FR3072151A1 - VALVE AND TANK (S) FOR PRESSURIZED FLUID - Google Patents

Abstract

Pressurized fluid valve comprising a circuit (3) having a valve assembly (6, 7) comprising at least one shut-off valve for closing or opening the circuit (3), a member (8) for controlling the valve assembly (6, 7), the control member (8) being movably mounted on the body (2) between a rest position in which the valve assembly (s) ( 6, 7) is in a closed position of the circuit (3) and an active position in which the control member (8) actuates the valve assembly (6, 7) in an open position of the circuit (3) according to a first opening section (S1), the valve (1) comprising a mechanism (9, 10) for locking the control member (8) comprising a manual actuator (9) mounted movably on the body (2) between a first locking position and a second unlocking position of the control member (8), in its second unlocking position, the actuator (9) actuating the valve assembly ( s) (6, 7) in an opening position of the circuit (3) according to a second opening section (S2).

Description

The invention relates to a valve and a reservoir or assembly of pressurized fluid reservoirs.

The invention relates more particularly to a tap for pressurized fluid comprising a body housing a fluid circuit having an upstream end intended to be put in contact with a reserve of pressurized fluid and downstream end intended to be put in contact with a user of fluid, the circuit comprising a valve assembly (s) comprising at least one shutter valve making it possible to close or open the circuit (3), the valve comprises a manual control member for the valve assembly (s) , the control member being mounted mobile on the body between a rest position in which the valve assembly (s) is in a closed position of the circuit and an active position in which the control member actuates the assembly of valve (s) in an open position of the circuit according to a first opening section, the valve comprising a mechanism for locking the control member in its position rest, the locking mechanism comprising a manual actuator movably mounted on the body between a first locking position ensuring a locking of the control member to prevent its displacement from its rest position to its active position, and a second unlocking position of the control member allowing it to move from its rest position to its active position.

For security reasons, it is known to provide a mechanism for locking the manual control member for the opening of an isolation valve of a valve for pressurized gas bottle (s) (cf. by example FR2793297A1).

A problem with valves of this type, especially lever or rotary valve type "quarter-turn", is the risk of too sudden opening of the valve. This can in fact generate a significant pressure surge on the downstream equipment connected to it. This sudden increase in pressure can also occur with flywheel valves when the operator maneuvers the flywheel too quickly.

This pressure peak can damage a pressure regulator located downstream by the simple effect of the pressure on the expansion mechanism (mechanical degradation, leakage of the regulator, disruption of the expansion characteristics ...). In cases where the gas is an oxidizer (oxygen), adiabatic compression can be created (sudden increase in temperature), which can lead to ignition of the non-metallic elements of the regulator (seal, plastic seat).

A known solution consists in providing for a progressive opening of the tap via a mechanism of two concentric valves actuated sequentially by the lever cf. EP3062005A1.

These solutions only solve this problem imperfectly.

An object of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art noted above.

To this end, the valve according to the invention, furthermore in accordance with the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that, in its second unlocking position, the actuator actuates the assembly of valve (s) in an open position of the circuit according to a second opening section.

The tap allows users to gradually open a gas cylinder or a set of gas cylinders (frame) at high pressure (for example between 150 and 300bar or more) by reducing the speed of pressurization of any equipment placed downstream valve.

The tap also provides security against inadvertent opening of the tap.

Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following characteristics:

- the second opening section is lower than the first opening section,

- The actuator comprises at least one of: a lever articulated on the body, a push button with displacement in translation, a rotary actuator such as a steering wheel or a wheel, i i

- the control member comprises at least one of: a lever articulated on the body, a push button with displacement in translation, a rotary actuator such as a steering wheel or a thumbwheel,

the movement of the control member from its rest position to its active position describes a movement of a different nature or of a distinct direction, in particular an opposite direction, to the movement of the actuator moving from its first locking position towards its second unlocking position,

- the valve comprises a member for returning the actuator to its first locking position,

- the valve has a mechanism for stable maintenance of the control member at least in its active position,

- the valve includes a mechanism for coupling the movement of the control member and the actuator when the control member is moved from its active position to its rest position and / or from its rest position to its active position , the coupling mechanism automatically moving the actuator when the control member is moved,

- the valve assembly (s) comprises two separate shutter valves movable relative to respective seats and defining in the open position respectively the two separate opening sections, the two valves being controlled respectively by the member control and by the actuator,

- the two separate shutter valves are arranged in series in the same circuit pipe,

- the two shutter valves are controlled by at least one movable push pin controlled by the control member and by the actuator,

- The movement of the actuator from its first locking position to its second unlocking position moves the pusher in a first stroke actuating the opening of a first valve (s) in an open position with the second section of opening of the circuit, the subsequent movement of the control member from its rest position to its active position moving the pusher in a second stroke actuating the opening of the second valve in an opening position of the circuit with the first section of opening,

- the locking mechanism of the control member in its rest position includes a movable mechanical stop,

- the control member is a lever articulated on the body,

- the locking mechanism of the control member in its rest position acts on a cam secured to the lever,

the locking mechanism of the control member in its rest position comprises a mechanical stop between a profile of the cam of the control member and a movable member of a movement transmission mechanism between the cam and the valve assembly (s),

- the actuator is a lever articulated on the body,

- the two levers are articulated on the body and each comprise a respective cam having a respective cam profile and cooperating with at least one movable pusher for controlling the assembly of shutter valve (s),

- the mechanism for coupling the movement of the control member and the actuator is integrated into the cams of the levers,

- the mechanism for coupling the movement of the control member and the actuator comprises an axis integral with at least one cam and at least one groove formed in the other cam and accommodating and guiding the axis,

- the actuation of the valve assembly (s) by the actuator in the open position of the circuit according to the second opening section is carried out via a force transmission device between the actuator and the assembly of valve (s), at least part of this force transmission device being able to form part of the locking mechanism,

- the actuation of the valve assembly (s) by the control member is carried out via a force transmission device between the control member and the valve assembly (s), a part of this device force transmission that can be part of the locking mechanism,

- The configuration of the valve assembly in an open position of the circuit according to the second opening section is carried out when the control member is in its rest position and the actuator is moved to its second position unlocking

- the ratio between the second opening section and the first opening section is between 1/50 and 1/2 and preferably between 1/10 and 1/5,

- the actuator and the control member are adjacent or concentric or located remotely, in particular on separate or opposite faces of the body,

- the shutter valve (s) comprise at least one of: a valve movable in translation relative to a respective seat and urged by a return member towards the seat, a valve incorporating a calibrated orifice allowing the passage of a flow predetermined in the closed position corresponding to the first opening section of the circuit and allowing a second flow of gas in the open position corresponding to the first opening section of the circuit, a ball urged by a return member on a seat,

the locking mechanism of the control member in its rest position can be of the mechanical and / or magnetic and / or pneumatic and / or electromechanical and / or hydraulic type,

- the locking mechanism of the control member is located at least partially at one of the cams of the levers,

the locking mechanism of the control member in its rest position comprises an axis integral with at least one cam and at least one groove formed in the other cam and accommodating and guiding the axis,

The invention also relates to a reservoir or set of reservoirs for pressurized fluid, in particular pressurized gas comprising a valve conforming to any one of the characteristics above or below.

The invention may also relate to any alternative device or process comprising any combination of the above or below characteristics.

Other particularities and advantages will appear on reading the description below, made with reference to the figures in which:

- Figure 1 shows a sectional view, schematic and partial, illustrating the structure and operation of a first possible embodiment of the invention,

- Figure 2 shows a sectional view, schematic and partial, illustrating the structure and operation of a second possible embodiment of the invention,

FIGS. 3 and 4 represent sectional, schematic and partial views, illustrating the structure and the operation of a third possible embodiment of the invention and according to respectively two distinct configurations of use,

- Figure 5 shows a sectional view, schematic and partial, illustrating i

the structure and operation of a fourth possible embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 6 represents a schematic and partial view illustrating an example of the operating principle of the invention,

- Figure 7 shows a sectional view, schematic and partial, illustrating the structure and operation of a fifth possible embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 8 represents a side view, schematic and partial, illustrating a detail of the structure of a tap in a sixth possible embodiment of the invention and in a first configuration of use,

- Figure 9 shows an enlarged sectional view of a detail of Figure 8.

FIG. 10 represents a view similar to that of FIG. 8 illustrating a detail of the structure of FIG. 8 in a second configuration of use,

FIG. 11 represents a view similar to that of FIG. 10 and partially in transparency,

- Figure 12 shows a view similar to that of Figure 8 in a third configuration of use.

The tap 1 illustrated in the figures conventionally comprises a body 2 housing a fluid circuit 3 having an upstream end 4 intended to be put in contact with a reserve of pressurized fluid and downstream end 5 intended to be put in contact with a user of fluid .

The upstream end 4 can be connected to a bottle 11 of pressurized gas (cf. FIG. 5) or to a circuit connected to a bottle of pressurized gas or several bottles (bottle frame for example). For this purpose, the corresponding end of the body 2 of the valve 1 can be threaded.

The downstream end 5 opens for example at an outlet connection for example.

The circuit 3 comprises a set of valve (s) comprising at least one shutter valve 6 making it possible to close or open the circuit 3 (isolation valve).

The tap 1 comprises a member 8 for manual control of the valve assembly (s) 6. In this example, the control member 8 is a lever mounted to move on the tap 1. The control lever 8 is movable between a rest position (Figure 1) in which the valve assembly (s) 6 remains closed (for example via a return member such as a spring) which corresponds to a closing of the circuit 3 and an active position in which the control member 8 actuates the valve assembly (s) 6 in an open position of the circuit 3 according to a first opening section S1 (complete opening in particular). For example, in its active position, the free end of the lever 8 is raised (away from the body 2 of the valve 1).

The tap 1 further comprises a mechanism for locking the control member 8 in its rest position.

The locking mechanism comprises a manual actuator 9 movably mounted on the body 2 between a first locking position ensuring a locking of the control member 8 to prevent its displacement from its rest position to its active position, and a second position of unlocking of the control member 8 allowing it to move from its rest position to its active position.

That is to say that the manual actuator 9 must be actuated beforehand by the user if he wants to move the control lever 8 to open the circuit 3.

According to an advantageous feature, when the actuator 9 is disposed in its second unlocking position, the actuator 9 has the valve assembly (s) 6 in an open position of the circuit 3 according to a second opening section S2 (partial opening).

Preferably the second opening section S2 is less than the first opening section S1 (the corresponding withdrawal rates are thus distinct). For example, the ratio S2 / S1 between the second opening section S2 and the first opening section S1 is between 1/50 and 1/2 and preferably between 1/10 and 1/5. Thus, to be able to fully open the circuit 3 of the valve 1 via the lever 8, the user must therefore first actuate the separate actuator 9 which unlocks the control lever 8 and partially opens the circuit.

See for example the schematic representation of FIGS. 3 and 4: a pressure P on the actuator 9 makes it possible to unlock the lever 8.

This configuration provides double security: 1) need for unlocking limiting untimely openings 2) unlocking partially opens the circuit 3 which initiates a progressive opening and i

warns the user of the presence of gas at the outlet.

This makes it possible to reduce the pressure peak downstream by slowing down the speed of pressurization of the downstream chamber of the gas circuit connected to the outlet 5 of the valve 1.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the operation of the valve 1. If the actuator 9 is not activated (N) the circuit is closed F. If the actuator 9 is activated (O), the circuit 3 is opened with a degree d 'S2 opening which then allows the actuation of the lever 8. The actuation of the control lever 8 (O) allows to fully open the circuit (S1). Otherwise (N) the valve 1 returns to its closed or open position depending on the position of the actuator 9.

Preferably, the direction of actuation of the actuator 9 is opposite (for example translation / thrust towards the body 2) to the direction of actuation of the control lever 8 (control lever 8 raised to move away from the body).

Thus, the movement of the control lever 8 from its rest position to its active position preferably describes a movement of a different nature (or of a distinct direction, in particular an opposite direction), to the movement of the actuator 9 moving from its first locking position to its second unlocking position.

Preferably also, the actuator 9 is monostable, that is to say that the user must maintain the force on the latter to keep the stroke active, otherwise it automatically returns to its first locking position (circuit 3 closed ).

For this, the valve 1 may include a member 12 for returning the actuator 9 to its first locking position (spring in particular). Alternatively, the actuator return member 9 to its first locking position may include or consist of the pressure of the fluid in the circuit. That is to say that the working pressure of the gas in the circuit can ensure a force on the actuator 9 which tends to return it to its first position.

The two opening degrees S1, S2 of the circuit 3 can be achieved via a single valve 6 having two respective opening positions. Preferably, however, the two degrees of opening (S1 S2) are made via two separate valves 6, 7 (see Figures 2 or 7).

Preferably, the control lever 8 has a stroke which is bistable. That is to say that his rest and active positions are stable. For example, a hard point mechanism, stop (cam profile 14 of lever 8) ensures these stable positions. The user can release the control lever 8 in the active position without this causing the circuit 3 to close.

Preferably, the circuit 3 is closed (from a wide open position S1) with a single gesture. Preferably the control lever 8 and the actuator 9 are moved together to the initial position (closed circuit) via a mechanism for coupling the movement of the control member 8 and the actuator 9. For example, this coupling mechanism automatically requests the actuator 9 to its first position when the control member 8 is moved from its active position to its rest position.

Preferably, the manipulation of the two members 8, 10 is possible with one hand (in the direction of opening and / or in the direction of closing the circuit).

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the control member 8 and the actuator 9 can be two push buttons and / or rotary, for example concentric. The actuator 9 and the control member 8 may however be any type of member (lever, button, rotary selector, etc.) adjacent or concentric or located remotely, in particular on distinct or opposite faces of the body 2 of the tap 1.

In the examples of FIGS. 7 to 12, the control member 8 and the actuator 9 are two levers 8, 9 adjacent and articulated on the body 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the tap 1 may comprise two separate shutter valves 6, 7 movable relative to respective seats and defining respectively, according to their opening sequence (one 6 open then the two 6, 7 open), the two separate opening sections S2, S1).

As illustrated, the two separate shutter valves 6, 7 can be arranged in series in the circuit 3. This first valve 6 is for example movable in translation relative to a seat and constrained towards the seat. In the closed position the first valve 6 can seal the circuit.

In the closed position, the second valve 7 non-sealingly closes the circuit

3. This means that the second valve 7 includes a calibrated orifice defining the second section S2 of opening of the circuit 3.

The second valve 7 comprises for example a ball 7 pushed towards a seat by a spring 17. For example, the ball 7 is in non-sealed abutment on a seat (for example a socket) with a predetermined spacing (opening section S2) .

The passage (second opening section S2) between the ball 7 and the seat (socket) can be obtained by altering the sealing line between the ball and its seat by a broaching, a saw cut or other tool on the ball or on his seat. The ball 7 may not be perfectly cylindrical (faceted ball, porous ball, or of any other shape to allow the gas to pass with a limited flow rate).

Another alternative solution is to place a calibrated orifice in parallel with this second valve 7, to ensure the limited passage of gas. Alternatively, this calibrated orifice can pass through the body of the valve 7.

Thus, during actuation (pushing for example) of the actuating lever 9, 10 a cam 15 of this lever 9 moves the first valve 6 via a movement transmission mechanism. The movement transmission mechanism may in particular include one or more push pins 13, 18 in series (or in parallel), an elastic member 12 (spring in particular for catching play and / or maintaining contact in the movement transmission chain between the cam 15 15 and the valve 6). Any other movement transmission mechanism can be envisaged. We can for example refer to document FR2828922A1.

The actuation of the actuator lever 9 moves the movement transmission mechanism of a first stroke which in turn displaces the first valve 6 which opens the circuit 3 at the level of the first valve 6. The gas which is admitted to pass via 20 l calibrated orifice of the second valve 7 can thus escape towards the second end 5 of the circuit 3. The gas coming from the first end 4 of the circuit 3 in fact passes between the ball 7 and the sleeve 19 then between body 2 and the valve 6 and can come out of tap 1.

The locking system of the control lever 8 can be located at the level of the cam 14 of the latter.

For example, the profile of the cam 14 of the control lever 8 may include a shape 20 which abuts on a shape complementary to the movement transmission mechanism (and in particular the end of a pusher 18 cf. FIG. 9). In the high position (actuator 9 in the locking position cf. FIGS. 7, 8 or 9), the movement transmission mechanism (and in particular the end of a pusher 18) forms a mechanical stop preventing the lever 8 from rotating. ordered.

In the low position (actuator 9 in the unlocking position, see FIG. 10 or 11), the movement transmission mechanism (and in particular the end of a pusher 18) is retracted and no longer forms a mechanical stop preventing the rotation of the control lever 8.

At the end of this first stroke, the control lever 8 is thus unlocked and a reduced flow of gas is released.

This first stroke thus makes it possible to position the pusher 18 beyond an abutment angle at the level of the profile 20 of the cam 14.

The control lever 8 can then be pivoted in turn to move the mechanism 18, 13 a little further (second stroke) cf. Figure 12. This second stroke makes it possible to separate the second valve 7 (ball) from its seat (via the end of the first valve 6).

In this configuration, the circuit 3 is more open (completely, first opening section S1). This allows the gas to flow at a high rate and build up pressure faster downstream of the valves.

As illustrated in the example in FIG. 12, when the control lever 8 is raised (active position) the lever 9 for actuating can (or possibly must) also be raised. Of course, as a variant, the actuation lever 9 could remain in the low position (close to the body when the control lever 8 is raised in the active position).

Thus, the two valves 6, 7 can be controlled by the same movement transmission mechanism and in particular at least the same push button 18, 13 mobile.

This movement transmission mechanism can translate from two different strokes, one short allowing a limited flow (second opening section S2), the other long allowing full flow (first opening section S1).

Of course, the invention is not limited to the example of the figures described above. The lever mechanisms 8, 9 can be replaced by rotary or other flywheels. For example the cam or cams 14, 15 could be actuated by rotary flywheels.

The two strokes of the movement transmission mechanism can be controlled by cams with axes of rotation 21, 19 of the levers 8, 9 which are identical (combined) or separate.

Preferably, the complete (re) closing of the two valves 6, 7 can be carried out in a single gesture which makes it possible to neutralize the two valves 6, 7 in the same manual action.

For example, a mechanism for coupling the movement of the control member 8 and the actuator 9 can be integrated into the cams 14, 15 of the levers.

For example, an axis 21 integral with at least one cam 8 can be received in at least one groove 10 formed in the other cam 15 and accommodating and guiding the axis

21.

Thus, the movement of the control lever 8 to its rest position also causes the actuation lever 9 to return to its locking position.

Conversely, when the actuating lever 9 has been positioned in its second unlocking position, the movement of the control lever 8 to its active position (for example raised) may also cause the actuator lever 9 to be displaced (for example raising ).

Of course, the invention is not limited to the above examples. For example, the locking mechanism could be integrated at the cams 14, 15 via a system of axes 21 and grooves of the same type as that of the coupling mechanism. Similarly, this locking mechanism of the control member 8 could be located elsewhere on the tap. In addition, this locking mechanism could be of the magnetic and / or pneumatic and / or electromechanical and / or hydraulic type.

It is therefore understandable that, while being simple and inexpensive in structure, the invention has many advantages.

This tap structure also allows other functionality for ί | the user. Thus, the brief actuation only of the actuator 9 allows the user to generate a sufficient and controlled gas jet to purge / clean the downstream of the circuit 3 and in particular the outlet fitting. This is in particular a measure recommended by the valve manufacturers.

Claims (19)

1. Tap for pressurized fluid comprising a body (2) housing a fluid circuit (3) having an upstream end (4) intended to be connected with a reserve (11) of pressurized fluid and downstream end (5) intended to be put in contact with a user of fluid, the circuit (3) comprising a set of valve (s) (6, 7) comprising at least one shutter valve making it possible to close or open the circuit (3) , the tap (1) comprises a member (8) for manual control of the valve assembly (s) (6, 7), the control member (8) being movably mounted on the body (2) between a position rest in which the valve assembly (6) is in a closed position of the circuit (3) and an active position in which the control member (8) actuates the valve assembly (s) ) (6, 7) in an open position of the circuit (3) along a first opening section (S1), the tap (1) comprising a locking mechanism (9, 10) llage of the control member (8) in its rest position, the locking mechanism (9, 10) comprising a manual actuator (9) movably mounted on the body (2) between a first locking position ensuring a locking of the control member (8) to prevent its displacement from its rest position to its active position, and a second unlocking position of the control member (8) allowing its displacement from its rest position to its active position, characterized in that, in its second unlocking position, the actuator (9) actuates the valve assembly (s) (6, 7) in a circuit open position (3) in a second section (S2) opening. 2. Tap according to claim 1, characterized in that the second opening section (S2) is less than the first opening section (S1). 3. Tap according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuator (9) comprises at least one of: a lever articulated on the body (2), a push button with displacement in translation, a rotary actuator such than a steering wheel or a thumbwheel. 4. Tap according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control member (8) comprises at least one of: a lever articulated on the body, a push button with displacement in translation, a rotary actuator such as a handwheel or a thumb wheel. 5. Tap according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the movement of the member (8) for controlling from its rest position to its active position describes a movement of a different nature or a distinct direction, in particular in an opposite direction, to the movement of the actuator (9) moving from its first locking position to its second unlocking position. 6. Tap according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a member (12) for returning the actuator (9) to its first locking position. 7. Tap according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a mechanism (14) for stable maintenance of the control member (8) at least in its active position. 8. Tap according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a mechanism (21, 10) for coupling the movement of the control member (8) and the actuator (9) when the control member (8) is moved from its active position to its rest position and / or from its rest position to its active position, the coupling mechanism (21, 10) automatically moving the actuator (9) when the control member (8) is moved. 9. Tap according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the valve assembly (s) comprises two valves (6, 7) separate shutter movable relative to respective seats and defining in position d opening respectively the two separate opening sections (S1, S2), the two valves (6, 7) being controlled respectively by the control member (8) and by the actuator (9). 10. Tap according to claim 9, characterized in that the two i separate shutter valves (6, 7) are arranged in series in the same circuit pipe (3). 11. Tap according to claim 10, characterized in that the two shutter valves (6, 7) are controlled by at least one movable push pin (13, 18) controlled by the control member (8) and by the actuator (9). 12. Tap according to claim 11, characterized in that the movement of the actuator (9) from its first locking position to its second unlocking position moves the pusher (13, 18) in a first stroke actuating the opening d 'a first valve (s) (6) in an open position with the second opening section (S2) of the circuit (3) and in that the subsequent displacement of the member (8) for controlling its position rest to its active position moves the pusher (13) in a second stroke actuating the opening of the second valve (7) in an open position of the circuit (3) with the first opening section (S1). 13. Tap according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the mechanism (9, 10) for locking the control member (8) in its rest position comprises a stop (10, 18, 20 ) mobile mechanics. 14. Tap according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the control member (8) is a lever articulated on the body (2). 15. Tap according to claim 14, characterized in that the mechanism (9, 10, 18) for locking the control member (8) in its rest position acts on a cam (14, 20) integral with the lever ( 8). 16. Tap according to claim 15, characterized in that the mechanism (9, 10) for locking the control member (8) in its rest position comprises a mechanical stop between a profile (20) of the cam (14 ) of the control member (8) and a movable member (18) of a movement transmission mechanism between the cam (14) and the valve assembly (6). 17. Tap according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the actuator (9) is a lever articulated on the body (2). 18. Tap according to claim 17 combined with any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the two levers (8, 9) are articulated on the body (2) and each comprise a respective cam (14,15) having a respective cam profile and cooperating with at least one movable pusher (13, 18) for controlling the valve assembly (s) (6, 7) for closing. 19. Reservoir or assembly of pressurized fluid reservoirs, in particular pressurized gas comprising a valve according to any one of claims 1 to 18.