WO2004012501A1

WO2004012501A1 - Pressure regulating device for hydraulic systems

Info

Publication number: WO2004012501A1
Application number: PCT/IB2003/002977
Authority: WO
Inventors: Esterino Corti
Original assignee: Corti Zootecnici S.R.L.
Priority date: 2002-07-30
Filing date: 2003-07-28
Publication date: 2004-02-12
Also published as: ITMI20021701A1; TR200500272T1; AU2003249495A1; BR0306193A

Abstract

Described herein is a device for regulating the pressure in hydraulic systems in which there is at least one nozzle (50) for determining the section of passage of the water in the device and in which there are provided switching means for moving the tap (20) between at least one enabling position, in which the flow of water passes only through the calibrated hole of the nozzle, and at least one disabling position, in which the water flows also through bypass passages made on the outer surface of the nozzle.

Description

Title: "PRESSURE REGULATING DEVICE FOR HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS"

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Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for regulating the pressure in hydraulic systems and, in particular, a device for regulating the pressure of the water in systems for the drinking of animals in breeding sites . Background Art A device according to the present invention finds, for example, application in drinking systems for poultry. In the sites designed for this activity there is generally installed a water-distribution system provided with a plurality of drinkers. Provided in each of the drinkers is a normally closed water shut-off valve, which may be actuated in opening by means of a mechanism known per se, only at the moment in which the animal introduces its beak in the access port to the drinker.

It is known that the amount of water necessary for the poultry present in a given breeding site depends upon the stage of growth of the animals and must therefore be periodically regulated for following development thereof.

In fact, small chickens require little water at each drinking, and an excessive pressure of the water in the system would cause the water to flow out around the drinker. Wet bedding may cause considerable hygienic problems that may jeopardize the state of health of the chicks reared. On the other hand, a pressure that is too low could prove inadequate at the stage of growth of the adult poultry. For these reasons, in drinking systems there are normally installed pressure regulators in a number of points of the system for enabling adjustment of the proper water requirement according to the pressure of distribution of the mains water and of the inevitable head losses throughout the system. Known pressure regulators generally comprise an adjustable automatic valve assembly and at least one shut-off tap connected between the water-supply mains and the valve assembly. Set between the tap and the valve assembly is a nozzle having at least one calibrated axial hole for determining the section of passage of the water from the tap to the valve assembly. From the latter, the water is distributed through two outlet manifolds designed to serve the pipes of two opposite branches of the system, or else just one pipe if the regulator is set at one end of the system (the other manifold is closed in this case by means of a plug screwed therein) .

However, it becomes at times necessary to have available the maximum pressure of water in the system, for example during the periodic cycles of cleaning and/or disinfecting of the system itself. Water constitutes, in fact, the most practical vehicle for administering integrators and/or drugs to the animals present in the breeding site, whether periodically or in occasional situations. After said use, the residue of drugs or integrators must be completely removed by causing clean water to circulate at high pressure through the system.

In order to enable these operations to be carried out with water at high pressure, it has so far been proposed to provide each pressure regulator with a bypass circuit that enables exclusion of the passage of the water through the nozzle. The bypass circuit generally comprises a pipe with an inlet connected upstream of the normal shut-off tap and an outlet connected to the valve assembly. In the case where the regulator is set between two branches of the system, it is necessary to connect also a union tee that will enable simultaneous washing of both of the branches of the system. This thus involves the introduction of further pipes and pipe fittings and the addition of a further shut-off tap along the bypass circuit. Such a solution, in addition to being costly, proves, however, complex and far from practical. There may in fact occur errors of connection of the bypass pipe, of the possible union tee, and of the further tap, or else undesirable disconnection of one or more of these elements, with consequent leakages in the system and flooding of the surrounding floor.

In addition, by adopting such a known system, some parts, in which there may accumulate deposits of undesirable substances, may remain substantially excluded from washing, for example the shut-off tap normally connected upstream of the valve assembly and, above all, the nozzle set between the shut-off tap and the valve assembly. Also if the shut-off tap is kept open during the washing cycle, the large difference in pressure between the normal path of the fluid and the path along the bypass pipe practically prevents washing of the parts referred to above. Summary of the Invention

The task of the present invention is therefore to provide a device for regulating the pressure in hydraulic systems that will enable the drawbacks of the known art to be overcome .

In the scope of this task, an object of the present invention is to provide a device for regulating the pressure that will enable washing of the drinking system to be carried out in a simple and inexpensive way.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pressure-regulating device that will enable complete washing of all of the parts normally involved in the flow of water distributed throughout the drinking system to be carried out .

These objects are achieved by the present invention, which relates a device for regulating the pressure in hydraulic systems, of the type comprising at least one adjustable automatic valve assembly housed inside a shell, at least one shut-off tap for the water at inlet to the valve assembly, and at least one nozzle having at least one calibrated axial hole for determining the section of passage of the water from the tap to the valve assembly, characterized by comprising switching means for moving the tap between at least one enabling position, in which the flow of water passes only through the at least one calibrated hole of the nozzle, and at least one disabling position, in which the water flows also through bypass passages made on the outer surface of the nozzle. In this way, with a simple manoeuvre of the switching means and without any need for further pipes and taps, it is possible to carry out washing of the system. This moreover guarantees that all of the parts involved in the normal flow of water will be flushed by the washing water at high pressure.

According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the switching means comprise at least one connection element set between the tap and the shell of the valve assembly. Just one manoeuvre performed on the connection element is therefore sufficient to allow moving of the tap between the enabling and disabling positions . Brief Description of the Drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more clear from the following description with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a view of a pressure regulator according to the prior art;

- Figures 2A and 2B are exploded views, respectively with a top and a bottom angle of perspective, of a device for regulating the pressure according to a possible embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 3A and 3B are .perspective views of a nozzle used in a regulating device according to the present invention;

- Figure 4 is an exploded view of certain details of a device for regulating the pressure according to the present invention; and

- Figures 5A and 5B are enlarged partially cross- sectional views, which illustrate operation of a device according to the present invention. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

In the view of Figure 1, designated by the reference number 100 is a device of a known type for regulating the pressure, the device being set at one end of the system, connected to which is a bypass circuit to allow washing of the system.

Water is supplied to the device 100 through a pipe of a flexible type, for example a spiralled hose 10 connected up to the mains water at one end 11 and connected at the opposite end to a union 101 of the T type, which constitutes part of the bypass circuit.

The remaining branches of the union tee 101 are connected, respectively, to a tap 120 for shutting off the water at inlet and to a bypass pipe 102. The other end of the bypass pipe 102 is connected in turn to one of the outlet manifolds 71 of the device 100 through a second shut-off tap 103.

Figure 1 also shows a pipe 110 of the system for distribution of the outgoing water to the drinkers, connected to a manifold (not visible) set diametrically opposite to the manifold 71 visible in Figure 1, and a transparent tube 30 that offers a visual measurement of the pressure of the water at outlet, for example by means of a floating ball 31 present inside the same tube. The known device 100 of Figure 1 is illustrated as being already pre-arranged for washing the system, i.e. with the bypass pipe 102 already connected to one of the two outlet manifolds. This situation may arise, for example, when the device 100 for the regulation of the pressure is set upstream of a single distribution pipe, but it should be emphasized that, in the majority of cases, normally connected to the device 100 are two pipes 110 of the water distribution system, and there is hence present a further union tee for connecting both of the branches of the circuit coming out from the pressure regulator. In order to carry out washing of the system supplied by the pipe 110, it is necessary to open tap 103 to cause water to flow under high pressure in the pipe 110. At the end of the washing cycle, after the tap 103 has been closed, it is possible to restore normal operation of the system for distribution of water to the drinkers.

It is evident that, in the washing operation, the flow of the washing water at high pressure cannot pass through the tap 120 and the nozzle (not visible in Figure 1) .

In the views of Figures 2A and 2B, a device 40 is shown for regulating the pressure according to a possible embodiment of the present invention. Some elements common to the embodiment of the prior art illustrated in Figure 1 are shown with the same reference numbers, for example the supply hose 10, the transparent tube 30, and the outlet manifold 71.

The device 40 comprises a case made up of two half- shells 70 and 80, inside which there is housed an adjustable automatic-valve assembly. The latter comprises an elastically flexible membrane 41, a helical spring 42, as well as a balancing lever 43 which, under the thrust of the membrane 41, acts upon a shutter 44 for opening or closing passage of the water delivered to the device 40 through the inlet manifold 74. In the assembled condition, the shutter 44 shuts off directly the incoming flow of water and comes to bear upon the outlet mouth 54 of a nozzle 50 (Figures 3A, 3B; 5A, 5B) .

A knob 45 enables to change the load of the spring 42 and hence the pressure exerted by the same spring 42 on the membrane 41, with the aim of regulating the pressure necessary for automatically controlling the shutter 44 in opening and closing.

The water reaches the device 40 through a pipe 10 of a flexible type, for example a spiralled hose like the one represented in the figure or a rubber hose, and is shut off by a tap 20 connected to the inlet manifold 74.

Housed inside the inlet manifold 74 is the nozzle 50 already referred to, which is represented in greater detail in Figures 3A and 3B and which is provided with a calibrated axial hole 55 for determining the flow rate of water flowing into the device 40. The nozzle 50 moreover comprises a plurality of fins 51, which project radially outwards with respect to its outer surface.

In particular, the main body of the nozzle 50 comprises at least one first portion 52 having a substantially cylindrical shape, designed to bear, with its own base, upon the connection element 60. In the portion 52, on the face designed to bear upon the connection element 60, there is made a circumferential seat 53 (Figure 3A) capable of receiving a suitable sealing means, such as for example a ring made of elastomeric material 56 (Figure 4) , which is also known technically as O-ring.

The body of the nozzle 50 moreover comprises at least one second portion 54, or outlet mouth, having a substantially cylindrical shape and a diameter smaller than that of the first cylindrical portion 52, as well as a central portion 58 having substantially a truncated- cone shape and set between the first cylindrical portion 52 and the second cylindrical portion 54.

With reference now to the view of Figure 4, it may be noted that the connection element 60 set between the tap 20 and the inlet manifold 74 (Figures 2A and 2B) is made in two pieces, designated, respectively, by the references numbers 61 and 62, which may be joined to one another in various ways, for example by means of gluing, welding or the like.

The two pieces 61 and 62 of the connection element 60 form at least one externally threaded portion 63, which can be engaged by screwing in the internal thread of the inlet manifold 74, as well as at least one portion of ring nut 64 that can be gripped for handling the connection element 60 manually in rotation.

The connection element 60 is mounted on the tap 20, with the possibility of rotation with respect to the tap 20, but without the possibility of axial movement with respect thereto. This mounting may, for example, be provided by means of a circumferential flange 65, which projects towards the inside of the connection element 60 and is engaged in a corresponding circumferential groove 25 made on the outlet pipe 24 of the tap 20.

In the embodiment illustrated, the connection element 60 is made up of two pieces 61 and 62, which are joined to one another, this embodiment proving particularly economically advantageous from the production point of view. However, the connection element could also be made of a single piece (with, for example, a plug or radial grub screw engaged in the groove 25) or else of a number of pieces, provided that it guarantees rotation of the connection element 60 with respect to the tap 20, without any possibility of axial sliding with respect thereto. The connection element 60 is therefore provided as switching means, which enables displacement of the tap 20 between an enabling position, in which the flow of water passes only through the calibrated hole 55 of the nozzle 50 (Figures 3A, 3B; 5A, 5B) , and at least one disabling position, in which the water flows also through the bypass passages made on the outer surface of the nozzle, in particular through the passages delimited by the radial fins 51. The operation of the device according to the present invention is represented in greater detail in the views of Figures 5A and 5B, in which the flow rate upstream and downstream of the nozzle 50 is schematically represented by the density of the lines of flow. When the connection element 60 is completely screwed into the inlet manifold 74, the front part of the element 70 bears upon the seal element 56 housed in the nozzle 50. This position corresponds to that of normal operation of the device according to the present invention, i.e., the one in which the function of the nozzle 50 is enabled and the pressure of the water at the drinkers set downstream is regulated by the device.

When it becomes necessary to have available the maximum pressure in the system downstream of the regulating device, for example to carry out washing and/or sterilization of the system, it is sufficient to loosen the engagement of the connection element 60 in the manifold 74 by acting manually on the portion of ring nut 64 of the connection element itself. In this way, as represented in Figure 5B, the tap is displaced, and the water tightness between the front part of the connection element 60 and the seal ring 56 of the nozzle 50 is no longer present . The water may thus flow through the external passages delimited by the radial fins 51 of the nozzle 50, so guaranteeing the necessary flow rate of water to the system connected downstream of the device .

To return to the situation of normal dosage, represented in Figure 5A, it is sufficient to act manually on the ring nut 64 to screw the connection element 60 into the manifold 74, thus restoring the shut- off tap to its normal position, and bringing the front part of the connection element 60 back to a position in which it bears upon the seal ring 56 housed in the nozzle 50.

Claims

1. A device for regulating pressure in hydraulic systems, of the type comprising at least one adjustable automatic valve assembly housed inside a shell, at least one tap for shutting off the water at inlet to said valve assembly, and at least one nozzle having at least one calibrated axial hole for determining the section of passage of the water from said tap to said valve assembly, characterized by comprising switching means for moving said tap between at least one enabling position, in which the flow of water passes only through said at least one calibrated hole of said nozzle, and at least one disabling position, in which the water flows also through bypass passages made on the outer surface of said nozzle.

2. A device according to Claim 1, wherein said switching means comprise at least one element for connection between said tap and the shell of said valve assembly.

3. A device according to Claim 1, wherein said nozzle comprises a plurality of fins radially projecting outwards from its outer surface.

4. A device according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein said nozzle comprises at least a first portion having a substantially cylindrical shape and designed to bear with its own base against said connection element.

5. A device according to Claim 4, wherein there is provided at least one sealing means housed in a seat made in the base of said first substantially cylindrical portion of said nozzle.

6. A device according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein said nozzle comprises at least a second portion having a substantially cylindrical shape with a diameter smaller than said first substantially cylindrical portion, and at least a central portion, having of a substantially truncated cone shape, set between said first and said second substantially cylindrical portions.

7. A device according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein said connection element is mounted so that it can rotate with respect to the axis of said tap and without the possibility of axial movement with respect thereto.

8. A device according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein said connection element comprises at least one externally threaded portion which can be engaged in an internally threaded manifold of the shell of said valve assembly, and at least one portion of ring nut for operating said switching means in rotation.

9. A device according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein said connection element is made of at least two pieces.

10. A device according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein said connection element comprises at least one circumferential flange projecting inwards and designed to engage in a corresponding groove made on the outlet pipe of said tap to enable rotation of the connection element with respect to the tap and to prevent its axial movement with respect thereto.