WO2017194075A1

WO2017194075A1 - Protective device for regulating the fluid pressure and for damping the fluid pressure surge

Info

Publication number: WO2017194075A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/060248
Authority: WO
Inventors: Burhan SAHIN; Metin Kaya; Ahmet Ozan CELIK; Volkan KIRICCI; Canberk INSEL
Original assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2016-05-09
Filing date: 2016-05-09
Publication date: 2017-11-16
Also published as: TR201706779A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protective device (1) for regulating the fluid pressure and for damping the fluid pressure surge in a fluid supply network or in a fluid conducting appliance. The protective device (1) comprises a tube (2) which comprises: an inlet (3); an outlet (4) and a flow passage (5) which fluidly connects the inlet (3) to the outlet (4).

Description

PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR REGULATING THE FLUID PRESSURE AND FOR DAMPING THE FLUID PRESSURE SURGE

The present invention relates to a fluid supply network and also to a fluid conducting appliance. The present invention more particularly relates to a water supply network and to a water conducting appliance such as a dishwasher, a laundry treatment appliance or a refrigerator having a water dispenser and/or an ice maker.

Water supply networks and water conducting appliances such as dishwashers, laundry treatment appliances and refrigerators having water dispensers and/or ice makers are commonly known in the art. A refrigerator generally comprises: a water dispenser and/or an ice maker; a water supply circuit for feeding the water to the water dispenser and/or to the ice maker, wherein the water supply circuit has a water tank, and wherein the water supply circuit is connectable to the water supply network. In the above-described prior art refrigerator, the water tank or other vulnerable parts of the water supply circuit can become damaged and start leaking when the water pressure in the water supply network abruptly changes. Such damages pose a severe risk to the safety of the user. The abrupt changes in the water pressure may be due to water hammers which occur for instance when the water intake valve of a water conducting appliance is suddenly closed. The abrupt changes in the water pressure may also occur when the dry sections of the water supply network are filled up with water upon opening of the water intake valve. It is common practice to install a water hammer cushioning device into the water supply network in order to protect the water conducting appliances against the abrupt changes in the water pressure. The water hammer cushioning device generally comprises a tube which comprises: an inlet; an outlet; a flow passage which fluidly connects the inlet to the outlet; and an expandable/contractible air chamber fluidly which is connected with the flow passage.

US 2,809,665 (A) discloses a water hammer cushioning device which has an expandable/contractible air chamber.

A problem with the prior art water hammer cushioning device is that it is bulky and thus requires a comparatively large installation space. Furthermore, it has a mechanically complicated structure with movable parts that are vulnerable and can be easily damaged, and thus have a comparatively short life. Furthermore, the prior art water hammer cushioning device is comparatively expansive to produce in terms of material costs and labor costs.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a protective device for regulating the fluid pressure and for damping the fluid pressure surge in a fluid supply network or in a fluid conducting appliance which solves the aforementioned problems of the prior art in a cost-effective way and which is space-saving and easy to install.

This objective has been achieved by the protective device as defined in claim 1, the fluid supply network as defined in claim 10, and the fluid conducting appliance as defined in claim 11. Further achievements have been attained by the subject-matters respectively defined in the dependent claims.

In the protective device of the present invention, the flow passage is provided without movable parts. The protective device of the present invention comprises one or more wings which are disposed into the flow passage of the tube, wherein the upstream surface of the wing has a size and shape that is configured to constrict the flow passage so as to increase the velocity and reduce the pressure of the fluid which flows from the inlet towards the outlet, and wherein the downstream surface of the wing has a size and shape that is configured to partly block and reflect the pressure waves propagating in the fluid from the outlet towards the inlet so as to damp the fluid pressure surge.

A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the need for using the aforementioned expandable and contractible air chamber or other movable parts such as spring elements, pistons or the like has been obviated, and thus the production cost can be reduced both in terms of material and labor. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the vulnerable parts such as the water tanks in the water conducting appliances can be properly operated and effectively protected against abrupt changes in the fluid pressure by virtue of the protective device. In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, the pressure of the water flowing into the water conducting appliance that is located on the downstream of the protective device can be regulated by virtue of the one or more wings in the tube, and thus the water conducting appliance can be properly operated and protected against the increase in the water pressure. In accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, the surges in the water pressure caused by the water conducting appliance that is located on the downstream side of the protective device can be damped by virtue of the one or more wings in the tube, and thus another water conducting appliance that is located on the upstream of the protective device can be protected against the fluid pressure surge, i.e., the water hammer. Thereby, the water conducting appliance can be properly operated and also prevented from giving damages, and thus a two-sided protection can be attained. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that protective device is compact, and thus easy to install into the water supply network or into the water conducting appliance.

In an embodiment, the wing is disposed onto the inner wall of the tube and is directed to the downstream side of the flow passage. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the fluid can be effectively forced to flow along the wing into the constricted region of the flow passage, and thus the fluid pressure can be uniformly reduced.

In another embodiment, two wings are disposed onto the inner wall of the tube. The two wings are diametrically opposed and shifted in the flow direction such that the flow passage has a meandering outline. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the meandering outline of the flow passage more effectively hinders the propagation of the pressure waves towards the inlet.

In another embodiment, the wings radially extend from the inner wall of the tube up to at least the central axis of the tube. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the wings overlap on the central axis, and thus more effectively block propagation of the pressure waves towards the inlet.

In another embodiment, the wing has a chute-like shape. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the fluid can be effectively streamlined into the constricted region of the flow passage, and thus the fluid pressure can be uniformly reduced.

In another embodiment, the protective device can be installed into the fluid supply network or into the fluid conducting appliance by means of an attachment means that is disposed on the inlet and the outlet of the tube. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the tube, including the wings can be easily integrated into the existing fluid supply network or into the existing fluid supply circuit of the fluid conducting appliance.

In other alternative embodiments, the attachment means may comprise form-fitting connections and/or force-fitting connections or bonding connections. The bonding connection may be provided as a welding connection or an adhesive connection. In particular, the attachment means may comprise treaded connections or plug-and-socket connections. Other plumbing connections known to those skilled in the art may be alternatively used. These embodiments are particularly advantageous as the tube, including the wings can be easily integrated into the fluid supply network or into the fluid conducting appliance that use existing plumbing connections.

In another embodiment, the protective device is provided as a single piece without movable parts. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the protective device is easy to produce and easy to handle.

In other alternative embodiments, the protective device is manufactured from metallic material such as galvanized steel or iron, copper, or brass, and/or plastic material such a polyethylene or polyvinylchloride. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the material can be chosen in accordance with the ambient conditions and the operating conditions. Other type of materials which are known to those skilled in the art may be alternatively used. The protective device may be produced by injection molding or die casting. Other type of metal/plastic fabrication techniques which are known to those skilled in the art may be alternatively used.

In other alternative embodiments, the protective devices are installed into various different fluid supply networks or into various different fluid conducting appliances. The protective device may be operated with water or alternatively with other fluids such as flammable/combustible fluids or volatile fluids.

In another embodiment, one or more protective devices are installed into a refrigerator, in particular on the upstream of its water tank and/or water intake valve. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the water pressure of the water flowing into the water tank can be regulated, and the water tank can protected against the abrupt changes in the pressure of the water. Thereby, the existing water tanks can be safely used, and the need for strengthening the water tanks has been obviated.

In another embodiment, the protective device is installed into a dishwasher, in particular on the upstream of its water intake valve. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the other water conducting appliances in the same household can be protected against the water hammers caused by the sudden closing of the intake valve in the dishwasher. Moreover, the water pressure of the fluid flowing into the dishwasher can be regulated by the protective device. Alternatively the protective device may be installed into a laundry dryer and/or washer .

Additional features and additional advantageous effects of the cooking appliance of the present invention will become more apparent with the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 – is a schematic perspective view of a protective device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 – is a schematic side view of the protective device of Fig. 1;

Figure 3 – is a schematic front view of the protective device of Fig. 1;

Figure 4 – is a schematic sectional view of the protective device of Fig. 3, taken along the line A-A;

Figure 5 – is a schematic sectional view of the protective device of Fig. 3, taken along the line B-B.

The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the following technical features.

Protective device
Tube
Inlet
Outlet
Flow passage
Wing
Upstream surface
Downstream surface
Root
Inner wall
Tip

D1: Axial distance between the wings (6) along the flow direction.

D2: Radial distance between the root (9) of the wing (6) and the tip (11) of the wing (6).

R: Inner radius of the tube (2).

A1: A constricted region of the flow passage (5).

A2: Another constricted region of the flow passage (5).

The protective device (1) is suitable for regulating the fluid pressure and for damping the fluid pressure surge in a fluid supply network (not shown) or in a fluid conducting appliance (not shown).

The protective device (1) comprises a tube (2) which comprises: an inlet (3); an outlet (4); and a flow passage (5) which fluidly connects the inlet (3) to the outlet (4) (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2)

The protective device (1) of the present invention further comprises one or more wings (6) which are disposed into the flow passage (5) of the tube (2) (Fig. 4 and Fig. 5). The upstream surface (7) of the wing (6) has a size and shape that is configured to constrict the flow passage (5) so as to increase the velocity and reduce the pressure of the fluid which flows from the inlet (3) towards the outlet (4). Thereby, the pressure of the fluid flowing from the inlet (3) to the outlet (4) is regulated. The downstream surface (8) of the wing (6) has a size and shape that is configured to partly block and reflect the pressure waves propagating in the fluid from the outlet (4) towards the inlet (3) so as to damp the fluid pressure surge. The flow passage (5) is provided without movable parts.

In an embodiment, the wing (6) comprises a root (9) and a tip (11) (Fig. 4). In this embodiment, the root (9) is located on the inner wall (10) of the tube (2) whereas the tip (11) is located downstream of the root (9) and off the inner wall (10) (Fig. 4).

In another embodiment, the tube (2) comprises two wings (6) which are diametrically opposed and shifted trough a predetermined distance (D1) in the flow direction such that the flow passage (5) has a meandering outline (Fig. 4).

In another embodiment, the radial distance (D2) between the root (9) and the tip (11) is equal to or larger than the inner radius (R) of the tube (2) (Fig. 4).

In another embodiment, the wing (6) has a chute-like shape (Fig. 4). In this embodiment, the cross section of the wing (6) is arc-shaped (Fig. 3).

In another embodiment, the protective device (1) further comprises an attachment means (not shown) for installing the tube (2) into the fluid supply network or into the fluid conducting appliance.

In another embodiment, the attachment means comprises two thread connections (not shown) which are respectively formed onto the inlet (3) of the tube (2) and onto the outlet (4) of the tube (2).

In another embodiment, the protective device (1) is provided as a single piece (Fig. 1).

In another embodiment, the protective device (1) is manufactured from metallic material and/or plastic material.

The fluid supply network of the present invention comprises at least one protective device (1).

The fluid conducting appliance of the present invention comprises at least one protective device (1).

In another embodiment, the fluid conducting appliance is provided as a refrigerator (not shown). The refrigerator comprises: a water dispenser and/or an ice maker; a water supply circuit for feeding the water to the water dispenser and/or to the ice maker, wherein the water supply circuit has a water tank, wherein the water supply circuit is connectable to the water supply network. In this embodiment, the protective device (1) is installed upstream of the water tank.

In other alternative embodiments, the fluid conducting appliance is provided as a dishwasher or a laundry washer and/or dryer (not shown) which comprises: a water supply circuit that has a water intake valve, wherein the water supply circuit is connectable to the water supply network. In this embodiment, the protective device (1) is installed upstream of the water intake valve.

In the subsequent description, the operation for the protective device (1) will be briefly explained by way of example.

The protective device (1) can be operated with water as well as with other fluids. The protective device (1) is not limited to be operated at a particular pressure, and can be operated at comparatively high pressures or low pressures. When an intake valve on the downstream of the protective device (1) is opened, the fluid enters the flow passage (5) of the tube (2) through the inlet (3), and is guided by the upstream surface (7) of the wing (6) towards the constricted region (A1) of the flow passage (5) where the velocity of the fluid is increased and the pressure is decreased (Fig. 4). The fluid continues to flow along a meandering path, and is guided by the upstream surface (7) of the next wing (6) towards the constricted region (A2) of the flow passage (5) where the velocity of the fluid is further increased and the pressure is further decreased (Fig. 4). Thus, the protective device (1) regulates the fluid pressure by virtue of the one or more wings (6) in the flow passage (5) of the tube (2). When the intake valve on the downstream of the protective device (1) is suddenly closed, a pressure surge can be induced in the fluid. The pressure wave propagates into outlet (4), and is partly blocked and reflected by the downstream surface (8) of the wing (6). A fraction of the pressure waves continues to propagate through the constricted region (A2) of the flow passage (5), and is subsequently partly blocked and reflected by the downstream surface (8) of the next wing (6). Thus, the protective device (1) damps the fluid pressure surge by virtue of the the one or more wings (6) in the flow passage (5) of the tube (2). Tests have shown that the protective device (1) can damp the fluid pressure surge by more than 50 percent.

A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the need for using an expandable and contractible air chamber (not shown) or other movable parts (not shown) such as spring elements, pistons or the like has been obviated, and thus the production cost can be reduced both in terms of material and labor. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that vulnerable parts such as the water tanks in the water conducting appliances can be properly operated and effectively protected against abrupt changes in the fluid pressure by virtue of the protective device (1). In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, the pressure of the water flowing into the water conducting appliance that is located on the downstream of the protective device (1) can be regulated by virtue of the one or more wings (6) in the tube (2), and thus the water conducting appliance can be properly operated and protected against the increase in the water pressure. In accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, the surges in the water pressure caused by the water conducting appliance that is located on the downstream side of the protective device (1) can be damped by virtue of the one or more wings (6) in the tube (2), and thus another water conducting appliance that is located on the upstream of the protective device (1) can be protected against the fluid pressure surge, i.e., the water hammer. Thereby, the water conducting appliance can be properly operated and also prevented from giving damages, and thus a two-sided protection can be attained. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that protective device (1) is compact, and thus easy to install into the water supply network or into the water conducting appliance. Other advantageous effects of the present invention can be taken from the above-described embodiments.

Claims

A protective device (1) for regulating the fluid pressure and for damping the fluid pressure surge in a fluid supply network or in a fluid conducting appliance, the protective device (1) comprising: a tube (2) which comprises: an inlet (3); an outlet (4) and a flow passage (5) which fluidly connects the inlet (3) to the outlet (4), characterized by further comprising: one or more wings (6) which are disposed into the flow passage (5) of the tube (2), wherein the upstream surface (7) of the wing (6) has a size and shape that is configured to constrict the flow passage (5) so as to increase the velocity and reduce the pressure of the fluid which flows from the inlet (3) towards the outlet (4), and wherein the downstream surface (8) of the wing (6) has a size and shape that is configured to partly block and reflect the pressure waves propagating in the fluid from the outlet (4) towards the inlet (3) so as to damp the fluid pressure surge, and wherein the flow passage (5) is provided without movable parts.
The protective device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the wing (6) comprises: a root (9) that is located on the inner wall (10) of the tube (2); and a tip (11) which is located downstream of the root (9) and off the inner wall (10).
The protective device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tube (2) comprises two wings (6) which are diametrically opposed and shifted trough a predetermined distance (D1) in the flow direction such that the flow passage (5) has a meandering outline.
The protective device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the radial distance (D2) between the root (9) and the tip (11) of the wing (6) is equal to or larger than the inner radius (R) of the tube (2).
The protective device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the wing (6) has a chute-like shape.
The protective device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by further comprising an attachment means for installing the tube (2) into the fluid supply network or into the fluid conducting appliance.
The protective device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the attachment means comprises two thread connections which are respectively formed onto the inlet (3) of the tube (2) and onto the outlet (4) of the tube (2).
The protective device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the protective device (1) is provided as a single piece.
The protective device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the protective device (1) is manufactured from metallic material and/or plastic material.
A fluid supply network characterized by comprising the protective device (1) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9.
A fluid conducting appliance characterized by comprising the protective device (1) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9.
The fluid conducting appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that the fluid conducting appliance is provided as a refrigerator comprising: a water dispenser and/or an ice maker; a water supply circuit for feeding the water to the water dispenser and/or to the ice maker, wherein the water supply circuit has a water tank, wherein the water supply circuit is connectable to the water supply network; and the protective device (1) as defined in any one claims 1 to 9, wherein the protective device (1) is installed upstream of the water tank.
The fluid conducting appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that the fluid conducting appliance is provided as a dishwasher or a laundry washer and/or dryer comprising: a water supply circuit which has a water intake valve, wherein the water supply circuit is connectable to the water supply network; and the protective device (1) as defined in any one claims 1 to 9, wherein the protective device (1) is installed upstream of the water intake valve.