U.S. patent application number 14/131043 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-01 for security system for a pneumatic accumulator and plant using said system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Giacomo Giovangrossi. Invention is credited to Giacomo Giovangrossi.
Application Number | 20150004013 14/131043 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44872520 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150004013 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Giovangrossi; Giacomo |
January 1, 2015 |
SECURITY SYSTEM FOR A PNEUMATIC ACCUMULATOR AND PLANT USING SAID
SYSTEM
Abstract
A security system for a pneumatic accumulator, the pneumatic
accumulator being connectable with a pump and with a pneumatic
apparatus by, respectively, a first and second connecting duct is
described. The security system has a) a pneumatic bladder for
containing high pressure gas, and b) flow distribution means
connected with the first and second connecting ducts to the
pneumatic accumulator and the pneumatic bladder, the flow
distribution means being able to pass from a first operating
position to a second operating position, in which the flow
distribution means connects the first and second connecting ducts
with the pneumatic bladder (40) pneumatic plant is also
described.
Inventors: |
Giovangrossi; Giacomo;
(Aprilia (LT), IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Giovangrossi; Giacomo |
Aprilia (LT) |
|
IT |
|
|
Family ID: |
44872520 |
Appl. No.: |
14/131043 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
August 31, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IT2012/000264 |
371 Date: |
August 20, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/275 ;
417/274 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F17C 1/00 20130101; F17C
2205/0326 20130101; F17C 2270/0563 20130101; B60T 13/268 20130101;
F17C 2260/038 20130101; F17C 2201/0109 20130101; F17C 2205/0397
20130101; F17C 2201/056 20130101; F17C 2223/035 20130101; F17C
2201/018 20130101; F17C 2201/058 20130101; F04B 45/0336 20130101;
F17C 2270/0168 20130101; F17C 2250/043 20130101; F17C 2221/031
20130101; B60T 17/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/275 ;
417/274 |
International
Class: |
F04B 45/033 20060101
F04B045/033 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 2, 2011 |
IT |
RM2011A000456 |
Claims
1. A security system for a pneumatic accumulator, said pneumatic
accumulator being connectable with a pump and with a pneumatic
apparatus by means of, respectively, a first and a second
connecting duct, said system comprising: a pneumatic bladder for
containing high pressure gas, and flow distribution means connected
with said first and said second connecting ducts to said pneumatic
accumulator and said pneumatic bladder, said flow distribution
means being able to pass, through a command, from a first operating
position, in which said flow distribution means connect said first
and said second connecting ducts with said pneumatic accumulator,
to a second operating position, in which said flow distribution
means connects said first and said second connecting ducts with
said pneumatic bladder, so as to inflate said pneumatic bladder
with gas and to functionally replace said pneumatic
accumulator.
2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a detection
device of an internal pressure of said pneumatic accumulator, and a
control unit operatively connected with said detection device and
said flow distribution means, said control unit being capable to
transmit said command to cause the passage of said flow
distribution means from said first to said second operating
position, when said detection device detects a pressure of the gas
contained in said pneumatic accumulator below a preset
threshold.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein flow distribution means
comprises: a flow distribution valve connected with said first and
second connecting duct, a first inlet duct and a first outlet duct,
connected with said pneumatic accumulator and said flow
distribution valve, and a second inlet duct and a second outlet
duct connected with said pneumatic bladder and said flow
distribution valve.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said pneumatic bladder
is placed within said pneumatic accumulator.
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein said pneumatic bladder
has dimensions such that the pneumatic bladder occupies, when
unfolded, substantially an entire internal volume of said pneumatic
accumulator.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said pneumatic bladder
comprises two layers of material, a first inner layer, and a second
reinforcement outer layer, made as fabric, and provided with
reinforcement tapes.
7. The system according to claim 6, wherein said reinforcement
tapes are made of Kevlar.RTM..
8. The system according to claim 1, wherein said pneumatic
apparatus is a brake device of a vehicle.
9. A pneumatic plant comprising: a pneumatic accumulator, a pump
for maintaining a gas contained in said pneumatic accumulator at a
presettable pressure, a pneumatic apparatus, that can be activated
by a compressed gas contained in said pneumatic accumulator, a
first duct connected with said pump, a second duct connected with
said pneumatic apparatus, an activation valve, arranged along said
second duct, and the security system as defined in claim 1.
10. The plant according to claim 9, wherein said control unit is
operatively connected with said activation valve and with a flow
distribution valve.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a security system for a
pneumatic accumulator and plant using said system.
[0002] More specifically, the invention concerns a security system
for a pneumatic accumulator designed and made to allow the
operation of any pneumatic system, in which the accumulator is
installed, even in case of damage.
[0003] In the following, the description will be directed to
accumulators or pneumatic systems installed in the braking systems
of heavy vehicles, but it is clear that the same should not be
considered limited to this specific use.
[0004] As it is well known, at present pneumatic accumulators are
used in many technology fields. For example, they are used as
activation system in compressed air braking systems of heavy
vehicles, such as lorries, trucks, trailers and the like.
[0005] The plants, and in particular, for example, compressed air
braking systems for vehicles, comprise a pneumatic accumulator,
which is typically a tank for compressed air, a pump, connected by
an inlet duct of the compressed air to said tank and an outlet
duct, connected to said tank. Furthermore, said plant comprises an
activation valve, arranged on said outlet duct and interposed
between said tank and said brake system.
[0006] By opening said activation valve, the air, compressed in
said tank, passes from said tank to said braking system, allowing
the activation of the system and the slowing of the vehicle.
[0007] A technical problem with compressed air systems according to
the prior art is that, in case of damage of the tank or ducts, for
example due to the breakage of a connecting flange of said
accumulator or tank and said ducts, or a crack or a hole on the
surface of the tank, the system is useless. Furthermore, if the
vehicle is moving, it may also have considerable risks for the
safety of the driver and the transported load.
[0008] In view of the above, it is, therefore, an object of the
present invention to provide a security system for a pneumatic
accumulator which overcome the limits of the accumulators of the
prior art, allowing a plant to operate even in case of damage.
[0009] These and other results are obtained according to the
invention with a flexible pneumatic bladder preferably contained
within the tank, or within the accumulator, under pressure.
[0010] It is therefore a specific object of the present invention a
security system for a pneumatic accumulator, said high pressure gas
pneumatic accumulator being connectable with a pump and with a
pneumatic apparatus by means of, respectively, a first and second
connecting duct, said system being characterized in that it
comprises a pneumatic bladder for containing high pressure gas,
flow distribution means connected with said first and second
connecting duct to said pneumatic accumulator and said pneumatic
bladder, said flow distribution means being able to pass, through a
command, from a first operating position, in which said flow
distribution means connect said first and second connecting duct
with said pneumatic accumulator, to a second operating position, in
which said flow distribution means connect first and second
connecting duct with said pneumatic bladder, so as to inflate said
pneumatic bladder with gas and to functionally replace said
pneumatic accumulator.
[0011] Always according to the invention, comprises said system
could comprise a detection device of the internal pressure of said
pneumatic accumulator, and a control unit operatively connected
with said detection device and said flow distribution means, said
control unit being capable to transmit said command to cause the
passage of said flow distribution means from said first to said
second operating position, when said detection device detects a
pressure of the gas contained in said accumulator below a preset
threshold.
[0012] Still according to the invention, said flow distribution
means could comprise a flow distribution valve connected with said
first and second connecting duct, a first inlet duct and a first
outlet duct, connected with said pneumatic accumulator and said
flow distribution valve, and a second inlet duct and a second
outlet duct connected with said pneumatic bladder and said flow
distribution valve.
[0013] Further according to the invention, said pneumatic bladder
could be placed within said pneumatic accumulator.
[0014] Advantageously according to the invention, said pneumatic
bladder could have dimensions such that it occupies, when unfolded,
substantially the entire internal volume of said pneumatic
accumulator.
[0015] Always according to the invention, said pneumatic bladder
could comprise two layers of material, a first inner layer, and a
second reinforcement outer layer, made as fabric, provided with
reinforcement tapes.
[0016] Still according to the invention, said reinforcement tapes
could be made of Kevlar.RTM..
[0017] Further according to the invention, said pneumatic apparatus
could be a brake device of a vehicle.
[0018] It is further a specific object of the present invention a
pneumatic plant comprising a pneumatic accumulator, a pump for
maintaining the gas contained in said pneumatic accumulator at a
presettable pressure, a pneumatic apparatus, that can be activated
by the compressed gas contained in said pneumatic accumulator, a
first duct connected with said pump, a second duct connected with
said pneumatic apparatus, and an activation valve, arranged along
said second duct, said pneumatic plant being characterized in that
it comprises a security system as defined above.
[0019] Always according to the invention, said central control unit
could be operatively connected with said activation valve and with
said flow distribution valve.
[0020] The present invention will be now described, for
illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its
preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of
the enclosed drawings, wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a scheme of a security system for a pneumatic
accumulator according to the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 shows the scheme according to FIG. 1, in which the
security system is in emergency state.
[0023] In the various figures, similar parts will be indicated by
the same reference numbers.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a security system 1 for a pneumatic
accumulator 20 can be seen.
[0025] Said pneumatic accumulator 20, or tank, comprises a first
inlet opening 21, a first outlet opening 22, a second inlet opening
23 and a second outlet opening 24.
[0026] Said security system 1 also comprises flow distribution
means 30 and a pneumatic bladder 40.
[0027] Said flow distribution means 30 comprise a flow distribution
valve 35, a first inlet duct 31, connected with said first inlet
opening 21 of said accumulator 20, a first outlet duct 32,
connected with said first outlet 22 of said accumulator 20, a
second inlet duct 33, which passes through said second inlet
opening 23 of said accumulator 20, and a second outlet duct 34,
passing through said second outlet opening 24 of said accumulator
20.
[0028] Said flow distribution valve 35, to which said first inlet
duct 31, said first outlet duct 32, said second inlet duct 33 and
said second outlet duct 34 are connected. Said flow distribution
valve 35 is connected, in its turn, also with the compressed air
pump, not shown in the figure, by means of a first connecting duct
51, and with the pneumatic apparatus, which uses the compressed
air, for example, in this case, a braking device of a heavy
vehicle, by means of a second connecting duct 52.
[0029] Said flow distribution valve 35 is capable of passing,
following a command, from a first operating position, wherein said
first inlet duct 31 is connected with said first connecting duct 51
and said first outlet duct 32 is connected with said second
connecting duct 52, to a second operative position, in which said
second inlet duct 33 is connected with said first connecting duct
51 and said second outlet duct 34 is connected with said second
connecting duct 52.
[0030] Along said second connecting duct 52 an activation valve is
usually provided, not shown in the figure.
[0031] Said pneumatic bladder 40 is arranged folded inside said
pneumatic accumulator 20, so as to occupy as little space as
possible, and preferably fixed to a support plate 41. Said
pneumatic bladder 40 is connected with said second inlet duct 33
and with said second outlet duct 34. It has to be considered that
said second inlet duct 33 and said second outlet duct 34 do not
communicate with the inner volume of said pneumatic accumulator 20,
but only with the pneumatic bladder 40.
[0032] Said pneumatic bladder 40 provides double-layer walls, a
first inner layer, and a reinforcement external second layer
(restraint), realized as a fabric, provided with reinforcing belts,
preferably made of Kevlar.RTM., for allowing said pneumatic bladder
40 to resist high internal pressures, which can reach 10-15 Bar, as
said pneumatic bladder 40 must have the same structural strength of
said accumulator 20 under pressure, in order to resist the pressure
exerted by the gas without relying on the structural strength of
the accumulator 20 itself.
[0033] The system 1 also comprises a device for detecting the
internal pressure of said pneumatic accumulator 20, not visible in
the figures, and a control unit (also not shown in the figures) of
said flow distribution means 30, and in particular of said flow
distribution valve 35 (the operation of said control unit will be
better explained in the following). Said control unit is
operatively connected with said flow distribution valve 35 and with
said internal pressure detection device of said pneumatic
accumulator 20.
[0034] The operation of the security system 1 described above is as
follows.
[0035] In normal operating conditions, system 1 is in the state of
FIG. 1, in which said flow distribution valve 35 is in said first
operating position, then said pump maintains the gas within said
pneumatic accumulator 20, for example compressed air, contained at
a preset pressure, and said activation valve is normally
closed.
[0036] When the plant is operated, said activation valve is opened,
the pressurized gas flow comes out from said accumulator 20 (see
the arrows), passing through said first outlet duct 32, reaching
the braking device. The pump is activated to maintain the gas
pressure over a preset operating threshold. By closing the
activation valve, it returns to the initial state.
[0037] If the accumulator 20 were damaged, for example if it were
pierced, or has a crack, then there would be a sudden drop of
internal pressure of said pneumatic accumulator 20, so as to
actuate said internal pressure detection device of said pneumatic
accumulator 20, when said pressure falls below a preset threshold.
Said pressure detection device transmits, then, an alert signal to
said control unit, which activates, by means of an appropriate
command, generally an electrical signal, said flow distribution
valve 35, causing it to pass from said first operating position to
said second operating position. In this way, the gas coming from
said pump is conveyed into said pneumatic bladder 40, (see the
direction of the arrows) which unfolds and is inflated, to fill
substantially the whole inner volume of said pneumatic accumulator
20, so as to functionally replace said accumulator 20, which, as
said, has been bypassed by said flow distribution valve 35. In
other words, said pneumatic bladder 40 functionally replaces said
pneumatic accumulator 20. Then, due to the opening of said
activation valve, the gas compressed in the pneumatic bladder 40 by
means of said pump, passes through said second outlet duct 34, said
flow distribution valve 35 and said second connecting duct 52, so
as to activate said pneumatic braking device.
[0038] The present invention has been described for illustrative
but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred
embodiments, but it is to be understood that modifications and/or
changes can be introduced by those skilled in the art without
departing from the relevant scope as defined in the enclosed
claims.
* * * * *