Assembly for regulating fluid flow and manufacturing process of the assembly

Abstract

Fluid flow limitation assembly (10) in a conduit, including: a body (12) defining an internal cavity, the body having a wall portion (18) extending from an end portion (20) of the body, the wall portion and the end portion defining the internal cavity (16), the wall portion having an outwardly flared portion (22) extending away from the internal cavity at an open end (24) of the body, the open end being opposite the end portion of the body, the wall portion having a corrugation (26) near the outwardly flared portion, the corrugation extending towards the internal cavity;and a fluid flow-limiting element (14) retained in the internal cavity of the body, wherein the fluid flow-limiting element (14) reduces or prevents the flow of fluid through the internal cavity and the corrugation (26) prevents the fluid flow-limiting element (14) from being removed from the internal cavity. Figure for abbreviation: Figure 4;

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly for regulating fluid flow and method for manufacturing the assembly

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS

[0002] This application claims priority from the following applications: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 665,486 filed on June 28, 2024; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 665,925 filed on June 28, 2024 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 754,196 filed on February 5, 2025.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to the art of fluid flow limitation control assemblies and manufacturing processes.

[0005] Fluid flow control assemblies, whether valves, flow restrictors, or variable flow restrictors, require at least two components that must be assembled. The assemblies include at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening that are in fluidic communication with each other, and there must be a means of retaining the components together while ensuring fluidic communication between at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening.

[0006] Therefore, there is a desire to provide a method and apparatus for regulating the flow of fluid through the assembly.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0008] The invention relates to an assembly for limiting the flow of fluid in a conduit, comprising: a body defining an internal cavity, the body having a wall portion extending from an end portion of the body, the wall portion and the end portion defining the internal cavity, the wall portion having an outwardly flared portion extending away from the internal cavity at an open end of the body, the open end being opposite the end portion of the body, the wall portion having a corrugation near the outwardly flared portion, the corrugation extending towards the internal cavity; and a fluid flow limiting element retained in the internal cavity of the body, wherein the fluid flow limiting element reduces or prevents the flow of fluid through the internal cavity and the corrugation prevents the fluid flow limiting element from being removed from the internal cavity.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the body is an element cylindrical, the wall part having an internal diameter defining the internal cavity and an external diameter defining an external periphery of the body, the part flared outwards defining the outermost dimension of the external diameter and the undulation defining the innermost dimension of the internal diameter.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the outwardly flared part and the undulation are formed in the body after the insertion of the fluid flow limiting element into the internal cavity.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the corrugation extends completely around the internal diameter and the part flared outwards extends completely around the external diameter.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the fluid flow limiting element is movably retained in the internal cavity of the body for movement between a first position in which the fluid flow limiting element reduces or prevents the flow of fluid through the internal cavity and at least a second position in which the flow of fluid through the internal cavity is greater than when the fluid flow limiting element is in the first position, and the undulation defines a limit to the movement of the fluid flow limiting element away from the first position.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the fluid flow limiting element is movably retained in the internal cavity of the body for movement between a first position in which the fluid flow limiting element reduces or prevents the flow of fluid through the internal cavity and at least a second position in which the flow of fluid through the internal cavity is greater than when the fluid flow limiting element is in the first position and the assembly further including a stop element situated between the corrugation and the fluid flow limiting element, the stop element defining a limit to the movement of the fluid flow limiting element away from the first position.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the fluid flow-limiting element is movably retained within the internal cavity of the body for movement between a first position in which the fluid flow-limiting element reduces or prevents fluid flow through the internal cavity and at least a second position in which fluid flow through the internal cavity is larger than when the fluid flow limiting element is in the first position, and the undulation defines the second position of the fluid flow limiting element.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the fluid flow limiting element is movably retained in the internal cavity of the body for movement between a first position in which the fluid flow limiting element reduces or prevents the flow of fluid through the internal cavity and at least a second position in which the flow of fluid through the internal cavity is greater than when the fluid flow limiting element is in the first position, and the assembly further including: a stressing element in contact with the fluid flow limiting element and retaining it in the first position;and a thrust element situated between the corrugation and the stress element, the thrust element providing a reaction surface for the stress element and the corrugation retaining the thrust element, the stress element and the fluid flow limiting element in the internal cavity.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the end part of the body has an opening which is at least partially sealed by the fluid flow limiting element when the fluid flow limiting element is in the first position.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the end part of the body has an opening which is completely sealed by the fluid flow limiting element when the fluid flow limiting element is in the first position.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the fluid flow limiting element is movably retained in the internal cavity of the body for movement between a first position in which the fluid flow limiting element reduces or prevents the flow of fluid through the internal cavity and at least a second position in which the flow of fluid through the internal cavity is greater than when the fluid flow limiting element is in the first position.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the assembly further includes: a stop element located between the corrugation and the fluid flow limiting element, the stop element providing a reaction surface for the element fluid flow limitation and the undulation retaining the thrust element and the fluid flow limitation element in the internal cavity.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the fluid flow limiting element is movably retained in the internal cavity of the body for movement between a first position in which the fluid flow limiting element reduces or prevents the flow of fluid through the internal cavity and at least a second position in which the flow of fluid through the internal cavity is greater than when the fluid flow limiting element is in the first position and the end part of the body has an opening which is at least partially sealed by the fluid flow limiting element when the fluid flow limiting element is in the first position.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the fluid flow limiting element has at least one opening that is smaller than the opening in the end part, at least one opening allowing fluid to flow through the internal cavity when the fluid flow limiting element is in the first position.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the fluid flow limiting element is movably retained in the internal cavity of the body for movement between a first position in which the fluid flow limiting element reduces or prevents the flow of fluid through the internal cavity and at least a second position in which the flow of fluid through the internal cavity is greater than when the fluid flow limiting element is in the first position and the end part of the body has an opening which is completely sealed by the fluid flow limiting element when the fluid flow limiting element is in the first position.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the internal diameter of the conduit is less than the outermost dimension of the external diameter, so that the outwardly flared part retains the assembly in the conduit by engaging by friction with an internal surface of the internal diameter of the conduit when the assembly is inserted into the conduit.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the outermost dimension of the body is in the range of 3 mm to 30 mm, and the innermost dimension is in the range of 3 mm to 30 mm.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the outwardly flared part is located at a distal end of the body.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the body is a cylindrical element, the wall part having a first internal diameter ID-1 defining the internal cavity and a first external diameter OD-1 defining an external periphery of the body, the part flared outwards defining a second external diameter OD-2 defining the outermost diameter of the body and the undulation defining a second internal diameter ID-2 defining the innermost diameter of the internal cavity, the first internal diameter ID-1 being greater than the second internal diameter ID-2 and the first external diameter OD-1 being less than the second external diameter OD-2.

[0027] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the ratio between the first external diameter OD-1 and the second external diameter OD-2 can reach 2:3 and the ratio between the first external diameter OD-1 and the second internal diameter ID-2 can reach 2:1.

[0028] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, a range of the first external diameter OD-1, the second external diameter OD-2, the first internal diameter ID-1 and the second internal diameter ID-2 is from 3 mm to 30 mm.

[0029] The invention also relates to a valve assembly, including: a body defining an internal cavity, the body having a wall portion extending from an end portion of the body, the wall portion and the end portion defining the internal cavity, the wall portion having an outwardly flared portion extending away from the internal cavity at an open end of the body, the open end being opposite the end portion of the body, the wall portion having a corrugation near the outwardly flared portion, the corrugation extending towards the internal cavity; a mushroom movably retained in the internal cavity of the body for movement between a first position in which the mushroom seals an opening in the end portion of the body and at least a second position in which the opening in the end portion of the body is not sealed by the mushroom;a stress element holding the mushroom in the first position; and a stop element situated between the corrugation and the stress element, the stop element providing a reaction surface for the stress element and the corrugation retaining the stop element in the internal cavity.

[0030] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the mushroom has a nose part which seals the opening in the end part of the body when the mushroom is in the first position, the mushroom further including a plurality of elements which extend from the nose part to an annular part, the plurality of elements define a plurality of openings which ensure fluidic communication between the internal cavity and the opening in the end part of the body when the mushroom is in the second position.

[0031] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the nose part has a truncated cone shape which extends through the opening in the end part of the body when the mushroom is in the first position.

[0032] The invention also relates to a method of forming an assembly to limit the flow of fluid in a conduit, including: inserting a fluid flow limiting element into an internal cavity of a body of the assembly; crimping a wall of the body to define a corrugation that extends into the internal cavity in order to retain the fluid flow limiting element in the internal cavity of the body; flaring the wall of the body to define an outwardly flared portion that extends away from the internal cavity, the flaring step being carried out after the crimping step, the fluid flow limiting element reducing or preventing the flow of fluid through the internal cavity.

[0033] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the fluid flow limiting element is movably retained in the internal cavity of the body for movement between a first position in which the fluid flow limiting element reduces or prevents the flow of fluid through the internal cavity and at least a second position in which the flow of fluid through the internal cavity is greater than when the fluid flow limiting element is in the first position. Brief description of the drawings

[0034] The following descriptions should not be considered exhaustive in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, similar elements have the same numbering:

[0035] The [Fig.1] is a perspective cross-sectional view of an assembly in accordance with this disclosure;

[0036] [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional view of an assembly in accordance with this disclosure;

[0037] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly inserted into a conduit in accordance with this disclosure;

[0038] The [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view of an assembly according to another embodiment in a first position in accordance with this disclosure;

[0039] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view of the assembly illustrated in [Fig.4] in a second or other position in accordance with this disclosure;

[0040] Fig. 6 is a top view of an assembly of the present disclosure inserted into a conduit in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0041] [Fig.7] is a view along lines 7-7 of [Fig.6] in a first position in accordance with this disclosure;

[0042] Fig. 8 is a top view of an assembly of the present disclosure inserted into a conduit in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0043] [Fig. 9] is a view along lines 9-9 of [Fig. 8] in a second or other position in accordance with this disclosure

[0044] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration in accordance with this disclosure;

[0045] The [Fig. 11] is a cross-sectional view of the assembly inserted into a wall of a housing;

[0046] The [Fig.12A] is a cross-sectional view of a part of a body prior to a forming process in accordance with this disclosure;

[0047] [Fig. 12B] is a cross-sectional view of part of the assembly illustrated in at least [Fig. 2]; and

[0048] Figures [Fig.13], [Fig.14], [Fig.15] illustrate a tool and a method for forming the assembly in accordance with this disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method is presented here by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the Figures.

[0050] With reference now to at least [Fig. 1] to 3, an assembly 10 of the present disclosure is illustrated. As used herein, the term "assembly" refers to at least two components assembled in accordance with this disclosure. The assembly defines a fluid flow path through the assembly that can be restricted, closed, or open depending on the states at opposite ends of the fluid flow path through the assembly. In other words, and as discussed herein, the assembly can be a fluid flow restrictor that permits a limited amount of fluid flow in a first state or position and a larger amount of fluid flow in a second state or position. position. In one embodiment, the first state or position may always allow some amount of fluid flow through the assembly, or alternatively, the first state or position may prevent any fluid flow. As used here, the term "fluid" means any liquid, gas, or other flowable material, or any combination thereof, that can move or deform continuously under the effect of shear stress or an external force.

[0051] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the assembly 10 includes a body 12 and a fluid flow restrictor element 14. The body defines an internal cavity 16. The body 12 has a wall portion 18 extending from an end portion 20 of the body 12. The wall portion 18 and the end portion 20 define the internal cavity 16. The wall 18 has an outwardly flared portion 22 extending away from the internal cavity 16 at an open end 24 of the body 12. In one embodiment, the outwardly flared portion 22 is located at a distal end of the wall portion 18 of the body 12.

[0052] The open end 24 being opposite the end part 20 of the body 12. The wall part 18 having at least one undulation 26 or a plurality of undulations 26 in the vicinity of the outwardly flared part 22, the at least one undulation 26 or the plurality of undulations 26 extend / extend towards the internal cavity 16. In other words, the outwardly flared part 22 and the at least one undulation or the plurality of undulations 26 extend in opposite directions.

[0053] According to various non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure, the body 12, comprising the wall portion 18 and / or the end portion 20, defines a cylindrical or generally cylindrical body. According to one non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure, the body 12, comprising the wall portion 18 and / or the end portion 20, is formed from a metal or alloy such as steel or stainless steel. Of course, other materials are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure, provided they can be deviated from and formed as described herein.

[0054] According to various non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure, a plurality of distinct undulations 26 are provided in the wall portion 18 or the undulation is a single undulation 26 which circumscribes or extends around the internal periphery of the internal cavity defined by the wall portion 18.

[0055] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the fluid flow-limiting element 14 is movable within the internal cavity 16 for movement between at least a first position in which the fluid flow-limiting element 14 reduces or prevents the flow of fluid through the internal cavity 16 and a second position in which the element Fluid flow limitation 14 permits or increases fluid flow through internal cavity 16.

[0056] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, at least one corrugation 26 or a plurality of corrugations 26 is / are formed in the wall portion 18 of the body 12 after the fluid flow limiting element 14 is inserted into the internal cavity 16. At least one corrugation 26 or a plurality of corrugations 26 extends / extend into the internal cavity 16 and the fluid flow limiting element 14, and at least one corrugation 26 or a plurality of corrugations 26 prevent the fluid flow limiting element 14 from being completely dislodged from the internal cavity 16 after at least one corrugation 26 or a plurality of corrugations 26 is / are formed in the wall portion 18 of the body 12.

[0057] In a non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure, the fluid flow limiting element 14 is retained in the internal cavity 16 by a stop element 28 which is also inserted into the internal cavity 16 before the formation of at least one undulation 26 or plurality of undulations 26 in the wall portion 18 of the body 12. In a non-limiting embodiment, the stop element 28 is a circular element or disc having an external dimension or diameter that is slightly smaller than the internal dimension or diameter of the internal cavity and the stop element 28 has at least one internal opening 30 to allow fluid flow through it.

[0058] In a non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure, the fluid flow limiting element 14 is stressed in the first state or first position by a stressing element or a spring 32. Alternatively, the fluid flow limiting element 14 can be held in the first state or first position solely by a pressure difference on the opposite sides of the fluid flow limiting element 14 or by a combination of the pressure difference on the opposite sides of the fluid flow limiting element 14 and the stressing force of the stressing element or spring 32.In both cases and in a non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure, the stop element 28 provides a reaction surface 34 for the stressing element or spring 32 in the assembly 10 with the stressing element or spring 32 or a reaction surface 34 for the fluid flow limiting element 14 in the assembly 10 without the stressing element or spring 32.

[0059] As illustrated, the end portion 20 of the body 12 includes an opening 36. In one embodiment, the opening 36 is formed in the end portion 20 by a striking process or step. The opening 36 is configured to be sealed or partially closed by the fluid flow restrictor element 14 when the fluid flow limiting element 14 is in the first position or first state.

[0060] In a non-limiting embodiment, the fluid flow restrictor 14 completely seals the opening 36 when it is in the first position. For example, and as illustrated at least in [Fig. 1] to 3, the fluid flow restrictor 14 has a sealing portion or a nose portion 38 that completely seals the opening 36 when the fluid flow restrictor 14 is in the first position.

[0061] In one embodiment, and when the assembly 10 does not include a stressing or spring element 32, the fluid flow limiting element 14 is held in the first position or moved from the first position to the second position and vice versa by a difference in fluid flow pressures acting on the opposite sides of the fluid flow limiting element 14.

[0062] For example, and when a fluid flow pressure or a fluid pressure difference, delta P (AP) acting on a side of the end part 20 that is opposite the internal cavity 16 is greater than the fluid flow pressure or the fluid pressure difference, delta P (AP) acting on a side of the end part 20 that faces the internal cavity 16, the fluid flow limiting element 14 will move in the direction of the arrow 40 away from the first position so that the sealing part or the nose part 38 is no longer placed around the opening 36. In other words, the sealing part or the nose part 38 of the fluid flow limiting element 14 has a contact surface 42 that seals the opening 36 when the fluid flow limiting element 14 is in the first position.In a non-limiting embodiment, the contact surface 42 has a curved surface to facilitate sealing the opening 36 when the fluid flow limiting element 14 is in the first position.

[0063] Conversely, and when a fluid flow pressure or a fluid pressure difference, delta P (AP) acting on a side of the end part 20 that is opposite the internal cavity 16 is less than the fluid flow pressure or the fluid pressure difference, delta P (AP) acting on a side of the end part 20 that faces the internal cavity 16, the fluid flow limiting element 14 will move in the direction of the arrow 44 towards the first position so that the sealing part or the nose part 38 is placed around the opening 36. In other words, the sealing part or the nose part 38 of the fluid flow limiting element 14 has a contact surface 42 that seals the opening 36 when the fluid flow limiting element 14 is in the first position.For example, and when the fluid flow limiting element 14 is in a second position or in any other position than the first. position, when the sealing part or nose part 38 is not placed around the opening 36 and the aforementioned fluid flow pressure differences occur on opposite sides of the sealing part or nose part 38, the fluid flow limiting element 14 will be moved from a position or second position in which fluid flow is allowed through the assembly 10 to the first position in which the sealing part or nose part 38 is placed around the opening 36.

[0064] As mentioned previously and in a non-limiting embodiment, the fluid flow limiting element 14 is held in the first position by a flexural force of the spring or the flexural element 32 in the direction of the arrow 44. In this embodiment, and in order to move the fluid flow limiting element 14 in the direction of the arrow 42 away from the first position, the fluid flow pressure or the fluid pressure difference, delta P (AP) acting on a side of the end part 20 that is opposite the internal cavity 16 must be greater than the fluid flow pressure or the fluid pressure difference, delta P (AP) acting on a side of the end part 20 that faces the internal cavity 16 and the flexural force of the spring or the flexural element 32 in the direction of the arrow 44.

[0065] In a non-limiting embodiment, the fluid flow restrictor 14 has a wall portion 45 of the fluid flow restrictor 14 that defines a cavity 46 for retaining a portion of the stressing element within it. In one embodiment, the sealing portion or the nose portion 38 has at least one or a plurality of openings 48 that provide a fluid path through the assembly 10 when the fluid flow restrictor 14 is moved away from the first position in the direction of the arrow 40.

[0066] Alternatively, and as illustrated by the dashed lines in [Fig. 2], the sealing portion or the nose portion 38 may have an opening 50 or a plurality of openings 50 extending through it. In this embodiment, the opening 50 or the plurality of openings 50 always provides a fluid flow path through the sealing portion or the nose portion 38, regardless of the position of the fluid flow restrictor element 14.In other words, assembly 10 can be called flow-limiting assembly 10 although there is always flow through assembly 10 (e.g., a lower flow rate when fluid flow-limiting element 14 is in the first position and a higher flow rate when fluid flow-limiting element 14 is moved from the first position to the second position because there is also fluid flow through at least one opening or openings. 48 when the fluid flow limiting element 14 is moved from the first position to the second position).

[0067] Alternatively, and as mentioned previously, the fluid flow restrictor 14 in one embodiment has no opening 50 or a plurality of openings 50. Thus, in this embodiment, fluid flow through the assembly 10 occurs only when the fluid flow restrictor 14 is in the second position, or when the fluid flow restrictor 14 is moved from the first position to the second position. In this embodiment, the assembly 10 can be referred to as a valve or a valve assembly.

[0068] As mentioned above, the wall portion 18 has an outwardly flared portion 22 that extends away from the internal cavity 16 at an open end 24 of the body 12. The outwardly flared portion 22 circumscribes the entire periphery of the open end 24 of the body 12, and the outwardly flared portion 22 extends furthest from the wall portion 18. This allows the outwardly flared portion 22 to retain the assembly 10 in a conduit or pipe 52 or an opening 54 in a wall 56 (see [Fig. 11]) of a housing 58 that defines a cavity 60 of the housing 58. Thus, when the assembly 10 is inserted into the conduit or pipe 52 or the opening 54 in the wall 56 in the direction of the arrows 70, the outermost edge external part of the flared part outwards 22 engages with a surface 72 of the conduit or pipe 52 or of the opening 54 in the wall 56 in order to retain the assembly 10 in the conduit or pipe 52 or the opening 54 in the wall 56.In one embodiment, the conduit or pipe 52 is made of rubber, plastic, nylon or any other material capable of being engaged by the outermost edge of the outwardly flared portion 22 when inserted inside it.

[0069] As illustrated, the body 12 and / or the end portion 20 that defines a cylindrical or generally cylindrical body 12 has a dimension that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the conduit or pipe 52 or the opening 54 in the wall 56, so that the assembly 10 can be inserted into it by sliding in the direction of the arrow 70 and the outermost edge of the outwardly flared portion 22 engages with the surface 72 of the conduit or pipe 52 or the opening 54 in the wall 56 in order to retain the assembly 10 in its desired position inside the conduit or pipe 52 or the opening 54 in the wall 56 as the fluid flow pressures on opposite sides of the assembly vary, thus preventing it from being removed from the conduit or pipe 52 or the opening 54 in the wall 56 in a direction opposite to the arrow 70.In other words, the outermost edge of the outwardly flared part 22 will allow movement in the direction of arrow 70 but will prevent movement in the opposite direction to arrow 70 once. that the assembly is in its desired location in the conduit or pipe 52 or the opening 54 in the wall 56.

[0070] With reference now to [Fig. 4] to 10, an alternative configuration of the assembly 10 is illustrated. Here, the sealing portion or nose portion 38 of the fluid flow restrictor 14 has an extension portion or frustoconical portion that extends through the opening 36 when the fluid flow restrictor 14 is in its first position. Furthermore, the openings 48 are located in the wall portion 45 of the fluid flow restrictor 14 such that when the fluid flow restrictor 14 is moved in the direction of arrow 40, fluid flow through the assembly 10 is possible via the openings 48 and 36 and the open end 24. In one embodiment, the fluid flow restrictor 14 can be designated as a mushroom.

[0071] Figures 4 to 10 illustrate that the corrugation 26 helps to retain the fluid flow limiting element 14 in the body 12. This is facilitated by the fact that the corrugation 26 comes into contact with an upper part 80 of the wall 45. See at least Figure 9. As such, and in one embodiment, the assembly 10 does not have a stop element 18. Furthermore, and as illustrated in [Fig. 4] to 10, there is no load-bearing or spring element 32 and no opening 50 in the sealing portion or the nose portion 38. Of course, alternative configurations envisage that the embodiment of at least [Fig. 4] to 10 may include any one or any combination of the load-bearing or spring element 32, the stop element 18, and the opening 50 in the sealing portion or the nose portion 38.

[0072] With reference now to [Fig. 12A], the body 12 is shown before the formation of the corrugation or corrugations 26 and the outwardly flared portion 22. [Fig. 12B] shows the body 12 after the formation of the corrugation or corrugations 26 and the outwardly flared portion 22. As illustrated in at least [Fig. 12A] and [Fig. 12B], the body 12 and / or the end portion 20 define a cylindrical or generally cylindrical body 12 having a first internal diameter ID-1 and a first external diameter OD-1. [Fig. 12B] shows that the corrugation or corrugations 26 define a second internal diameter ID-2 and that the outermost edge of the outwardly flared portion 22 defines a second external diameter OD-2. The first internal diameter ID-1 is smaller than the second internal diameter ID-2 and the first external diameter OD-1 is smaller than the second external diameter OD-2.

[0073] In one embodiment, the ratio between the first external diameter OD-1 and the second external diameter OD-2 can reach 2:3, and the ratio between the first external diameter OD-1 and the second internal diameter ID-2 can reach 2:1. Furthermore, and in a In this embodiment, the range of nominal diameters of the aforementioned diameters can be between 3 and 30 mm.

[0074] With reference now to [Figs. 13] to 15, a method for forming the assembly 10 and a tool 100 for forming the assembly 10 are illustrated. In general, the forming method has at least two objectives: 1) to retain the components of the assembly within the body (by corrugation), and 2) to form a retaining element (by flaring) to retain the product / assembly within a plastic housing, manifold, or fitting. This retaining element can eliminate the need for an additional component to retain the assembly 10 within a conduit, pipe, or wall.

[0075] The tool 100 has a crimping device or a crimping mechanism with a clamp 102 for forming the corrugation or corrugations 26 in the body 12, the crimping device 102 has a plurality of elements 104 which move in the direction of the arrows 106 so that an edge 108 of the elements 104 can form the corrugation 26 in the body 12. The plurality of elements 104 defines a cavity 110 with a seat or an edge 112 for receiving the end 20 of the body 12 and engaging with it. The crimping device 102 has a passage 114 for applying a suction force or a vacuum in the direction of the arrow 116 in order to retain the end 20 of the body 12 against the seat or the edge 112. Alternatively and where appropriate, no suction force or vacuum is applied to the body 12 when it is received in the cavity 110 and it is simply inserted into it, either manually or by an automated process (e.g., a robot, etc.).

[0076] The body 12 is first inserted into the crimping device or into a crimping jaw mechanism 102 of the tool 100 before the formation of the corrugation 26. Then, the fluid flow limiting element 14 and, where applicable, the spring or stress element 32 and the stop element 28 are inserted into the internal cavity 16 by a second tool 118 or a press station. Alternatively, the components can also be inserted into the internal cavity 16 manually or by a combination of manual insertion and tool insertion. As mentioned previously and depending on the configuration of the assembly, the spring or stress element 32 and the stop element 28 are optional components. It is also noted that the spring or stress element 32 is not shown in the [Fig. 13] to 15, although it is envisaged that the spring or stressing element 32 may be inserted into the assembly 10.

[0077] As illustrated, the second tool 118 has an internal element 120 and an external element 122, the internal element 120 and the external element being able to slide relative to each other in the direction of arrow 116 and in a direction opposite to arrow 116. The internal element 120 having a distal or front portion 124 for engaging and inserting the fluid flow limiting element 14 into the internal cavity 16 and a portion shoulder 126 to engage and insert the stop element 28 (if applicable) into the internal cavity 16.

[0078] In order to form the assembly 10, the body 12 is first inserted into the crimping device or the clamp crimping mechanism 102 before the formation of the corrugation or corrugations 26. Once the body 12 is inserted into the crimping device or the clamp crimping mechanism 102, the second tool 118 is used to grasp the fluid flow limiting element 14, the spring or the stressing element 32 (if applicable) and the stop element 28 (if applicable) from a separate location by means of a suction force which is applied to an internal cavity 127 of the internal element 120 in a direction opposite to the arrow 116.For example, the second tool 118, through the suction force in the inner cavity 127 of the internal element 120, is used to grasp at least the fluid flow limiting element 14 or a housing of the fluid flow limiting element 14, the spring or the stressing element 32 (if applicable) and the stop element 28 (if applicable) through the suction force which is applied to an inner cavity 127 of the internal element 120 in a direction opposite to the arrow 116.Once grasped by the second tool 118, the fluid flow restrictor element 14 or a housing for the fluid flow restrictor element 14, the spring or the stressing element 32 (if applicable) and the stop element 28 (if applicable) are moved from their separate location and then inserted into the internal cavity 16 of the body 12 which is in the cavity 110 of the crimping device or of a clamp crimping mechanism 102 until they are located below the location where the ripple or ripples 26 are to be formed by the plurality of elements 104 of the crimping device 102.

[0079] Once the components (for example, the fluid flow limiting element 14 or a housing for the fluid flow limiting element 14, the spring or the stressing element 32 (if applicable) and the stop element 28 (if applicable)) are in their desired location in the internal cavity 16, the plurality of elements 104 of the crimping device 102 are moved towards each other so that the edge 108 of the elements 104 of the crimping device 102 forms the corrugation 26 in the body 12.

[0080] Next, the outer element 122 is moved relative to the inner element 120 in the direction of arrow 116 until an angular portion 130 of the outer element engages with one end of the wall portion 18 and forms the outwardly flared portion 22 by forcing or flaring the end of the wall portion 18 outward. The flaring of the wall portion 18 of the body 12 to define the outwardly flared portion 22 is carried out after the crimping step. Once the process of Once the formation is complete, the plurality of elements 104 are moved away from the body 12 and these are removed from the tool 100.

[0081] As such, an inexpensive dual-purpose retaining element is provided by using both a clamp crimping mechanism and a press station simultaneously or sequentially during the assembly process of assembly 10.

[0082] The assembly 10 retains the fluid flow limiting element 14 in the body 12 through the corrugation or corrugations 26 and the outwardly flared part 22 forms a retaining element to retain the assembly 10 in the housing, pipe, conduit, manifold or plastic fitting into which the assembly 10 is inserted.

[0083] As such, the components of the assembly 10 are assembled, crimped and flared during the same operation.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the body 18 has an overall cylindrical shape with an open upper part and a hole at the lower part, the body further has a flared upper part and a corrugated region near the flared upper part.In a process, the process includes the following steps: fixing a body (before crimping and flaring the body) in a tool, the body having an overall cylindrical shape with an open top and a hole at the bottom, the body further having a first internal diameter (ID-1) and a first external diameter (OD-1); forming a corrugation near the top of the body which follows the overall cylindrical shape of the body, the corrugation having a second internal diameter (ID-2) which is less than ID-1; forming a flare at the top of the body which follows the overall cylindrical shape of the body, the flare having a second external diameter (OD-2) which is greater than OD-1.

[0085] In another embodiment, the body 12 further includes a hole at the lower part of the body, which is formed by a striking step before the formation of the wave and flare.

[0086] The term "approximately" is intended to include the degree of error associated with measuring the particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, "approximately" may include a range of ±8% or 5%, or 2% of a given value.

[0087] The terminology used here is intended to describe particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "Ic / la" are understood to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be understood that the terms "includes" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other characteristics, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0088] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and that some of its elements can be substituted with equivalents without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, numerous modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure will not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best envisaged embodiment for implementing this disclosure, but that this disclosure will include all embodiments within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Fluid flow limitation assembly (10) in a conduit, comprising: a body (12) defining an internal cavity, the body having a wall portion (18) extending from an end portion (20) of the body, the wall portion and the end portion defining the internal cavity (16), the wall portion having an outwardly flared portion (22) extending away from the internal cavity at an open end (24) of the body, the open end being opposite the end portion of the body, the wall portion having a corrugation (26) near the outwardly flared portion, the corrugation extending towards the internal cavity;and a fluid flow-limiting element (14) retained in the internal cavity of the body, wherein the fluid flow-limiting element (14) reduces or prevents the flow of fluid through the internal cavity and the corrugation (26) prevents the fluid flow-limiting element (14) from being removed from the internal cavity.;

2. Assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the body (12) is a cylindrical element, the wall part (18) having an internal diameter defining the internal cavity (16) and an external diameter defining an external periphery of the body, the part (22) flared outwards defining the outermost dimension of the external diameter and the corrugation (26) defining the innermost dimension of the internal diameter.

3. Assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the outwardly flared part (22) and the corrugation (26) are formed in the body after the insertion of the fluid flow limiting element into the internal cavity.

4. Assembly (10) according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the corrugation (26) extends completely around the inner diameter and the outwardly flared portion (22) extends completely around the outer diameter.

5. Assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fluid flow-limiting element (14) is movably retained in the internal cavity (16) of the body for movement between a first position in which the fluid flow-limiting element (14) reduces or prevents the flow of fluid through the internal cavity and at least a second position in which the fluid flow through the internal cavity (16) is greater than when the fluid flow limiting element (14) is in the first position and the undulation (26) defines a limit of movement of the fluid flow limiting element (14) away from the first position.

6. Assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fluid flow limiting element (14) is movably retained in the internal cavity (16) of the body for movement between a first position in which the fluid flow limiting element reduces or prevents the flow of fluid through the internal cavity and at least a second position in which the flow of fluid through the internal cavity (16) is greater than when the fluid flow limiting element is in the first position, and the assembly further comprising a stop element (28) situated between the corrugation (26) and the fluid flow limiting element (14), the stop element (28) defining a limit to the movement of the fluid flow limiting element away from the first position.

7. Assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fluid flow limiting element (14) is movably retained in the internal cavity (16) of the body for movement between a first position in which the fluid flow limiting element reduces or prevents fluid flow through the internal cavity and at least a second position in which fluid flow through the internal cavity is greater than when the fluid flow limiting element (14) is in the first position, and the undulation (26) defines the second position of the fluid flow limiting element.

8. Assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fluid flow-limiting element (14) is movably retained in the internal cavity (16) of the body for movement between a first position in which the fluid flow-limiting element reduces or prevents fluid flow through the internal cavity and at least a second position in which fluid flow through the internal cavity is greater than when the fluid flow-limiting element of fluid is in the first position, and the assembly (10) further comprising: a stressing element (32) in contact with the fluid flow limiting element and retaining it in the first position; and a stop element (28) situated between the corrugation and the stressing element, the stop element providing a reaction surface (34) for the stressing element and the corrugation retaining the stop element, the stressing element and the fluid flow limiting element in the internal cavity.

9. Assembly (10) according to claim 8, wherein the end portion (20) of the body has an opening (36) which is at least partially sealed by the fluid flow limiting element when the fluid flow limiting element is in the first position.

10. Assembly (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the end portion (20) of the body has an opening (36) which is completely sealed by the fluid flow limiting element when the fluid flow limiting element is in the first position.

11. Assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fluid flow limiting element (14) is movably retained in the internal cavity of the body for movement between a first position in which the fluid flow limiting element (14) reduces or prevents the flow of fluid through the internal cavity and at least a second position in which the flow of fluid through the internal cavity is greater than when the fluid flow limiting element (14) is in the first position.

12. Assembly (10) according to claim 11, wherein the assembly further comprises: a stop element (28) situated between the corrugation (26) and the fluid flow limiting element (14), the stop element providing a reaction surface (34) for the fluid flow limiting element and the corrugation retaining the stop element and the fluid flow limiting element in the internal cavity.

13. Assembly (10) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the fluid flow-limiting element (14) is retained in such a way movable in the internal cavity (16) of the body for movement between a first position in which the fluid flow limiting element (14) reduces or prevents the flow of fluid through the internal cavity (16) and at least a second position in which the flow of fluid through the internal cavity is greater than when the fluid flow limiting element (14) is in the first position and the end portion (20) of the body has an opening which is at least partially sealed by the fluid flow limiting element when the fluid flow limiting element (14) is in the first position.

14. Assembly (10) according to claim 13, wherein the fluid flow limiting element (14) has at least one opening which is smaller than the opening in the end portion (20), the at least one opening permitting fluid flow through the internal cavity when the fluid flow limiting element is in the first position.

15. Assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the fluid flow limiting element (14) is movably retained in the internal cavity of the body for movement between a first position in which the fluid flow limiting element (14) reduces or prevents the flow of fluid through the internal cavity and at least a second position in which the flow of fluid through the internal cavity is greater than when the fluid flow limiting element (14) is in the first position and the end portion (20) of the body has an opening which is completely sealed by the fluid flow limiting element when the fluid flow limiting element is in the first position.

16. Assembly (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 15 when it depends on claim 2, wherein the internal diameter of the conduit (52) is less than the outermost dimension of the external diameter such that the outwardly flared portion (22) retains the assembly in the conduit (52) by engaging by friction with an internal surface of the internal diameter of the conduit (52) when the assembly is inserted into the conduit.

17. Assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the outwardly flared part (22) is located at a distal end of the body.

18. Assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the body (12) is a cylindrical element, the wall part (18) having a first internal diameter ID-1 defining the internal cavity (16) and a first external diameter OD-1 defining an external periphery of the body, the part (22) flared outwards defining a second external diameter OD-2 defining the outermost diameter of the body and the corrugation (26) defining a second internal diameter ID-2 defining the innermost diameter of the internal cavity, the first internal diameter ID-1 being greater than the second internal diameter ID-2 and the first external diameter OD-1 being less than the second external diameter OD-2.

19. Valve assembly (10), comprising: a body (12) defining an internal cavity, the body having a wall portion (18) extending from an end portion (20) of the body, the wall portion and the end portion defining the internal cavity, the wall portion having an outwardly flared portion (22) extending away from the internal cavity at an open end (24) of the body, the open end being opposite the end portion of the body, the wall portion having a corrugation (26) near the outwardly flared portion, the corrugation extending towards the internal cavity; a mushroom held in a mobilizable manner in the internal cavity (16) of the body for movement between a first position in which the mushroom seals an opening in the end part (20) of the body and at least a second position in which the opening in the end part (20) of the body is not sealed by the mushroom;a stress element (32) maintaining the mushroom in the first position; and a stop element (28) situated between the corrugation (26) and the stress element (32), the stop element (28) providing a reaction surface (34) for the stress element and the corrugation retaining the stop element in the internal cavity.;

20. Method of forming a fluid flow limitation assembly (10) in a conduit, comprising: the insertion of a fluid flow limitation element (14) into an internal cavity of a body of the assembly; crimping a body wall to define a corrugation (26) extending into the internal cavity to retain the fluid flow limiting element in the internal cavity of the body; flaring the body wall to define an outwardly flared portion (22) extending away from the internal cavity, the flaring step being carried out after the crimping step, the fluid flow limiting element reducing or preventing fluid flow through the internal cavity.

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