Expandable compressed-air reservoir

Abstract

The present invention discloses a compressed-air reservoir (100), more particularly stationary reservoirs, for example for compressors, having a cylindrical body or a body of another cross-sectional shape, designed to store and supply compressed air efficiently, and having an arrangement that allows expansion and retraction from its initial length up to a limit, referred to herein as the expanded length, while maintaining a stable internal working pressure in both the expanded and retracted conditions. This solution allows the reservoir to accommodate an additional volume of compressed air without compromising its operating pressure, reducing the need for frequent compressor actuation and optimising energy consumption. A sealing system further ensures the leak-tightness of the assembly, preventing leaks and sudden pressure variations. The invention represents a significant advance by combining controlled expansion, energy efficiency and structural safety, providing superior performance compared with existing solutions.

Description

Expandable Compressed Air Tank

[0001] This patent document discloses an expandable compressed air reservoir in the form of a cylindrical body or any other cross-section.

[0002] Compressed air tanks are used for various purposes, among which we will mention what we consider to be the most relevant: stationary applications, for example, in compressors.

[0003] The main objective of the present patent document is to construct a compressed air reservoir in such a way as to allow the expansion of its compartment, within an acceptable limit, so as not to lose its function of maintaining the compressed air within a desired pressure range. State of the Art

[0004] In the state of the art, there are several configurations for compressed air reservoirs. In this document, we will cite two prior art designs that are most relevant to the subject matter to be disclosed in this patent application.

[0005] The first prior art is the German document, DE4416555A1, which discloses a tank with a split body, whose split construction aims to house its compressor internally. The focus of this patent is the integration of a compressor within a split tank for noise reduction, without relation to an expandable system.

[0006] The second prior art is contained in patent documents US2013 / 0320026 and US2015 / 0144643, which deal with the same subject and are owned by Paul Cruz. These patents describe an expandable reservoir system made of flexible, puncture-resistant material, designed to store compressed air and reduce the space occupied when not in use. The proposed technology allows the tank to be folded when empty and expanded when filled with compressed air, and can be used with or without a rigid shell.

[0007] The object to be disclosed in this patent document is entirely distinct from the prior art cited, and represents an inventive leap in terms of solving technical problems and offering advantages over the knowledge available in the state of the art.

[0008] The subject matter of this patent document refers to a compressed air reservoir, more specifically to stationary reservoirs, for example for compressors, in the form of a cylindrical body or any other cross-sectional shape, divided into two parts, preferably arranged vertically, and whose configuration allows for the expansion and contraction of its initial length up to a limit, here called the expanded length, predetermined by this constructive configuration.

[0009] The main characteristic of the object revealed in this document lies in the fact that the reservoir has a constructive configuration that allows for the expansion and contraction of its length, in order to accommodate an excess volume of compressed air, maintaining an internal pressure within a desired working range for longer than in a cylinder with a conventional configuration. Technical Problem and Solution

[0010] The purpose of this patent document is to solve a problem related to energy consumption and equipment lifespan, by reducing the activation of the compressor motor during daily use of the compressed air equipment.

[0011] The main advantage, or expected technical solution, is the reduction in compressor motor activation during daily use of the compressed air equipment, for the same amount of use. Each activation of an air compressor motor to pump compressed air into a reservoir causes a peak in energy consumption; furthermore, it is during this activation that the greatest wear and tear occurs on various components of the compressor motor. Similarly, each motor activation increases noise, which is noise pollution and is unhealthy for people in the same environment, potentially contributing to hearing loss or other health problems.

[0012] Reducing the number of compressor motor activations, considering the same amount of equipment use during its working period, helps solve these important problems of noise pollution and energy consumption, generating a reduction in energy use, and reducing wear on this compressor motor, which also implies an increase in its lifespan.

[0013] Currently, there is no solution that offers a controlled, expandable reservoir capable of maintaining air compression in both operating conditions (expanded or retracted), ensuring efficient and predictable compressed air delivery. Known patents, such as those of Paul Cruz, describe solutions where expansion occurs passively, without active mechanical control, resulting in undesirable variations in internal pressure as the reservoir volume changes. Patent DE 4416555 A1, however, deals with a split reservoir, but without any regulated expansion mechanism or control of internal air compression.

[0014] Unlike these solutions, the present invention introduces a mechanical configuration, allowing the reservoir to expand and contract without compromising the internal working pressure, ensuring more efficient and safer performance. In this way, the proposed technology presents a novel concept not evident in the prior art.

[0015] With the expandable reservoir, the subject of this patent document, it is expected to reduce the number of compressor motor activations, since, when the compressor is turned on, which will compress the air to be stored inside the reservoir, it can be programmed to turn off only after reaching an overvolume, which consequently will generate an overpressure in the container, but this overpressure will be controlled by the expansion of the reservoir, remaining within a predetermined and safe working pressure range, based on an expansion range of the reservoir. In this way, the reservoir will internally accommodate the overvolume of compressed air and will expand to maintain its adequate internal pressure.

[0016] This configuration will cause the compressed air used first by the equipment to be the excess volume that expanded the reservoir. With the use of this excess volume, the reservoir will retract, due to its design, returning to its initial length, maintaining adequate internal pressure, and making available the remaining amount of compressed air stored inside the reservoir. Only after this process will the compressor motor restart.

[0017] Thus, in a simplified example, if the excess air stored in this compressed air tank corresponds, for example, to 20% of the tank's total volume, the compressor motor will avoid being switched on once every five compressed air recharges.

[0018] A characteristic of the invention is the configuration of the compressed air reservoir with a length-expandable compartment, allowing its length to be extended from an initial length to an expanded length, resulting in the possibility of storing an excess volume of compressed air.

[0019] This reservoir expansion is achieved through its construction, comprising a two-part body with sealing elements, sliding and limit switches, as well as an external expansion assembly that ensures the safety of the unit regarding its expansion according to a pre-established pressure range and the length to be expanded. The construction also includes other safety features such as stops and relief valves, a valve for draining excess water from air humidity, etc.

[0020] The figures presented below, for illustrative purposes only and not as a limiting factor of the inventive scope, will allow for a better understanding of the object proposed in this report, so as to enable its materialization by someone skilled in the art.

[0021] [Fig. 1] illustrates a cross-sectional representation of the expandable reservoir body.

[0022] [Fig. 2] illustrates a detail of the junction region between the first and second parts of the expandable reservoir body.

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates, in perspective, the expandable reservoir, the subject of this patent document.

[0024] [Fig. 4] illustrates a cross-sectional detail of the outer expansion assembly.

[0025] [Fig. 5] illustrates a second materialization, by way of example, of the external expansion structure (180'). Detailed Description

[0026] The detailed description presented below will be supported, for better understanding, by the figures already mentioned.

[0027] According to the figures presented, by way of illustration and exemplification of the invented object, the constructive configuration applied in expandable reservoir(100) is comprised, as can be seen in [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2], of a two-part body, containing a first part(110) and a second part(120) assembled together; the first part(110) must have a diameter sufficiently larger to overlap the diameter of the second part (120), forming an expansion region(130). This constructive arrangement is applied in compressed air reservoir(100), more especially to stationary reservoirs, for example for compressors, in the form of a cylindrical body or any other cross-section, two-part, preferably arranged vertically.

[0028] As shown in [Fig. 3], the elements comprising the body of the said compressed air reservoir (100) include at least one compressed air inlet point (140), one compressed air outlet point (150), and a relief valve (160), the latter being a safety item in case the internal pressure reaches a pre-established value that is considered a risk to the equipment. A valve (170) is also provided at the bottom of the reservoir (100) for removing water resulting from air humidity.

[0029] The entry point (140) is understood to be the location where the piping that will inject compressed air into the reservoir (100) will be connected. The compressed air injected internally into the reservoir (100) may come directly from a compressor, or from a central compressed air system, or from another reservoir. The exit point (150) is understood to be the point where the piping will be connected for the delivery of the compressed air to be used.

[0030] As shown in [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2], the expansion region (130) consists of the region that will be extended or retracted, increasing or decreasing the length of the compressed air reservoir body (100), from an initial length condition to what we call in this document the expanded length. In this expansion region (130) there are provided a larger sleeve (131) fixed to the inner surface of the first part (110), a smaller sleeve (132) fixed to the outer surface of the second part (120), and sealing o-rings (133) arranged between these sleeves (131 and 132), so as to allow the larger sleeve (131) to slide over the smaller sleeve (132), safely and completely sealing the assembly, from an initial position, which we call the initial length of the reservoir (100), to a final position, which would be the expansion limit for the expanded length of the reservoir (100).The o-rings(133) can be replaced by other compatible or more efficient sealing elements, without altering the invented object.

[0031] The initial position and the final position, which defines the initial compartment and the expanded compartment limit of the reservoir(100) can be defined by stops or locks.

[0032] Thus, the first part (110) provides safety locks (111 and 112), as does the second part (120) which also provides a safety lock (121); these locks define a limit for the movement of the expansion region (130), and also assist in the safety of the assembly in case of excessive internal pressure that forces the assembly to eject the parts comprising the reservoir (100), considering, in this case, a possible failure or malfunction of the relief valve (160). Such locks may have another constructive configuration, without detracting from the invented object.

[0033] With this configuration, the reservoir(100) has the possibility of extending or retracting its length within these limits established by the end-of-stroke locks, through the expansion region(130), in a safe manner and with total sealing of the assembly.

[0034] As shown in [Fig. 3] and [Fig. 4], externally to the body of the reservoir (100), at least two external expansion structures (180) are arranged, preferably three - the figures illustrate the equipment with three; to have two, there would have to be some adjustments to the support feet of the reservoir (100), which would also not detract from the invented object. This external expansion structure (180) is mounted externally to the expansion region (130) and its function is to provide structural rigidity to the expansion and contraction of the reservoir (100).

[0035] In this embodiment of the external expansion structure (180), it comprises a telescopic column (181), fixed at each of its ends by a first support (182) fixed to the external wall of the first part (110) and by a second support (183) fixed to the external wall of the second part (120); and having a spring (184) mounted externally to the telescopic column (181), fixed at its ends also by the first and second supports (182 and 183). The fixing of the spring (184) must be carried out with dimensions compatible to resist the tensile force of the assembly at the moment of expansion of the reservoir (100).

[0036] [Fig. 4] shows a detailed cutaway illustration of the telescopic column(181) of this embodiment. This telescopic column(181) may also provide end-of-stroke locks, to supplement the safety assistance of the assembly, in case of excessive internal pressure that forces the assembly to eject the parts comprising the reservoir(100), considering, for this case, a possible failure or malfunction of the relief valve(160).

[0037] The spring (184) is dimensioned so that when an internal overvolume of compressed air is inserted it is tensioned, allowing an expansion of the length of the reservoir (100), to an expanded length, increasing its storage capacity. This tension of the spring (184) exerts a tensile force on the parts that constitute the reservoir (100), so that they return to their initial condition, which is the initial length of the reservoir (100), as this overvolume of compressed air is used.

[0038] In this sense, with the start of compressed air entry through the entry point (140), the reservoir (100) will be at its initial length and the spring (184) in its resting condition; upon reaching a certain volume of compressed air filling, the pressure force will initiate a tensioning of the springs (184) and in turn, the expansion of the length of the reservoir (100), which we call here overvolume. The internal pressure of the reservoir is controlled, without activating the relief valve (160), but allowing the storage of an overvolume of compressed air due to the expansion of the reservoir (100) given by this configuration.

[0039] After the assembly reaches a desired overvolume of compressed air, in order to increase the tension of the spring(184) to the point of reaching a limit overpressure, which must be less than the actuation of the relief valve(160), the injection of compressed air can then be switched off.

[0040] Thus, there will be a compressed air reservoir (100) containing an overvolume of air, so that when the compressed air equipment is used, this overvolume will be used first, and as this volume is used, the force of the spring (184) causes the body of the reservoir (100) to return to its initial length, still allowing the use of the volume of compressed air present in the reservoir (100), since the pressure to expel the compressed air through the outlet point (150) is not sufficient to expand the reservoir (100).

[0041] Thus, as already mentioned, in simple terms, if the excess air stored in this compressed air tank corresponds, for example, to 20% of the tank's total volume, the compressor motor will avoid needing to be switched on once every five compressed air recharges. This expansion can be greater or lesser.

[0042] In this embodiment, due to the configuration of the reservoir (100) being vertical, it is necessary to include feet, or support bases (200). Said support bases (200) shown in figures 1 to 4, by way of illustration, do not represent the only variation in the arrangement of the reservoir (100). Variations in the arrangements of these support bases (200) should not be considered as an inventive activity or act.

[0043] Similarly, for the external expansion structure(180), the materialization illustrated in figures 1 to 4, by way of illustration, does not represent the only possible and viable availability variation, in which the alteration of this materialization does not detract from the inventive idea revealed herein.

[0044] [Fig. 5] illustrates a second embodiment of the external expansion structure (180), for illustrative purposes only, in which the spring (184) has ends fixed to a first and second support (182 and 183'), similar to the previous embodiment, but the column (181') in this embodiment has a first end fixed to the first part (110) of the reservoir (100), the support (183') has a through hole so that the column (181') slides through it, and the second end of said column (181') has a stop lock (185') to prevent it from passing through the hole provided in the support (183') for safety reasons.

[0045] In this second embodiment, shown in the image, one can perceive that the inventive spirit is the same, in which the reservoir expands to allow the safe storage of an excess volume of compressed air.

[0046] Thus, as already mentioned, the elements of the compressed air reservoir(100) presented in this patent report serve only as a basis of knowledge of the constructive assembly of this equipment, so that a person skilled in the art can understand and put into practice the disclosed object. This means that the compressed air reservoir(100), the object of this patent document, in its various possible embodiments, has several other details and elements in its constructive configuration that were not evidenced in this report simply because their explanation is not necessary for the context of this patent document.

[0047] We also remind you that the figures and descriptions presented here serve merely to demonstrate the feasibility and possible embodiments of the present invention, since the object claimed and disclosed in this document can be conceived by other known engineering solutions, in addition to the two embodiments presented in this document, also including dimensional variations, variations in fixation, variations in orientation, which may be horizontal, among other possible variations in construction and engineering, each requiring minor constructive adjustments, but without detracting from the inventive spirit.

[0048] For this reason, details of the reservoir(100), as well as of its elements that enable its operation disclosed here, should not be interpreted as a limitation, but only as a basis for the claims, and a representative basis for teaching an expert (technician in the subject) in the art of employing and putting into practice the development of the equipment.

[0049] In this same sense, the omitted or undisclosed operating elements, but which may be inherent to a compressed air reservoir or compressor, should be interpreted as evident or obvious, or common or ordinary to the configuration that is the subject of this document. Likewise, embodiments not presented, but which exhibit the same inventive spirit of the invention, should be interpreted as being within the scope of this patent document.

[0050] Thus, the figures, given as representative illustrations of two possible materializations, and some variations thereof, do not necessarily reflect the final configuration and operation of the equipment; they are merely representative schematic illustrations to facilitate understanding of the operation and logical organization of the invented object. This means that the final product, to be made available on the market, may have variations in its constructive aspects, as well as variations in its ornamental aspects, but these do not detract from the inventive aspects revealed herein, nor from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

EXPANDABLE COMPRESSED AIR TANK, said tank (100) having an inlet point (140) for air to be compressed, an outlet point (150) for compressed air, characterized in that the tank (100) has a first part (110), assembled with a second part (120), forming an expansion region (130) containing at least two external expansion structures (180), so as to allow the extension of the initial length of the tank (100) to an expanded length, when an overvolume of compressed air is inserted, within a working pressure range, and the retraction of the expanded length of the tank (100), to its initial length, by the action of a spring (184) that is part of each external expansion structure (180), when this overvolume of compressed air is used. EXPANDABLE COMPRESSED AIR RESERVOIR, according to claim 1, characterized in that the expansion region (130) comprises a larger sleeve (131) fixed to the inner surface of the first part (110), a smaller sleeve (132) fixed to the outer surface of the second part (120), and sealing o-rings (133) disposed between these sleeves (131 and 132), so as to allow the larger sleeve (131) to slide over the smaller sleeve (132) from an initial position to a final position. EXPANDABLE COMPRESSED AIR TANK, according to claim 2, characterized in that the o-rings (133) can be replaced by other compatible sealing elements. EXPANDABLE COMPRESSED AIR RESERVOIR, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the first part (110) and the second part (120) providing safety locks (111, 112 and 121) in order to delimit an end of stroke, for the displacement of the expansion region (130), initial position to a final position. EXPANDABLE COMPRESSED AIR TANK, according to claim 1, characterized in that the external expansion structure (180) comprises a column (181), a first support (182) fixed to the external wall of the first part (110) and a second support (183) fixed to the external wall of the second part (120), with the spring (184) mounted between the first and second support (182 and 183), fixed at its ends to the first and second support (182 and 183). EXPANDABLE COMPRESSED AIR TANK, according to claim 5, characterized in that the column (181) is fixed at its ends to the first and second support (182 and 183) arranged longitudinally between the spring (184). EXPANDABLE COMPRESSED AIR TANK, according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the column (181) is telescopic. EXPANDABLE COMPRESSED AIR TANK, according to claim 5, characterized by the column (181) providing end-of-stroke locks. EXPANDABLE COMPRESSED AIR RESERVOIR, according to claim 1, characterized in that the external expansion structure (180) comprises a column (181'), with a first support (182) fixed to the external wall of the first part (110) and a second support (183') fixed to the external wall of the second part (120), with the spring (184) mounted between the first and second supports (182 and 183), fixed at its ends to the first and second supports (182 and 183); and in that the column (181') has a first end fixed to the first part (110) of the reservoir (100), the support (183') has a through hole for the column (181') to slide through, and the second end of said column (181') has a limit stop (185'). EXPANDABLE COMPRESSED AIR TANK, according to claim 1, characterized in that the tank (100) preferably has three external expansion structures (180). EXPANDABLE COMPRESSED AIR TANK, according to claim 1, characterized in that the tank (100) has at least one relief valve (160). EXPANDABLE COMPRESSED AIR TANK, according to claim 1, characterized in that the tank (100) has at least one water outlet valve (170) from the air humidity, at its bottom. EXPANDABLE COMPRESSED AIR TANK, according to claim 1, characterized in that the tank (100) is supported by support bases (200). EXPANDABLE COMPRESSED AIR TANK, according to claim 1, characterized in that the tank (100) is vertical.

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