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.

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®. 
     
     
         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.