 is further configured to control the pressure regulator 6 as a function of desired pulse amplitudes for the working fluid pulses, and to control the three-way, two-position control valve 7 as a function of desired pulse frequencies for the working fluid pulses, to sequentially deliver control fluid at given pressures and frequencies into the control chamber 42 of the tilt seat valve 4, so as to proportionally move the piston 41 of the tilt seat valve 4 and to generate pulsed working fluid pulses. The control device may for example comprise a programmable logic controller, for example of the PID type.

[0049] According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the system 1 further comprises a pressure sensor 9 arranged at the outlet end 2b of the pipeline 2. The pressure sensor 9 is configured to measure a pressure of the working fluid at the outlet end 2b and to be connected in communication with the control device 8. In addition, the system 1 is a feedback system and the control device 8 is configured to adjust the control of the pressure regulator 6 according to the pressure measurements received from the pressure sensor 9.

[0050] Advantageously, the control device 8 comprises memory means and is further configured to carry out automatic learning concerning the control of the pressure regulator 6 as a function of the pressure measurements of the sensor. pressure 9, in order to be able to predict a more precise control of the pressure regulator 6 for a desired pulse amplitude. It will be understood that, in use, this makes it possible in particular to calibrate the system 1 and to take into account particularities, for example dimensional, of the installation, so as to reduce a need for feedback once the automatic learning has been carried out. It will also be understood that this configuration is particularly suitable in the case where the system 1 is intended to be sold in kit form and assembled by a user, for example for retrofitting onto an existing installation.

[0051] If we now refer to [Fig. 2], we can see that a washing machine 10 according to the invention is shown there.

[0052] The washing machine 10 comprises a system 1 according to the invention, as described above, and a spray bar 11 fluidically connected to the outlet end 2b of the system 1, so as to be supplied with pulsed working fluid.

[0053] The washing machine 10 further comprises a detergent solution supply line 12 configured to supply the spray bar 11 with detergent solution and a detergent solution supply control valve 13 configured to open and close the detergent solution supply line 12. It will be understood that the detergent solution supply line 12 may, for example, be connected to a detergent solution tank 12, possibly via a pump, or be connected to a detergent solution line of a building, for example a water supply line.

[0054] As indicated above, in the first end-of-stroke position, the piston 41 completely closes the pipe 2 of the pulse generation system 1 for supplying pulsed working fluid. It will therefore be understood that the inclined seat valve 4 of the system 1 is further configured to act as a control valve for supplying working fluid to the washing machine 10.

[0055] The washing machine 10 is thus configured such that the spray bar 11 can be selectively supplied with detergent solution, to wash a part received opposite the washing bar 11, and with pulsed working fluid, to remove detergent solution from a surface of the washed part.

[0056] Compared to using pressurized working fluid delivered directly by the pressurized working fluid source 3, using pulsed working fluid delivered by the system 1 makes it possible to reduce the time required to remove the detergent solution from the surface of the part while reducing the quantity of working fluid required for this removal.

[0057] The system 1 according to the invention therefore makes it possible, for example, to limit the consumption of compressed air required for a drying process by allowing the blowing of pulsed compressed air.

[0058] For applications of removing detergent solution from the surface of a part, the following sequences may, for example, be used: a succession of 1 second pulses of spraying working fluid at the desired pressure spaced by 0.8 second pauses without spraying, or a succession of 3 second pulses of spraying working fluid at the desired pressure spaced by 1 second pauses without spraying.

[0059] Furthermore, the first pulses can be carried out at a first pressure, in order to empty the detergent solution present in the ramp, then the pressure of the pulses can be increased progressively to push the detergent solution to the surface of the washed part and avoid spraying it.

[0060] It will be understood that the control device 8 of the system 1 may be configured to control the detergent solution supply control valve 13 of the washing machine 10, or that the washing machine 10 may further comprise additional control means, in communication connection with the control device 8 of the system 1, configured to control the detergent solution supply control valve 13.

[0061] It will be understood that a washing machine 10 according to the invention can take different forms, for example a machine for washing industrial parts, for example for washing industrial parts after a machining operation, or even an automatic washing machine for vehicles, for example cars.

[0062] It is understood that the particular embodiments which have just been described have been given for informational purposes and are not limiting, and that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Claims - System (1) for generating pulses for a supply of pulsed working fluid, characterized in that the system (1) comprises: - a pipe (2), comprising an inlet end (2a) and an outlet end (2b) through which pulsed working fluid is delivered; - a source of pressurized working fluid (3), fluidically connected to the inlet end (2a) of the pipeline (2); - an inclined seat valve (4), fluidly connected to the pipeline (2) between the inlet end (2a) and the outlet end (2b), the inclined seat valve (4) comprising a piston (41) movable between a first end position, in which the piston (41) completely closes the pipeline (2), and a second end position, in which the piston (41) opens the pipeline (2) with a maximum opening of the inclined seat valve (4); - a source of pressurized control fluid (5); - a pressure regulator (6), fluidly connected to the source of pressurized control fluid (5) and configured to adjust a pressure of the control fluid; - a three-way, two-position control valve (7), a first way (7a) of the control valve (7) is connected to the pressure regulator (6), a second way (7b) of the control valve (7) is connected to the angle seat valve (4) and a third way (7c) of the control valve (7) is connected to a control fluid outlet, the three-way, two-position control valve (7) being configured to control a movement of the piston (41) of the angle seat valve (4) to any position between the first end position and the second end position, inclusive, using the control fluid pressure-adjusted by the pressure regulator (6); and - a control device (8) in communication connection with the pressure regulator (6) and the three-way, two-position control valve (7), the control device (8) being configured to control the pressure regulator (6) as a function of desired pulse amplitudes and to control the three-way, two-position control valve (7) as a function of pulse frequencies desired, so as to proportionally move the piston (41) of the inclined seat valve (4) and generate pulses of pulsating working fluid.

2. - System (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the three-way, two-position control valve (7) is one of a three-way on / off valve and a 3 / 2 distributor.

3. - System (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the inclined seat valve (4) is of the normally closed type and is controlled to open using the control fluid, so that the first end-of-stroke position of the piston (41) is a rest position.

4. - System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the system (1) further comprises a pressure sensor (9) arranged at the outlet end (2b) of the pipe (2), the pressure sensor (9) being configured to measure a pressure of the working fluid and to be in communication connection with the control device (8).

5. - System (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the system (1) is a feedback system (1) and the control device (8) is configured to adjust the control of the pressure regulator (6) as a function of the pressure measurements received from the pressure sensor (9).

6. - System (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the control device (8) comprises memory means and is further configured to perform automatic learning regarding the control of the pressure regulator (6) as a function of the pressure measurements of the pressure sensor (9), in order to, in use, predict a more precise control of the pressure regulator (6) for a desired pulse amplitude.

7. - System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control device (8) comprises a programmable controller.

8. - System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the pressure regulator (6) is an analog pressure regulator (6).

9. - System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one of the working fluid and the control fluid is air.

10. - Washing machine (10), characterized in that the washing machine washing (10) comprises a system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a spray bar (11) fluidically connected to the outlet end (2b) of said system (1), so as to be supplied with pulsed working fluid.

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