CN117759932A

CN117759932A - Device for producing a flame

Info

Publication number: CN117759932A
Application number: CN202311204299.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·莫瑞
Original assignee: Kempel LLC
Current assignee: Kempel LLC
Priority date: 2022-09-23
Filing date: 2023-09-18
Publication date: 2024-03-26
Also published as: EP4343205A1

Abstract

Apparatus for generating a flame, the apparatus comprising: a burner (2), the burner (2) producing a flame intended to be directed outside the device; a supply line (3), the supply line (3) supplying combustion gas to the burner (2); a flow regulator (4), the flow regulator (4) regulating the combustion gas along the supply line (3); an actuator (5), the actuator (5) moving the regulator (4) between a first position and a second position; the first position is an end-of-stroke position, and the second position is a position that allows more combustion gas to pass than the first position; the regulator (4) defines a passage (41), the passage (41) allowing, at least in a first position of the regulator (4), the transfer of combustion gases along the feed line (3) from upstream to downstream of the regulator (4).

Description

Device for producing a flame

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus, typically a torch, for generating a flame. The torch may be used to weld objects, but may also be used only to heat and not weld.

Background

The known torch comprises a handle downstream of which there is a flow regulating system. Such flow regulation systems often include a tap driven by a rotatable knob. The burner nozzle is located downstream of the tap, which causes a blockage that minimizes gas distribution (so as to allow only the pilot flame to be maintained). In addition, there is a branch between the tap and the nozzle, which enables the nozzle to be bypassed to dispense a greater amount of gas, thereby having a larger flame. Such bypasses are often closed by a valve core which may be opened by a user operating a lever. In this way, it is possible to move rapidly from the fully closed position of the valve core to the operating position. Thus, the open tap is able to hold the pilot flame and adjust the maximum intensity of the flame in the operating configuration; on the other hand, the lever enables the switch to be switched from the valve core closed and therefore the configuration with only one pilot flame to the full gas distribution position to allow the required operation.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to propose a device for generating flames that allows the components to be optimized, reduces costs, and facilitates assembly and increases reliability.

The technical task set and the aims specified are substantially achieved by means of a device comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims.

Drawings

Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following indicative and therefore non-limiting description of the device for generating flames shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a detail of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a detail of FIG. 2;

fig. 4 shows an alternative solution to the solution of fig. 3.

Detailed Description

In the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes an apparatus for generating a flame. Sometimes in the industry, it is also referred to as a heating device. Typically, it is a torch supplied with combustion gas. Such torches are used, for example, for welding with heat, but may also be used more generally for heating or wherever a flame is required. Torches for welding are well known in the industry.

The device 1 comprises a burner 2, the burner 2 producing a flame intended to be directed to an object located outside the device 1. The user can direct the burner 2 in different directions.

The apparatus 1 comprises a supply line 3 for supplying combustion gases to the burner 2. For example, the gas may be/include butane or propane or another gas. Suitably, the apparatus 1 comprises a tank 60 of combustion gas. Thus, the tank 60 can be fluidly connected to the supply line 3. Suitably, the device 1 is portable.

The apparatus 1 comprises a regulator 4, the regulator 4 regulating the flow of combustion gases along the feed line 3. The regulator 4 enables the user to choose to deliver more or less gas flow. The device 1 comprises an actuator 5 for moving the regulator 4 between the first position and the second position. The first position is an end-of-stroke position and the second position is a general position that allows for better transfer of combustion gases relative to the first position. Suitably, in the second position, the regulator 4 is moved upstream relative to the first position.

The regulator 4 defines a passage 41, the passage 41 allowing, in a first position of the regulator 4, the combustion gases to be transported along the supply line 3 from upstream to downstream of the regulator 4. The passage 41 is also in the second position adopted by the regulator 4 (or at least in another position), allowing the gas to pass between upstream and downstream thereof. In this discussion, the expressions "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the direction of flow of the combustion gases (along the feed line 3).

The regulator 4 comprises a slider 40 movable between a first position and a second position. The passageway 41 traverses the slider 40. In particular, it traverses the thickness of a section of the slider 40. In the first position, the slider 40 does not bypass, but instead has an intersection. The passage 41 communicates the position of the first portion 31 of the supply line 3 upstream of the slide 40 and the second portion 32 of the supply line 3 downstream of the slide 40. The slide 40 is thus part of the valve. The slide 40 may be defined as a piston.

The device 1 comprises a seat 42, the seat 42 defining a housing 420, the slider 40 being located in the housing 420. In particular, the device 1 comprises a valve body 61 defining a seat 42.

Suitably, a gap 43 is interposed between the slider 40 and the seat 42. Preferably, but not necessarily, the gap 43 is annular. Thus, the gap 43 annularly surrounds the slider 40. Thus, the seat 42 includes one or more walls defining a housing 420 (defined as the space bounded by the seat 42). The seat 42 comprises one or more walls externally surrounding and delimiting a gap 43. This gap 43 is defined internally by the slider 40.

In a preferred solution, the slider 40 defines a channel 44 protruding inside the slider 40. This channel 44 essentially defines a hole in the slider 40. Suitably, the channel 44 extends from one end of the slider 40 to the opposite end of the slider 40; suitably, the channel 44 extends parallel to the direction of displacement of the slide 40 between the first and second positions. The slider 40 includes a base 401 and side walls 402 extending from the base 401. Suitably, the base 401 is closed (without one or more vias). Opposite one end of the slider 40 is a base 401 in which a channel 44 opens outwardly.

The slider 40 comprises a sealing zone 62 in sealing contact with an abutment 421 in a first position; the slider 40 (or more precisely the sealing region 62) is further from the abutment 421 in the second position than in the first position and allows the combustion gases to flow between the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 via the space between the slider 40 and the abutment 421. Suitably, in both the first position of the slider 40, where the gas flow will be transmitted through the valve defined by the combination of the slider 40 and the abutment 421, and the second position, where the gas flow will be transmitted through the slider, where the gas flow will be transmitted through the interface between the sealing region 62 of the slider 40 and the abutment 421. As already explained before, in the first position, the gas flow will not cross the interface between the sealing zone 62 of the slider 40 and the abutment 421.

Suitably, the valve body 61 (in particular the seat 42) defines an abutment 421, the slider 40 (or more precisely the sealing zone 62) abutting the abutment 421 in the first position. Suitably, the slider 40 (in particular the sealing region 62) comprises at least a sealing means 422 (e.g. a gasket) intended to be in contact with the abutment 421 in the first position.

The slider 40 includes an aperture 45, the aperture 45 traversing a sidewall 402 of the slider 40, connecting the gap 43 and the channel 44. Suitably, the hole 45 extends in a direction transverse or rather orthogonal to the direction of movement of the slide 40 between the first and second positions. The gap 43 is intended to be in fluid communication with the burner 2 and is located downstream of the channel 44 along the feed line 3. Suitably, the holes 45 have an orthogonal cross section between 0.017 square millimeters and 0.071 square millimeters. Suitably, the diameter of the aperture 45 is between 0.15 mm and 0.30 mm.

The gap 43, the channel 44 and the hole 45 are part of a supply line 3 for supplying combustion gas to the burner 2. In the second position, the gap 43 is in fluid communication with the first portion 31 of the feed line 3 through the space between the slider 40 and the abutment 421.

In the first position, this interface is closed and gas can only be transferred through the holes 45 to maintain the pilot flame. In the second position, the interface is open and allows more gas to flow out.

Suitably, the device 1 comprises elastic means 9 pushing the slide 40 from the second position to the first position. This elastic means 9 thus tends to return the slider 40 to the minimum gas dispensing position (in the absence of an external force applied by the operator through the actuator 5). In the absence of an external force applied by the operator through the actuator 5, the first position is also maintained due to the gas pressure upstream of the portion 31 (which pushes the slide 40). Suitably, the housing 420 includes a mechanical stop 90, the mechanical stop 90 being drilled and disposed upstream of the slide 40. This mechanical stop 90 may be a drill plug or a sigma ring or washer type stop. The elastic means 9 extend between the stop 90 and the slide 40. In particular, the elastic means 9 comprise a helical spring which releases the elastic force onto the slider 40 from one side and onto the stop 90 from the other side. Suitably, the valve body 61 comprises an inlet 610. This inlet 610 is threaded to allow connection with a conduit upstream of the supply line 3. Suitably, the inlet 610 is threaded. Preferably, the threads are located on the outer surface of the inlet 620. Typically, this outer cylinder is cylindrical.

Suitably, the device 1 comprises a handle 6. This handle 6 is intended to be held by the hand of the operator. The actuator 5 is located at the handle 6. Suitably, the regulator 4 is located upstream of the actuator 5.

The regulator 4 is located upstream of the actuator 6. In particular, the supply line 3 comprises a section 34 that transitions in the handle 6. The flow regulator 4 is located upstream of the section 34. This may enable the elimination of extension pipes and coupling nuts (which may be integrated into the valve body 61 housing the regulator 4). Thus, assembly is easier and the risk of leakage is reduced. Suitably, the section 34 is part of an integral conduit which extends as far as the burner 2.

In a preferred solution, the actuator 5 is a lever 50 that can be actuated by an operator. Suitably, the handle 6 accommodates a portion of the lever 50. The handle 6 includes a recess 63 and a portion of the lever 50 extends outwardly from the recess 63, at least in the first position of the adjuster 4. In this way, the operator is enabled to reach the lever 50.

Suitably, the apparatus 1 comprises an adjusting tap 7, the adjusting tap 7 adjusting the flow of combustion gases along the feed line 3. In the solution illustrated in the figures, the tap 7 is located downstream of the regulator 4.

The adjusting tap 7 can be adjusted independently of the flow regulator 4. The tap 7 is suitably driven by a rotatable knob. The lever 50 places the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 in communication without causing gas to be transferred through the aperture 45. Thus, in order to control the normal operation of the device 1, the operator intervenes in the actuator 5, in particular in the lever 50. The tap 7 defines the maximum intensity of the flame at the moment the actuator 5 is fully driven.

Suitably, the device 1 comprises a recess 46, the recess 46 being intended to accommodate the end of a duct 47 extending as far as the burner 2. This recess 46 defines an outlet 620 (suitably the only one) of the valve body 61. The conduit 47 extends for example along two associated and connected straight lines. The burner 2 comprises a duct 20, for example, with a cross section greater than the duct 47. However, in one alternative, the conduit 20 may have a cross section that is smaller or larger than the conduit 47.

In one particular and non-limiting solution, the burner 2 may be connected to the duct 47 by means of an elastic sealing element (e.g. belleville washers).

Suitably, the recess 46 is accommodated at the end of the section 34 that transitions in the handle 6. Advantageously, the recess 46 may be threaded. The section 34 is advantageously screwed to the recess 46 or by interference coupling. Suitably, the tap 7 is interposed between the recess 46 and the gap 43. Advantageously, the valve body 61 (in particular the same unitary body) defines the housing 420 and the recess 46 in different regions. The unitary body is a single piece, rather than an assembly. In particular, the housing 420 and the recess 46 are open towards the exterior of the body. Suitably, the housing 420 and recess 46 open outwardly in opposite directions. Suitably, the tap 7 is at least partially coupled with the body.

In one particular embodiment (see, e.g., fig. 4), the apparatus 1 includes a pressure regulating system 80 downstream of the regulator 4 (when the user drives the actuator 5 and the slider 40 is not in the first position). Suitably, this system 80 is designed to maintain the pressure downstream of the regulator 4 (when the regulator 4 is not in the first position) within a range close to 3 bar, so as to allow correct operation.

The device 1, in particular the system 80, comprises a counter spring 8, the counter spring 8 counter displacing the regulator 4 from the first position to the second position. In this way, the effect of overpressure is counteracted. This is particularly useful if the device 1 is in a "direct contact" state, i.e. without a regulator of maximum pressure of the gas upstream of the regulator 4 (the solution of fig. 3 without counter-springs 8 is suitably used in a system in which there is a regulator of pressure of the gas upstream of the regulator 4). The counter spring 8 prevents the slider 40 from opening excessively. This enables optimal working conditions to be obtained. The counter-spring 8 (when the user drives the actuator 5 and the slide 40 is not in the first position) performs an action against the pressure upstream of the regulator 4 and the elastic means 9 and aims to cause a pressure drop such that the pressure downstream of the regulator 4 is about 3 bar. This is a dynamic force balance. Suitably, the valve body 61 comprises guiding means 64 for guiding the stem of the slider. This guide 64 comprises a wall which opens through an opening external to the valve body 61 and is interposed between the seat 42 and the opening. Suitably, the counter spring 8 may be at one end of the rod of the slider 40.

The present invention achieves important advantages.

First, it allows the component to be optimized. In particular, the use of a regulator provided with a passage capable of sustaining a pilot flame avoids the use of the auxiliary burner nozzle described with reference to the prior art. Optimizing (and thus reducing) the components further reduces the risk of joint rupture or hydrodynamic leakage. Furthermore, reducing the passage inside the monolithic body housing the regulator can reduce the risk of clogging and also present fewer problems related to the processing of the material. In addition, it allows to eliminate critical assembly steps that require subsequent testing or may lead to problems (leaks, misalignments or fragility).

As contemplated, the present invention is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the inventive concept characterized thereby. Furthermore, all the details may be replaced with other technically equivalent elements. In practice, all materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements.

Claims

1. An apparatus for generating a flame, the apparatus comprising:

-a burner (2), said burner (2) generating a flame intended to be directed outside the apparatus;

-a supply line (3), said supply line (3) supplying combustion gas to said burner (2);

-a flow regulator (4), said flow regulator (4) regulating the combustion gases along said feed line (3);

an actuator (5), the actuator (5) moving the regulator (4) between a first position and a second position; the first position is an end-of-stroke position, and the second position is a position that allows more combustion gas to pass than the first position;

characterized in that the regulator defines a passage (41), said passage (41) allowing, at least in said first position of the regulator (4), the transfer of combustion gases along the feed line (3) from upstream to downstream of the regulator (4).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the regulator (4) comprises a slider (40), the slider (40) being movable between the first and second positions; -said passage (41) traversing said slider (40) and placing in communication a first portion (31) and a second portion (32) of said feed line (3); the first portion (31) is disposed upstream of the slider (40) and the second portion (32) is disposed downstream of the slider (40).

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the slider (40) comprises a sealing region (62), the sealing region (62) being in contact with an abutment (421) in the first position; in the second position, the sealing region (62) is further from the abutment (421) than in the first position, and combustion gas is allowed to flow between the first portion (31) and the second portion (32) via a space between the sealing region (62) of the slider (40) and the abutment (421).

4. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that the device comprises: a seat (42), said seat (42) defining a housing (420) in which said slider (40) is housed; -a gap (43), the gap (43) being interposed between the slider (40) and the seat (42);

the slider (40) defines:

-a channel (44), said channel (44) protruding inside said slider (40); and

-a hole (45), said hole (45) crossing the side wall of said slider (40), connecting said gap (43) and said channel (44); said gap (43) is intended to be in fluid communication with said burner (2) and is located downstream of said channel (44) along said feed line (3);

-said gap (43), said channel (44), said hole (45) being part of said supply line (3) for supplying combustion gases to said burner (2);

in the second position, the gap (43) is in fluid communication with the first portion (31) of the feed line (3) through a space between the sealing region (62) of the slider (40) and the abutment (421).

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a handle (6); the actuator (5) is placed at the handle (6).

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the supply line (3) comprises a section (34) that transitions in the handle (6); the flow regulator (4) is placed upstream of the section (34).

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (5) is a lever (50) that can be actuated by an operator.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus comprises an adjusting tap (7), which adjusting tap (7) adjusts the flow of combustion gases along the feed line (3), which adjusting tap (7) is adjustable independently of the flow regulator (4).

9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a counter spring (8), said counter spring (8) counteracting the displacement of the regulator (4) from the first position to the second position, counteracting the effect of overpressure.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a torch.