EP4022212B1

EP4022212B1 - Valve with integrated sensor

Info

Publication number: EP4022212B1
Application number: EP20757673.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Matteo COMPAGNONI; Giancarlo Nicolini
Original assignee: Cavagna Group SpA
Current assignee: Cavagna Group SpA
Priority date: 2019-08-29
Filing date: 2020-08-07
Publication date: 2023-10-11
Anticipated expiration: 2040-08-07
Also published as: PL4022212T3; CN114303024B; IT201900015231A1; KR20220044298A; WO2021038346A1; CN114303024A; EP4022212A1; KR102689758B1

Description

The present invention relates to a valve for containers suitable for containing compressed or liquefied gases having pressures greater than atmospheric pressure, of the type comprising a valve body provided with a thread for fastening to the container and a device for detecting at least one physical quantity associated with the gas contained in the container.
Such containers, which are better known as "bottles", are widely used as containers for technical or medical gases at high pressure, for example, oxygen, air, industrial gases and gases for domestic use.
There are valves generally associated with such containers, said valves are provided with various functions, for example, dispensing the gas and controlling the pressure thereof.
Some valves for gas bottles are provided with a pressure indicator for allowing the display of the pressure value of the gas contained in the bottle.
There are further available valves which are provided with electronic devices which allow the addition of other functions in addition to the one of displaying the pressure value of the gas contained in the bottle, in particular they can contain: a pressure sensor with continuous reading of the pressure in the bottle, thermal sensors for detecting the temperature of the system and a logic unit capable of processing these data, affording the possibility of predicting the end of use in accordance with the current consumption, some alarms connected with combinations of the data which are considered to be at risk, etc.
In order to monitor the physical quantities connected with the gas contained in the bottle, it is necessary to use a detection device which comprises sensors/transducers. The term "sensors/transducers" is intended to be understood to be a device which converts the physical quantity into an electrical quantity (current or voltage) which is compatible with an acquisition and/or automation system.
A vessel for pressurized fluid comprising a capacitor, installed "stand alone" in the valve assembly, is known from US7526961B2 . Detection devices which are external to the valve, currently exist, said devices comprise sensors of different types and which detect a series of data in relation, for example, to pressure, temperature and acceleration.
Pressure sensors are known, for example, prbeing arranged inside a manometer which is constituted by a box-shaped body which is installed externally with respect to the valve of the bottle. Such existing devices which are external with respect to the valve have a significant effect on the cost of the overall product and its dimensions.
Instead, it would be desirable to be able to produce valves in which the presence of additional devices may not have such a negative impact on dimensions and costs.
Furthermore, there is clearly a need to have available a valve which can readily be combined with different types of sensors without any need for introducing complex modifications to the structure of the valve in accordance with the application type.
Therefore, the problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a valve for a container suitable for containing compressed or liquefied gases, comprising a detection device suitable for detecting a physical quantity associated with the gas contained in the container, which is structurally and functionally configured to at least partially overcome one or more of the disadvantages set out with reference to the cited prior art.
Another object of the invention is to provide a valve provided with a detection device without compromising characteristics, performance levels, functionality and current interfaces of the valve itself.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve which can readily be provided with sensors of different types, using the same valve body for multiple applications.
This object and other objects will be achieved by the invention by means of a valve with a detection device constructed according to the appended claims.
In particular, the valve to which the invention relates is a valve for a container suitable for containing compressed or liquefied gases, comprising a valve body provided with a thread suitable for fastening to the container, and a detection device suitable for detecting a physical quantity associated with the gas contained in the container, wherein the detection device comprises a sensor portion which has at least one sensor for detecting the physical quantity and wherein the valve body comprises a channel wherein the sensor portion is completely arranged.
The provision of a suitable channel and the relevant positioning of the sensor portion of the detection device inside the valve body allows reduced dimensions and a much lower cost with respect to the existing solutions because the valve body itself acts as a containment box of the sensor portion.
In a preferred embodiment, the valve body comprises a main body, preferably of tubular form, which has a main channel, and a secondary body, preferably also of tubular form, which has a secondary channel. The sensor portion is preferably arranged in the secondary channel. Even more preferably, the sensor portion is arranged in the vicinity of an internal end of the secondary channel of the secondary body.
The channel of the valve body wherein the sensor portion is received comprises a projection which extends inside the channel and which interacts with the sensor portion. In other words, the valve body become part of the measurement chain of the sensor portion, deformable element or containment casing of the its significant portions.The projection is therefore functionally coupled with the at least one sensor of the sensor portion so as to form part of the measurement chain.
In some embodiments, the projection may form a deformable element of the sensor portion. In this case, the compressed gas contained in the bottle will act on the projection of the channel of the valve body. The sensor portion of the detection device can be coupled to this projection, said sensor portion will detect the intensity of the physical quantities which act on the projection.
It should be noted that the projection allows in any case to integrate the sensor in the valve body, therefore it is not necessary to provide external sensor connection and fixing systems.
In other embodiments, the projection may form a containment casing of the sensor portion. In this case, the compressed gas contained in the bottle will act directly on the sensor portion of the detection device. The sensor portion will detect the intensity of the physical quantities which act thereon. The projection acts as an abutment, against which the sensor portion is urged by the compressed gas.
In other embodiments, the detection device can be directly installed in the valve body without modifying the structure thereof. The device may preferably be of the standard type provided that it has a form and dimensions suitable for installation in the valve body.
According to another aspect of the invention, the detection device is suitable for making available the data measured on a local display and/or directly on the Web. The detection device can be connected to other devices for transmitting and displaying data, including after being put on the market (IoT plug-in device).
The detection device received in the body of the valve may have in some embodiments an integrated source of energy required for the functioning thereof. In other embodiments, the detection device may be connected to external supply systems with respect to the valve.
The features and advantages of the invention will be further set out in the detailed description of a number of embodiments thereof which are illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the valve with a detection device;
Figure 2 is a cross-section of the valve with a detection device according to a first embodiment;
Figure 3 is a cross-section of the valve with a detection device according to a second embodiment;
Figure 4 is a cross-section which shows the main internal channel with respect to the valve body.

With reference to these Figures, there is designated 1 a valve for containers which are suitable for containing compressed or liquefied gases and to which there is coupled a detection device 10 according to the invention. The valve of the present invention may be used in any technical sector, such as, for example, industrial, medical or integrated solutions. However, the listing is purely exemplary and non-limiting.
The type of valve described comprises a valve body 2 and it is a preferred embodiment which is illustrated as a non-limiting example.
In preferred embodiments, the valve body 2 comprises at least two bodies, a main body 3 and a secondary body 4, which intersect each other. Preferably, the main body and/or the secondary body has/have a tubular form. As will be appreciated, the solution illustrated in the Figures is a preferred embodiment and the shape of the valve and its components may differ with respect to those illustrated.
In the case illustrated in the Figures, the bodies 3 and 4 are substantially perpendicular and the secondary body 4 has smaller dimensions with respect to the main body 3.
The valve body 2 preferably also comprises a box-shaped body 13, for example, of square shape.
The main body 3 comprises two ends: an upper end 3a and lower end 3b. The lower end 3b is provided with a thread 3f and is suitable for being connected to a container (not illustrated) suitable for containing compressed or liquefied gases. The upper end 3a is suitable for being connected to a flow selection handle (not illustrated) or another selection device which allows the user to impose the desired gas flow rate being discharged.
As can be seen in the embodiment illustrated, the two ends 3a, 3b of the main body 3 can be substantially vertical and slightly offset, as can better be seen in Figure 4.
The secondary body 4 comprises two ends: first end 4a and second end 4b. The first end 4a is preferably suitable for being connected to a pipe (not illustrated) which is configured to carry the gas to the user and/or for charging the gas inside the container. The second end 4b is preferably suitable for being connected to a display device (not illustrated, for example, an analogue manometer) which allows the user to display the intensity of the physical quantities measured. In some embodiments, the ends 4a, 4b are provided with a thread, either internal or external.
The main body 3 and secondary body 4 are preferably hollow and each one comprises an internal channel, an internal main channel 5 and secondary channel 6, respectively. Even more preferably, the internal channels have a circular cross-section.
Such channels may have a constant or variable cross-section depending on the type of valve. In the case illustrated in the Figures, the main valve 5 is provided with a wider cross-section at the ends and more tapered in the central portion while the secondary channel 6 has a substantially constant cross-section.
According to an additional aspect of the invention, each channel is provided with two ends: the main channel comprises an internal upper end 5a and lower end 5b (more clearly visible in Figure 4); the secondary channel comprises a first internal end 6a and a second internal end 6b.
The main channel 5 and secondary channel 6 are placed in communication by a communication pipe 7. When the valve 1 is opened, the gas contained in the bottle is introduced into the main channel 5 and then travels into the secondary channel 6 through the communication pipe 7.
Preferably, the main channel 5 follows the line of the main body 3 and is characterized by ends 5a, 5b which have a substantially vertical development and which are connected by an oblique channel portion 5c, as can better be seen in Figure 4.
In another embodiment which is not illustrated, the valve body 2 may comprise an additional element, optionally also with a tubular shape, inside which it is possible to arrange a residual device.
This device prevents the complete emptying of the bottle by the user and serves to maintain a slight over-pressure inside the bottle itself so as to prevent the introduction of external contaminants.
A detection device 10 comprises a sensor portion 11 which includes at least one sensor 11A for detecting a physical quantity associated with the gas contained in the container. Preferably, the at least one sensor 11A is fixed on a plate-like element 11B of the sensor portion 11.
In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the sensor portion 11 is arranged inside the secondary channel 6. The sensor portion 11 is preferably arranged inside the secondary channel 6 in the vicinity of the second internal end 6b.
In preferred embodiments of the invention, the secondary channel 6 comprises a projection 8 which extends inside the channel 6 and which interacts with the sensor portion 11. It will be appreciated that, in the context of the present invention, the term "projection" is intended to indicate any element projecting from the internal wall of the secondary channel 6. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the projection 8 may be of any shape.
Preferably, the projection 8 is constructed, internally with respect to the channel, in the vicinity of the second internal end 6b of the secondary channel 6, inside the secondary channel 6.
In the embodiment depicted in Figure 2, the projection 8 constitutes a deformable element of the sensor portion 11. Preferably, in this case, the projection 8 is in the form of a wall which completely closes, preferably entirely, the secondary channel 6. This wall preferably extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the secondary channel 6.
The compressed gas contained in the bottle will act on the projection 8 of the secondary channel 6. The sensor portion 11 of the detection device 10 is coupled to this projection 8 and will detect the intensity of the physical quantities which act on the projection.
The sensor portion 11 may be, for example, a detection plate which is bonded to the projection 8. In this way, the sensor portion 11 is capable of detecting the deformation of the projection 8. This deformation is proportional to the pressure of the gas which acts on the projection 8. Consequently, the wall which forms the projection can have such dimensions as to be able to be deformed in accordance with the pressure inside the valve.
In the embodiment of Figure 3, the projection, which is now designated 80, constitutes a contact element of the sensor portion 110 suitable for preventing translational movements of the sensor portion 110 at least in a translation direction inside the secondary channel 6. In other words, the projection constitutes a containment casing of the sensor portion which is designated 110 here. It will be appreciated that in these embodiments the sensor portion 110 comprises at least one sensor 11A, preferably fixed to a plate-like element 11B.
In some embodiments, the projection forms a ring which extends from the internal wall of the secondary channel 6 towards the centre thereof.
In this case, the compressed gas contained in the bottle will act directly on the sensor portion 110 of the detection device 10. The sensor portion 110 will detect the intensity of the physical quantities which act directly thereon. The projection 80 acts as an abutment, against which the sensor portion 110 is urged by the compressed gas. The sensor portion 110 may comprise a deformable body which is subjected to a deformation which becomes greater when the gas pressure increases.
It will also be noted that in some embodiments the projection 8; 80 is made as a single body with the secondary channel 6.
Advantageously, the protuberance 8; 80 can be functionally coupled with the at least one sensor 11A of the sensor portion. This allows to make the secondary channel 6, and in particular the protuberance, part of the sensor portion 11; 110, forming a part of the measurement chain.
Advantageously, the plate-like element 11B is connected in support of the protuberance 8; 80 in such a way that the interaction between these two elements determines a deformation of the plate-like element 11B.
The detection device 10 may comprise a connector 12, 120 which is suitable for the connection to devices for processing and transmitting the measured data.
According to another aspect of the invention, the detection device 10 is suitable for providing the data on a local display, such as an LCD panel or a screen, and/or on a website. The detection device 10 may be connected to other devices for transmitting and displaying data, including after being put on the market (IoT plug-in device).
In some embodiments, the detection device 10 may have an integrated energy source necessary for its operation. In other embodiments, the detection device 10 may be connected to external supply systems with respect to the valve.
The invention thereby solves the problem set out by achieving a number of advantages, including the possibility of simple integration of sensors and detection devices in general inside a valve.

Claims

Valve (1) for a container suitable for containing compressed or liquefied gases, the valve comprising a valve body (2) provided with a thread (3f) suitable for fastening to said container, and a detection device (10) suitable for detecting a physical quantity associated with the gas contained in the container, said detection device (10) comprising a sensor portion (11; 110) which has at least one sensor (11A) for detecting said physical quantity, wherein the valve body (2) comprises a channel (6) in which the sensor portion (11; 110) is completely arranged, characterized in that the channel (6) comprises a projection (8; 80) which extends inside the channel (6) and interacts with the sensor portion (11; 110), such that said projection (8; 80) is functionally coupled with the at least one sensor (11A) of said sensor portion (11; 110) so as to form part of a measurement chain of said sensor portion (11; 110).
Valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the valve body (2) comprises a main body (3), having a main channel (5), and a secondary body (4), having a secondary channel (6), the sensor portion (11; 110) being arranged in the secondary channel (6).
Valve (1) according to claim 2, wherein the sensor portion (11; 110) is arranged in the vicinity of an internal end (6b) of the secondary channel (6) of the secondary body (4).
Valve (1) according to either claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said main body (3) and/or said secondary body (4) have a tubular shape.
Valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projection (8) forms a deformable element of the sensor portion (11), or wherein the projection (80) forms a contact element of the sensor portion (110) suitable for preventing translations of the sensor portion (110) at least in a translational direction inside the secondary channel (6).
Valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said projection (8; 80) forms a ring which extends from the internal wall of the secondary channel (6) towards a center of said channel.
Valve (1) according to claim 6, wherein said projection (8) forms a wall which completely closes said secondary channel (6).
Valve (1) according to claim 7, wherein said wall develops on a plane perpendicular to the axis of said secondary channel (6).
Valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said projection (8; 80) is made as a single body with said secondary channel (6).
Valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sensor portion (11) comprises a plate-like element (11B), said at least one sensor (11A) being fixed on said plate-like element (11B).
Valve (1) according to claim 10, wherein said plate-like element (11B) is connected in support of said projection (8; 80).
Valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (10) is suitable for detecting at least one of the following physical quantities relating to the gas contained in the container: pressure, temperature, acceleration.
Valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (10) comprises a connector (12; 120) suitable for connecting to devices for processing and transmitting measured data.
Valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein data measured by the detection device (10) can be made available on local displays and/or on the Web.
Valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (10) comprises an integrated source of energy required for its functioning.