WO2012045420A1

WO2012045420A1 - Blow-off system of a diving equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2012045420A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/004898
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rudolf Moeller
Original assignee: Robert Bosch Gmbh
Priority date: 2010-10-08
Filing date: 2011-09-30
Publication date: 2012-04-12
Also published as: DE102010047743A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a blow-off valve for a diving equipment, in particular for a buoyancy compensator, with a valve body (2; 16; 24), which is axially movable in a housing (1) and which can be moved via an actuation mechanism from a start position to an air release position and thus allows pressurized fluid to escape from a pressure channel (8; 14) into an air release channel (10), wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a membrane (3; 18; 23), which is arranged radially with respect to the valve body (2; 16; 24) and which separates two control pressure areas (4, 5) from each other and controls the valve body (2; 16; 24) according to a pressure difference between the two control pressure areas (4, 5), wherein furthermore the valve body (2; 16; 24) and the membrane (3; 18; 23) are designed in one piece.

Description

ABLAS SYSTEM OF DIVING EQUIPMENT

description

The invention relates to a blow-off valve of a diving equipment, in particular a buoyancy compensator, with a valve body axially movable valve body, which is movable via an actuator from a basic position to a vent position and thereby allows escape of pressurized fluid from a pressure channel in a vent channel, wherein the actuating device comprises a diaphragm arranged radially to the valve body, the two

Control pressure ranges separated from each other and makes a control of the valve body in response to a pressure difference between the two control pressure ranges.

Valves of the type described above come with diving equipment

preferably in the field of BCD. A BCD, also known as the Buoyancy Control Device (BCD), is part of the diving equipment that allows the diver to precisely regulate and balance his buoyancy at any depth by blowing or venting air. about

Water is represented by the buoyancy compensator the function of a lifejacket that keeps the diver's head above water. In addition, the vest usually serves as a support frame for the compressed air cylinder. In a BCD, several valves are provided, via which the

Blowing or deflation of air can be controlled in an air bubble of the vest and on which, if necessary, emergency measures can be initiated.

1

CONFIRMATION COPY Such emergency measures can be initiated, for example, in the case of falling below a defined amount of compressed air in the compressed air cylinder or lack of breathing activity of the diver. WO 2007/058615 A1 discloses a diving equipment, which consists of a buoyancy compensator and a compressed air cylinder, as well as a valve arrangement for controlling the compressed air supply from the compressed air cylinder to the buoyancy compensator

composed. In the process, the BCD is inflated when the diver is not breathing and the diver is transported to the water surface. The valve assembly also includes a valve which is controlled by a membrane.

Furthermore, blower valves of diving equipment are known from the general state of the art, with such valves a valve body being accommodated axially movably in a housing and being able to be moved from a basic position into a ventilation position via an actuating device in the form of a membrane. In this venting position an escape of pressurized fluid from a pressure channel is made possible in a vent channel. The membrane is in this case arranged radially to the valve body and separates two control pressure ranges from each other, wherein depending on the height of a pressure difference between the two control pressure ranges, the membrane performs a movement and in this case the valve body transferred to the venting position. The targeted pressure relief of the pressure channel in particular functions in

BCDs, controlled as emergency functions.

Starting from a blow-off valve of the prior art, it is the object of the present invention to provide such a valve diving equipment, in particular for a buoyancy compensator, which is characterized by a low manufacturing cost. This object is achieved on the basis of the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with its characterizing features. The following, dependent claims give each advantageous embodiments of the invention. The invention comprises the technical teaching that the valve body is integrally formed on the membrane. This allows the number of individual components for

Forming a blow-off valve can be considerably reduced, causing the

Production costs reduced accordingly. At the same time valve body and membrane are made very robust due to the exiting junction without junction.

In contrast, a well-known valve has a higher number

Components on, which increases the manufacturing cost of the valve accordingly. In addition, the susceptibility of the valve to the blow-off valve according to the invention is in particular due to the necessary connection between

Valve body and membrane higher.

In a further development of the invention, the pressure channel is passed through the valve body through a through hole in the valve body, wherein the valve body in the basic position seals the pressure channel end face against the vent channel. By means of such a configuration, it is possible for the invention

To provide blow-off valve very space-saving in the course of the pressure channel by the pressure passage extends through the through hole of the valve body. At the same time, the valve body reliably assumes the seal in the basic position with respect to the venting channel.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, a bypass branches off from the pressure channel, wherein the valve body seals this bypass and thus the pressure channel in the basic position at the front side with respect to the ventilation channel. This has the advantage that only two ports must be provided on the blow-off valve, one for the venting channel and one for the bypass, which is the number of

to be provided seals between the terminals and reduces the structure simplified. In this case, due to the smaller number of seals and the friction of the valve body can be reduced, which makes the valve according to the invention particularly suitable for low pressure differences. In a further development of the invention, the valve body has an annular sealing bead on the front side, which is in contact with the housing in the basic position of the valve body. Alternatively, in the frontal area of the

Valve body formed a valve seat, which the valve body in the

Basic position closes. In both cases, a reliable sealing of the pressure channel relative to the venting channel can be achieved in the basic position of the valve body. In the case of the sealing bead, this can be sprayed onto the valve body or carried out in one piece together with the membrane and valve body. In the case of the valve seat is a housing-side or valve body side

Training conceivable, wherein the valve body closes the valve seat in the normal position in both cases.

According to one embodiment of the invention is in the axial direction above and / or below the membrane in each case a circumferential sealing element on

Valve body or provided on the membrane, which with the housing in

Contact stands and in this case the respective control pressure range opposite the

Pressure channel and / or the venting channel seals. Advantageously, this sealing element is in this case by a to the valve body or to the membrane

molded sealing lip formed. By providing a molded on the valve body or on the membrane sealing lip can be effectively ensured for a sealing of the respective control pressure range and on the other hand, the number of individual components can be further reduced. Here, either an injection or a one-piece design with valve body and membrane is conceivable. In addition, depending on the arrangement, the respective sealing lip can come into contact with the housing in the radial direction or in the axial direction, with the sealing lip having to be resilient in the latter case in order to enable contact with the housing during the axial movement of the valve body. Alternatively, the respective one circumferential sealing element is formed by a arranged in a corresponding recess of the valve body double O-ring. In this way, a reliable seal can also be ensured with low friction at the same time.

As a further alternative, the at least one circumferential sealing element is formed by a metal bellows. Such a configuration has the advantage that the metal bellows in addition to the sealing function also assumes a spring function within the valve and thus optionally an otherwise additionally be provided spring element can be saved. Metal bellows are preferably provided above and below the membrane, so that a neutral position of the membrane can be defined.

In a further development of the invention valve body and membrane made of polyurethane. When using this plastic is sufficient strength of

Membrane and valve body reached.

Further, measures improving the invention will be described in more detail below together with the description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to FIGS.

Brief description of the drawings

It shows:

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a blow-off according to the invention according to

a first preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a blow-off valve according to the invention

a second preferred embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a blow-off valve according to the invention according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention.

In Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a blow-off valve according to the invention is shown according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, in which in a housing 1, a valve body 2 is received axially movable. The housing 1 is composed - not shown here - here for simplified assembly of the blow-off from an upper and a lower housing part together. The valve body 2 is made of a, shown in Fig. 1 basic position in a

Ventilation position movable, this movement over a

Actuating device in the form of a membrane 3 is caused. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the valve body 2 and the membrane 3 are integral and made of the same material. This is preferably the plastic polyurethane.

The membrane 3 separates a first control pressure region 4 from a second one

Control pressure range 5, with a pressure difference between these two

Control pressure ranges 4 and 5, a movement of the membrane 3 towards the

Control pressure range 4 or 5 causes the lower prevailing pressure. In this case, the membrane 3 takes the valve body 2 and thus ensures at a lower pressure in the second control pressure range 5 for a transfer of the valve body 2 in the venting position.

In the housing 1, an inflow region 6 and an outflow region 7 of a pressure channel 8 are further provided, wherein via the pressure channel 8, a pressurized fluid, preferably compressed air flows. The inflow 6 and the

Outflow area 7 are in this case via an axially extending in the valve body 2

Through hole 9 connected to each other, which is designed stepped, with the larger diameter of the outflow area 7 is oriented. Furthermore, on the part of the outflow area 7 in the housing 1, a radial to

Valve body 2 extending vent passage 10 is provided. In this

Venting channel 10 there is a lower pressure level than in the pressure channel 8, so that in a transfer of the valve body 2 by means of the membrane 3 in the venting position and a connection associated therewith

Venting duct 10 with the pressure channel 8 fluid from the pressure channel 8 can escape into the vent passage 10. In this case, the prevailing pressure in the pressure channel 8 decreases. In the illustrated in the present basic position of the

Valve body 2, the pressure channel 8, however, sealed via an annular and frontally provided on the valve body 2 sealing bead 11 relative to the vent passage 10. The sealing bead 1 1 is in this case in one piece with the valve body. 2

executed.

As can further be seen from FIG. 1, circumferential sealing lips 12 and 13 are provided on the valve body 2, which are placed in the axial direction above and below the membrane 3 and are likewise designed in one piece with the valve body 2. These sealing lips 12 and 13 each extend radially in the direction of the housing 1 and seal by contact with the housing 1 for a first control pressure region 4 with respect to the venting channel 10 and, if necessary, the outflow region 7 and secondly the second control pressure region 5 with respect to the inflow region 6 from. In the illustrated in Fig. 1 basic position of the valve body 2, this is the end face on the sealing bead 11 with the housing 1 in contact, so that the pressure channel 8 is sealed relative to the vent passage 10 and the fluid from

Inflow 6 can flow to the discharge area 7. Due to the

Material properties of the polyurethane of the valve body 2 and thus also the sealing bead 11 in this case a sufficient sealing of the valve seat 8 is achieved without an additional sealing element is provided. Now changes the pressure ratio between the two control pressure ranges 4 and 5 to the effect that the pressure level in the first control pressure range 4 is higher than in the second

Control pressure range 5, the diaphragm 3 moves in the direction of the second control pressure range 5 and takes the valve body 2 with it. This then moves from the illustrated basic position in a vent position. In this venting position, the pressure channel 8 is no longer compared to the Venting channel 10 sealed so that the pressurized fluid can escape into the vent passage 10 and the pressure in the pressure channel. 8

reduced. If, in the second control pressure range 5, the prevailing pressure rises to a higher level than in the first control pressure range 4, then the diaphragm 3 in turn moves in the direction of the first control pressure range 4, taking the valve body 2 with it. Upon reaching the basic position of the valve body 2 seals again on the sealing bead 1 1, so that no fluid can escape through the vent passage 10.

In Fig. 2 is shown in a detailed view of a sectional view of a blow-off valve according to the invention according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention. In contrast to the variant described in the foregoing branches off in this case from a pressure channel 14 from a bypass 15, which via a

Valve body 16 in the illustrated in Fig. 2 basic position relative to the

Venting channel 10 is sealed. For this purpose, a valve seat 17 is formed in the region of a junction of the bypass 15, on which the valve body 16 is seated. As a further difference, a membrane 18 is provided with a circumferential sealing lip 19, which seals the first control pressure region 4 with respect to the venting channel 10 and, if necessary, the bypass 15. The sealing lip 19 in this case extends axially in the direction of the housing 1 and is designed to be resilient to a sealing effect even with axial movements of the diaphragm 18 and the valve body 16

guarantee. By contrast, the second control pressure region 5 is sufficiently sealed by the housing 1 and the membrane 18 without further sealing elements.

Finally, a stop element 20 is still provided by the second control pressure region 5 on the valve body 16.

Further, in Fig. 3, a further third preferred embodiment of a

illustrated blow-off valve according to the invention. In contrast to the variant described in advance, metal bellows 21 and 22 are provided in this case, wherein the metal bellows 21 the first control pressure area 4 relative to the Venting channel 10 and, if necessary. The bypass 15 seals. At the same time, the metal bellows 21 together with metal bellows 22 assumes a spring function, in which case a neutral position of a membrane 23 is defined. To the two

Control pressure ranges 4 and 5 to make the same size in terms of area, it is conceivable here, the metal bellows 22 a sealing function relative to the second

Forming control pressure region 5 and to provide a connection between the metal bellows 21 and 22 for the purpose of pressure equalization.

The metal bellows 21 and 22 are respectively connected to the membrane 23,

preferably glued. On the side of the housing 1, a bonding is also conceivable, but alternatively also the provision of a recess in the housing 1 with a sealing ring conceivable, in which the respective metal bellows 21 and 22 protrudes with one end. Furthermore, it is also possible within the meaning of the invention to design the membrane 23 as a metal membrane and to connect the metal bellows 21 and 22 to the membrane 23 by suitable joining methods.

Also in the case of Fig. 3, the diaphragm 23 and extending in the direction of the bypass 15 valve body 24 are made in one piece, wherein the valve body 24 is placed here on a central thickening of the membrane 23.

The above-described embodiments of a blow-off valve are in this case particularly suitable for BCD, preferably as a control valve of an emergency function, by means of which respiration of the diver is monitored, in the absence of breathing activity of the diver, the BCD automatically filled with compressed air and the diver is thus transported to the surface , The blow-off valve assumes the function that with each breath of the diver

Reference volume is vented. In case of non-respiratory activity this will

Reference volume via a throttle constantly filled with compressed air and operated from a certain pressure level, a switching valve, which then fills the BCD. In such an embodiment, the second control pressure region 5 is loaded with a system pressure, while in the first control pressure region 4 there is a comparison pressure connected via a throttle and a large volume to the system pressure. at With each breath, the system pressure briefly drops below the comparison pressure, causing actuation of the blow-off valve and venting the reference volume.

The blow-off valve according to the invention is characterized overall by a low number of components and a low production cost. Furthermore, due to the small number of components and the susceptibility of the

valve according to the invention reduced. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the foregoing, it is rather

Configurations conceivable, which are composed of the combination of individual features of the described embodiments with each other.

LIST OF REFERENCES

1 housing

2 valve body

3 membrane

4 first control pressure range

5 second control pressure range

6 inflow area

7 outflow area

8 pressure channel

9 through hole

10 venting channel

11 sealing bead

12 sealing lip

13 sealing lip

14 pressure channel

15 bypass

16 valve body

17 valve seat

18 membrane

19 sealing lip

20 stop element

21 metal bellows

22 metal bellows

23 membrane

24 valve body

Claims

claims

1. blow-off valve of a diving equipment, in particular a BCD, with a in a housing (1) axially movable valve body (2; 16; 24), which is movable via an actuating device from a basic position to a venting position and thereby an escape of fluid under pressure from a pressure channel (8; 14) into a venting channel (10), wherein the

Actuating a radially to the valve body (2; 16; 24) arranged

Membrane (3; 18; 23), which separates two control pressure regions (4, 5) from one another and, depending on a pressure difference between the two control pressure regions (4, 5), activates the valve body (2; 16; 24),

characterized in that the valve body (2; 16; 24) is integrally formed on the membrane (3; 18; 23).

2. blow-off valve according to claim 1,

characterized in that the pressure channel (8) through the valve body (2) through a through hole (9) in the valve body (2) is guided, wherein the valve body (2) in the basic position the pressure channel (8) frontally opposite the vent channel (10 ) seals.

3. blow-off valve according to claim 1,

characterized in that from the pressure channel (14) branches off a bypass (15), wherein the valve body (16) this bypass (15) and thus the pressure channel (14) in the basic position the end face against the vent passage (10) seals.

4. blow-off valve according to claim 2 or 3,

characterized in that the valve body (2) on the front side via an annular sealing bead (1 1) has, which is in the basic position of the valve body (2) with the housing (1) in contact.

5. blow-off valve according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that in the end region of the valve body (16) has a valve seat (17) is formed, which closes the valve body (16) in the basic position.

6. blow-off valve according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that in the axial direction above and / or below the membrane (3; 18; 23) is provided in each case a circumferential sealing element on the valve body (2) or on the membrane (18; 23), which with the housing (1) in Contact stands and in this case the respective control pressure range (4; 5) compared to

Seals pressure channel (8; 14) and / or the venting channel (10).

7. blow-off valve according to claim 6,

characterized in that in each case an encircling sealing element is formed by a sealing lip (12, 13, 19) integrally formed on the valve body (2) or the membrane (18).

8. blow-off valve according to claim 6,

characterized in that in each case a circumferential sealing element is formed by a double O-ring arranged in a corresponding recess of the valve body (2; 16).

9. blow-off valve according to claim 6,

characterized in that in each case a circumferential sealing element by a metal bellows (21, 22) is formed.

10. blow-off valve according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the valve body (2; 16; 24) and the membrane (3; 18; 23) are made of polyurethane.