Fitting

Abstract

To provide a fitting for a pressurized fluid circuit capable of generating electrical energy, e.g., for powering sensors, while satisfying requirements for compactness, robustness, design simplicity and insulation.SOLUTION: A fitting (1) for a pressurized fluid circuit comprises an impeller (16) drivable in rotation by a pressurized fluid crossing the fitting. The impeller supports a plurality of magnets (18) coupled to a plurality of coils for generating an electric current in the presence of a variable magnetic field generated by rotation of the magnets.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fitting for a fluid, for example compressed air, including an impeller means drivable by pressurized fluid passing across the fitting to generate electrical energy. [Background technology]

[0002] Pneumatic or hydraulic devices, in particular valves for regulating the flow of fluids, are known to comprise means for recovering kinetic and / or potential energy that would otherwise be wasted. Such energy recovery means generally include a rotating element and diffusing means adapted to direct the fluid towards the recovery means.

[0003] A valve of this kind is described, for example, in WO2014132187A2.

[0004] However, apart from recovering energy that would otherwise be lost, there is also an increasing need to utilize part of the kinetic and / or potential energy of fluids flowing in pneumatic and hydraulic components to generate electrical energy.

[0005] Hydraulic devices have already been proposed, for example in domestic heating, cooling and sanitation systems, where water circulating through system components such as pipes, taps and showerheads spins turbines to power electronic devices and produce light and sound effects, for example.

[0006] There are industrial applications where it is necessary to detect or monitor by a sensor a particular quantity associated with the passage of a fluid, from simply detecting the presence or absence of fluid flow in a portion of a circuit, to detecting a particular characteristic of the fluid flow, e.g., flow rate, pressure, temperature, humidity, etc., but where electrical wiring of the sensor to the circuit portion of interest is very inconvenient or expensive, if not impossible.

[0007] Furthermore, the ambient environment in which components or parts of the pressurized fluid circuit are installed may impose very strict constraints regarding space and / or insulation (from water, moisture, external factors, heat, etc.) that the electrical energy generating means must meet. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the invention is to propose a joint for pressurized fluid circuits which meets the aforementioned requirements of compactness, robustness, simplicity of design and electrical insulation whilst being capable of generating electrical energy, for example for the power supply of a sensor.

[0009] The above mentioned object is achieved by a joint according to claim 1. The dependent claims describe preferred or advantageous embodiments of the joint. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] The function and advantages of the coupling according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, purely as non-limiting examples, with reference to the attached drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a joint according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the joint, partially in axial section. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an axial cross-sectional view of the joint. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a joint cut by an impeller. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the joint, partially in axial section. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an axial cross-sectional view of a first element forming the fitting body in one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an axial cross-sectional view of a second element forming the fitting body in one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an impeller according to the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a coil ring of a joint according to the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an electronic board of a joint according to the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an axial section through a third element forming the body of the joint. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example of a one-way valve used in a joint according to the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows the electrical circuit of the main electronic board of the joint according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] In the aforementioned figures, the reference number 1 indicates a fitting for a pressurized fluid circuit, for example a pneumatic circuit.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the term "joint" does not have to be strictly understood as a component having the sole function of sealingly connecting two tubes or ducts of a pressurized fluid circuit (although the invention is particularly suited to such components due to its compact and robust characteristics), but may also include other components or parts of components through which the pressurized fluid flows from a first passage (which may be defined as an inlet passage) to at least one second passage (which may be defined as an outlet passage), in which other functional elements, e.g. shutters, may also be present.

[0013] Additionally, all directional references (e.g., above, below, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, up, down, up, down, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise) are used for identification purposes only to aid the reader in understanding the described embodiments and do not pose any limitation as to the location, orientation, or manner of use of the specifically described embodiments.

[0014] Joint references (e.g., fixed, joined, connected, etc.) are to be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate elements of connection between elements and relative movement between the elements. Thus, joined references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected in a fixed relationship to each other.

[0015] In a typical embodiment, the fitting 1 comprises a fitting body 10 intersected by a main passage 11 for a pressurized fluid, such as compressed air.

[0016] The main passage 11 extends between a fluid inlet opening 12 and a fluid outlet opening 14 .

[0017] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the fitting body 10 extends primarily along a fitting axis Y, with the inlet opening 12 and the outlet opening 14 aligned with one another along said fitting axis Y. In other words, the fitting 1 is an in-line fitting extending in the same direction as the axis of the inflow tube and, consequently, the axis of the outflow tube (not shown).

[0018] However, the invention may be practiced with other joint layouts such as L-shaped or T-shaped.

[0019] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the inlet opening 12 and the outlet opening 14 are adapted for connection to a connection cartridge 60, for example of the ultra-fast type, which connects to the respective tubes.

[0020] An impeller 16 is contained within the fitting body 10 and is rotatably drivable by pressurized fluid passing across the fitting body 10 .

[0021] In one embodiment, the impeller 16 is of the radial type, i.e. a plurality of blades 16', preferably curved blades, extending mainly radially outward from the centre of the impeller which coincides with its axis of rotation X.

[0022] In one embodiment, the impeller 16 has an axis of rotation X that is coaxial with at least a portion of the main passage 11 .

[0023] In other embodiments, the impeller 16 may have a rotation axis X perpendicular to the main passage 11 .

[0024] The impeller 16 further supports a plurality of magnets 18 disposed within respective magnet seats 182 provided, for example, in the body of the impeller 16 itself.

[0025] The magnets 18 are distributed circumferentially so as to form a magnet ring 180. For example, a magnet seat 182 is obtained coaxially with the axis of rotation X of the impeller 16 and is preferably axially overlapped with the blades 16' of the impeller 16 so as to encompass the radial dimension of the joint.

[0026] A plurality of coils 20 are also housed within the fitting body 10. The coils 20 are circumferentially arranged to form a coil ring 200 that is magnetically coupled to the magnet ring 180. In the presence of a varying magnetic field generated by the rotation of the magnet ring 180, a current is generated in the electrical windings of the coils 20 having a strength sufficient for use as a power source for electronic equipment, as described below.

[0027] For example, the coil ring 200 is coaxial with the impeller's axis of rotation X. Preferably, the coil ring 200 is axially overlapped with the magnet ring 180 to maximize the current generated by the variable magnetic field while encompassing the radial dimensions of the joint.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical current generated by the coil 20 powers at least one sensor 22 enclosed in a protective casing 220 integrated into or secured to the fitting body 10 (FIG. 3). For example, the sensor 22 may be suitable for detecting one or more of temperature, humidity, fluid pressure, and flow rate.

[0029] In one embodiment, the current generated by the coil 20 also powers an electronic data transmission unit 24, such as a microprocessor unit.

[0030] In one embodiment, the current generated by the coil 20 also powers at least one LED, for example to indicate that the impeller has generated energy.

[0031] The electronic data transmission unit 24 is operatively connected to the at least one sensor 22 and configured to wirelessly transmit data received from the at least one sensor 22 .

[0032] In one embodiment, the data sending unit 24 is configured to transmit a wireless presence signal, for example by a wireless transmitter, when it receives a voltage, i.e. when it is powered by the current generated by the coil 20. For example, the presence signal is transmitted to a network or receiving device according to a predefined communication protocol.

[0033] Also, even if no sensor is present, the electronic data transmission unit 24 is configured to at least communicate the passage of fluid through the fitting without additional processing, and this signal is sufficient to indicate that the impeller is rotating.

[0034] In one embodiment, for example, a presence signal transmitted over a network includes a data packet that includes a code unique to that joint, such that one or more devices receiving the presence signal are aware of the presence of that joint, as well as other components of the network.

[0035] This joint can therefore be inserted into a network containing several similar "smart" joints 1.

[0036] For example, in a network including multiple fittings 1, where each fitting 1 transmits a flow present signal, for example periodically, if the network detects that one of the fittings has stopped transmitting a signal, the network will automatically identify the abnormal fitting and assume that there is a problem (e.g. a detached tube or damaged gasket).

[0037] An example of an electronic circuit 300 adapted to manage the energy generated by the impeller 16 is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 13. The electronic circuit 300 includes a power supply 26 that provides power to the components of the electronic circuit, as well as a microcontroller 24 that also performs the functions of a radio transmitter.

[0038] When sufficient flow is achieved to cause the impeller 16 to generate electrical energy, the periodic waves thus generated are rectified by the rectifier bridge 28 .

[0039] The rectified wave, suitably filtered and amplitude limited, is fed to a portion of a circuit configured to generate the voltages required for the proper operation of the microcontroller 24.

[0040] In one embodiment, the power supply circuit 26 includes a protective Zener diode 30 because at high flow rates, the sinusoidal current wave produced by the coil 20 can reach peak-to-peak voltage levels that are harmful to the power supply.

[0041] In this solution, some of the energy generated by the impeller exceeds the activation threshold of the Zener diode 30 and is therefore not utilized, but the Zener diode is selected so that there is always enough energy available for the components of the electronic circuit to function properly.

[0042] In one embodiment, the electronic circuit 300 is suitable for detecting fluid flow characteristics. To this end, the electronic circuit 300 includes a rectified voltage reading circuit 32 and a half-wave voltage reading circuit 34, with a voltage splitter allowing the microprocessor 24 to read the rectified voltage and the half-wave voltage.

[0043] From the rectified voltage and the half-wave voltage it is possible to calculate the instantaneous energy available. With this information it is possible to implement strategies for managing the low power modes allowed by the microprocessor, such as enabling or disabling the sensor 22.

[0044] By reading the half-wave voltage, it is possible, for example, to deduce pressure and flow values ​​using appropriate algorithms.

[0045] In addition to one or more sensors 22 that may be connected to the electronic circuitry 300, actuators may also be connected to manipulate the flow or indicate the state of the device and the physical quantities monitored thereby.

[0046] All information collected by the sensors, calculated data and control signals of the actuators are transmitted via wireless technology (e.g. Bluetooth® Low Energy) and integrated into the microprocessor 24. This technology allows communication with external devices and allows one or more users to monitor, configure and control the connection.

[0047] Turning now to the structural features of the joint, in one embodiment the coils 20 are arranged with their respective axes parallel to the axis of rotation X of the impeller.

[0048] Furthermore, the electrical terminals 202 of the coils 20 may also be oriented parallel to the impeller's rotation axis X. This also allows the coils 20 to be connected in series with each other by an annular shaped electronic coil connection board 36 supported on the coupling body 10 coaxially with the impeller's rotation axis X.

[0049] In other embodiments, for example, if magnet 18 is positioned on the outer periphery of impeller 16, coil 20 may be similarly positioned, i.e., with its relative axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the impeller.

[0050] The electronic coil connection board 36 is connected to a main electronics board 38, which provides the electronic circuitry 300 described above and to which at least one sensor 22 is attached.

[0051] This main electronics board 38 may be arranged perpendicular to the electronic coil connection board 36 , ie in a plane parallel to the axis of rotation X of the impeller 16 .

[0052] A number of nozzles 40 are provided in the fitting body 10 to supply the impeller 16. In one embodiment, said nozzles 40 extend radially from the main passage 11. For example, four nozzles 40 are provided in the fitting body 10, spaced at 90° angles and disposed perpendicular to the axis of rotation X of the impeller 16.

[0053] The nozzles 40 emerge from between the curved radial blades 16 ′ of the impeller 16 .

[0054] In one embodiment, the impeller body 16 incorporates a ferromagnetic ring 162, i.e., a steel plate, suitable for amplifying the magnetic field.

[0055] In one embodiment, the impeller 16 is mounted for its rotation and guidance on at least one impeller support 164 coupled to the joint body 10. For example, the impeller support 164 is comprised of a ball bearing or a sliding bushing.

[0056] In another embodiment, the impeller 16 is mounted with a clearance in the fitting body 10 so that when driven in rotation, an annular cushion of air is formed between the impeller 16 and the fitting body 10. This air cushion allows the impeller to rotate free of contact with the fitting body and therefore without friction.

[0057] According to one aspect of the present invention, the impeller 16 is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet opening 14 in such a way that a portion of the fluid flow that enters the supply nozzle 40 and is supplied to the impeller 16 is redirected towards the outlet opening 14.

[0058] For example, the impeller 16 is in fluid communication with a distal segment of the main passageway 11 that terminates at the outlet opening 14 .

[0059] Thus, all of the pressurized fluid flow traverses the joint and exits through outlet opening 14, including the portion of the flow that is supplied to impeller 16.

[0060] However, not all of the fluid entering the fitting passes through the impeller 16; only a portion of the flow is delivered to the impeller for use.

[0061] Partialization of the flow entering the fittings that feed the impeller has several advantages.

[0062] The energy available from the fluid flow entering the fitting to feed the impeller is only a small portion of the total energy, so most of the flow is available for end use (eg, actuating a pneumatic cylinder).

[0063] In the event of failure of the impeller or some of its components, there is a limited risk of debris being carried into the circuit downstream of the fitting.

[0064] Given the small area of ​​the impeller blades, the fact that a force is exerted on the impeller by a portion of the flow entering the fitting, resulting in a reduced force compared to the force generated by the full flow, helps to make the fitting more reliable.

[0065] The ratio of the flow rate circulating through the impeller to the flow rate through the main passage 11 depends on the large pressure drop in the path of the impeller supply fluid, in particular caused by the radial nozzle, which has a very small diameter and causes a sudden deviation of the main flow, and by the impeller itself, which forms a flow path by extracting mechanical energy.

[0066] In one embodiment, the impeller 16 is housed within an impeller chamber 50 that is fluidly connected to the main passage 11 via a return passage 52 .

[0067] In effect, the supply nozzle 40 , the impeller chamber 50 and the return passage 52 form a secondary, or bypass, passage connected in parallel to the main passage 11 .

[0068] In one embodiment, the return passage 52 flows into the main passage 11 near the outlet opening 14 or, in either case, at a distal portion of the main passage 11 between the supply nozzle 40 and the outlet opening 14. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the fitting body 10 includes a first body section 102 and a second body section 104 arranged in succession along the direction of fluid flow across the fitting.

[0069] More specifically, the first section 11a of the main passageway 11 is formed in a first body section 102. The first body section 102 extends between a first proximal portion 102a, which defines the inlet opening 12, and a first distal portion 102b.

[0070] In one embodiment, the coil ring 200 is supported by the first body section 102 .

[0071] The second body section 104 provides a second section 11b of the main passageway 11. The second body section 104 extends between a second proximal portion 104a and a second distal portion 104b, which defines the outlet opening 14.

[0072] 3, the first section 102 of the fitting body 10 is partially axially inserted into the second section 104 of the fitting body 10. In particular, the second proximal portion 104a coaxially surrounds the first distal portion 102b and together with the first distal portion 102b forms the impeller chamber 50 in which the impeller 16 is housed.

[0073] The impeller chamber 50 is in fluid communication with the second section 11b of the main passage 11. For example, the impeller chamber 50 is cup-shaped with a larger portion that houses the impeller and a gradually narrowing portion that flows into the second section 11b of the main passage 11.

[0074] Thus, a portion of the fluid flow entering the nozzle 40 and supplied to the impeller 16 is redirected towards the outlet opening 14 of the fitting.

[0075] In one embodiment, a first distal portion 102b of the first section 102 of the fitting body 10 forms a circumferential flange 102c having a threaded outer surface 102d. A second proximal portion 104a of the second section 104 of the fitting body forms an internally threaded collar 104c adapted to threadably engage the circumferential flange 102c. A sealing ring 42 may be interposed between the two connecting elements.

[0076] For example, the inner wall of the outer circumferential flange 102c radially defines an annular coil seat 204 in which the coil ring 200 is received (FIG. 6).

[0077] In the embodiment shown in the drawings (FIGS. 3, 6, 11), the first section 102 of the fitting body 10 is formed by the axial connection of, in turn, a first section first element 1022 (proximal in the direction of fluid flow within the fitting) and a first section second element 1024 (distal element).

[0078] This first section second element 1024 may provide the nozzle 40 for feeding the impeller 26 .

[0079] In one embodiment, a one-way device 70 is housed in the main passage 11 downstream of the impeller 16 with respect to the direction of the pressurized fluid and configured to allow the passage of fluid in the main passage 11 when the fluid acting on the one-way device 70 reaches a pressure sufficient to cause the generation of a predetermined amount of electrical energy.

[0080] The energy required to start an impeller from rest is actually greater than the energy required to keep it rotating once started.

[0081] In one embodiment, the one-way device 70 is calibrated to open when a minimum pressure differential threshold (ΔP) is reached between the inlet and outlet openings of the fitting. Until such threshold is reached, all of the fluid entering the inlet opening 12 impinges on the impeller 26, thereby facilitating its actuation.

[0082] In one embodiment, the one-way device 70 comprises a one-way valve.

[0083] More specifically, in one embodiment, the one-way valve 70 is housed in the second body section 104 and has a shutter element 72 resiliently urged, for example by a helical spring 74, into a closed position at the distal end of the first section 11a of the main passage 11.

[0084] For example, the shutter element 72 is supported by a hollow valve body 76 having a side opening 78 which allows a portion of the fluid flow supplied to the impeller 16 to flow towards the outlet opening 14 even when the one-way valve 70 is in a closed position in the main passage 11.

[0085] In one alternative embodiment, the one-way device 70 includes a duckbill valve, a rubber part that only allows air to flow in one direction if the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet exceeds a certain value.

[0086] The one-way device 70 also makes it possible to limit the pressure drop and ensure adequate flow at the outlet of the fitting.

[0087] Those skilled in the art can make several modifications, adjustments, adaptations and substitutions of other functionally equivalent elements to the embodiments of the coupling according to the invention in order to meet their attendant needs, without departing from the scope of the following claims. Each feature described as belonging to a possible embodiment may be obtained independently of the other described embodiments.

Claims

1. A joint (1) for a pressurized fluid circuit, comprising: The fittings are The coupling body (10) is intersected by a main passage (11) for pressurized fluid; The main passage (11) extends between a fluid inlet opening (12) and a fluid outlet opening (14); The fittings are also an impeller (16) contained within the fitting body (10) and rotatably drivable by pressurized fluid passing across the fitting body (10); a plurality of magnets (18) supported by an impeller (16) and distributed circumferentially to form a magnet ring (180); a plurality of coils (20) housed within the coupling body (10) and arranged circumferentially to form a coil ring (200) that magnetically couples with the magnet ring (180) to generate an electric current in the presence of a variable magnetic field generated by rotation of the magnet ring (180); Including, A plurality of nozzles (40) for supplying the impeller (16) are provided in the fitting body (10), the nozzles extending radially from the main passage (11); The impeller (16) is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet opening (14) in such a way that a portion of the fluid flow that enters the supply nozzle (40) and is supplied to the impeller (16) is redirected towards the outlet opening (14); Fitting.

2. The impeller (16) is housed within an impeller chamber (50) that is fluidly connected to the main passage (11) via a return passage (52); The supply nozzle (40), the impeller chamber (50) and the return passage (52) form a secondary passage connected in parallel to the main passage (11); 2. The joint of claim 1.

3. The return passage (52) flows into the main passage (11) near the outlet opening (14); A joint according to claim 2.

4. an electronic data transmission unit (24) powered by the current generated by the coil (20); A joint according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. at least one sensor (22) powered by the current generated by the coil ring (20); A joint according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The electronic data transmission unit (24) is configured to wirelessly transmit a presence signal when powered by the current generated by the coil ring (20). A joint according to claim 4 or 5.

7. the presence signal includes a data packet including a code unique to the fitting; A joint according to claim 6.

8. an electronic data transmission unit (24) operatively connected to the at least one sensor (22) and configured to wirelessly transmit data received from the at least one sensor (22); A joint according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. The coils (20) are arranged such that their axes are parallel to the impeller rotation axis (X). A joint according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The impeller (16) has a rotation axis (X) coaxial with at least a portion of the main passage (11). A joint according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The electrical terminals (202) of the coil (20) are oriented parallel to the axis of rotation (X) of the impeller; A joint according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The joint body (10) a first body section (102) from which a first segment (11a) of a main passage (11) is obtained; The first body section extends between a first proximal portion (102a) and a first distal portion (102b) that define the inlet opening (12); The coil ring (200) is supported by the first body section (102); The joint body (10) also includes a second body section (104) from which a second segment (11b) of the main passage (11) is obtained; The second body section extends between a second proximal portion (104a) and a second distal portion (104b) that defines the outlet opening (14); the second proximal portion (104a) coaxially surrounds the first distal portion (102b) and together with the first distal portion (102b) forms an impeller chamber (50) in which the impeller (16) is housed; The impeller chamber (50) is in fluid communication with the second section (11b) of the main passage (11). A joint according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. A one-way device (70) is housed in the main passage (11) downstream of the impeller (16) with respect to the direction of the pressurized fluid; configured to open the primary passage when the fluid reaches a pressure sufficient to generate a predetermined amount of electricity; A joint according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. a one-way device (70) housed in the second body portion (104) and having a shutter element (72) adapted to cooperate with a distal end of the first segment (11a) of the main passage (11); A joint according to claim 12 or 13.

15. The one-way device is a one-way valve, The shutter element (72) is normally pushed by an elastic element to close the distal end of the first segment (11a) of the main passage (11); A joint according to claim 13 or 14.

16. The one-way valve (70) comprises a duckbill valve. A joint according to claim 13 or 14.

17. The impeller (16) is mounted for its rotation and guidance on at least one impeller support (164), e.g. a ball bearing or a sliding bush, which is connected to the coupling body (10); A joint according to any one of the preceding claims.

18. The impeller (16) is attached to the joint body (10) with a clearance therebetween, and when the impeller (16) is driven to rotate, an annular air cushion is formed between the impeller (16) and the joint body (10). A joint according to any one of the preceding claims.

19. The coils (20) are electrically connected in series with each other; A joint according to any one of the preceding claims.

20. The joint body (10) extends along a joint axis (Y), the inlet opening (12) and the outlet opening (14) are aligned with each other along said joint axis (Y); A joint according to any one of the preceding claims.

21. a main electronics board (38) on which at least one sensor, a data transmission unit, and an electronic control unit are mounted; an annular coil substrate (36) to which the electrical terminals of the coil (20) are connected and which is connected to a main electronic substrate; A joint according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images