EP3271642A1 - A digital valve assembly - Google Patents

A digital valve assembly

Info

Publication number
EP3271642A1
EP3271642A1 EP16710232.6A EP16710232A EP3271642A1 EP 3271642 A1 EP3271642 A1 EP 3271642A1 EP 16710232 A EP16710232 A EP 16710232A EP 3271642 A1 EP3271642 A1 EP 3271642A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
digital valve
valve assembly
wireless charging
point
charging point
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Withdrawn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
EP16710232.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Colin HADEN
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 EP3271642A1 publication Critical patent/EP3271642A1/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Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current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
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F17C2201/0109—Shape cylindrical with exteriorly curved end-piece
    • 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
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F17C2201/0119—Shape cylindrical with flat end-piece
    • 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
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/056—Small (<1 m3)
    • 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
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/058—Size portable (<30 l)
    • 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
    • F17C2205/0103—Exterior arrangements
    • F17C2205/0107—Frames
    • 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
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0329—Valves manually 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
    • 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
    • F17C2250/0486—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
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/06—Controlling or regulating of parameters as output values
    • F17C2250/0605—Parameters
    • F17C2250/0636—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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a digital valve for use with a gas cylinder. Specifically, the invention is concerned with charging of the store of charge.
  • 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.
  • 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 particularly concerned with battery or capacitor 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 5 shows a modification of the second embodiment; and Figure 6 shows a further preferred embodiment.
  • 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 store of charge 30.
  • the inventors have discovered that it is possible to safely charge the store of charge 30 by using a wireless charging connection. In this way, the safety issues relating to electrically connecting the digital valve to a grid
  • 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 store of charge 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 and/or a magnetic receiver .
  • 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,
  • the 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 store of charge 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 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) .
  • 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
  • the tether 52 has a loop or connector 54 (for example, a hook or carabiner) at a second end.
  • 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
  • a mechanical alignment feature 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 digital valve assembly comprises: a digital valve; a store of charge in communication with the digital valve for providing power thereto; and a magnetic resonance wireless charging point for receiving power wirelessly via magnetic resonant coupling and thereby charging the store of charge.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a digital valve for use with a gas cylinder (10). Specifically, the invention is concerned with charging of the store of charge (30). A digital valve assembly (1) for controlling the flow of fluid from a cylinder (10), the digital valve assembly (1) comprising: a digital valve (20); a store of charge (30) in communication with the digital valve (20) for providing power thereto; and a wireless charging point (40) for receiving power wirelessly and thereby charging the store of charge (30).

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 store of charge.
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 particularly concerned with battery or capacitor 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 store of charge such as a battery or capacitor (or supercapacitor) 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 store of charge 30.
The inventors have discovered that it is possible to safely charge the store of charge 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 store of charge 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 and/or a magnetic receiver .
When the wireless charging point 40 is provided separately, it may be connected to the store of charge 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 store of charge 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 magnetic or 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 store of charge 30 forming part of a digital valve assembly 1, 2. Accordingly, the store of charge 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 loosening of the store of charge 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. Whereas in the embodiments described above, it is preferred to use some means of aligning the wireless charging points 40 with the wireless transmission points 50, this is not always necessary. Modern wireless charging systems, in particular, magnetic resonance wireless charging systems can provide power transfer over distances greater than that of inductive or capacitative wireless charging systems.
The inventors have therefore envisaged a magnetic-charging digital valve system comprising a magnetic resonance power transmitter and a digital valve assembly. The magnetic resonance power transmitter preferably
comprises one or more coil (s) embedded in, or mounted on, the wall of a room in which the digital valve assemblies may be stored. The digital valve assembly comprises: a digital valve; a store of charge in communication with the digital valve for providing power thereto; and a magnetic resonance wireless charging point for receiving power wirelessly via magnetic resonant coupling and thereby charging the store of charge.
Such a digital valve assembly may have the additional features of the previous embodiments. However, in addition, or instead, it is preferable to provide the digital valve assembly with alignment means for indicating an alignment between the magnetic resonance wireless charging point and the magnetic resonance power transmitter. The alignment means may comprise a visual or auditory indicator for indicating to a user alignment and/or misalignment of the magnetic resonance wireless charging point and the magnetic resonance power transmitter. For example, an indicator may be provided on the digital valve assembly to indicate the direction of a sensed
magnetic resonance power transmitter, or to indicate the strength of reception of power from a magnetic resonance power transmitter. An auditory example would be that upon pressing a button on the digital valve, a beep indicates that the strength of reception of power from a magnetic resonance power transmitter is above or below a threshold so that the user may adjust the positioning of the digital valve assembly.
In preferred embodiments of a digital valve assembly for use in a magnetic-charging digital valve system, a capacitor is preferably used as a store of charge. Most preferably, a supercapacitor (or ultracapacitor) is used. It has been found that the combination of capacitors or, in particular, supercapacitors (or ultracapacitors ) with magnetic charging is particularly advantageous in view of the speed of charging achievable with capacitors.
Information about magnetic charging can be found in the following references:
• Fareq, M. et al . (2014) Low wireless power transfer using Inductive Coupling for mobile phone charger. Journal of Physics: Conference Series 495
• Mou, X. and Hongjian, S. (2015) Wireless Power
Transfer: Survey and Roadmap. Proceedings of IEEE VTC 2015 Spring Workshop on ICT4SG
Van Noorden, R. (2014) A better battery. Nature (507), 26-28
• Waters, T.A. (2010) Wireless Charging System Using Inductive Coupling - thesis abstract • Wei X. et al (2014) A critical review of wireless power transfer via strongly coupled magnetic resonances. Energies 7, 4316-4341.
• Zhu et al . (2015) Review of Magnetic Coupling Resonance Wireless Energy Transmission. International Journal Service,
Science and Technology 8(2), 257-272

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 store of charge in communication with the digital valve for providing power thereto; and
a wireless charging point for receiving power
wirelessly and thereby charging the store of charge.
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 store of charge 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 and/or a magnetic resonance receiver.
10. The digital valve assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the store of charge 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. The digital valve assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the wireless charging point is a magnetic wireless charging point for receiving power wirelessly via magnetic resonant coupling and the store of charge is a capacitor, supercapacitor, or ultracapacitor .
13. The digital valve assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising means for indicating alignment of the wireless charging point with a wireless transmission point.
14. A system comprising a digital valve recharging system and the digital valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the digital valve recharging system comprises a source of electricity and a wireless transmission point for transmitting power wirelessly.
15. A system comprising a digital valve recharging system and the digital valve assembly of claim 13, 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 .
16. The system of claims 14 or claim 15, 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.
17. The system of any one of claims 14 to 16, 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.
18. The system of any one of claims 14 to 17, 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.
19. The system of claim 18, 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.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the digital valve assembly has a protrusion in the form of a churning knob.
21. 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.
22. A system comprising the digital valve recharging system of claim 21 and the digital valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the wireless charging point extends around the circumference of one of the digital valve and the cylinder .
23. 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 .
24. The cylinder filling station of claim 23, further comprising a filling adaptor for attachment to a digital valve assembly, wherein the filling adaptor carries the wireless charging point.
25. 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 .
26. The pallet of claim 25, comprising a plurality of wireless transmission points for transmitting power wirelessly, the wireless transmission points being mounted on the base or the frame.
27. The pallet of claim 26, 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.
28. A system comprising the pallet of claim 27 and the digital valve assembly of claim 3, wherein the wireless charging point is mounted on or forms a base of the
cylinder .
29. A system comprising the digital valve assembly of claim 12 or claim 13 and a digital valve recharging system
comprising a magnetic resonance power transmitter comprising one or more coil (s) embedded in, or mounted on, a wall.
EP16710232.6A 2015-03-17 2016-03-17 A digital valve assembly Withdrawn EP3271642A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201504453A GB201504453D0 (en) 2015-03-17 2015-03-17 A digital valve assembly
PCT/EP2016/055846 WO2016146766A1 (en) 2015-03-17 2016-03-17 A digital valve assembly

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3271642A1 true EP3271642A1 (en) 2018-01-24

Family

ID=53016233

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16710232.6A Withdrawn EP3271642A1 (en) 2015-03-17 2016-03-17 A digital valve assembly

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3271642A1 (en)
GB (1) GB201504453D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2016146766A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2288103B (en) * 1994-03-25 1998-02-25 Hughes Microelectronics Europa Through Metal RF coupler
FR2725005B1 (en) * 1994-09-27 1997-01-10 Delattre Sylvain ELECTRICAL TIME MANAGEMENT DEVICE FOR ELECTROVALVES
US7482928B2 (en) * 2001-12-28 2009-01-27 Private Pallet Security Systems, Llc Mini pallet-box moving container
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

Publication number Publication date
WO2016146766A1 (en) 2016-09-22
GB201504453D0 (en) 2015-04-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10534105B2 (en) Utility locating transmitter apparatus and methods
EP3157125B1 (en) A wirelessly rechargeable battery
US20200215705A1 (en) Knife with integral sealed power source
US10607761B2 (en) Attachment structure for coil devices and coil device
US20090278505A1 (en) Battery-containing unit and charging base
KR101188808B1 (en) Wireless charging apparatus for mobile
US20090237029A1 (en) Inductive battery charger for service equipment
CN113165451B (en) Wheel end device with generator
EP3000643A8 (en) Electrical powered vehicle and power feeding device for vehicle
EP3271646B1 (en) A valve for a gas cylinder
US11239682B2 (en) Wireless charging pack
EP1944851A3 (en) Noncontact charging device
WO2011091528A1 (en) Modular pocket with inductive power and data
EP2659496B1 (en) Device for transfer of electrical signals and/or electrical energy
EP3651169B1 (en) Coil device
JP3207135U (en) Aquarium wireless power supply
WO2015087399A1 (en) Power-transmitting device and power-feeding system
EP3271642A1 (en) A digital valve assembly
EP3271641A2 (en) A digital valve assembly
EP3217514A1 (en) Coil device, contactless power supply system, and auxiliary magnetic member
US9966796B2 (en) Power reception device and power transmission device
US20180278095A1 (en) Resonant inductive converter
JP3648580B2 (en) Rechargeable electrical equipment
CN213959831U (en) Wireless charging device and mobile terminal
EP3724548B1 (en) Tap assembly with rechargeable battery

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20171017

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN

18W Application withdrawn

Effective date: 20200107