EP3271641A2 - A digital valve assembly - Google Patents

A digital valve assembly

Info

Publication number
EP3271641A2
EP3271641A2 EP16710228.4A EP16710228A EP3271641A2 EP 3271641 A2 EP3271641 A2 EP 3271641A2 EP 16710228 A EP16710228 A EP 16710228A EP 3271641 A2 EP3271641 A2 EP 3271641A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
digital valve
valve assembly
wireless charging
point
cylinder
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP16710228.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Christine KANDZIORA
Colin HADEN
Andy RHODES
Brian Jacobsen
Jon Spratley
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Linde GmbH
Original Assignee
Linde GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Linde GmbH filed Critical Linde GmbH
Publication of EP3271641A2 publication Critical patent/EP3271641A2/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/04—Arrangement or mounting of valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0153—Details of mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0157—Details of mounting arrangements for transport
    • F17C2205/0165—Details of mounting arrangements for transport with handgrip
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0308—Protective caps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0326—Valves electrically actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0388—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters
    • F17C2205/0394—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters in direct contact with the pressure vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/035—High pressure (>10 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/034—Control means using wireless transmissions
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0443—Flow or movement of content
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0478—Position or presence
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0486—Indicating or measuring characterised by the location
    • F17C2250/0491—Parameters measured at or inside the vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/01—Improving mechanical properties or manufacturing
    • F17C2260/012—Reducing weight
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/04—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling using an independent energy source, e.g. battery
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/05—Applications for industrial use
    • F17C2270/0545—Tools

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a digital valve for use with a gas cylinder. Specifically, the invention is concerned with charging of the battery.
  • digital valves on gas cylinders.
  • the term digital valve encompasses at least manual valves with electronic sensors,
  • valves with or without sensors, and valves comprising locating and communication devices.
  • Such cylinders are used to supply gas for a range of
  • the various types of digital valve have in common the need for the devices (sensors, actuators, locating devices, and/or communication devices) to be powered electrically.
  • the present invention is concerned with battery powered digital valves.
  • Digital valves require small batteries in order to keep the weight of the assembly (valve and cylinder) to a minimum. Furthermore, the cylinders may be retained for a long time, in some cases in cold environments. There is therefore a technical pressure to conserve the charge of a battery, or provide some means of replacing the battery when the charge is too low.
  • Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a digital valve assembly in accordance with the invention
  • Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a pallet for use with a third embodiment of a digital valve assembly in accordance with the invention
  • Figure 4 shows a modification of the first embodiment
  • Figure 5 shows a modification of the second embodiment; and Figure 6 shows a further preferred embodiment.
  • a first embodiment of a digital valve assembly 1 comprises a cylinder 10, a digital valve 20, and a battery 30.
  • the cylinder 10 may be configured to store a fluid. More particularly, the cylinder 10 may be configured to store a pressurised and/or flammable fluid.
  • the cylinder may comprise a flat base 12 at a first end thereof and an opening 14 at a second end thereof, the second end opposite the first end.
  • a collar 16 may surround the opening.
  • the digital valve 20 may be attached to the cylinder 10 to cover the opening 14.
  • the digital valve 20 may be screwed into a thread formed in the inner surface of a bore in the cylinder 10 forming the opening 14.
  • the digital valve 20 may comprise an outlet, a valve, and a manually-operated or electrically-operated actuator for opening or closing the valve.
  • the valve can be opened, allowing the internal volume of the cylinder to communicate with the outlet, or closed, preventing the internal volume of the cylinder from communicating with the outlet.
  • the valve is referred to as a digital valve 20 because it comprises an electrical load, such as: the (optional) electrically-operated actuator; one or more sensor (s) for sensing a parameter of a fluid stored in the cylinder 10; one or more sensor (s) for sensing a parameter of the environment surrounding the cylinder 10; one or more sensor (s) for sensing a parameter of a fluid flowing through the digital valve 20; a location-sensing device; and/or a communication device (e.g., a wireless communications device) .
  • the electric load is arranged to receive power from the battery 30.
  • the inventors have discovered that it is possible to safely charge the battery 30 by using a wireless charging
  • the digital valve assembly 1 may comprise a wireless charging point 40 that, as shown in Figure 1, may be provided separately from the digital valve 20 or formed integrally therewith.
  • the wireless charging point 40 may be mounted on: the digital valve 20; the cylinder 10, for example, the collar 16 of the cylinder 10; or on a valve guard 70 (as shown in Figure 2 ) .
  • the wireless charging point 40 is arranged to charge the battery 30.
  • the wireless charging point 40 is arranged to receive electricity wirelessly from a wireless transmission point 50.
  • the wireless charging point 40 may comprise an inductive receiver and/or a capacitative receiver.
  • the wireless charging point 40 When the wireless charging point 40 is provided separately, it may be connected to the battery 30 via a cable. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the wireless charging point 40 is mounted on, or forms part of, the top of the digital valve 20. By positioning the wireless charging point 40 in that location, it exposes the wireless charging point 40 for easy alignment with a wireless
  • transmission point 50 in a controlled environment, such as a cylinder filling station.
  • a digital valve recharging system 50, 60 for use with a digital valve assembly 1, 2, 3, there may be provided a digital valve recharging system 50, 60,
  • transmission point 50 for transmitting power wirelessly to the wireless charging point 40.
  • the wireless transmission point 50 forms part of a device that can be placed next to the wireless charging point 40 for charging the battery of the digital valve assembly 1, 2, 3.
  • the wireless transmission point 50 can magnetically engage the wireless charging point 40 so as to maintain appropriate alignment for the transfer of power .
  • the digital valve recharging system comprises a locating member comprising magnetic or a ferromagnetic material.
  • the locating member may be included in a housing encapsulating the wireless transmission point 50.
  • the wireless charging point 40 would include a magnetic
  • a second embodiment of a digital valve assembly 2 may be generally the same as the digital valve assembly 1 of the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, the wireless charging point 40 of the digital valve assembly 2 is mounted on one of the other elements of the digital valve assembly 2.
  • valve guard 70 is provided and the wireless charging point 40 is mounted on the valve guard 70.
  • the valve guard 70 may be made integrally with either the cylinder 10 or the digital valve 20, or may be a separate entity mounted thereon (for example, a threaded part of the digital valve 20 may be screwed into the cylinder 10 through an aperture in the valve guard 70 such that the valve guard 70 is clamped between the cylinder 10 and the digital valve 20) .
  • the valve guard 70 may be formed as a housing extending from the gas cylinder 10 with one or more apertures providing access to the digital valve 20.
  • the valve guard 70 includes an inner surface and an outer surface.
  • the wireless charging point 40 is mounted on the inner surface of the valve guard 70 or within a cavity formed in the valve guard 70 and is oriented to receive power from a wireless transmission point 50 placed on the outer surface of the valve guard 70.
  • the valve guard 70 may comprise a material through which power may be transmitted.
  • the entire valve guard 70 may comprise a material through which power can be transmitted (for example, a material not comprising metal, such as a plastic) .
  • a material not comprising metal such as a plastic
  • an aperture may be formed in a valve guard 70 made from a material through which power cannot be transmitted (for example, metal or a material comprising metal) and a
  • material through which power can be transmitted may be provided within or over the aperture (e.g. filling or covering the aperture) .
  • the digital valve assembly 2 has a protrusion, eye, or connector 72 that is spaced from the wireless charging point 40.
  • the protrusion, eye, or connector 72 will be provided on the guard 70.
  • a protrusion 72 in the form of a churning knob may be provided.
  • a churning knob is a structural feature of a valve guard 70 that assists in movement of the cylinder 10.
  • the digital valve assembly 2 of the second embodiment can be used in conjunction with the digital valve recharging system described above (with or without the magnetic engagement feature) .
  • the digital valve recharging system additionally comprises a tether 52 connected at a first end to the wireless transmission point 50.
  • the tether 52 has a loop or connector 54 (for example, a hook or carabiner) at a second end.
  • a loop or connector 54 for example, a hook or carabiner
  • the loop or connector 54 of the tether 52 may be engaged with the protrusion, eye, or connector 72 of the digital valve assembly 2. This will suspend the wireless transmission point 50 from the valve guard 70.
  • the length of the tether 52 can be chosen such that the wireless transmission point 50 is aligned with the wireless charging point 40 when suspended.
  • the magnetic locating feature discussed above can be used to ensure accurate alignment.
  • the tether 52 can carry the load of the wireless transmission point 50, whilst the magnetic attraction can assure accurate alignment.
  • FIG. 4 shows a version of the first embodiment having corresponding features, but for which the magnetic locating features are optional.
  • the digital valve assembly 4 includes a mechanical locating feature 42, which may be arranged to engage a complementary mechanical locating feature 57 on the wireless transmission point 50.
  • the wireless transmission point 50 is housed in a housing from which protrudes a ridge that can surround the wireless charging point 40 for accurate alignment.
  • the mechanical locating feature 42 is the outer edge of the wireless charging point 40.
  • the mechanical locating feature 57 on the wireless transmission point 50 may be one or more protruding studs that can be inserted within notches forming the mechanical locating feature 42 of the wireless charging point 40.
  • Figure 5 shows a version of the second embodiment having corresponding features, but for which the magnetic locating features are optional.
  • the digital valve assembly 5 includes a mechanical locating feature 42, which is mounted on the valve guard 70.
  • the mechanical locating feature 42 may be arranged to engage a complementary mechanical locating feature 57 on the wireless transmission point 50.
  • the mechanical locating feature 57 is the outer edge of the wireless transmission point 50.
  • the mechanical locating feature 42 is a ridge, protruding from the valve guard 70 of the valve assembly 5, into which may be located the wireless transmission point 50 for accurate alignment.
  • the mechanical locating feature 42 on the wireless transmission point 50 may be one or more protruding studs that can be inserted within notches forming the mechanical locating feature 57 of the wireless
  • a third embodiment of a digital valve assembly 3 may be generally the same as the digital valve assembly 1 of the first embodiment.
  • the digital valve assembly 3 differs from the digital valve assembly 1 in that the wireless charging point 40 is located in a base unit 80 attached to the base 12 of the cylinder 10.
  • the wireless charging point 40 can receive power from below the digital valve assembly 3.
  • Figure 3 also shows an embodiment of a pallet 100 for use with the digital valve assembly 3 of this embodiment. The inventors have realised that the shipping of a cylinder 10 provides an opportunity to charge the batteries 30 of multiple digital valve assemblies simultaneously.
  • a typical pallet for transporting a plurality of cylinders 10 comprises a base 110 for supporting the cylinders 10 and a frame 120 for holding the cylinders in place and in a desired orientation.
  • the pallet 100 of Figure 3 additionally comprises a source of electricity 60 and a plurality of wireless charging points 50 for transmitting power wirelessly to wireless charging points 40 supported by the base 110.
  • the wireless transmission points 50 can be mounted on the frame 120 at a first
  • the wireless charging point 40 can be located on the side of the cylinder 10 at the same first distance from the base 12 of the cylinder 10.
  • Figure 6 shows a further embodiment having features
  • the wireless charging point 40 forms or
  • the wireless charging point 40 may form or surround any part of the valve assembly/cylinder assembly.
  • a wireless charging point 50 for use with such an
  • a pair of capacitative or inductive charging units 50a, 50b which can collectively form a loop for surrounding the wireless charging point 40; and locating means 7 for locating the pair of charging units 50a, 50b in a first position which they form a loop or a second position in which they are separated.
  • the locating means 7 may be a pair of tongs.
  • the battery 30 may be permanently connected to the electronics of the digital valve 20, for example, by being soldered to a PCB of the digital valve 20. Accordingly, the risks of corrosion or battery loosening from vibration are reduced.
  • a cylinder filling station for filling a cylinder and for charging the digital valve may comprise: a source of fluid, and a pump for filling a cylinder; a source of electricity; and a wireless charging point for transmitting power
  • the cylinder filling station further comprises a filling adaptor for attachment to a digital valve assembly.
  • the filling adaptor may carry the wireless charging point.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Fluid-Driven Valves (AREA)

Abstract

A digital valve assembly for controlling the flow of fluid from a cylinder. The valve assembly comprises a digital valve powered by a battery and a wireless charging point for receiving power wirelessly and thereby charging the battery.

Description

A digital valve assembly
The invention relates to a digital valve for use with a gas cylinder. Specifically, the invention is concerned with charging of the battery.
The provision of digital valves on gas cylinders is a recent development in the field. The term digital valve encompasses at least manual valves with electronic sensors,
electrically-actuated valves with or without sensors, and valves comprising locating and communication devices.
Although reference is made to a "cylinder", it will be understood that the invention is applicable broadly to all portable pressurised gas containers whether they are
strictly in the form of a cylinder or not.
Such cylinders are used to supply gas for a range of
applications including welding and cutting hoses and
torches, gas packaging machines and laboratory equipment.
The various types of digital valve have in common the need for the devices (sensors, actuators, locating devices, and/or communication devices) to be powered electrically. The present invention is concerned with battery powered digital valves.
Digital valves require small batteries in order to keep the weight of the assembly (valve and cylinder) to a minimum. Furthermore, the cylinders may be retained for a long time, in some cases in cold environments. There is therefore a technical pressure to conserve the charge of a battery, or provide some means of replacing the battery when the charge is too low.
In view of the safety requirements associated with attaching a power supply to a cylinder that may store a flammable and/or pressurised fluid, recharging has not previously been a viable option. Whilst the current prejudice in the field is to provide replaceable batteries, the inventors have sought a safe way of recharging batteries forming part of a digital valve assembly.
Accordingly, there is provided a digital valve assembly defined by claim 1. For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be put into effect, reference is now made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a digital valve
assembly in accordance with the invention;
Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a digital valve assembly in accordance with the invention;
Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a pallet for use with a third embodiment of a digital valve assembly in accordance with the invention;
Figure 4 shows a modification of the first embodiment;
Figure 5 shows a modification of the second embodiment; and Figure 6 shows a further preferred embodiment.
As can be seen in Figure 1, a first embodiment of a digital valve assembly 1 comprises a cylinder 10, a digital valve 20, and a battery 30. The cylinder 10 may be configured to store a fluid. More particularly, the cylinder 10 may be configured to store a pressurised and/or flammable fluid. As is known in the field, the cylinder may comprise a flat base 12 at a first end thereof and an opening 14 at a second end thereof, the second end opposite the first end. A collar 16 may surround the opening.
The digital valve 20 may be attached to the cylinder 10 to cover the opening 14. For example, the digital valve 20 may be screwed into a thread formed in the inner surface of a bore in the cylinder 10 forming the opening 14.
The digital valve 20 may comprise an outlet, a valve, and a manually-operated or electrically-operated actuator for opening or closing the valve. The valve can be opened, allowing the internal volume of the cylinder to communicate with the outlet, or closed, preventing the internal volume of the cylinder from communicating with the outlet.
The valve is referred to as a digital valve 20 because it comprises an electrical load, such as: the (optional) electrically-operated actuator; one or more sensor (s) for sensing a parameter of a fluid stored in the cylinder 10; one or more sensor (s) for sensing a parameter of the environment surrounding the cylinder 10; one or more sensor (s) for sensing a parameter of a fluid flowing through the digital valve 20; a location-sensing device; and/or a communication device (e.g., a wireless communications device) . The electric load is arranged to receive power from the battery 30.
The inventors have discovered that it is possible to safely charge the battery 30 by using a wireless charging
connection. In this way, the safety issues relating to electrically connecting the digital valve to a grid
electricity supply can be avoided. Accordingly, the digital valve assembly 1 may comprise a wireless charging point 40 that, as shown in Figure 1, may be provided separately from the digital valve 20 or formed integrally therewith. The wireless charging point 40 may be mounted on: the digital valve 20; the cylinder 10, for example, the collar 16 of the cylinder 10; or on a valve guard 70 (as shown in Figure 2 ) . The wireless charging point 40 is arranged to charge the battery 30. The wireless charging point 40 is arranged to receive electricity wirelessly from a wireless transmission point 50. The wireless charging point 40 may comprise an inductive receiver and/or a capacitative receiver.
When the wireless charging point 40 is provided separately, it may be connected to the battery 30 via a cable. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the wireless charging point 40 is mounted on, or forms part of, the top of the digital valve 20. By positioning the wireless charging point 40 in that location, it exposes the wireless charging point 40 for easy alignment with a wireless
transmission point 50 in a controlled environment, such as a cylinder filling station.
For use with a digital valve assembly 1, 2, 3, there may be provided a digital valve recharging system 50, 60,
comprising a source of electricity 60 and a wireless
transmission point 50 for transmitting power wirelessly to the wireless charging point 40.
The wireless transmission point 50 forms part of a device that can be placed next to the wireless charging point 40 for charging the battery of the digital valve assembly 1, 2, 3. In preferred embodiments, the wireless transmission point 50 can magnetically engage the wireless charging point 40 so as to maintain appropriate alignment for the transfer of power . Preferably, the digital valve recharging system comprises a locating member comprising magnetic or a ferromagnetic material. The locating member may be included in a housing encapsulating the wireless transmission point 50. The wireless charging point 40 would include a magnetic
component positioned such that the power transmission components of the wireless transmission point 50 are
appropriately aligned with the power reception components of the wireless charging point 40. As can be seen in Figure 2, a second embodiment of a digital valve assembly 2 may be generally the same as the digital valve assembly 1 of the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, the wireless charging point 40 of the digital valve assembly 2 is mounted on one of the other elements of the digital valve assembly 2.
In this second embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, a valve guard 70 is provided and the wireless charging point 40 is mounted on the valve guard 70. The valve guard 70 may be made integrally with either the cylinder 10 or the digital valve 20, or may be a separate entity mounted thereon (for example, a threaded part of the digital valve 20 may be screwed into the cylinder 10 through an aperture in the valve guard 70 such that the valve guard 70 is clamped between the cylinder 10 and the digital valve 20) .
The valve guard 70 may be formed as a housing extending from the gas cylinder 10 with one or more apertures providing access to the digital valve 20. The valve guard 70 includes an inner surface and an outer surface.
Preferably, the wireless charging point 40 is mounted on the inner surface of the valve guard 70 or within a cavity formed in the valve guard 70 and is oriented to receive power from a wireless transmission point 50 placed on the outer surface of the valve guard 70. In which case, the valve guard 70 may comprise a material through which power may be transmitted.
The entire valve guard 70 may comprise a material through which power can be transmitted (for example, a material not comprising metal, such as a plastic) . Alternatively, an aperture may be formed in a valve guard 70 made from a material through which power cannot be transmitted (for example, metal or a material comprising metal) and a
material through which power can be transmitted may be provided within or over the aperture (e.g. filling or covering the aperture) .
In preferred embodiments, the digital valve assembly 2 has a protrusion, eye, or connector 72 that is spaced from the wireless charging point 40. Preferably, the protrusion, eye, or connector 72 will be provided on the guard 70. For example, a protrusion 72 in the form of a churning knob may be provided. A churning knob is a structural feature of a valve guard 70 that assists in movement of the cylinder 10.
The digital valve assembly 2 of the second embodiment can be used in conjunction with the digital valve recharging system described above (with or without the magnetic engagement feature) . Preferably, the digital valve recharging system additionally comprises a tether 52 connected at a first end to the wireless transmission point 50.
The tether 52 has a loop or connector 54 (for example, a hook or carabiner) at a second end.
In use, therefore, the loop or connector 54 of the tether 52 may be engaged with the protrusion, eye, or connector 72 of the digital valve assembly 2. This will suspend the wireless transmission point 50 from the valve guard 70. The length of the tether 52 can be chosen such that the wireless transmission point 50 is aligned with the wireless charging point 40 when suspended.
When the wireless charging point 40 is provided at a single location around the circumference of the valve guard 70, the magnetic locating feature discussed above can be used to ensure accurate alignment. In this way, the tether 52 can carry the load of the wireless transmission point 50, whilst the magnetic attraction can assure accurate alignment.
As an alternative to the magnetic locating feature of the first two embodiments, or in additional thereto, there may also be provided a mechanical alignment feature. Figure 4 shows a version of the first embodiment having corresponding features, but for which the magnetic locating features are optional. The digital valve assembly 4 includes a mechanical locating feature 42, which may be arranged to engage a complementary mechanical locating feature 57 on the wireless transmission point 50. As shown in Figure 4, the wireless transmission point 50 is housed in a housing from which protrudes a ridge that can surround the wireless charging point 40 for accurate alignment. Accordingly, in this example the mechanical locating feature 42 is the outer edge of the wireless charging point 40.
As alternative examples, the mechanical locating feature 57 on the wireless transmission point 50 may be one or more protruding studs that can be inserted within notches forming the mechanical locating feature 42 of the wireless charging point 40. Figure 5 shows a version of the second embodiment having corresponding features, but for which the magnetic locating features are optional. The digital valve assembly 5 includes a mechanical locating feature 42, which is mounted on the valve guard 70. The mechanical locating feature 42 may be arranged to engage a complementary mechanical locating feature 57 on the wireless transmission point 50. In this example, the mechanical locating feature 57 is the outer edge of the wireless transmission point 50. As shown in Figure 5, the mechanical locating feature 42 is a ridge, protruding from the valve guard 70 of the valve assembly 5, into which may be located the wireless transmission point 50 for accurate alignment. As alternative examples, the mechanical locating feature 42 on the wireless transmission point 50 may be one or more protruding studs that can be inserted within notches forming the mechanical locating feature 57 of the wireless
transmission point 50.
As can be seen in Figure 3, a third embodiment of a digital valve assembly 3 may be generally the same as the digital valve assembly 1 of the first embodiment. The digital valve assembly 3 differs from the digital valve assembly 1 in that the wireless charging point 40 is located in a base unit 80 attached to the base 12 of the cylinder 10. Thus, the wireless charging point 40 can receive power from below the digital valve assembly 3. Figure 3 also shows an embodiment of a pallet 100 for use with the digital valve assembly 3 of this embodiment. The inventors have realised that the shipping of a cylinder 10 provides an opportunity to charge the batteries 30 of multiple digital valve assemblies simultaneously.
A typical pallet for transporting a plurality of cylinders 10 comprises a base 110 for supporting the cylinders 10 and a frame 120 for holding the cylinders in place and in a desired orientation.
The pallet 100 of Figure 3 additionally comprises a source of electricity 60 and a plurality of wireless charging points 50 for transmitting power wirelessly to wireless charging points 40 supported by the base 110.
In an alternative embodiment, the wireless transmission points 50 can be mounted on the frame 120 at a first
distance from the base 110 of the pallet 100, and the wireless charging point 40 can be located on the side of the cylinder 10 at the same first distance from the base 12 of the cylinder 10.
Figure 6 shows a further embodiment having features
corresponding to those embodiments described above. However, in Figure 6, the wireless charging point 40 forms or
surrounds the neck or collar 16 of the valve assembly (the neck or collar may extend from either the valve 20 or the cylinder 10, in the latter case, the valve 20 and cylinder 10 form part of a valve assembly/cylinder assembly) . In general, the wireless charging point 40 may form or surround any part of the valve assembly/cylinder assembly.
A wireless charging point 50, for use with such an
embodiment, may comprise: a pair of capacitative or inductive charging units 50a, 50b, which can collectively form a loop for surrounding the wireless charging point 40; and locating means 7 for locating the pair of charging units 50a, 50b in a first position which they form a loop or a second position in which they are separated.
The locating means 7 may be a pair of tongs.
The various apparatus described above provide the
opportunity to recharge a battery 30 forming part of a digital valve assembly 1, 2. Accordingly, the battery 30 may be permanently connected to the electronics of the digital valve 20, for example, by being soldered to a PCB of the digital valve 20. Accordingly, the risks of corrosion or battery loosening from vibration are reduced.
A cylinder filling station for filling a cylinder and for charging the digital valve may comprise: a source of fluid, and a pump for filling a cylinder; a source of electricity; and a wireless charging point for transmitting power
wirelessly. Preferably, the cylinder filling station further comprises a filling adaptor for attachment to a digital valve assembly. In which case, the filling adaptor may carry the wireless charging point.

Claims

CLAIMS :
1. A digital valve assembly for controlling the flow of fluid from a cylinder, the digital valve assembly
comprising:
a digital valve;
a battery in communication with the digital valve for providing power thereto; and
a wireless charging point for receiving power
wirelessly and thereby charging the battery.
2. The digital valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the wireless charging point is separate from the digital valve and is in communication with the battery via a cable.
3. The digital valve assembly of claim 1, further
comprising a cylinder, wherein:
the digital valve is arranged to control the flow of fluid to or from the cylinder; and
the wireless charging point is mounted on the cylinder.
4. The digital valve assembly of claim 3, wherein:
the cylinder comprises a collar surrounding an opening; the digital valve covers the opening; and
the wireless charging point is mounted on the collar.
5. The digital valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the wireless charging point is mounted on the digital valve.
6. The digital valve assembly of claim 1, further
comprising a valve guard, wherein the wireless charging point is mounted on the valve guard or within a cavity formed in the valve guard.
7. The digital valve assembly of claim 6, wherein the valve guard comprises a first material that permits the transmission of power.
8. The digital valve assembly of claim 7, wherein the valve guard comprises a second material that prevents the transmission of power with an aperture and the first
material is located within or over the aperture.
9. The digital valve assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the wireless charging point comprises one or more of an inductive receiver and/or a capacitative receiver.
10. The digital valve assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the battery is permanently affixed to the digital valve .
11. The digital valve assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising a magnet for locating a wireless
transmission point that has a magnetic or a ferromagnetic material .
12. A system comprising a digital valve recharging system and the digital valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the digital valve recharging system comprises a source of electricity and a wireless transmission point for transmitting power wirelessly.
13. A system comprising a digital valve recharging system and the digital valve assembly of claim 11, wherein:
the digital valve recharging system comprises a source of electricity and a wireless transmission point for
transmitting power wirelessly;
the digital valve recharging system comprises a
locating member comprising a magnetic or a ferromagnetic material; and
the locating member is positioned such that the
wireless transmission point is aligned with the wireless charging point when the magnet is aligned with the locating member .
14. The system of claims 12 or claim 13, wherein:
the digital valve recharging system comprises a
locating member comprising a protrusion or depression, which is arranged to engage with the digital valve assembly such that the wireless transmission point is aligned with the wireless charging point when engaged.
15. The system of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein:
the digital valve assembly comprises a locating member comprising a protrusion or depression, which is arranged to engage with the digital valve recharging system such that the wireless transmission point is aligned with the wireless charging point when engaged.
16. The system of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the digital valve recharging system comprises a tether connected at a first end to the wireless transmission point and having a loop, eye, or connector at a second end.
17. A system of claim 16, wherein:
the digital valve assembly has a protrusion or
connector that is spaced from the wireless charging point; and
the tether has a length that can align the wireless transmission point with the wireless charging point when the second end is looped around or connected to the protrusion or connector that is spaced from the wireless charging point .
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the digital valve assembly has a protrusion in the form of a churning knob.
19. A digital valve recharging system, comprising:
a source of electricity; and
a wireless transmission point for transmitting power wirelessly,
wherein :
the wireless transmission point comprises at least two charging units;
the recharging system further comprises locating means for moving the pair of charging units between a first position in which they form a loop and a second position in which they are separated.
20. A system comprising the digital valve recharging system of claim 19 and the digital valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the wireless charging point extends around the circumference of one of the digital valve and the cylinder.
21. A cylinder filling station, comprising: a source of fluid, and a pump for filling a cylinder; a source of electricity; and
a wireless charging point for transmitting power wirelessly .
22. The cylinder filling station of claim 21, further comprising a filling adaptor for attachment to a digital valve assembly, wherein the filling adaptor carries the wireless charging point.
23. A pallet for cylinders, comprising:
a base for supporting a plurality of cylinders
a frame for holding the cylinders in place;
a source of electricity; and
a wireless charging point for transmitting power wirelessly .
24. The pallet of claim 23, comprising a plurality of wireless transmission points for transmitting power
wirelessly, the wireless transmission points being mounted on the base or the frame.
25. The pallet of claim 24, wherein:
the wireless transmission points are mounted on or in the base;
the frame is arranged for locating each of a plurality of cylinders over a respective wireless transmission point.
26. A system comprising the pallet of claim 25 and the digital valve assembly of claim 3, wherein the wireless charging point is mounted on or forms a base of the
cylinder .
EP16710228.4A 2015-03-17 2016-03-17 A digital valve assembly Withdrawn EP3271641A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201504457A GB201504457D0 (en) 2015-03-17 2015-03-17 A digital valve system
PCT/EP2016/055835 WO2016146762A2 (en) 2015-03-17 2016-03-17 A digital valve assembly

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3271641A2 true EP3271641A2 (en) 2018-01-24

Family

ID=53016236

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16710228.4A Withdrawn EP3271641A2 (en) 2015-03-17 2016-03-17 A digital valve assembly

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3271641A2 (en)
GB (1) GB201504457D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2016146762A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2565068A (en) * 2017-07-31 2019-02-06 Linde Ag Energy harvesting fluid storage apparatus

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2725005B1 (en) * 1994-09-27 1997-01-10 Delattre Sylvain ELECTRICAL TIME MANAGEMENT DEVICE FOR ELECTROVALVES
JP4874948B2 (en) * 2007-12-28 2012-02-15 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Safety valve device, valve device, high-pressure gas tank, and vehicle
US20140196788A1 (en) * 2013-01-14 2014-07-17 Dallas Taft Storage Tank Control Valve System

Also Published As

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WO2016146762A2 (en) 2016-09-22
WO2016146762A3 (en) 2017-06-15
GB201504457D0 (en) 2015-04-29
WO2016146762A9 (en) 2017-04-20

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