WO2013030857A1 - Security system for a pneumatic accumulator and plant using said system - Google Patents

Security system for a pneumatic accumulator and plant using said system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013030857A1
WO2013030857A1 PCT/IT2012/000264 IT2012000264W WO2013030857A1 WO 2013030857 A1 WO2013030857 A1 WO 2013030857A1 IT 2012000264 W IT2012000264 W IT 2012000264W WO 2013030857 A1 WO2013030857 A1 WO 2013030857A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pneumatic
accumulator
flow distribution
duct
bladder
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IT2012/000264
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Giacomo Giovangrossi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Aero Sekur SpA
Original Assignee
Aero Sekur SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Aero Sekur SpA filed Critical Aero Sekur SpA
Priority to BR112013031081A priority Critical patent/BR112013031081A2/en
Priority to EP12773396.2A priority patent/EP2646735B1/en
Priority to US14/131,043 priority patent/US20150004013A1/en
Priority to CA2833333A priority patent/CA2833333A1/en
Publication of WO2013030857A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013030857A1/en
Priority to IL228787A priority patent/IL228787A0/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
    • B60T13/00—Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator with power assistance or drive; Brake systems incorporating such transmitting means, e.g. air-pressure brake systems
    • B60T13/10—Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator with power assistance or drive; Brake systems incorporating such transmitting means, e.g. air-pressure brake systems with fluid assistance, drive, or release
    • B60T13/24—Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator with power assistance or drive; Brake systems incorporating such transmitting means, e.g. air-pressure brake systems with fluid assistance, drive, or release the fluid being gaseous
    • B60T13/26—Compressed-air systems
    • B60T13/268—Compressed-air systems using accumulators or reservoirs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B45/00—Pumps or pumping installations having flexible working members and specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04B45/02—Pumps or pumping installations having flexible working members and specially adapted for elastic fluids having bellows
    • F04B45/033—Pumps or pumping installations having flexible working members and specially adapted for elastic fluids having bellows having fluid drive
    • F04B45/0336—Pumps or pumping installations having flexible working members and specially adapted for elastic fluids having bellows having fluid drive the actuating fluid being controlled by one or more valves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
    • B60T17/00—Component parts, details, or accessories of power brake systems not covered by groups B60T8/00, B60T13/00 or B60T15/00, or presenting other characteristic features
    • B60T17/06—Applications or arrangements of reservoirs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C1/00—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F17C2201/0109—Shape cylindrical with exteriorly curved end-piece
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0176—Shape variable
    • F17C2201/018—Shape variable with bladders
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/056—Small (<1 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/058—Size portable (<30 l)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0326—Valves electrically actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0388—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters
    • F17C2205/0394—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters in direct contact with the pressure vessel
    • F17C2205/0397—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters in direct contact with the pressure vessel on both sides of the pressure vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/031—Air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/035—High pressure (>10 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/043—Pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/03—Dealing with losses
    • F17C2260/035—Dealing with losses of fluid
    • F17C2260/038—Detecting leaked fluid
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0165—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road
    • F17C2270/0168—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road by vehicles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/05—Applications for industrial use
    • F17C2270/0563—Pneumatic applications

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a security system for a pneumatic accumulator and plant using said system.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a pneumatic accumulator 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.
  • said plant comprises an activation valve, arranged on said outlet duct and interposed between said tank and said brake system.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • said pneumatic bladder could be placed within said pneumatic accumulator.
  • said pneumatic bladder could have dimensions such that it occupies, when unfolded, substantially the entire internal volume of said pneumatic accumulator.
  • 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.
  • said reinforcement tapes could be made of Kevlar ® .
  • said pneumatic apparatus could be a brake device of a vehicle.
  • 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.
  • said central control unit could be operatively connected with said activation valve and with said flow distribution valve.
  • figure 1 shows a scheme of a security system for a pneumatic accumulator according to the present invention
  • figure 2 shows the scheme according to figure 1 , in which the security system is in emergency state.
  • similar parts will be indicated by the same reference numbers.
  • a security system 1 for a pneumatic accumulator 20 can be seen.
  • 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.
  • Said security system 1 also comprises flow distribution means 30 and a pneumatic bladder 40.
  • Said flow distribution means 30 comprise a flow distribution valve
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • an activation valve is usually provided, not shown in the figure.
  • 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.
  • 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 ® , 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.
  • 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.
  • system 1 In normal operating conditions, system 1 is in the state of figure 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.
  • said pneumatic accumulator 20 for example compressed air
  • said activation valve 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. 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.
  • said pneumatic bladder 40 functionally replaces said pneumatic accumulator 20.
  • 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.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Supply Devices, Intensifiers, Converters, And Telemotors (AREA)
  • Valves And Accessory Devices For Braking Systems (AREA)
  • Fluid-Pressure Circuits (AREA)
  • Pressure Vessels And Lids Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention concerns a security system (1) for a pneumatic accumulator (20), said high pressure gas pneumatic accumulator (20) being connectable with a pump and with a pneumatic apparatus by means of, respectively, a first (51) and second (52) connecting duct, said system (1) being characterized in that it comprises a pneumatic bladder (40) for containing high pressure gas, flow distribution means (30) connected with said first (51) and second (52) connecting duct to said pneumatic accumulator (20) and said pneumatic bladder (40), said flow distribution means (30) being able to pass, through a command, from a first operating position, in which said flow distribution means (30) connect said first (51) and second (52) connecting duct with said pneumatic accumulator (20), to a second operating position, in which said flow distribution means (30) connect first (51) and second (52) connecting duct with said pneumatic bladder (40), so as to inflate said pneumatic bladder (40) with gas and to functionally replace said pneumatic accumulator (20). The present invention concerns even a pneumatic plant.

Description

SECURITY SYSTEM FOR A PNEUMATIC ACCUMULATOR AND PLANT
USING SAID SYSTEM
The present invention relates to a security system for a pneumatic accumulator and plant using said system.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Further according to the invention, said pneumatic bladder could be placed within said pneumatic accumulator.
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.
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.
Still according to the invention, said reinforcement tapes could be made of Kevlar®.
Further according to the invention, said pneumatic apparatus could be a brake device of a vehicle.
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.
Always according to the invention, said central control unit could be operatively connected with said activation valve and with said flow distribution valve.
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:
figure 1 shows a scheme of a security system for a pneumatic accumulator according to the present invention;
figure 2 shows the scheme according to figure 1 , in which the security system is in emergency state. In the various figures, similar parts will be indicated by the same reference numbers.
Referring to figure 1 , a security system 1 for a pneumatic accumulator 20 can be seen.
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.
Said security system 1 also comprises flow distribution means 30 and a pneumatic bladder 40.
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.
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.
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.
Along said second connecting duct 52 an activation valve is usually provided, not shown in the figure.
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.
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®, 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.
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.
The operation of the security system 1 described above is as follows.
In normal operating conditions, system 1 is in the state of figure 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.
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. 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.
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.

Claims

1. Security system (1) for a pneumatic accumulator (20), said high pressure gas pneumatic accumulator (20) being connectable with a pump and with a pneumatic apparatus by means of, respectively, a first (51) and second (52) connecting duct, said system (1) being characterized in that it comprises
a pneumatic bladder (40) for containing high pressure gas, flow distribution means (30) connected with said first (51) and second (52) connecting duct to said pneumatic accumulator (20) and said pneumatic bladder (40), said flow distribution means (30) being able to pass, through a command, from a first operating position, in which said flow distribution means (30) connect said first (51) and second (52) connecting duct with said pneumatic accumulator (20), to a second operating position, in which said flow distribution means (30) connect first (51) and second (52) connecting duct with said pneumatic bladder (40), so as to inflate said pneumatic bladder (40) with gas and to functionally replace said pneumatic accumulator (20).
2. System (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises
a detection device of the internal pressure of said pneumatic accumulator (20), and
a control unit operatively connected with said detection device and said flow distribution means (30), said control unit being capable to transmit said command to cause the passage of said flow distribution means (30) from said first to said second operating position, when said detection device detects a pressure of the gas contained in said accumulator (20) below a preset threshold.
3. System (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that said flow distribution means (30) comprise
a flow distribution valve (35) connected with said first (51) and second (52) connecting duct,
a first inlet duct (31) and a first outlet duct (32), connected with said pneumatic accumulator (20) and said flow distribution valve (35), and a second inlet duct (33) and a second outlet duct (34) connected with said pneumatic bladder (40) and said flow distribution valve (35).
4. System (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pneumatic bladder (40) is placed within said pneumatic accumulator (20).
5. System (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said pneumatic bladder (40) has dimensions such that it occupies, when unfolded, substantially the entire internal volume of said pneumatic accumulator (20).
6. System (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pneumatic bladder (40) comprises two layers of material, a first inner layer, and a second reinforcement outer layer, made as fabric, provided with reinforcement tapes.
7. System (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said reinforcement tapes are made of Kevlar®.
8. System (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pneumatic apparatus is a brake device of a vehicle.
9. Pneumatic plant comprising
a pneumatic accumulator (20),
a pump for maintaining the gas contained in said pneumatic accumulator (20) at a presettable pressure,
a pneumatic apparatus, that can be activated by the compressed gas contained in said pneumatic accumulator (20),
a first duct (51) connected with said pump,
a second duct (52) connected with said pneumatic apparatus, and an activation valve, arranged along said second duct (52), said pneumatic plant being characterized in that it comprises a security system (1) as defined in anyone of claims 1 - 8.
10. Plant according to claim 9, characterized in that said central control unit is operatively connected with said activation valve and with said flow distribution valve (35).
PCT/IT2012/000264 2011-09-02 2012-08-31 Security system for a pneumatic accumulator and plant using said system Ceased WO2013030857A1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BR112013031081A BR112013031081A2 (en) 2011-09-02 2012-08-31 safety system for a pneumatic accumulator and installation using said system
EP12773396.2A EP2646735B1 (en) 2011-09-02 2012-08-31 Security system for a pneumatic accumulator and plant using said system
US14/131,043 US20150004013A1 (en) 2011-09-02 2012-08-31 Security system for a pneumatic accumulator and plant using said system
CA2833333A CA2833333A1 (en) 2011-09-02 2012-08-31 Security system for a pneumatic accumulator and plant using said system
IL228787A IL228787A0 (en) 2011-09-02 2013-10-08 Security system for a pneumatic accumulator and plant using said system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000456A ITRM20110456A1 (en) 2011-09-02 2011-09-02 SAFETY SYSTEM FOR A PNEUMATIC ACCUMULATOR AND USING SYSTEM SUCH A SYSTEM.
ITRM2011A000456 2011-09-02

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WO2013030857A1 true WO2013030857A1 (en) 2013-03-07

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EP (1) EP2646735B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2014529547A (en)
BR (1) BR112013031081A2 (en)
CA (1) CA2833333A1 (en)
CL (1) CL2013003085A1 (en)
IL (1) IL228787A0 (en)
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BR112013031081A2 (en) 2016-11-29
JP2014529547A (en) 2014-11-13
IL228787A0 (en) 2013-12-31
EP2646735A1 (en) 2013-10-09
CL2013003085A1 (en) 2014-05-30
ITRM20110456A1 (en) 2013-03-03
EP2646735B1 (en) 2015-01-21
US20150004013A1 (en) 2015-01-01
CA2833333A1 (en) 2013-03-07

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