Timed shut-off valve

Abstract

A shut-off valve (1) comprises a first chamber (3) with an inlet opening (4) for a fluid; a second chamber (5) in fluid communication with the first chamber (3) and placed downstream of the first chamber (3), the second chamber (5) having an outlet opening (6); a connection opening (7) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (5); a shutter (8) located at least partially in the first chamber (3) and configured to translate parallel to the main direction (X) to switch between at least an open position in which it is separated from the connecting opening (7), allowing fluid communication between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (5), and a closed position in which it is sealed at the connecting opening (7), interrupting fluid communication between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (5); adjusting means (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) associated with the shutter (8) and switchable between an open configuration in which the shutter (8) is in the open position, and a closed configuration in which the shutter is in the closed position, the adjusting means (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) are capable of interrupting the flow of fluid once a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of dispensing.

Description

[0001] TITLE: "Timed shut-off valve"

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a shut-off valve. The present invention can be usefully employed as a safety valve for pipes carrying both liquid and gaseous fluids, specifically pressurized liquids. In particular, the present invention is applicable in the domestic context for protecting water pipes, in order to shut off any water flow in the event of a pipe break or failure to close the tap, for example due to forgetfulness.

[0005] Description of the prior art

[0006] Shut-off valves are known in the prior art to ensure safety in the event of abnormal flows of fluids, liquids, or gases. For example, document IT VI20 130 074 Al describes a fluid shut-off device. The device comprises a shut-off body that defines an inlet conduit, which can be connected to a supply network, and an outlet conduit, which can be connected to a distribution network. The shut-off body is associated with a shutter element configured to switch between an open condition to allow the fluid to pass from the inlet conduit to the outlet conduit, and a closed condition to block the passage of the fluid. The device includes a control element, which is activated once a predetermined time has elapsed since the fluid has started flowing inside the valve. The control device, when activated, acts on the shutter element, bringing it from the open position to the closed position. The device also includes a reset device, configured to act on the control device to return it to the rest position following the interruption of the continuous flow of fluid through the shut-off body.

[0007] The content of publication EP 4311964 Al in the name of the same Applicant is also known. This document describes a shut-off valve having a first and a second chamber in fluid communication with each other. A connecting opening is located between the two chambers. The valve comprises a shutter configured to seal and

[0008] 2 interrupt fluid communication between the chambers, and a switch that releases the shutter once a predetermined time has elapsed since the fluid began to flow inside the valve. The EP'964 valve comprises exclusively hydraulic-mechanical control means, which act "snap-action," i.e., releasing the shutter once the time for which the valve has been calibrated has elapsed. The shutter's response time is very short, as once it has been released, it is simply pushed into the closed position by a spring. This almost instantaneous activation is disadvantageous, as it prevents the user from assessing the remaining delivery time based on the flow rate of the fluid delivered.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a shut-off valve that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0011] In particular, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a valve that is capable of gradually reducing the flow rate of fluid near the end of the dispensing time.

[0012] The specified technical task and the specified purposes are essentially achieved by a shut-off valve comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the attached claims.

[0013] Advantageously, the shut-off valve according to the present invention solves the technical problem in that the proposed construction allows the second adjusting element, which drives the shutter, to move at a substantially constant speed. The gradual movement of the shutter towards the opening means that, near the end of the preset time, the fluid flow is progressively reduced until it is interrupted.

[0014] Furthermore, the shut-off valve according to the present invention is more efficient than known valves. Indeed, while in the valve from EP'964 the fluid must move a piston to activate the timed interruption mechanism, in this case a slight pressure drop caused by the flow of fluid at the first adjusting element is exploited to restore a pressure difference between the two sides of the second adjusting element, also thanks to the elastic push from the first preloading means. Advantageously, this allows the valve according to the present invention to be used even under conditions of lower pressures and / or fluid flow rates than in previous versions, such as, for example, the valve of document EP'964.

[0015] Furthermore, the valve according to the present invention is structurally much simpler than those known to date.

[0016] LIST OF FIGURES

[0017] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a shut-off valve, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] - Figure 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of a valve according to the present invention;

[0019] - Figure 2 is a front sectional view of the valve of Figure 1;

[0020] - Figure 3 is a side sectional view of the valve of Figures 1 and 2;

[0021] - Figure 4 is a front sectional view of a second embodiment of a valve according to the present invention;

[0022] - Figure 5 is a front sectional view of a third embodiment of a valve according to the present invention;

[0023] - Figure 6 is a front sectional view of the valve of Figures 1 and 2 in an initial open configuration;

[0024] - Figure 7 is a front sectional view of the valve of Figures 1 and 2 in an intermediate open configuration;

[0025] - Figure 8 is a front sectional view of the valve of Figures 1 and 2 in a closed configuration;

[0026] - Figure 9 is a top view of a detail of a valve according to the present invention in a first embodiment;

[0027] - Figure 10 is a front sectional view of the detail of Figure 9;

[0028] - Figure 11 is a front sectional view of a second embodiment of the detail of Figure 9; and

[0029] - Figure 12 is a front sectional view of a third embodiment of the detail of Figure 9.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] With reference to the accompanying figures, 1 indicates a shut-off valve according to the present invention.

[0032] Valve 1 according to the present invention is configured to allow the flow of a fluid, for example a liquid or a gas, and to interrupt it when predetermined conditions are met. Preferably but not exclusively, valve 1 is applied to water pipes.

[0033] Valve 1 comprises a valve body 2, which extends along a main direction X.

[0034] With particular reference to Figure 2, valve 1 comprises a first chamber 3, specifically formed in valve body 2 and having an inlet opening 4 to allow the passage of a fluid, for example water. This inlet opening 4 can be connected to a fluid source (not shown), for example to the delivery side of a hydraulic circuit.

[0035] Valve 1 also has a second chamber 5, also formed in the valve body 2. The second chamber 5 is in fluid communication with the first chamber 3. In particular, the second chamber 5 is located downstream of the first chamber 3. The second chamber 5 comprises an outlet opening 6 for a fluid. This outlet opening 6 can be connected to an outlet and / or discharge conduit (not shown), for example part of a hydraulic circuit. By way of example, if the fluid is water, the outlet conduit can be connected to a tap.

[0036] Valve 1 has a connection opening 7 between the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 5. In other words, the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 5 are separated from each other by the connection opening 7. Valve 1 also includes a shutter 8, which is configured to seal the connection opening 7 in order to interrupt the fluid communication between the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 5 when predetermined conditions are met.

[0037] More specifically, the shutter 8 is located at least partially in the first chamber 3 and is configured to move parallel to the main direction X to switch between at least an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the shutter 8 is separated from the connecting opening 7, allowing fluid communication between the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 5. Conversely, in the closed position, the shutter 8 is sealed against the connection opening 7, interrupting fluid communication between the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 5. Further details regarding the shutter 8 and, in particular, its mode of operation will be provided in a subsequent part of this description.

[0038] The first chamber 3 is also closed by a first cap 18, which holds the shutter 8 in position.

[0039] With reference to Figures 6, 7, and 8, valve 1 comprises adjusting means associated with shutter 8. Preferably, the adjusting means are configured to control the speed of movement of shutter 8 from the open position to the closed position. Note that the adjusting means are presettable so as to preselect the switching time of the shutter 8.

[0040] More specifically, the adjusting means can be switched between an open configuration, in which the shutter 8 is in an open position, and a closed configuration, in which the shutter 8 is in the closed position.

[0041] In particular, the adjusting means comprise a first adjusting element 9 inserted into the second chamber 5, which is configured to translate parallel to the main direction X. First preloading means 10 are associated with the first adjusting element 9 and are in particular placed inside the second chamber 5 so as to push the first adjusting element 9 against the connection opening 7. The adjusting means also include a third chamber 11, in particular formed within the valve body 2 and associated with the first 3 and second chambers 5. A second adjusting element 12 is inserted into the third chamber 11 and is configured to translate parallel to the main direction X.

[0042] A first channel 13 is connected in fluid communication with the second chamber 5 and the third chamber 11. In particular, the first adjusting element 9 is arranged along the main direction X between the connection opening 7 and the first channel 13. In detail, the first adjusting element 9 is permeable so as to allow fluid communication from the connection opening 7 to the outlet opening 6 and to the first channel 13. To this end, the first adjusting element 9 has a central passage 9a and / or one or more peripheral passages 9b. In particular, in the embodiment of Figure 2, both the central passage 9a and the peripheral passages 9b are present, while in the embodiment of Figure 4, only the peripheral passages 9b are present.

[0043] A second channel 14 is connected in fluid communication with the third chamber 11, and upstream of the first control element 9. The second adjusting element 12 is arranged along the main direction X between the first 13 and the second channel 14.

[0044] In the embodiment of Figure 2, the second channel 14 is placed in fluid communication with the first chamber 3, in particular upstream of the connection opening 7. Conversely, in the embodiment of Figure 4, the valve 1 is provided with a connection channel 19 between the first 3 and second chambers 5, in particular immediately downstream of the connection opening 7. The second channel 14 is therefore connected in fluid communication with the connection channel 19.

[0045] Connecting means 15 are arranged between the second adjusting element 12 and the shutter 8, and have the function of moving the shutter 8 along the main direction X integrally with the second adjusting element 12. The connecting means 15 are arranged partly inside and partly outside the valve body 2. Preferably, the adjusting means comprise second preloading means 16, in particular inserted in the third chamber 11, which are associated with the second adjusting element 12 to push it towards the second channel 14.

[0046] Preferably, the adjusting means comprise a timer 17, mechanically associated with the second adjusting element 12. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the timer 17 takes the form of a mechanical chronometer. The mechanical chronometer is well known to those skilled in the art and will therefore not be described further.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, for example, in Figure 2, the first adjusting element 9 takes the form of a first piston 21. Preferably, the first piston 21 comprises a central body 25, in particular with a circular cross-section. A central hole 26 defines the aforementioned central passage 9a when present. The first piston 21 also comprises a plurality of lateral fins 27, which extend radially from the central body 25. Advantageously, the lateral fins 27 guide the sliding of the first piston 21. The lateral passages 9b are therefore defined between respective pairs of lateral fins 27.

[0048] Some variants of the first piston 21 are shown in Figures 9, 10, 11, and 12. In particular, in the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the central hole 26 is made directly in the central body 25. Alternatively, in the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the central hole 26 is not made directly on the central body 25, but on an interchangeable screw 28. Advantageously, this allows the section of the central hole 26 to be varied according to the application without having to replace the entire valve 1. Optionally, a wire 29 with a slightly smaller diameter is inserted into the central hole 26 which, by moving, keeps the central hole 26 clean of any debris present in the fluid.

[0049] In a further alternative embodiment, shown in particular in Figure 11, the first piston 21 has a respective shutter 60 at the central hole 26 which, in the case of balanced pressures, frees the central hole 26 pushed by a spring 61 while, in the case of a pressure difference, it rises in contrast to the spring 61, obstructing the central hole 26. Advantageously, this solution improves the performance of valve 1. Optionally, a seal 21a is placed on the first piston 21 and faces the connection opening. In use, when the first piston 21 rests against the connection opening 7, the seal 21a allows the fluid to flow through the central passage 9a but not through the side passages 9b.

[0050] The second chamber 5 is defined by a first cylinder 22, in which the first piston 21 can slide. The first cylinder 22 has a central axis parallel to the main direction X of the valve body 2. In addition, the first cylinder 22 has a side surface 22a, along which the outlet opening 6 is formed and onto which the first channel 13 flows. The first cylinder 22 also has a bottom wall 22b, which separates it from the first chamber 3 and on which the aforementioned connection opening 7 is formed. A second cap 23, provided with a respective seal 23a, closes the first cylinder 22 by positioning itself on the opposite side with respect to the bottom wall 22b.

[0051] With reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the first preloading means 10 are embodied by a first spring 24, acting on the first adjusting element 9, specifically located between the second cap 23 and the first piston 21. In use, the first spring 24 pushes the first piston 21 towards the bottom wall 22b of the first cylinder 22. In particular, when a pressure difference is established between the two sides of the first piston 21, as a result of the fluid flowing through passages 9a and 9b, the first piston 21 moves away from the connection opening 7, thereby compressing the first spring 24 until the elastic response of the first spring 24 balances the pressure difference that has been established. Alternatively, if the pressure difference exerted on the first piston 21 creates a force greater than the elastic response that the first spring 24 is capable of providing, the first piston 21 contacts the second cap 23.

[0052] Returning now to the second adjusting element 12, it should be noted that it divides the third chamber 11 into a first zone I la and a second zone 11b. More specifically, the first zone 1 la is in fluid communication with the first channel 13, while the second zone 11b is in fluid communication with the second channel 14. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the second adjusting element 12 defines a fluid seal between the first I la and second 11b zones of the third chamber 11 to substantially inhibit the direct passage of fluid between the first I la and second 11b zones. Alternatively, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the second adjusting element 12 is spaced apart from the third chamber 11, so as to allow a slight leakage of fluid from the second channel 14 to the first channel 13 through the third chamber 11. It should be noted that, despite the presence of this leakage, the pressure difference that occurs inside the third chamber 11 between the two sides of the second adjusting element 12 remains substantially similar to that of the embodiment shown in Figure 2. It should also be noted that, even in the embodiment of Figure 4, most of the fluid flows through passages 9a, 9b of the first control element 9.

[0053] In further detail, the second adjusting element 12 is defined by a second piston 31. The third chamber 11 takes the form of a second cylinder 32, which has a bottom 32a at which the aforementioned second channel 14 flows into. A side surface 32b extends from the bottom 32a along the main direction X. The first channel 13 is located in particular at the side surface 32b. A third cap 33, provided with a respective seal 33a, closes the second cylinder 32, positioning itself on the opposite side with respect to the bottom wall 32a.

[0054] With particular reference to Figure 2, it should be noted that the second preloading means 16 are embodied by a second spring 34, acting on the second adjusting element 12, specifically located between the third cap 33 and the second piston 31. In use, the second spring 34 pushes the second piston 31 towards the bottom wall 32a of the second cylinder 32. In particular, when a pressure difference is established between the two sides of the second piston 31, the second piston 31 moves away from the second channel 14, thus compressing the second spring 34 until the elastic response of the second spring 34 balances the pressure difference that has been established. Alternatively, if the pressure difference exerted on the second piston 31 creates a force greater than the elastic response that the second spring 34 is capable of providing, the second piston 31 strikes the third cap 33.

[0055] The connecting means 15 briefly mentioned above will now be described in detail. In particular, the connecting means 15 have the function of determining the time which the second adjusting element 12 takes to reach the end of its run, i.e., to position itself near the first channel 13. In addition, the connecting means 15 synchronize the movement of the second adjusting element 12 with that of the shutter 8.

[0056] The connecting means 15 comprise mechanical transmission members 39 located between the timer 17 and the second adjusting element 12, so as to retain the second adjusting element 12 and allow it to move from a position close to the second channel 14 to a position close to the first channel 13 in a predetermined time.

[0057] In detail, the transmission members 39 comprise a first rod 40 and a second rod 41, partially inserted into the valve body 2 and extending parallel to the main direction X. In particular, the first rod 40 is integral with the shutter 8, while the second rod is fixed to the second adjusting element 12.

[0058] The transmission elements 39 comprise a connecting portion 42 integral with the second adjusting element 12 and the shutter 8. In particular, the connecting portion 42 is integral with the rods 40, 41. More specifically, the connecting portion 42 is located outside the valve body 2.

[0059] The transmission elements 39 also include a pair of gears 43, 44, integral respectively with the connecting portion 42 and the timer 17.

[0060] The pair of gears 43, 44 comprises, in particular, a rack 43, which is formed on the connecting portion 42, and a gear wheel 44 located on the timer 17. In use, when the connecting portion 42 is driven by the second adjusting element 12, the rack 43 exerts a pulling force on the outer perimeter of the gear wheel 44. The timer 17, by regulating the rotation allowed to the gear wheel 44, therefore determines the time that the second adjusting element 12 takes for a movement within the third chamber 11. More specifically, the adjusting means comprise a spring 45 acting on the connection portion 42 between the first rod 40 and the connection portion 42. A wheel 46 is applied to a threaded end 40a of the first rod 40, and the connection portion 42 is arranged between the wheel 46 and the spring 45. Consequently, screwing or unscrewing the wheel 46 on the first rod 40 adjusts the position of the shutter 8 with respect to the connecting portion 42. Advantageously, this allows the user to make small adjustments to the response time of valve 1 without having to disassemble it.

[0061] The operation of valve 1 is as follows. In use, valve 1, with particular reference to the adjusting means, is initially in an open configuration shown in particular in Figure 6. In this configuration, the second adjusting element 12 is placed in a position proximal to the second channel 14, while the first adjusting element 9 is placed near the connection opening 7.

[0062] When the user activates the passage of fluid inside the valve, for example by opening a tap connected to the outlet opening 6, the fluid flows from the first chamber 3 to the second chamber 5, passing through the connection opening 7. The fluid then passes through passages 9a and 9b of the first control element and exits through outlet opening 6. In particular, the flow of fluid at the first adjusting element 9 causes a pressure drop and a consequent drop in pressure between the two sides of the first control element 9. Note that once the first piston 21 has moved away from the connection opening 7, the elastic response action caused by the compression of the first spring 24, added to the pressure downstream of the first piston 21, causes a corresponding increase in the upstream pressure.

[0063] The pressure difference is then transferred to the two sides of the second adjusting element 12 by the two channels 13, 14. Consequently, as shown for example in Figure 7, the second piston 31 follows the movement of the first piston 21, controlled by the rotation time of the gear wheel 44, whose advance is given by the timer 17. The advancement of the second piston 31 causes a corresponding advancement of the shutter 8, until the shutter 8 seals the connection opening 7, causing the fluid flow to be interrupted, as shown in particular in Figure 8. Therefore, in the closed configuration, the first 9 and second 12 adjusting elements are placed in a position proximal to the first channel 13. To reset the valve, the user must equalize the pressures of the first 3 and second chambers 5, so as to allow the springs 24, 34 to re-extend, returning the respective pistons 21, 31 to their starting position. To do this, one option is to pull on the connecting portion 42 to move it away from the valve body 2. Alternatively, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the user achieves this result by bypassing the shutter 8 in the closed position, specifically by opening a compensation channel 51 using a knob 52 inserted into the valve body 2. Once opened, the compensation channel 51 connects the connecting channel 19 described above to the first chamber 3.

[0064] A further possibility is shown in the embodiment of Figure 5. In this case, the compensation channel 51 connects the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 5. An additional shutter 53 is located inside the compensation channel 51, held in position by a respective spring 54. The user can compress the spring 54 by pressing a button 55 connected to the additional shutter 53, again opening the compensation channel 51.

[0065] 13

Claims

CLAIMS1. A shut-off valve (1), comprising:- a first chamber (3) comprising an inlet opening (4) for a fluid,- a second chamber (5) in fluid communication with the first chamber (3) and placed downstream of the first chamber (3), said second chamber (5) comprising an outlet opening (6);- a connection opening (7) between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (5);- a shutter (8) placed at least partly in the first chamber (3) and configured to translate parallel to the main direction (X) to switch between at least an open position, in which it is separated from the connection opening (7) allowing the fluid communication between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (5), and a closed position, in which it is sealed at the connection opening (7) interrupting the fluid communication between the first chamber (3) and the second chamber (5);- adjusting means (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) associated with the shutter (8) and switchable between an open configuration, in which the shutter (8) is in the open position, and a closed configuration, in which the shutter is in the closed position, the valve (1) being characterized in that the adjusting means (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) comprise:- a first adjusting element (9) inserted into the second chamber (5) and configured to translate parallel to the main direction (X);- first preloading means (10) associated with the first adjusting element (9) to push it towards the connection opening (7);- a third chamber (11) associated with the first (3) and the second chamber (5);- a second adjusting element (12) inserted into the third chamber (11) and configured to translate parallel to the main direction (X);- a first channel (13) connected in fluid communication to the second (5) and the third chamber (11), the first adjusting element (9) being arranged between the connectionopening (7) and the first channel (13);- a second channel (14) connected in fluid communication with the third chamber (11) and connected upstream of the first adjusting element (9), the second adjusting element (12) being arranged between the first (13) and the second channel (14); connection means (15) arranged between the second adjusting element (12) and the shutter (8) to translate the shutter (8) integrally with the second adjusting element (12); wherein:- in the open configuration, the second adjusting element (12) is placed in a position proximal to the second channel (14); and- in the closed configuration, the first (9) and the second adjusting element (12) are placed in a position proximal to the first channel (13).

2. The valve (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the adjusting means (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) comprise second preloading means (16) associated with the second adjusting element (12) to push it towards the second channel (14).

3. The valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting means (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) comprise a timer (17) which is mechanically associated with the second adjusting element (12), mechanical transmission members (39) placed between the timer (17) and the second adjusting element (12) to retain the second adjusting element (12) and allow the translation thereof from a position proximal to the second channel (14) to a position proximal to the first channel (13) within a predetermined time.

4. The valve (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the mechanical transmission members (39) comprise a connection portion (42) which is integral with the second adjusting element (12) and the shutter (8), a pair of gears (43, 44) integral with theconnection portion (42) and the timer (17), respectively.

5. The valve (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the pair of gears (43, 44) comprises a rack (43) obtained on the connection portion (42) and a gear wheel (44) placed on the timer (17).

6. The valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first adjusting element (9) is permeable to allow fluid communication from the connection opening (7) to the outlet opening (6) and to the first channel (13).

7. The valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second channel (14) is connected in fluid communication with the first chamber (3).

8. The valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second adjusting element (12) divides the third chamber (11) into a first zone (I la) placed in fluid communication with the first channel (13) and into a second zone (1 lb) placed in fluid communication with the second channel (14), the second adjusting element (12) being configured to be driven by a pressure difference between the first zone (I la) and the second zone (11b) of the third chamber (11) to translate from a position proximal to the second channel (14) to a position proximal to the first channel (13).

9. The valve (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second adjusting element (12) defines a fluid seal between the first (I la) and the second zone (1 lb) of the third chamber (11) to substantially prevent the direct passage of the fluid between the first (I la) and the second zone (1 lb) of the third chamber (11).

10. The valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a16connection channel (19) between the first (3) and the second chamber (5) immediately downstream of the connection opening (7), the second channel (14) being connected in fluid communication with the connection channel (19).

11. The valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second adjusting element (12) is spaced apart from the third chamber (11) to allow the fluid to seep from the second (14) to the first channel (13) through the third chamber (11).17

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