RU2531106C2 - Regulators and feed system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: process engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to regulator and/or its parts or components, for example, in air-driven tool feed systems. In compliance with some versions, two-step regulators feature every adjustable and/or readjustable step. In some preferable versions, adjustable and/or readjustable two-step regulators can be used selectively at low and/or high pressure and intermittent flow feed and continuous flow feed and/or low and/or high flow feed rate, or combinations thereof. In some versions, regulators feature stable operating parameters irrespective of pressure feed cylinder. In compliance with some versions, regulators incorporate selector of pressure fed to regulator inlet and, respectively, to connected hose, optional pressure gage to control outlet pressure. Also it can incorporated special cartridge "fed-discharged" cartridge as high-pressure cartridge and/or module.

EFFECT: stable gas feed.

10 cl, 9 dwg

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims priority for provisional patent application US No. 61/171449 dated April 21, 2009, entitled "Regulator", which is incorporated herein in full by reference. US patent No. 6932128, entitled "Device and method for using a lightweight portable air-gas power source", and PCT application PCT / US2007 / 88865 dated December 26, 2008, entitled "Units of pneumatic regulators, power systems and methods for their use", additionally included here in full by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to controllers (and / or parts or components thereof) and / or portable pneumatic feeding systems using such controllers. In at least one embodiment, there is a customizable regulator connected to a cylinder filled with compressed air / gas. Such an exemplary regulator can be used attached to a high-pressure cylinder (filled with compressed air / gas) to create an outlet air / gas pressure (for example, through a hose) having specific selected values suitable for use when feeding pneumatic tools or for filling air bags or tires (or for other possible uses not listed in this document). In particular, some embodiments of the regulator have adjusting elements for selecting the pressure supplied to the outlet of the regulator (and therefore to the connected hose), and also optionally include a pressure gauge so that the outlet pressure can be visually monitored and / or use a special on-off cartridge as a cartridge or high-pressure module.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Over the centuries, to solve the many problems of construction and production that were identified during the technological progress of civilization to modern times, a huge number of different types of tools were developed, etc. For example, in one industry, such as the construction industry, dozens of different types of tools can be used on the same construction site. In particular, the number of such types of tools used has grown due to various specialties and narrow specializations of carpentry and other construction methods that continue to develop as modern buildings become more and more complex.

Over the course of this evolution, considerable efforts have been made to automate the operation of tools, mainly to increase work efficiency by improving tool operating speeds and reducing tool operator fatigue. In recent decades, such automation efforts have usually included the development or improvement of pneumatic tools powered by a compressor or powered by electricity. In this regard, due to the increase in their efficiency, the use of automated tools is becoming so widespread that it will be difficult not to find a pneumatic nailing gun or electric drill at a typical construction site. However, conventional pneumatic or electric tools have various imperfections or disadvantages.

For example, pneumatic or electric tools that are directly connected to the compressor via a hose or to an electrical outlet via a power cable are limited in their portability or mobility due to their attachment to appropriate power sources (for example, their portability is limited by the length of the hose or cord and / or it may be difficult or unsafe to carry them up the stairs, for example). In addition, the longer the cord or hose, the greater the total weight, as well as the likelihood that such a hose or cord will become tangled or otherwise pose a security risk (for example, a disconnection hazard). Although cordless tools eliminate some of these shortcomings, such tools have their own drawbacks, such as weight gain and dependence on the final charge of the battery (after the battery is discharged, you must wait until the battery is recharged or, for example, have additional batteries).

Although US patent No. 6932128, entitled "Device and method for using a lightweight portable air-gas power source", eliminated or reduced some of the disadvantages described above, the present invention is intended, at least in part, to further improve the device and methods described therein, as well as to create other improvements that do not necessarily relate to technologies specifically described in the '128 patent. In particular, the present invention is intended to provide a significant improvement in the design of the controller, for use, for example, with such systems as described in the '128 patent.

For example, some types of pneumatic tools, such as nail guns, require short emissions of compressed air (in this application, “air” is used generically, interchangeably with “gas” or “air / gas”, including atmospheric gases or other suitable gases, such as nitrogen or helium), while others, such as pneumatic screwdrivers, require a continuous flow of air, often under high pressure, during the life of the tool. Similarly, certain types of work or projects using a pneumatic tool are best addressed using low pressure and a continuous stream of air, such as when inflating bicycle tires or a basketball or soccer ball (i.e. using high pressure emissions or continuous high pressure flow pressure in such applications can damage or explode the tire or ball). In addition, some more demanding applications, such as certain cutting devices, such as hydraulic rescue tools or inflatable bags (used, for example, by firefighters during emergency operations), or some impact wrenches, require a large volume of air in addition to high pressure and continuous flow.

In the light of the existence of these many applications and types of work, each with its own requirements for air supply, it would be desirable to have a single regulator, adapted by virtue of its configuration or design, to be used in such (or other) alternative applications or types of work (for example, with such a system as described in the '128 patent) with or without restructuring the regulator or replacing the part required when switching between such applications or types of work. In some optimal designs, it would be desirable, of course, to have a single regulator capable of supplying air, as an alternative (for example, if desired selectively), and under low and high pressure, in burst mode (single emissions) or as a continuous stream , and / or a small or large volume (or in any combination of the types of supply listed here) without the need to replace part and / or significant adjustment of the regulator (or without adjustment of the regulator, with the exception of the mechanism for adjusting the outlet pressure, according to les initial setup, usually temporarily close to the installation of the regulator to the cylinder or pressure vessel).

In addition, when using known regulator designs, typically undesired pressure fluctuations occur during operation of the regulator. One example of this drawback in previously known regulator designs is when the high-pressure air source is discharged (for example, a cylinder or “vessel” of steel, aluminum or carbon fibers) or the air or gas pressure supplied by the source is reduced, the output pressure typically supplied by the regulator increases (that is, it is believed that this happens because initially a lower pressure is present in the low-pressure chamber to displace the low-pressure piston and, accordingly, close the re ulyatora control rod in order to ensure timely interruption of supply air flow into the low pressure chamber). This unexpected result causes problems in some operating modes of the regulator, for example when used with portable air supply systems, because, for example, certain types of tools will be damaged or will not work properly if they are subjected to air pressure above threshold values or when applying alternating air pressure during work.

In view of the above disadvantages and / or aspirations to improve the prior art, the purpose of the invention described here is to eliminate one or more of these disadvantages and / or to satisfy such aspirations or, alternatively, other needs that will become more apparent to a person skilled in the art upon familiarization with the present invention.

SUMMARY OF SOME EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In general, the present invention relates, in some exemplary embodiments, to regulators (or parts or components thereof) having configurations with improved operating parameters (for example, with improved stability of gas supply under pressure). In other or the same embodiments, customizable controls are provided. In the same or other exemplary embodiments, there are regulators with configurations providing enhanced operational capabilities (for example, regarding the range of gas supply under pressure, the type of gas supply and / or the supply volume). In at least one preferred exemplary embodiment, a controller is provided that includes two stages, wherein each stage can be adjusted by the user to fine tune the operating parameters.

In some embodiments, a custom controller is connected to an on / off switch or module capable of shutting off the supply of compressed air and gases to the controller. In some versions of the regulator, when the regulating element is turned off to reduce the supplied pressure of air and gases, the excess pressure of air and gases (in excess of the pressure that must be supplied) is automatically vented from the regulator through the structures described here and illustrated (in this case, the desired low air pressure and gases suitable for immediate use in an instrument, for example). In some versions of the regulator there is an adjusting shaft with several adjusting holes in which pins can be inserted to adjust the maximum output power of the regulators (for example, from 200 to 300 psi). The same or other versions of the regulator contain a pressure relief channel in communication with the high pressure side of the regulator. The presence of such a pressure relief channel provides complete relief of air and gas pressure both from the regulator and from the cylinder under pressure, if it becomes necessary to disassemble the regulator or remove it from the cylinder and in the absence of another method of pressure relief.

In some versions of the regulator with the on / off switch (module), the on / off module is specially designed in such a way that, in combination with the complementary design of the regulator, even when the on / off switch is in the off position, the pressure gauge indicates the pressure in the cylinder under pressure (for example, for safety reasons, so that you always know the pressure in the cylinder, even when the regulator is off). Such a pressure gauge, if necessary, can be used in combination with a second pressure gauge that displays the pressure that will be installed at the outlet of the outlet channel of the tool or similar device (for example, through a hose). In other embodiments of the regulator, a protective casing or cap of the pressure adjusting element is used. Such a protective cover or cap covers the adjustment element in such a way that it cannot be accidentally touched and the output pressure inadvertently changed. In addition, during operation, such a protective casing or cap reduces the likelihood of entanglement of the regulator. In versions of the regulator in which a switch or on-off module is used, the high-pressure cassette is not used, and the switch or on-off module has a covered area that is screwed into the cylinder neck (with the on-off module fastened bolts with regulator when using o-rings for sealing, etc.). In variants that are not related to connecting or using the on-off module, a high-pressure cassette is used, which has a male section for screwing into the cylinder neck (for storing compressed air and gases). In some embodiments using an on-off module, the module has a module housing comprising a cam-type open-close switching mechanism (eg, a cam rod) with a lever for switching the module (via a cam mechanism or rod) to the flow passage position and non-flow (i.e., on and off), as desired.

At least in one embodiment, there is a regulator comprising: a main body of the regulator, a cassette body including a first end for threaded engagement with the high pressure cylinder and a second end for threaded engagement with the main body of the regulator, wherein the first end of the cassette body has a first high-pressure inlet for communicating with the gas stream to a high-pressure gas source, the second end of the cassette housing has a second opening for holding at least a portion a high pressure piston assembly and further includes a middle hole located between the first hole and the second hole, and a cam shaft located with a fit in the middle hole, including a cam shaft operating mechanism for rotating the cam shaft in the middle hole, the stopper is “on” “off” between the first hole and the cam shaft, the on-off stop serves to open and close the air flow in the regulator by turning the cam shaft in the first and second the pivoting position, respectively, of the high-pressure piston having a first end entering at least partially into the second hole, the first end of the high-pressure piston having a recessed region in which the high-pressure piston seal is located, and the high-pressure piston has a through hole in the side wall connected to a centrally located gas flow hole extending along its length, while the main body of the regulator includes a cassette chamber in threaded engagement with the far end of the cartridge case, the second end of the high-pressure piston, at least partially, enters the portion of the main body of the regulator, and the high-pressure piston has a laterally extending annular flange portion bearing an o-ring to provide a seal between the annular flange portion and the adjacent regulator portion, a poppet valve located generally axially on the same line and opposite to the second end of the high pressure piston and having a poppet spring located between the poppet valve ohm and an annular flange portion of the high pressure piston, the poppet valve having a centrally located stem portion extending through the poppet seal of the poppet valve, a second piston (low pressure) located axially at a distance from the poppet valve, close to the stem portion, and having a threaded hole located in it as a whole in the center, the adjusting shaft in threaded engagement with the threaded bore of the second piston, moreover, the adjusting shaft has a ax the passageway to provide a through passage of air, wherein the adjustment shaft has a first end with a hole in which the safety valve body is placed, and the second end is in mutual rotational engagement with the control shaft cap, but is axially movable relative to the control shaft cap, and the safety valve body has a latch on the first end for axial communication with the rod portion of the poppet valve, a spring located in the axial passage of the adjusting between the landing section of the adjusting shaft and the safety valve body, an adjusting spring placed around the adjusting shaft and installed at the first end near the section of the second piston, the regulator cap connected to the main regulator body and holding the adjusting spring at the second end of the adjusting spring, the adjusting cap cap, passing through the hole in the cap of the regulator and connected to the adjustment element so that when the adjustment element is rotated and the cap of the adjusting shaft rotates the adjusting shaft, and the adjusting shaft moves axially into the second piston or out of it, depending on the direction of rotation of the adjusting element, the output channel for supplying gas to the hose, while the rotation of the adjusting element to move the adjusting shaft further into the second piston pressing the safety valve body against the stem portion of the poppet valve, whereby the poppet valve is at least temporarily axially displaced, providing Air flow through a selective air seal between a poppet valve and a poppet ring seal.

In some exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a regulator comprising: a regulator body including an inlet for connecting to a high pressure gas source, and a regulator accommodating a first stage and a second stage, wherein the first stage includes a first regulator piston and a first regulator socket for regulating the air supply between the high pressure chamber and the low pressure chamber of the regulator, and the second stage includes a second regulator piston and a second outlet up to a regulator for regulating the air supply between the low-pressure chamber and the outlet pressure chamber, an outlet channel in communication with a selective gas stream with an outlet chamber for supplying gas at a desired outlet pressure, a first adjustment mechanism in communication with a first stage for controlling at least one the operating parameter of the first stage, the second adjustment mechanism in communication with the second stage for regulating at least one operating parameter of the second stage, and The first adjusting mechanism and the second adjusting mechanism are customizable, individually or in combination, in order to provide the required regulator performance. In these or other exemplary embodiments, the second adjusting mechanism is customizable to select the desired working output pressure for supplying through said output channel (for example, for use in pneumatic tools and the like). In such or other exemplary embodiments, the first and second control mechanisms are customizable to selectively adjust said regulator to supply gas through said outlet, alternatively or in combination, at low pressure, under high pressure, in a small volume, in a large volume, in intermittent mode, as well as in continuous flow mode.

If desired, in one embodiment or a combination of the previous embodiments, the regulator is configured such that the regulator cap can be removed by attaching the regulator to a pressurized high pressure cylinder without substantially relieving pressure in the high pressure cylinder.

In some other examples considered, in one embodiment or a combination of the previous embodiments, the regulator is configured such that the springs (regardless of the type used) can be selectively removed and replaced by springs of a different type or having a different "spring stiffness or rated spring tension", so as to change the outlet pressure (psi) of the regulator according to the desired selected end use. In some preferred exemplary embodiments, the implementation (either as described above, or in any combination or sub-combination) of the output pressure (psi) that can be changed is selected from the group consisting of: maximum output pressure (psi), output pressure range (psi) , minimum output pressure (psi), or some combination of the output variables listed here.

In some embodiments, the special configuration of the high-pressure cartridge assembly is configured as a stand-alone removable module. The use of such a module in such exemplary controller configurations provides ease of maintenance and / or repair of the controller, as well as, or alternatively, ease of manufacture and / or increased reliability.

In some preferred exemplary embodiments, the output pressure range (psi) can be changed quickly by simply disconnecting the spring or the spring kit. For example, in one embodiment, the regulator may be configured to switch between 0-150 psi of output pressure and 0-300 psi of output pressure (in practice, typically 150-300 psi of output pressure) by simply disconnecting the spring (or displacing the mechanism assembly). This is important, at least in one respect - when you need to use such a regulator (for example, as part of a portable power system) for many types of end use, from pumping sports balls, such as basketballs or footballs, to applications requiring higher pressure, for example , for feeding shock wrenches or working with inflatable bags in emergency situations and the like.

In various exemplary embodiments, the controller is designed to be connected to a compressed air source, such as a portable container. In such embodiments, the container is preferably small enough to be carried by the user and connected via a regulator to a hose for quick connection to any number of pneumatic tools.

In various exemplary embodiments, the gas flow from the high pressure chamber to the low pressure chamber may be controlled by a tunable or customizable high pressure piston assembly (eg, including a poppet valve and a spring connected thereto). In addition, in such exemplary or other embodiments, the gas flow from the low pressure chamber to the outlet chamber can be controlled by a tunable or custom low pressure piston assembly. In other embodiments, one or both of the high and low pressure piston assemblies are adjustable and / or tunable to obtain a generally predictable, substantially or generally unchanged outlet pressure regardless of decreases in the pressure source (e.g., provided by a high pressure cylinder connected to a regulator )

In some of the embodiments described here, the longitudinal position of the adjusting shaft in the piston is user-configurable (for example, to adjust the adjuster). For example, the regulator may include an element for the user to adjust the position of the shaft in the low pressure piston.

In addition, in some embodiments, the controller may be able to receive air and gases at the air inlet channel at a pressure of at least 0-6000 psi and lower such air and gas pressure to supply this air and gas pressure from the air-gas outlet a channel, in some preferred exemplary embodiments, under pressure between 150-300 psi and in more preferred exemplary embodiments, under pressure between 0-300 psi and in even more preferred embodiments under pressure dy 0-500 psi (e.g., at different feed rates desired volume). In the most preferred (but still non-restrictive) exemplary embodiments, it is possible to select a wide variety of pressure and volume values and supply them without having to replace a part and / or substantial adjustment of the regulator. In some particularly effective embodiments, the controller does not require adjustments when changing end-use modes (for example, in addition to the possible use of the outlet pressure element).

In some embodiments, the air-gas outlet is connected through an air-gas hose to a pneumatic tool, and the regulator may further include an air inlet connected through an air hose, for example, to a reservoir or compressor to replenish the air receiver connected to the regulator.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a power system for a portable pneumatic tool, which includes (a) a two-stage regulator including a casing having at least a first chamber and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber, assembly high-pressure cassettes and a high-pressure piston assembly located in the first chamber, wherein the high-pressure cartridge assembly has an air inlet channel, a low-pressure cartridge or other assembly and a low-pressure piston, p located in a second chamber, the low pressure cartridge being fluidly connected to the air outlet, (b) a pressurized air receiver, and (c) a hose connected to the air outlet at one end and a pneumatic tool at the other end.

In some embodiments described here, the adjustableness of both the first and second stages allows the controller to be retuned so that it can easily be used with a wide range of pneumatic tools (which use intermittent gas supply or continuous flow). In such or other embodiments, the adjustment of the first and second stage, as an additional or alternative option, provides a readjustment in such a way that the regulator delivers a generally or essentially stable outlet pressure of the gas regardless of the pressure of the gas (for example, the pressure of the gas coming from the cylinder high pressure steel, aluminum or carbon fibers).

Some other controller designs have certain specific disadvantages. For example, pneumatic tools such as drills, chisels, grinders, sandblasting machines, impact wrenches and the like, which constantly need air flow to work, may experience a “drop”. When a “drop” is transmitted to the regulator from the pneumatic tool used, the pressure (psi) generated by the regulator while the tool is operating falls inappropriately after the instrument is first started. For example, if an instrument needs 120 psi for continuous operation, this means that it needs 120 psi for the period of time during which the instrument is used (for example, for efficient operation). However, when a so-called drop occurs, the proper air pressure (for example, 120 psi) is not applied (for example, a pressure drop of 30-40 psi may occur, which leads to lower air pressure than the tool requires for efficient operation). It can also lead to very fast discharge of the connected high-pressure cylinder, and therefore all the accumulated air and / or gas will be used until the work is completed. In some embodiments described herein, there are regulators that can efficiently transfer the energy of air and / or gases to instruments requiring a constant airflow with a significant reduction in “fall” or a substantial or complete elimination of “fall”.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Now, some examples of the invention will be described below with reference to some non-restrictive variants of their implementation, as shown in the following drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a variant of implementation of the controller according to the object of the invention;

figure 2 shows a top view in section of a variant of implementation of the controller shown in figure 1;

figure 3 shows another top view in section of a variant of implementation of the controller shown in figure 1;

figure 4 shows an embodiment of the regulator shown in figure 3 with a different hatching of parts, while some parts are omitted for clarity, and the regulator is shown in pressure mode;

figure 5 shows a three-dimensional view with a spatial separation of the parts of the controller shown in figure 1;

figure 6 shows a three-dimensional view with a spatial separation of the parts of the removable cartridge high pressure in accordance with one embodiment of the object of the invention;

Fig.7 shows a three-dimensional view with a spatial separation of the parts of the adjusting shaft, the safety valve and the associated parts suitable in combination with at least one embodiment of the controller according to the object of the invention;

on Fig shows an x-ray view of the adjusting shaft, suitable in combination with at least one embodiment of the regulator according to the object of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an adjusting shaft suitable in combination with at least one embodiment of a regulator according to an aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference has now been made to the following description of various illustrative and non-limiting embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numbers are denoted by like numerals.

Turning first to FIGS. 1 and 7, we see the assembled and spatially exploded views of an exemplary controller according to an aspect of the invention. In this regard, the figures shows the controller 1, comprising a node of four main components or subassemblies, including the main body 5 of the regulator, a high-pressure cartridge or module 3 "on / off", the cap 47 of the regulator and the protective casing 7 of the pressure gauge, each of which Assembly contains and / or functionally contains the main functional components of controller 1.

In this regard, the high pressure cassette 3 of the regulator 1 generally comprises a cassette body 61 having a first end 4 for threaded engagement with a high pressure cylinder or other high pressure air source, and a second end 6 for threaded engagement with the main body 5 of the regulator. In this case, the first end 4 includes a high pressure inlet 74 for communicating through the gas stream with the high pressure cylinder with which it is connected (or connected). The second end 6 of the cassette housing 61 further includes a second hole for holding at least a portion of the high pressure piston assembly (including the high pressure piston 8 and associated parts, as will be described in more detail below) and also includes a middle hole located between the first hole and the second hole, accommodating the cam shaft or the rod 65. An element or lever 63 (which serves as the working mechanism of the cam shaft) is attached to the cam rod 65 to rotate the cam Vågå shaft average hole. In the illustrated embodiments, the cam rod 65 has an eccentric shape for axially displacing or moving the on / off stop 69 while rotating the cam rod in the inner channel of the cassette body 61 located between the first hole 74 and the cam rod. As shown, the on-off stop is secured to the cassette housing with a hollow set screw 73 that grips or holds the lock spring 71.

In particular, when the cam lever 63 is rotated, the cam shaft 65 moves the on / off stop 69 between the open and closed positions, thereby opening and closing the high pressure air stream in the regulator (i.e., from a high pressure air source, such as a cylinder under pressure) by unlocking and blocking the air path that begins in the hole 74 (O-ring 75 is placed around the stopper 69 for selectively making an airtight seal).

As can be seen from the figures, the high pressure piston 8 is placed in the regulator in such a way that its first end enters, at least partially, into the second hole of the cassette body 61. The first end of the high pressure piston 8 includes a recessed area on which the seal is located 9 high pressure pistons. In addition, the piston 8 has a through hole 10 in the side wall adjacent to a centrally located gas flow hole 12 extending substantially or completely along its length. The second end of the piston 8 extends or is located (in this embodiment), at least partially, in the cassette chamber of the main body 5 of the controller (for example, the high pressure cassette 3 is threaded to the casing 5 through its cassette chamber). In this area, the piston 8 includes a laterally extending annular flange portion carrying an o-ring 17 to provide sealing between the annular flange portion and an adjacent regulator portion, for example, through a poppet valve connector 27 mounted in the opening of the housing 5, in this particular non-limiting embodiment .

In the poppet valve connector 27, a poppet valve 23 is mounted generally axially aligned with the second end of the high pressure piston 8 (for example, near the end with the region of the annular flange portion) and opposite to it. A poppet spring 25 is located between the poppet valve 23 and the annular flange portion (piston 8). A spring 25 is fixed at one end to a poppet valve 23 and attached to the flange portion of the piston 8. The poppet valve 23 includes a centrally located stem portion passing through the seal 29 of the annular poppet valve and the poppet spring 25, which in some operating modes presses the poppet valve 23 against this seal 29 so as to provide a selective seal e airflow between the intermediate pressure chamber and a low pressure (further described below).

Moving further up the regulator body, we see a second low pressure piston 39 located axially away from the poppet valve 23 (for example, near its rod end) and including a threaded hole located generally in its center. The adjusting shaft 37 is in threaded engagement with the threaded hole of the piston 39 so that the axial position of the shaft 37 in the piston 39 can be adjusted by screwing and unscrewing. The adjusting shaft 37 includes a generally centered axial passage to provide a through passage of air. In addition, the control shaft has a first end with an opening that accommodates the valve body 31, and also has a second end in mutual rotational engagement with the cap 45 of the control shaft. Although the shaft 37 is engaged with the cap 45 in such a way that they rotate synchronously with each other, the shaft 37 is structurally designed so that it can further axially move in engagement and out of engagement with the female engagement portion of the cap.

The safety valve housing 31 includes a latch at the first end for axial communication with the rod portion of the poppet valve 23, the safety valve spring 33 is located in the axial passage of the adjusting shaft 37 between the adjusting shaft seating portion and the safety valve housing 31. In some operating modes, this leads to a displacement of the safety valve body to the poppet valve stem. The adjusting spring 43 is located around the adjusting shaft 37, is seated on the first proximal end or on the top of the section of the second low pressure piston 39 (for example, on the mounting collar of the spring) and is closed or fixed on its other end by means of the regulator cap 47. The cap 47 itself in this embodiment is connected to the main body 5 by a thread.

The cap of the adjusting shaft 45 extends through the opening of the cap of the regulator 47 and is preferably connected to the adjusting element 49 so that when the adjusting element is rotated, the cap of the adjusting shaft rotates the adjusting shaft 37, and the adjusting shaft axially moves further into the second piston 39 or extends from it into depending on the direction of rotation of the adjusting element. More specifically, the rotation of the adjusting element in the direction of further advancement of the adjusting shaft 37 into the second piston 39 (low pressure) causes the safety valve body 31 to press against the stem portion of the poppet valve 23, whereby the poppet valve is axially displaced at least temporarily and allows passage air flow through a selective airtight seal between the poppet valve 23 and the poppet valve ring seal 29.

In the regulator case there is an outlet channel 97 for supplying air to the hose, for example, communicating through the air stream with a low-pressure chamber (LPC), which is most clearly distinguished in Fig. 4 (which shows the pressure regulator and low-pressure piston 39 raised on distance "d"). Moreover, the channel 97 is preferably equipped with threaded walls for mounting a quick-connect connector of the "connected-disconnected" type for connection, for example, to an air-gas hose (for connection, for example, with a pneumatic tool).

In preferred, but not necessarily in all embodiments, the regulator 1 includes a safety channel adapted for use to vent all pressure from the regulator if necessary (for example, due to the need for repair, or adjustment, or for any other need). In such embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, a safety channel seal 57 is secured in place to seal the safety channel with a plug 59. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug 59 has a convex surface to create concentrated pressure near the central portion of the seal 57. To remove the plug 59, a hex wrench (for example) can be used just to unscrew it from the regulator body, thereby bleeding pressure from the regulator (and / or and a high pressure cylinder connected to some embodiments, which include air passageways connected between the relief passage and the inlet 74).

To fill the connected high-pressure cylinder, when the regulator 1 is connected to such a cylinder (or a similar air storage device), a filling channel (FP) is provided, such as that shown in FIG. As you can see in this figure, this filling channel is connected through the air passages (AP1) (some areas are shaded in the figure) with the air passages AP2 in the high-pressure cassette 3 (this connection, for example, is sealed with a sealing ring 103), which, in turn, are airways connected to an opening 74, to which, after its creation, air pressure is supplied from the high pressure cylinder. Due to these airway connections, a filling channel (FP) can be used to fill a pressure vessel or cylinder for later use in order to power, for example, pneumatic tools. A channel 101 of a bursting disc (with an associated bursting disc) connected to these airways is also provided as a safety device.

As can be seen in the various figures, the high-pressure cassette 3 is connected to the main body 5 of the regulator, in preferred embodiments, by simply screwing into it using o-rings, for example, o-rings 79 and 81, where it is necessary to obtain or achieve the necessary seals .

In operation, the illustrated two-stage regulator is preferably attached to the portable high-pressure air-gas cylinder so that the opening 74 communicates through the air-gas stream with a source of compressed air / gas (for example, located in the connected high-pressure air-gas cylinder). In this case, when the cam rod 65 is turned to the “open” position, compressed air can enter the regulator and pass through the seal 9 when the piston 8 is in the retracted position and the seal 9 is not pressed against the sealing plug 87. Pressure air passing through the seal 9 , fills the region or space between the piston plug 91 and the outer circumference of the first end portion of the piston 8 and enters the through hole 10 of this piston. After entering the through hole 10, air under pressure passes through the gas flow hole 12, leaves the piston 8 and enters a selectively sealed space above the region of the annular flange portion of the piston. When the space is filled with air under pressure, a quantity sufficient to overcome the upward biasing force of the spring 11 (the upward biasing force applied to the downwardly facing portion of the annular flange piston 8), this pressure presses the high-pressure seal 9 against the high-pressure sealing plug 87, and the air flow from the high pressure side of the regulator to the intermediate pressure section (or intermediate pressure chamber IPC) of the regulator is temporarily stopped. With regard to this connection, it should be noted that in some preferred embodiments (such as shown), the space below the annular flange portion of the piston 8 is exposed to atmospheric or ambient pressure (while being sealed from the other chambers of the regulator by o-rings, for example, 17 and 79). This is done by making holes P1 and P2, as shown in FIG. These openings are simply openings in the regulator body leading outward of the regulator. In short, while maintaining low atmospheric pressure under the annular flange portion of the piston 8, even when this piston is offset downward (relative to the position shown in the figures), undesirable resistance to air under pressure does not occur (for example, “squeezing” air), which ensures stable and / or predictable adjustment of the regulator rather by selecting the operating characteristics of the springs (for example, for spring 11) than by calculating the potential additional effect of changes in air pressure this field (in this case the motion of the piston 8 is, at least in part, a reflection of differential force (created or springs and / or air pressure) applied to the upper and lower areas of the annular flange portion of the piston.

To select and maintain air pressure in the low-pressure chamber or in the outlet region of the regulator 1, use the adjusting element 49 to screw the adjusting shaft 37 axially further into the low pressure piston 39. After that, the safety valve 31 is shifted down to the stem portion of the poppet valve 23. When sufficient the downward bias force to the poppet valve 23 overcomes the downward bias force generated by the spring 25 and the air seal between the poppet seal 29 apana and poppet valve 23 becomes temporarily "broken". In particular, after the “violation”, pressurized air can pass through the seal 29 into the low pressure chamber (LPC). As this chamber (LPC) fills with pressurized air, pressurized air acts or begins to compress the lower surface of the low pressure piston 39. When sufficient air pressure is generated in the low pressure chamber (LPC) (i.e., under the piston 39), large enough to overcome the downward biasing forces of the adjustment spring 43 (i.e., applied to the upper region of the piston 39), the downward bias pressure on the poppet valve 23 is reduced, and with the help of the spring 25, the poppet valve 23 is again pressed against the poppet seal 29 so that the seal between the intermediate pressure chamber (IPC) and the low pressure chamber (LPC) is restored. Of course, since there is an outlet pressure gauge 15, the user can control the pressure entering the low pressure chamber (LPC), and therefore choose the pressure that will be supplied to the outlet channel 97 (and, accordingly, for example, to a connected pneumatic tool). At the same time, moving the adjusting shaft 37 further into the regulator and the piston 39 (using the adjusting element 49), large pressure values are obtained in the low-pressure chamber. Conversely, pushing the shaft 37 further out of the piston 39 (i.e., upward from the position shown in the figures), lower pressure values are supplied to the low-pressure chamber. Of course, during operation, when the regulator is under pressure and otherwise open and connected to a high-pressure air source, the air exits the low-pressure chamber during use (through channel 97, possibly connected to a hose and the like). With this evacuation of air during use (for example, when feeding a pneumatic wrench), the pressure drop in the low-pressure chamber (which leads to a decrease in the upward bias applied to the piston 39) allows the force of the spring 43 to temporarily reopen the seal between the poppet valve 23 and the seal 29 poppet valve so that pressurized air further enters the low pressure chamber (LPC). Of course, this opens up a new duty cycle (in which the seal eventually closes again, etc.).

As a further improvement in the prior art of the regulator in question, when regulator 1 needs to be adjusted so that the regulator produces a lower output pressure, this pressure can be selected simply by turning the adjusting element 49 in the proper direction (as described above), and any pressure on the output side of the regulator, which above the selected outlet pressure, will be vented through the inner passage in the adjusting shaft 37. More specifically, when the adjusting shaft 37 is extended in the direction of the piston 39, the reduced the air pressure in the low-pressure chamber allows the spring 33 to move the safety valve 31 so that its sealing ring 21 no longer provides (temporarily) an air seal with the central portion of the shaft. When this seal is broken, air under pressure exits through the central passage of the shaft 37 and into the surrounding atmosphere. Of course, after bleeding off a sufficient volume of air, the safety valve 31 automatically returns (due to the differential force of the spring and air under pressure) to the sealing engagement with the shaft bore 37 (using its sealing ring). After bleeding, air no longer exits through the adjusting shaft and the desired outlet pressure is generated (for example, for feeding to a pneumatic tool).

In at least one embodiment of the invention, shafts 37 are provided with mechanisms to limit the output pressure. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, these output shafts are provided with holes for receiving locking pins (not shown). By inserting the pin in one of the appropriate places, the stroke or axial shaft adjustability is physically blocked. Locations for these openings can, of course, be selected so as to correspond to specific output values (psi), as shown (or in any other suitable way). More specifically, by limiting axial adjustability, the volume of air flow entering the low pressure chamber is limited by an adjusting element. This feature can be implemented, for example, for safety reasons or to prevent damage to tools (which could be damaged by an unintentionally high output pressure applied).

After reading this description, specialists in the art will become apparent many other signs, modifications and improvements. Accordingly, these features, modifications and enhancements are considered as part of the invention, without limitation, imposed by the exemplary embodiments described herein. In addition, any word, term, phrase, sign, example, embodiment, or part or combination thereof, used to describe or illustrate the embodiments presented here, unless formulated unconditionally, as clearly unambiguous, or otherwise formulated unconditionally , as restrictive, does not serve to give the invention a restrictive scope contrary to the usual meaning of the conditions of the claims, which otherwise determine the scope of patent rights veins.

Claims (10)

1. A controller containing:
main body of the regulator,
a cassette case including a first end for threaded engagement with a high pressure cylinder and a second end for threaded engagement with said main regulator body, wherein said first end of said cassette case has a first high pressure inlet for communicating with the gas source with a high gas source pressure, said second end of said cassette body having a second hole for holding at least a portion of the high pressure piston assembly and Relatively includes a middle hole located between said first hole and said second hole, as well as a cam shaft located with a fit in said middle hole and comprising a cam shaft operating mechanism for rotating said cam shaft in said middle hole, an on-off stop "Located between said first hole and said camshaft, wherein said on-off stop serves to open and close the air flow in said controller by rotating said cam shaft to a first and second rotational position, respectively,
a high pressure piston having a first end extending at least partially into said second hole, said first end of said high pressure piston having a recessed region supporting a high pressure piston seal, and said high pressure piston having a through hole in the side a wall connected to a centrally located gas flow hole extending along its length,
said main body of the controller includes a cassette chamber in threaded engagement with said second end of said cassette body,
the second end of said high pressure piston extends at least partially into a portion of said main body of the regulator, wherein said high pressure piston has a laterally extending annular flange portion bearing an o-ring to provide a seal between said annular flange portion and an adjacent portion of said regulator ,
a poppet valve located substantially axially in line with and opposite the second end of said high pressure piston and having a poppet spring located between said poppet valve and said annular flange portion of said high pressure piston, said poppet valve having a center a stem portion passing through an o-ring valve seal,
a second piston located axially at a distance from said poppet valve near said stock portion and having a threaded hole located therein mainly in the center,
an adjusting shaft in threaded engagement with said threaded hole of said second piston, wherein said adjusting shaft has a generally axially arranged passage for providing through-through air passage, said adjusting shaft having a first end having an opening accommodating a safety valve body, and also the second end, which is in mutual rotational engagement with the cap of the adjusting shaft, but movable axially relative to the cap adjusting shaft
said safety valve housing has a latch on the first end for axial communication with said stem portion of said poppet valve,
a spring located in said axial passage of said adjustment shaft between the seating portion of said adjustment shaft and said safety valve body,
an adjustment spring located around said adjustment shaft and set at a first end close to a portion of said second piston,
a regulator cap connected to said main body of the regulator and holding said adjustment spring at a second end of said adjustment spring,
said cap of the adjusting shaft passes through an opening in said cap of the regulator and is connected to the adjusting element so that when said adjusting element is rotated, said cap of the adjusting shaft rotates said adjusting shaft and said adjusting shaft moves axially further into or out of said second piston, depending from the direction of rotation of the adjusting element,
an outlet channel for supplying gas to the hose, and
moreover, rotation of said adjusting element to advance said adjusting shaft further into said second piston causes said safety valve body to be pressed against said rod portion of said poppet valve, which leads to at least temporary axial displacement of said poppet valve, allowing air flow to pass through the selective air seal between said poppet valve and said poppet ring seal valve. 2. The regulator according to the preceding paragraph, in which the said regulator is structurally designed so that when the cam shaft rotates so that the air flow stops, at least one pressure gauge communicates through the air flow with a high pressure source so that the pressure of this high pressure source was known. 3. The regulator according to claim 1, wherein said regulator is designed so that when the adjustment element rotates in the direction of decreasing the amount of air supplied under pressure, excess air pressure is automatically vented from the regulator through the purge structures so that the desired lower pressure is directly accessible to use. 4. The controller according to claim 1, wherein said adjustment shaft includes a plurality of adjustment holes into which pins can be inserted to control the maximum output power of the regulators. 5. The regulator according to claim 1, in which the regulator is structurally configured to provide a constant flow under essentially constant pressure between the low-pressure chamber and the outlet channel. 6. The regulator according to claim 1, further comprising a first pressure gauge for measuring pressure in the high-pressure source and a second pressure gauge for measuring pressure in the low-pressure chamber issued by the regulator. 7. The regulator according to claim 1, in which the hose coupling is connected to the output channel. 8. The regulator according to claim 1, in which the regulator is connected to the tool. 9. The regulator according to claim 1, in which the regulator housing further includes a filling unit. 10. The regulator according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the said adjusting element is adjustable to select the desired working output pressure for supplying the said output channel.

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