IT202100006623A1 - AIR/AIR TYPE PRESSURE MULTIPLIER. - Google Patents

Description

Air/air type pressure multiplier

The present invention relates to an air/air pressure multiplier.

Field of invention

Pi? in detail, the invention relates to a pressure multiplier of the above type, designed and manufactured to compress an incoming air flow and supply an air flow at an outlet at a high pressure with respect to the pressure of the incoming air flow, at the order to operate one or more? machining tools such as, for example, mandrels, pneumatic actuators and the like.

In the following, the description will be? aimed at a pressure multiplier for a machine for working wood panels and the like, but ? it is clear how the same should not be considered limited to this specific use.

Known technique

How?? It is well known that there are currently machines for processing wooden panels or beams and the like, such as, for example, drilling machines or cutting machines, comprising devices capable of receiving an air flow at a supply pressure at the input and supplying at the output a flow of air at a high pressure compared to the supply pressure of the air flow entering the device.

These devices, known in the jargon as air/air pressure multipliers, are typically used to operate one or more? machining tools, such as spindles or the like, which require, in order to function, high pressures compared to the supply pressure of the circuit to which they are connected.

Figure 1 shows a pressure multiplier of the air/air type according to the prior art, indicated with the reference numeral 1, in an operating position.

In particular, said pressure multiplier 1 comprises a central body 10 and two cylinders 11, 12 arranged, respectively, on the sides of said central body 10.

The central body 10 in turn comprises an inlet port 100 for the entry of air, distribution valves 103, 104, 105 of the pneumatic type and one-way valves 106, 107, 108 and 109 for distributing the air to the inside/outside of the two cylinders 11, 12.

Furthermore, the central body 10 comprises an outlet port 101 for the outlet of the high pressure air flow as well as the two exhaust valves 102A and 102B into which the exhaust air of the pressure multiplier 1 is conveyed.

Each cylinder 11, 12 comprises respectively a pressure chamber 112, 122 and an actuation chamber 111, 121 as well as a respective piston 110, 120.

In particular, the pistons 110, 120 are connected to each other by means of a rod 13 and allow the pressure chambers 112, 122 and the actuation chambers 111, 121 of the respective cylinders 11, 12 to be divided between them.

As can always be seen from figure 1, initially the air enters the inlet port 100 and continues, by means of the one-way valve 106, in the pressure chamber 112 of the cylinder 11 and, by means of the one-way valve 107, in the pressure chamber 122 of the cylinder 12.

Furthermore, the air coming from the inlet port 100 also enters the distribution valve 105, which diverts the air towards the actuation chamber 121 of the cylinder 12.

Instead, the air present in the actuation chamber 111 of the cylinder 11 is diverted, again by means of the distribution valve 105, towards the exhaust valve 102B.

Therefore, as shown by the directional indicators in figure 1, the pressure exerted by the air present in the pressure chamber 112 of the cylinder 11 and in the actuation chamber 121 of the cylinder 12 allows to move the respective two pistons 110 and 120 along the same direction of advancement.

The compressed air present in the pressure chamber 122 of the cylinder 12 proceeds, by means of the one-way valve 109, towards the outlet port 101.

Finally, when the piston 120 of the cylinder 12 reaches the end of its stroke, the piston 120 itself contacts the distribution valve 104, which switches its state and consequently allows the distribution valve 105 to switch its state from one position to another .

At this point, in the opposite way to what has been said above, the distribution valve 105 pressurizes the actuation chamber 111 of the respective cylinder 11, i.e. supplies air to the inlet to this actuation chamber 111 and simultaneously depressurises the actuation chamber 121 of the respective cylinder 12, ie it allows the discharge of the air, present in the actuation chamber 121, towards the discharge valve 102A.

Indeed, in this case (not shown in figure 1) the compressed air present in the pressure chamber 112 of the cylinder 11 is sent, by means of the one-way valve 108, towards the outlet port 101 and, therefore, collected in the tank.

It is clear that this operation of the air/air pressure multiplier according to the prior art is complex in structural terms.

One of the main drawbacks of these known solutions? given by the fact that, in the case of not high supply pressures, the movement of the pistons ? reduced and, therefore, the contact between the pistons and the respective distribution valves can? not happen correctly.

L?Incomplete operation of the distribution valves can? cause blockage of the pressure multiplier 1. In fact, in these cases the supply chambers are in communication with the pressure chambers causing a pressure drop which no longer allows? the restoration of the distribution valves.

Purpose of the invention

In the light of the above, it is, therefore, the object of the present invention to overcome the limits of devices of the known type, proposing an air/air pressure multiplier according to the present invention.

Another purpose of the invention? that of providing a pressure multiplier of the air/air type which is structurally and functionally advantageous with respect to known devices.

Another purpose of the invention? that of providing a pressure multiplier of the air/air type which is highly reliable, relatively simple to manufacture, and at competitive costs when compared to the prior art.

Object of the invention

Therefore, a specific object of the present invention is a pressure intensifier for machines for working wood panels and the like, in which said pressure intensifier comprises a central body having an inlet port, for the inlet of an air flow with an inlet pressure, and an outlet port, for the outlet of an air flow with an outlet pressure, a first cylinder connected to said central body, a first movable piston in said first cylinder, a second cylinder , connected to said central body, a second piston movable in said second cylinder, a rod connecting said first piston and said second piston, a distribution valve, connected to each cylinder and to said inlet port of said central body, configured for switch between a first position in which it diverts said air flow coming from said inlet port towards said second cylinder, and a second position in which it diverts said air flow coming from said inlet port towards said first cylinder, at least a detection device for detecting the position of said first piston and/or the position of said second piston or the position of said stem, wherein said at least one detection device ? connected to said distribution valve to transmit a respective signal to said distribution valve and switch its state from said first position to said second position and vice versa.

Advantageously according to the invention, said at least one detection device can comprising a first sensing device disposed on said first cylinder to detect the position of said first piston and a second sensing device disposed on said second cylinder to detect the position of said second piston.

Still according to the invention, said first detection device can be disposed at an end-of-stroke position for said first piston, and said second sensing device can? be disposed at an end position for said second piston. Always according to the invention, said central body can include a group of one-way valves for distributing the air inside/outside said two cylinders.

Conveniently according to the invention, said group of one-way valves can comprising a first one-way valve connected to said inlet port to receive said air flow with inlet pressure, a second one-way valve connected to said inlet port to receive said air stream with inlet pressure, a third one-way valve connected to said outlet port for supplying said air stream with outlet pressure, and a fourth one-way valve connected to said outlet port for supplying said air stream with outlet pressure; exit.

Still according to the invention, said first cylinder can? have a pressure chamber and an actuation chamber, respectively separated from said first piston, wherein said pressure chamber and said actuation chamber have a variable volume according to the movement of said first piston, in which said actuation chamber ? connected to said distribution valve, and in which said pressure chamber ? connected to said first one-way valve and to said third one-way valve.

Always according to the invention, said second cylinder can? have a pressure chamber and an actuation chamber, respectively separated from said second piston, wherein said pressure chamber and said actuation chamber have a variable volume according to the movement of said second piston, in which said actuation chamber ? connected to said distribution valve, and in which said pressure chamber ? connected to said second one-way valve and to said fourth one-way valve.

Advantageously according to the invention, said multiplier can? comprising a first exhaust valve connected to said distribution valve so as to receive the exhaust air flow coming from said actuation chamber of said first cylinder, a second exhaust valve connected to said distribution valve so as to receive the exhaust air flow from said actuating chamber of said second cylinder, and a reservoir connected to said outlet port for collecting said air flow with said outlet pressure.

Still according to the invention, said distribution valve can be a?solenoid valve of the type with five ways and two positions, in which, when said distribution valve ? in said first position, said distribution valve allows the passage of air from said inlet port to said actuation chamber of said second cylinder and allows the passage of air from said actuation chamber of said first cylinder to said first valve exhaust, and in which, when said distribution valve ? in said second position, said distribution valve allows the passage of air from said inlet port to said actuation chamber of said first cylinder and allows the passage of air from said actuation chamber of said second cylinder to said control valve I unload.

Conveniently according to the invention, each piston can be equipped with a respective magnet, and said at least one detection device can? be a magnetic sensor capable of detecting the position of said piston due to the variation of the magnetic field flux generated by the approach of said piston to said at least one detection device.

Still according to the invention, said at least one detection device can be a Hall effect magnetic sensor or a Reed magnetic sensor.

Advantageously according to the invention, said at least one detection device can be acoustic sensor or inductive sensor or wire sensor or photoelectric sensor or capacitive sensor.

Always according to the invention, said stem can be equipped with a respective magnet or can? be made using a magnetizable material, and said at least one detection device can? be a magnetic sensor capable of detecting the position of said rod due to the variation of the magnetic field flux generated by the approach of said rod to said at least one sensing device.

Brief description of the figures

This invention will come now described for illustrative but not limiting purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of the attached drawings, in which: figure 1 shows a schematic view of an air/air pressure multiplier in an operating position , according to the prior art;

figure 2 shows, in schematic view, an embodiment of an air/air pressure intensifier in a first operating position, according to the present invention; And

figure 3 shows a perspective view of the pressure intensifier of figure 2.

In the various figures, similar parts will be indicated with the same reference numbers.

Detailed description

With reference to figure 2, a schematic view of an embodiment of a pressure multiplier of the air/air type, indicated with the reference numeral 1, according to the present invention can be observed.

The pressure intensifier 1 comprises a central body 10, a first cylinder 11 and a second cylinder 12, in which said first cylinder 11 and said second cylinder 12 are connected to said central body 10 and are arranged laterally with respect to said central body 10.

The central body 10 comprises an inlet port 100 for the entry of an air flow with a first pressure or inlet pressure P1 inside the pressure booster 1, a group of non-return valves or one-way valves 106, 107, 108 and 109 for the distribution of the air inside/outside the two cylinders 11, 12 and an outlet port 101 for the outlet of an air flow from the pressure multiplier 1 with a second pressure or pressure of outlet P2, in which said outlet pressure P2 ? greater than the inlet pressure P1.

Furthermore, each cylinder 11, 12 respectively comprises a first chamber or pressure chamber 112, 122 and a second chamber or actuation chamber 111, 121 as well as a respective piston 110, 120.

In particular, the pistons 110, 120 are connected to each other by means of a rod 13 and divide the pressure chambers 112, 122 and the actuation chambers 111, 121 of the respective cylinders 11, 12 from each other.

How will it be? better described below, these chambers 111, 112, 121 and 122 have a variable volume based on the movement of the two pistons 110, 120 along the direction of an axis X of a Cartesian reference system XYZ shown in figures 2 and 3.

In the embodiment being described, each piston 110, 120 is equipped with a respective magnet (not shown in the figures).

Furthermore, the entrance door 100 ? connected to the first one-way valve 106 and to the second one-way valve 107, which are in turn connected to the pressure chambers 112, 122 of the two cylinders 11, 12. In particular, these one-way valves 106, 107 allow the incoming air with pressure P1 to flow in only one direction, i.e. towards said pressure chambers 112, 122.

The outlet port 101 is, on the other hand, connected to the third one-way valve 108 and to the fourth one-way valve 109, which are in turn connected to the pressure chambers 112, 122 of the two cylinders 11, 12. In particular, these one-way valves 108, 109 allow the air present in the pressure chambers 112, 122, i.e. the compressed air with pressure P2, to flow in only one direction, i.e. towards the outlet port 101.

As can be seen from Figure 2, the pressure intensifier 1 comprises a first sensing device 14 arranged on said first cylinder 11 at an end-of-stroke position for said first piston 110 and a second sensing device 15 arranged on said second cylinder 12 at an end-of-stroke position for said second piston 120.

With stroke end position for said first piston 110 we mean the position of said first piston 110 when the volume of said actuation chamber 111 of said first cylinder 11 ? minimal or zero, or when said first piston 110 contacts the bottom of said first cylinder 11.

Similarly, with stroke end position for said second piston 120 we mean the position of said second piston 120 when the volume of said actuation chamber 121 of said second cylinder 12 ? minimal or zero, or when said second piston 120 contacts the bottom of said second cylinder 12.

In particular, in the present embodiment, said first detection device 14 ? placed near of one end? 11A of said first cylinder 11 while said second detection device 15 ? placed near of one end? 12A of said second cylinder 12.

However, in other embodiments of the present invention, the number and position of said sensing devices 14, 15 may be different than described.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the pressure intensifier 1 comprises a sensing device 14, 15 for directly sensing the position of a respective piston 110, 120 and, indirectly, the position of the other piston 110, 120.

In fact, since are the two cylinders 11, 12, in which the respective pistons 110, 120 are movable, integral with each other, starting from the position of one of said pistons 110, 120? possible to calculate the position of the other piston 110, 120 and vice versa.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the pressure intensifier 1 comprises a sensing device 14, 15 for directly sensing the position of said rod 13, equipped with a respective magnet (not shown in the figures) or made with a material magnetizable, and indirectly the position of said pistons 110, 120.

In fact, analogously to what has been said above, also in this case, do you know the position of the stem 13 ? possible to calculate the position of the two pistons 110,120 inside the respective cylinders 11, 12.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, each sensing device 14, 15 is a magnetic sensor 14, 15 (known in the jargon as a ?Hall effect sensor?), i.e. a transducer capable of varying its output voltage in response to a detected magnetic field.

However, the typology of said detection devices 14, 15 may be different from what is described, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. For example, said detecting devices 14, 15 can be Reed magnetic sensors, acoustic sensors (ultrasonic), inductive sensors, wire sensors, photoelectric or capacitive.

Furthermore, the pressure multiplier 1 comprises a distribution valve 16 connected to said inlet port 100, to said sensing devices 14, 15 as well as to said actuation chambers 111, 121 of the respective cylinders 11, 12.

The distribution valve 16 is then connected to a first discharge valve or first vent 102A and a second discharge valve or second vent 102B, into which the discharge air of the pressure multiplier 1 is conveyed.

In the embodiment being described, the distribution valve 16 is a five-way, two-position solenoid valve, therefore movable between a first position and a second position.

In particular, when said distribution valve 16 ? in said first position, said distribution valve 16 allows the passage of air from said inlet port 100 to said actuation chamber 121 of said second cylinder 12 and at the same time allows the passage of air from said actuation chamber 111 of said first cylinder 11 to said first exhaust valve 102A, as shown by the directional indicators represented in figure 2.

When, on the other hand, does said distribution valve 16 ? in said second position (not shown in the figures), said distribution valve 16 allows the passage of air from said inlet port 100 to said actuation chamber 111 of said first cylinder 11 and at the same time allows the passage of air from said actuation chamber 121 of said second cylinder 12 to said exhaust valve 102B.

However, the type of said distribution valve 16 may be different from what is described, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

The operation of the pressure multiplier 1 described above takes place as follows.

Initially, when the pressure intensifier 1 ? in a first operating position, the incoming air with said pressure P1 enters the inlet port 100 and continues into the pressure chambers 112, 122 of the respective cylinders 11, 12.

In particular, the air enters, through the one-way valve 106, the pressure chamber 112 of the first cylinder 11 and enters, through the one-way valve 107, the pressure chamber 122 of the second cylinder 12.

Furthermore, as shown in figure 2, the air coming from the inlet port 100 also enters the distribution valve 16, which is in said first position and, therefore, diverts this air towards the actuation chamber 121 of the second cylinder 12.

Instead, the air present in the actuation chamber 111 of the cylinder 11 is diverted, again by means of the distribution valve 16, towards the first exhaust valve 102A.

Thus, the distribution valve 16 pressurizes the actuation chamber 121 of said second cylinder 12 and depressurizes the actuation chamber 111 of said first cylinder 11.

Subsequently, as shown by the directional indicators in figure 2, the pressure exerted by the air present in the pressure chamber 112 of the first cylinder 11 as well as the pressure exerted by the air present in the actuation chamber 121 of the second cylinder 12 allow to move the respective two pistons 110 and 120 along the direction of the X axis, towards the end? 11A of the first cylinder 11.

The compressed air, i.e. the air with said pressure P2, present in the pressure chamber 122 of the second cylinder 12 then proceeds, by means of the one-way valve 109, towards the outlet port 101 and is collected in a tank S.

Finally, when the first piston 110 of the first cylinder 11 reaches the end of its stroke, the first detection device 14 detects the position of said first piston 110 due to the variation of the magnetic field flux generated by the approach of the first piston 110 equipped with a magnet to said first detection device 14.

The first sensing device 14 then transmits a voltage signal to said distribution valve 16 capable of causing its state to switch from said first position to said second position.

At this point, in the opposite way to what was previously said, the pressure intensifier 1 ? in a second operating position (not shown in the figures).

Similarly to what has been said for the first operating position of the pressure multiplier 1, the air enters the inlet port 100 and continues towards the pressure chambers 112, 122 of the respective cylinders 11, 12.

In particular, the air enters, through the one-way valve 106, the pressure chamber 112 of the first cylinder 11 and enters, through the one-way valve 107, the pressure chamber 122 of the second cylinder 12.

Furthermore, the air coming from the inlet port 100 also enters the distribution valve 16, which ? in said second position and, therefore, diverts this air towards the actuation chamber 111 of the first cylinder 11.

The air present in the actuation chamber 121 of the second cylinder 12 is, on the other hand, diverted, again by means of the distribution valve 16, towards the second exhaust valve 102B.

Therefore, in this case, the distribution valve 16 pressurizes the actuation chamber 111 of said first cylinder 11 and depressurizes the actuation chamber 121 of said second cylinder 12.

Subsequently, the pressure exerted by the air present in the pressure chamber 122 of the second cylinder 12 and the pressure exerted by the air present in the actuation chamber 111 of the first cylinder 11 allows to move the respective two pistons 110 and 120 along the direction of the? X axis, towards the? extremity? 12A of the second cylinder 12.

The compressed air, i.e. the air with said pressure P2, present in the pressure chamber 112 of the first cylinder 11 then proceeds, by means of the one-way valve 108, towards the outlet port 101 and is collected in the tank S.

Finally, when the second piston 120 of the second cylinder 12 reaches the end of its stroke, the second detection device 15 detects the position of said second piston 120 due to the variation of the magnetic field flux generated by the approach of the second piston 120 equipped with a magnet to said second detection device 15.

The second sensing device 15 then transmits a voltage signal to said distribution valve 16 capable of causing its state to switch from said second position to said first position.

Advantages

A first advantage of the pressure multiplier according to the present invention ? that of providing a simple and advantageous structure and operation with respect to known devices.

A further advantage of the pressure multiplier according to the present invention ? that of avoiding blockages of the pressure multiplier caused by possible drops in pressure following an incomplete actuation of the pneumatic distribution valves.

The present invention ? been described by way of illustration, but not limitation, according to your preferred embodiments, but ? it should be understood that variations and/or modifications may be made by experts in the art without thereby departing from the relative scope of protection, as defined by the attached claims.

Claims (13)

1. Pressure multiplier (1) for machines for working wood panels and the like, wherein said pressure multiplier (1) comprises a central body (10) having an inlet port (100), for the inlet of an air stream with an inlet pressure (P1), and an outlet port (101), for the outlet of an air stream with an outlet pressure (P2), a first cylinder (11) connected to said central body (10), a first piston (110) movable in said first cylinder (11), a second cylinder (12), connected to said central body (10), a second piston (120) movable in said second cylinder (12), a rod (13) connecting said first piston (110) and said second piston (120), a distribution valve (16), connected to each cylinder (11, 12) and to said inlet port (100) of said central body (10), configured to switch between a first position in which it diverts said air flow coming from said inlet port (100) towards said second cylinder (12), and a second position in which it diverts said air flow coming from said inlet port (100) towards said first cylinder (11), at least one detection device (14, 15) for detecting the position of said first piston (110) and/or the position of said second piston (120) or the position of said rod (13), wherein said at least one sensing device (14, 15) ? connected to said distribution valve (16) to transmit a respective signal to said distribution valve (16) and switch its state from said first position to said second position and vice versa. 2. Pressure multiplier (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said at least one detection device (14, 15) comprises a first detection device (14) arranged on said first cylinder (11) to detect the position of said first piston (110) and a second detection device (15) arranged on said second cylinder (12) to detect the position of said second piston (120). Pressure intensifier (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that said first detection device (14) ? disposed at an end position for said first piston (110), e by the fact that said second detection device (15) ? arranged at an end-of-stroke position for said second piston (120). 4. Pressure multiplier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said central body (10) comprises a group of one-way valves (106, 107, 108, 109) for distributing the air inside/ outside of said two cylinders (11, 12). 5. Pressure multiplier (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said group of one-way valves (106, 107, 108, 109) comprises a first one-way valve (106) connected to said inlet port (100) to receive said air flow with inlet pressure (P1), a second one-way valve (107) connected to said inlet port (100) to receive said air flow with inlet pressure (P1), a third one-way valve (108) connected to said outlet port (101) to supply said air flow with outlet pressure (P2) at the outlet, and a fourth one-way valve (109) connected to said outlet port (101) to supply said air flow with outlet pressure (P2) at the outlet. 6. Pressure intensifier (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that said first cylinder (11) has a pressure chamber (112) and an actuation chamber (111), respectively separated from said first piston (110), wherein said pressure chamber (112) and said actuation chamber (111) have a variable volume based on the movement of said first piston (110), wherein said drive chamber (111) ? connected to said distribution valve (16), and in which said pressure chamber (112) ? connected to said first one-way valve (106) and to said third one-way valve (108). 7. Pressure intensifier (1) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that said second cylinder (12) has a pressure chamber (122) and an actuation chamber (121), respectively separated from said second piston (120), wherein said pressure chamber (122) and said actuation chamber (121) have a variable volume based on the movement of said second piston (120), wherein said drive chamber (121) ? connected to said distribution valve (16), and in which said pressure chamber (122) ? connected to said second one-way valve (107) and to said fourth one-way valve (109). 8. Pressure multiplier (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that it comprises a first discharge valve (102A) connected to said distribution valve (16) so as to receive the discharge air flow coming from said actuation chamber (111) of said first cylinder (11), by comprising a second exhaust valve (102B) connected to said distribution valve (16) so as to receive the exhaust air flow coming from said actuation chamber (121) of said second cylinder (12), and by comprising a tank (S) connected to said outlet port (101) to collect said air flow with said outlet pressure (P2). 9. Pressure multiplier (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said distribution valve (16) is ? a five-way, two-position solenoid valve, in which, when said distribution valve (16) ? in said first position, said distribution valve (16) allows the passage of air from said inlet port (100) to said actuation chamber (121) of said second cylinder (12) and allows the passage of air from said actuation chamber (111) of said first cylinder (11) to said first exhaust valve (102A), and in which, when said distribution valve (16) ? in said second position, said distribution valve (16) allows the passage of air from said inlet port (100) to said actuation chamber (111) of said first cylinder (11) and allows the passage of air from said actuation chamber (121) of said second cylinder (12) to said exhaust valve (102B). 10. Pressure multiplier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that each piston (110, 120) ? equipped with a respective magnet, e by the fact that said at least one detection device (14, 15) ? a magnetic sensor capable of detecting the position of said piston (110, 120) due to the variation of the magnetic field flux generated by the approach of said piston (110, 120) to said at least one detection device (14, 15) . 11. Pressure multiplier (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said at least one sensing device (14, 15) ? a Hall effect magnetic sensor or a Reed magnetic sensor. 12. Pressure multiplier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one sensing device (14, 15) ? an acoustic sensor or an inductive sensor or a wire sensor or a photoelectric sensor or a capacitive sensor. Pressure intensifier (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said stem (13) ? equipped with a respective magnet or ? made by a magnetizable material, e by the fact that said at least one detection device (14, 15) ? a magnetic sensor capable of detecting the position of said rod (13) due to the variation of the magnetic field flux generated by the approach of said rod (13) to said at least one detection device (14, 15).