BR102015025294A2 - ADMISSION VALVE ACTUATION SYSTEM, METHOD AND ITS USES START-UP COMPRESSOR - Google Patents

Abstract

Intake Valve Actuation System, Compressor Starting Method and Its Uses The present invention describes an inlet valve actuation system (13), in particular for alternative machines, the use of said system in compressors and a method of compressor starting, promoting advantages in compressor starting by minimizing the power required in said alternative machines. In particular, the present invention comprises a controlled actuation means (1) driving an inlet valve (13) through a coil (7) while a piston (12) initiates its reciprocating movement. the inlet valve (13) can be displaced to the detriment of reciprocating movement of the piston (12) by displacing a relief spring (10), avoiding overload of the coil (7). The present invention is in the fields of mechanical engineering, more precisely in the field of flow machines.

Description

Patent Descriptive Report Intake Valve Actuation System, Compressor Starting Method AND THEIR USES

Field of the Invention The present invention describes an inlet valve actuation system and a compressor start method. In preferred embodiments, the present invention may be used in alternative machines, such as compressors. The present invention is in the fields of Mechanical Engineering, more precisely in the area of Flow Machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Alternative machines are mechanical devices widely used today as they are versatile and widely applicable in various industry sectors.

[0003] An example of alternative movements are those promoted from a set of mechanisms, commonly known as connecting rod and crank, that transform the rotation of an axis into alternate motion (back and forth), which is intended to displace alternately. any device.

Alternative machines take advantage of reciprocating motion in a pressurizing element, such as a piston, to pressurize fluids within a chamber. A set of valves is also provided so that the fluid to be pressurized is directed correctly when leaving the compression chamber. Due to the reciprocating movement of the pressurizing element and the actuation of the directional valves, it is well known to those skilled in the art that alternative machines require a large initial torque for starting both due to the inertia of the components and, mainly, the fact that the pressurizing element already start the duty cycle by compressing a portion of the fluid to be pressurized.

It is also well known to those skilled in the art to use a mechanism acting on the intake valve of alternative machines, which aims to promote the opening of said intake valve during the first few moments after starting the alternative machine, to decrease the starting torque. After the alternate machine supplies the initial inertia and assumes a constant rotation, the valve is closed and effective fluid pressurization is initiated.

For constructive and performance reasons, the current alternative machines are constructed from a pressurizing piston traveling as far as possible, reaching very close to the upper part of the pressurization chamber, where the intake valves are commonly housed. and discharge. This compact arrangement of the elements causes the pressurizing piston to touch the inlet valve, which in normal operation should be closed for the desired fluid to be pressurized. When this occurs, there is a direct impact on the device that actuated the inlet valve to remain open during startup. If said device for keeping the intake valve open is a solenoid, it will be forced while magnetized in the opposite direction to the field it is applying, which promotes higher energy consumption.

In searching for the state of the art in scientific and patent literature, the following documents dealing with the subject were found: [0008] Document PI0806059 discloses a pressure relief system for gas compressors to reduce torque Compressor stems and mechanical devices to actuate the inlet valve, according to the rotation imposed on the compressor. Magnetic means have also been disclosed for this function, however, document PI0806059, in addition to revealing complex and susceptible mechanisms for compressor vibrations and balances, does not reveal a safe and effective way of not damaging the intake valve if the piston come to touch her.

US20070272890 discloses a solenoid device used to actuate reciprocating compressor inlet valves to regulate the internal pressure of the pressurization chamber during periods of time when it is desired to control said internal pressure in the reciprocating compressor chamber. . This document discloses various means for arranging the solenoids used, including a pressure differential compensation system. This document, however, does not disclose an effective way to solve the piston contact problem at the intake valve without damaging the solenoid acting on the intake valve.

Thus, from what is clear from the researched literature, no documents were found anticipating or suggesting the teachings of the present invention, so that the solution proposed here has novelty and inventive activity in relation to the state of the art.

In view of the foregoing, one realizes the imminent need for a valve actuation mechanism that is not damaged or increases the energy consumption of alternative machines when the operation of said alternative machine begins.

Thus, the present invention solves the constant problems of the state of the art from an inlet valve system and actuation (13) of alternative machines. More specifically, the present invention discloses a system capable of maintaining the intake valve (13) in a predefined condition for the moment of starting a piston compressor and, after stabilization of rotation, according to predefined values. , the present invention ceases to act on said inlet valve (13).

It is therefore a first object of the present invention to provide an inlet valve actuation system (13) comprising: a) controlled actuation means (1); and b) drive rod (5) associated with controlled actuation means (1), the system being defined by the fact that controlled actuation means (1) project the drive rod (5) into an opening direction (OD) sufficient to promote the opening of the inlet valve (13), and by the actuation rod (5), the controlled actuation means (1), or both comprising displacement absorbing means in a relief direction (RD) opposite to that of projection imposed by the controlled actuation means and comprising drive rod return means (5) in a position sufficient to promote the inlet valve reopening (13).

It is a second object of the present invention to provide a compressor starting method, defined by the fact that the system is as disclosed by the present invention and said method comprises the steps of driving actuated controlled means (1) for opening of an inlet valve (13) in accordance with the displacement movement of a piston (12) in the compression direction.

It is a third and last object of the present invention to provide the use of inlet valve actuation system (13), defined by the fact that the system is as disclosed by the present invention and is employed in a compressor.

Further, the inventive concept common to all claimed protection contexts relates to the fact that the present invention provides an inlet valve opening system (13) in pressurization chambers (21) of alternative machines in order to request a lower torque to start said alternative machine. Specifically, the present invention acts on the inlet valve (13) of a compressor, so as not to allow pressure during the first few minutes of this compressor to start up in the pressure chamber. This measure makes the initial torque required to start said compressor, reducing the energy consumption and eliminating the need for electro-electronic components that were used in the state of the art to enable starting with higher torques.

These and other objects of the invention will be immediately appreciated by those skilled in the art and companies having an interest in the segment, and will be described in sufficient detail for their reproduction in the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES In order to better define and clarify the contents of the present patent application, the following figures are presented: Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the present invention, where it is possible to note the following: mechanisms internal to the external housing (2) of the controlled actuation means (1).

Figure 2 is a sectional elevation of the present invention, where the movable piston (4) is in an upper position, and the coil (7) has just been driven.

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates the sequence of operation, where it is noticed that the movable piston (4) is beginning its trajectory towards the static element (3).

[0022] Figure 4 shows the movable piston (4) in its final position, with the stem (5) displaced downward and acting on the valve element (13).

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates the instant a piston (12) touches the inlet valve (13), returning the drive rod (5) and deforming the relief spring (10).

Figure 6 shows a pressurizing element assembly (12) and pressurizing chamber (21) provided with actuation system in the valve element (13).

[0025] Figure 7 is analogous to figure 5, but in this image the pressurizing element (12) is in a higher position after contacting said element with the valve element (13) and retracted valve (13) .

Detailed Description of the Invention In a first object, the present invention provides an inlet valve actuation system (13), comprising: a) controlled actuation means (1); and b) drive rod (5) associated with controlled actuation means (1), the system being defined by the fact that controlled actuation means (1) project the drive rod (5) into an opening direction (OD) sufficient to promote the opening of the inlet valve (13), and by the actuation rod (5), the controlled actuation means (1), or both comprising displacement absorbing means in a relief direction (RD) opposite to that of projection imposed by the controlled actuation means and comprising drive rod return means (5) in a position sufficient to promote the inlet valve reopening (13).

[0027] In one embodiment, the controlled actuation means is by applying electric current.

In one embodiment, the displacement absorbing means is comprised of at least one of the group defined by: elastic mechanical member; electric current intensity controller; gas spring; fluid compression; equilibrium by calibrated masses; or equivalents.

As an elastic mechanical element, we can exemplify, without limitation, the plate springs and the compression springs. For the embodiment that deals with the use of mass calibrated for equilibrium, it is non-restrictively exemplified that the construction of the drive rod (5) and other peripherals associated with it, must be done precisely, so as to that the actuation rod assembly (5) has a total mass such that it is capable of overcoming the force imposed for opening the inlet valve (13) when the controlled actuation means (1) is actuated. When the piston (12) meets the inlet valve (13), the actuating rod (5) will be pushed in the opposite direction to that which the controlled actuation means (1) has imposed, moving the calibrated mass and allowing the closing. said inlet valve (13). The drive rod (5) re-opens the inlet valve as soon as the piston retracts.

In one embodiment, the inlet valve actuation system is defined by the fact that: a) the actuation means is a solenoid provided with a magnetizable movable piston (4) housing the actuation rod (5), the solenoid being capable of imposing displacement of the movable piston (4) in an opening direction (OD); b) displacement absorbing means is a spring (10) associated with the movable piston (4) and the drive rod (5), capable of allowing, by elastic deformation, the displacement of the drive rod (5) in a relief direction (RD), as opposed to that of the movable piston (4) when magnetized.

In a second object, the present invention provides a compressor starting method, defined by the fact that the system is as disclosed by the present invention and said method comprises the steps of actuating controlled actuation means (1) for opening of an inlet valve (13) in accordance with the displacement movement of a piston (12) in the compression direction.

In one embodiment, the controlled actuation means drive (1) occurs during compressor start-up.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the compressor start method includes the steps of: a) activating a controlled actuation means (1) for opening an inlet valve (13); b) initiating displacement movement of a piston (12) in the compression direction; c) absorb piston displacement movement (12) when in contact with the inlet valve (13), the controlled actuation means (1) being kept actuated during all steps (a) to (c).

In a preferred embodiment, the controlled actuation means is deactivated when the compressor reaches predefined operating conditions for maintaining an operating regime.

In a third and last object of the present invention, the described system and method are employed in a compressor.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compressor is of the hermetic type used for cold cycle feeding. Example 1. Preferred Embodiment The examples shown herein are intended solely to exemplify one of the numerous ways of carrying out the invention, but without limiting the scope thereof.

Figure 1 illustrates how controlled actuation means (1) of inlet valves (13) has been realized. In this image it is clear that the outer housing (2) is associated with a static element (3) and the solenoid coil (7). Said coil (7) is responsible for inducing magnetic force in the movable piston (4), in order to promote movement of said movable piston (4) towards the static element (3). This movement causes deformation of a return spring (9), which is responsible for returning the movable piston (4) to its original position when the coil (7) exerts no more force on said movable piston (4). The movable piston (4) is associated with the inner bushing (6) through mounting interference between them and the drive rod (5) is fixed to the relief spring (10) by the locking element (8). The movement promoted in the movable piston (4) causes the elements associated with it to also have said movement, and it is this movement that causes the inlet valve (13) present in the intake of an alternative machine to be kept open. During the tests, advantages were evidenced for the construction of the internal bushing (6) from an electrical insulating material. This prevents the drive rod (5) from being directly influenced by the magnetic field generated by the coil (7).

Figures 2, 3 and 4 show a sequence of how the controlled actuation of the inlet valve (13) is performed in reciprocating compressors.

[0040] Figure 2 illustrates the initial moment of operation of the controlled actuation means (1). With induction of electric current, the coil (7) attracts the movable piston (4) in an opening direction (OD) by moving the drive rod (5) and compressing the return spring (9). When moving, the movable piston (4), magnetically attracted by the coil (7), carries the relief spring (10) associated with the drive rod (5) through the locking element (8). Once actuated, the drive rod (5) opens the intake valve (13).

[0041] Figure 3 illustrates the controlled actuation means (1) at a time when the movable piston (4) is in an intermediate position of the open direction displacement (OD). The return spring (9) continues to be compressed, the inner stem (5) continues to move in the open direction (OD), as the locking element (8) associating said inner stem (5) with the relief spring (10). ) and the inner bushing (6), mounted by interference on the movable piston (4), also accompany the movement in the opening direction (OD).

Figure 4 illustrates the moment when the piston (4) completes the displacement in the open direction (OD), with the return spring (9) fully compressed and the drive rod (5), the inner bushing ( 6) and the locking element (8) fully offset in said opening direction (OD). In this position, an inlet valve (13) is fully open as a function of the displacement of the actuating stem (5).

[0043] Figure 5 illustrates the moment when, due to the impact of a piston (12) against the inlet valve (13), the drive rod (5) and the locking element (8) move in one direction. (RD) by tensioning the relief spring (10). The displacement of the drive rod (5), according to the relief direction (RD), allows the return of the inlet valve (13), which has been displaced due to the movement of a piston (12) operating in an alternative compressor. The relief spring (10) is so calibrated that its deformation is promoted with less effort than can be supported by the magnetic field imposed by the coil (7), this ensures that said relief spring (10) will always deform first, avoiding the displacement of the movable piston (4). When the piston (12) no longer contacts the inlet valve (13), the relief spring (10) is responsible for moving the drive rod (5) and locking element (8) assembly in the opening direction ( OD). This displacement opens the inlet valve (13) again so as not to allow pressurization of a reciprocating compressor chamber (21). During the return of the drive rod (5), as mentioned above, the inner bushing (6) remains fixed on the movable piston (4). There is an opening and closing cycle of the inlet valve (13) according to the teachings of the present invention, and this opening and closing cycle is responsible for not allowing pressure formation in the chamber (21), reducing the amount of torque required to start a compressor containing the teachings disclosed herein. Complementary embodiments for this relief valve relief concept (13) relate to the use of calibrated weights on the locking element (8) to dispense with the use of the relief spring (10). Said calibrated weights are adjusted to move in the open direction (OD) as the movable piston (4) moves downward, moving the drive rod (5) to open the inlet valve (13). Similarly to the operation of the relief spring (10), the calibrated weights are adjusted to move in the relief direction (RD) when the piston (12) contacts the inlet valve (13).

Figure 6 illustrates a pressurizer assembly (22) comprised of a pressurization chamber (21), piston assembly (12), connecting rod (19) and crank (20) responsible for pressurizing a fluid into a pressurizing assembly (22). ). Said pressurizing assembly (22) further comprises inlet ducts (17), inlet chamber (15), discharge ducts (18) and discharge volume (16). Under normal operating conditions, the discharge valve (14) operates to transfer pressurized fluid from the pressurization chamber (21) to the discharge volume (16). The controlled actuation means (1) is also represented by acting on the inlet valve opening (13). In this position, the elements internal to the housing (2) of the controlled actuation means (1) assume a position similar to that shown in figure (4). The crank (20) that drives the connecting rod (19) performs a movement in the direction of rotation (N).

[0045] Figure 7 illustrates the pressurizing assembly (22) as the piston (12) touches the inlet valve (13) actuated by the controlled actuation means (1). The moment depicted in Fig. 7 is analogous to that shown in Fig. 5, with the drive rod (5) displaced and deforming the relief spring (10) in the direction of relief (RD).

Those skilled in the art will enhance the knowledge presented herein and may reproduce the invention in the embodiments disclosed and in other embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims (10)

1. Inlet valve actuation system, comprising: a. controlled actuation means (1); and b. drive rod (5) associated with controlled actuation means (1), the system being characterized by: - the controlled actuation means (1) project the drive rod (5) into an opening direction (OD) sufficient to promote the inlet valve opening (13); - the drive rod (5), controlled actuation means (1), or both comprise displacement absorbing means in a relief direction (RD) opposite to that of projection imposed by the controlled actuation means and comprise means for returning the drive rod (5) in sufficient position to reopen inlet valve (13). Inlet valve actuation system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the controlled actuation means are applied by controlled electric current. Inlet valve actuation system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the displacement absorbing means is comprised of at least one of the group defined by: elastic mechanical element; electric current intensity controller; gas spring; fluid compression; equilibrium by calibrated masses; or equivalents. Inlet valve actuation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: a. the actuation means is a solenoid provided with a magnetizable movable piston (4) housing the drive rod (5), the solenoid being capable of forcing displacement to the movable piston (4) in an opening direction (OD); B. the displacement absorbing means is a spring (10) associated with the movable piston (4) and the drive rod, capable of allowing, by means of elastic deformation, the displacement of the drive rod (5) in a direction contrary to that of displacement of the movable piston (4) when magnetized. Compressor starting method, wherein the compressor uses an alternate piston to compress a fluid and comprises an inlet valve actuation system as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4, the method comprising the steps of controlled actuation means (1) for opening an inlet valve (13) in accordance with the displacement movement of a piston (12) in the compression direction. Compressor starting method according to Claim 5, characterized in that the controlled actuation means (1) is actuated during compressor startup. Compressor starting method according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a. activating a controlled actuation means (1) for opening an inlet valve (13); B. initiate displacement movement of a piston (12) in the compression direction; ç. absorb piston displacement movement (12) when in contact with the inlet valve (13), the controlled actuation means (1) being kept actuated during all steps (a) to (c). Compressor starting method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the controlled actuation means (1) is deactivated when the compressor reaches predefined operating conditions for maintaining an operating regime. Use of an inlet valve actuation system, characterized in that the system is as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4 and is employed in a compressor. Use of an inlet valve actuation system according to claim 9, characterized in that the compressor is of the hermetic type for cooling cycle supply.