EP0034555B1 - Connecting systems between a gas bottle and a gas discharge head - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system for fixing a gas reservoir with a perforable wall to a head for sampling this gas. It relates more particularly to apparatuses for combustion of a pressurized combustible gas available in liquefied form in interchangeable lost packaging known in practice under the name of cartridges. By way of nonlimiting example, the invention refers to portable cooking, lighting, heating and welding devices supplied from butane cartridges.

In the known manner, each device envisaged previously comprises a gas sampling head equipped with a tap and which is screwed into an opening located in the center of a support such as a bell capable of enclosing the cartridge. More precisely, the head in question is screwed into the tapped hole of a central piece fixed itself in the hole of the support. An axial perforation means, for example a flat point, is disposed axially in the head so as to perforate the cartridge inside an annular seal or the like which is applied in leaktight manner against the central part of the upper wall of the cartridge.

In French patent 1 419891 there has been proposed a fixing system constituted by a support intended to receive the cartridge, comprising at least two holding parts or stirrups each shaped to enclose this cartridge, and which are movable one relative to the 'other and more precisely hinged together by an inner intermediate piece; a first stirrup is articulated on an upper central part, while the second can be housed at the upper part of said central part in a gutter provided for this purpose; with all these provisions the support can open and close on the cartridge. The central part of the support has a threaded hole into which the axial end piece, threaded externally, is screwed with a gas sampling head with tap.

The annular seal necessary for sealing with the cartridge is fixed below the central part of the support so as to surround its tapped hole. This seal is also in leaktight contact with an axial perforation trocar of the cartridge, which is part of the gas sampling head, so that the space surrounding the latter is isolated from the outside of the device.

In addition, an apparatus in accordance with French patent 1 419891 comprises a security system consisting of a plate articulated on the central part of the support, adjacent to the gutter, on the side opposite the tapped hole, this plate being shaped to come partially surround this hole. Complementarily to the wafer, the gas sampling head has an enlarged base intended to come to bear, by screwing on the support, against the wafer.

• 1. La plaquette étant initialement basculée en position ouverte, et la tête de prélèvement de gaz étant initialement dévissée, on fait pivoter les étriers autour de la pièce intermédiaire pour ouvrir un passage, à la partie supérieure du support, accessible à une cartouche pleine.
• 2. En faisant pivoter en sens inverse les étriers autour de la même pièce intermédiaire, et autour de la pièce centrale du support pour le premier étrier, on referme ledit support en amenant la plaquette sous la branche supérieure du second étrier.
• 3. En rabattant la plaquette sur la pièce centrale du support, le second étrier est amené dans la gouttière de ladite pièce ; ainsi le support est-il complètement refermé, et le joint annulaire d'étanchéité est appliqué de façon étanche contre la portion centrale de la paroi supérieure de la cartouche.
• 4. Pour terminer, on visse la tête de prélèvement de gaz dans le taraudage de la pièce centrale du support, moyennant quoi, d'une part le trocart vient perforer la cartouche, et d'autre part la plaquette est bloquée entre l'embase élargie de la tête de prélèvement de gaz et la pièce centrale du support.
• 5. Le retrait d'une cartouche vide s'effectue en opérant de façon inverse aux opérations précédemment définies.

The implementation of a device conforming to French patent 1 419891 and its security system is essentially as follows:

• 1. The plate being initially tilted in the open position, and the gas sampling head being initially unscrewed, the stirrups are pivoted around the intermediate piece to open a passage, at the upper part of the support, accessible to a full cartridge.
• 2. By rotating the stirrups in the opposite direction around the same intermediate piece, and around the central piece of the support for the first stirrup, said support is closed by bringing the plate under the upper branch of the second stirrup.
• 3. By folding the plate onto the central part of the support, the second bracket is brought into the gutter of said part; thus the support is completely closed, and the annular seal is applied sealingly against the central portion of the upper wall of the cartridge.
• 4. Finally, the gas sampling head is screwed into the thread of the central part of the support, whereby, on the one hand, the trocar punctures the cartridge, and on the other hand, the plate is blocked between the base enlarged of the gas sampling head and the central part of the support.
• 5. The removal of an empty cartridge is carried out in reverse of the operations previously defined.

At the level of the security system, the following observations should be made. On the one hand, it is a system as such, distinct from the other parts and functional elements of the device, materialized on one side by the plate articulated on the central part of the support, and the on the other side by the enlarged base of the gas sampling head, which comes by screwing to block the folded plate. On the other hand, to accomplish its safety function, this system requires two positive interventions from the operator, namely folding the plate back onto the central part of the support, and screwing the gas intake head completely (and not partially) onto the support.

It follows from the preceding observations that the security ensured by French patent 1,419,891 is relative, and does not make it possible to eliminate to the maximum all the possible false operations for a user of average attention.

First of all, any user can manually bring the second stirrup into the gutter provided on the central part of the support, without using the tongue, that is to say without folding the latter. Therefore, without having brought the tongue against the aforementioned central part, the user can normally screw the gas sampling head and thus perforate a full cartridge. In this case, the security system not having been put in place, it remains completely inactive, and cannot play any role. And, in the opposite direction, the user can open the support without the gas intake head having been unscrewed.

Then, there can be correct centering of the cartridge in its support only if the gas sampling head is screwed completely on this support, by blocking the folded plate on the latter. An incomplete screwing of the gas intake head partially releases the wafer, and allows a certain play of the cartridge with respect to the support, with all the harmful consequences that this may have at the level of the cartridge-device seal.

In total, the security system in accordance with French patent 1 419891 does not provide the user with all the desired guarantees against false operations, essentially because it is a system fitted to the devices in question, requiring a positive action on the part of the user, independent of the placement and perforation of the cartridge in the support.

The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks raised above, and more precisely it relates to a system of the same type as that shown by the prior art, but for which the sought security means are integrated and somehow "merge" in the system itself, so that the mere installation of the gas sampling head is sufficient to obtain the expected safety effect.

Furthermore, the present invention proposes to provide a fastening system comprising as few parts as possible, which can be handled in a simple manner by any user of average attention, so as to avoid as much as possible any false maneuver. In particular the invention aims to make apparent the existence of any false maneuver, such as the establishment of the gas sampling head on only part of the support.

According to the invention, the at least partial screwing of the gas sampling head on the support constitutes a sufficient means for locking the two holding pieces relative to the other in the closed position of the support on the cartridge , while the total unscrewing of the gas sampling head constitutes a necessary means for releasing one with respect to the other, the two parts for holding the support in the open position.

By “support”, within the meaning of the present invention, is meant any set of parts whose arrangement has the function of at least partially containing and centering the cartridge. A support according to the invention may comprise different parts, in particular two holding pieces.

By “holding part”, within the meaning of the present invention, is meant any part whose shape allows the cartridge to be clamped directly or indirectly.

The solution according to the invention makes it possible to remedy the drawbacks encountered in the prior art, since security thus becomes intrinsic, and no longer extrinsic to the means for installing and removing the cartridge.

• - la manipulation d'appareils pourvus d'un système conforme à l'invention ne nécessite pas une éducation ou une information importante de l'utilisateur, pour lui inculquer un réflexe approprié de sécurité ;
• - l'effet de sécurité recherché s'accomplit de lui-même, lors de la mise en place de la tête de prélèvement de gaz sur le support, par vissage de ces deux pièces.

In these conditions :

• - the handling of devices provided with a system in accordance with the invention does not require education or important information for the user, in order to instill in him an appropriate safety reflex;
• - The desired security effect is accomplished by itself, when the gas sampling head is put in place on the support, by screwing these two parts.

• - cette dernière ne peut venir en contact avec la cartouche que si elle est parfaitement centrée sur le support, avec blocage de ce dernier en position de fermeture ;
• - le support ne peut être ouvert que si la tête de prélèvement de gaz est dévissée en totalité de celui-ci, c'est-à-dire dans la pratique au moment du retrait d'une cartouche vide pour la mise en place d'une cartouche pleine ; un dévissage partiel de la tête ne permet pas d'ouvrir le support ;
• - il ne peut y avoir aucune fermeture partielle du support, mais seulement une fermeture totale, au moment du vissage de la tête de prélèvement de gaz ; inversement, tant que celle-ci est vissée sur le support, il ne peut pas être ouvert, même partiellement.

The invention is original in that the means which characterize it prohibit any accessibility towards the interior or the exterior of the support, as long as the gas sampling head is screwed onto the latter. Consequently, any false maneuver which could lead to an alteration of the cartridge-device link, for example if there is an obliquity between the cartridge and the gas sampling head, becomes excluded since:

• - The latter can come into contact with the cartridge only if it is perfectly centered on the support, with locking of the latter in the closed position;
• - the support can only be opened if the gas sampling head is fully unscrewed, that is to say in practice when removing an empty cartridge for the installation of a full cartridge; partial unscrewing of the head does not open the support;
• - there can be no partial closure of the support, but only complete closure, when the gas sampling head is screwed; conversely, as long as it is screwed onto the support, it cannot be opened, even partially.

The present invention is also useful in the context described in French patent application 2,398,962. According to this application and for various technical reasons explained in the latter, it has been proposed to provide the support with at least three male elements, angularly distributed by regularly around its axis, and to provide each cartridge with at least three corresponding female elements, angularly distributed, regularly around the axis of said cartridge, and intended to engage in said male elements.

Correlatively when a support according to the invention and in particular the two retaining pieces include male elements as described above, it is impossible to close it, and therefore to screw the sampling head, as long as said male elements are not engaged in the female elements of the cartridge. Therefore, a fixing system according to the invention almost automatically encourages the user to put the female elements of the cartridge, by rotation of the latter, in correspondence with the male elements of the support, to completely close the latter.

• Figure 1 est une vue éclatée représentant un système suivant l'invention destiné à enserrer une cartouche de gaz sous pression en vue de permettre sa liaison avec un appareil à gaz.
• Figure 2 en est une vue à l'état monté avec arrachement mais représentée à plus grande échelle.
• Figure 3 est une vue par-dessus du système suivant l'invention à l'intérieur duquel est placée la cartouche.
• Figure 4 est une vue par-dessus d'un système réalisé suivant une variante de l'invention et représenté à l'état ouvert à côté d'une cartouche de gaz sous pression.
• Figure 5 en est une vue par-dessus à l'état monté du système selon fig. 4.
• Figure 6 est une vue en élévation avec arrachements d'un système suivant la variante de fig. 4.
• Figure 7 est une vue semblable à celle de fig. 1 mais montrant une autre variante d'exécution du système suivant l'invention.
• Figures est une coupe longitudinale partielle du système selon fig. 7.

The appended drawing, given by way of example, will allow a better understanding of the invention, the characteristics it exhibits and the advantages that it is likely to provide:

• Figure 1 is an exploded view showing a system according to the invention intended to enclose a gas cartridge under pressure to allow its connection with a gas appliance.
• Figure 2 is a view in the assembled state with cutaway but shown on a larger scale.
• Figure 3 is a top view of the system according to the invention inside which is placed the cartridge.
• Figure 4 is a top view of a system produced according to a variant of the invention and shown in the open state next to a pressurized gas cartridge.
• Figure 5 is a top view in the assembled state of the system according to fig. 4.
• Figure 6 is an elevational view with cutaway of a system according to the variant of FIG. 4.
• Figure 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 but showing another alternative embodiment of the system according to the invention.
• Figures is a partial longitudinal section of the system according to fig. 7.

In order to facilitate the sealed connection between a pressurized gas cartridge 1 and the base 2a of a sampling head 2, (belonging to any gas appliance), a fixing system 3 is used in accordance with the present invention and which constitutes a preferred embodiment of the latter. Note that the cartridge 1 has a domed top 1a provided at its center with a concave cup 1b.

As shown, the fastening system 3 is produced in the form of two symmetrical shells referenced 4 and 5, or retaining pieces completely enveloping the cartridge 1, which are hinged together, around a same horizontal axis located at their bases 4a, 5a. These bases correspond to a slightly larger diameter portion of each of the shells 4 and 5. They each have a fallen edge 4b, 5b oriented transversely relative to each shell and on which rests the lower bead 1 of the cartridge 1, as we will explain it better later. Each of the bases 4a, 5a is extended by two ears 4c, 4d respectively 5c, 5d which come two by two to be placed side by side so that each of the perforations formed in the center of each ear come in correspondence. The pairs of ears 4c, 5c and 4d, 5d are assembled by means of a rivet 6, 7 which leaves a certain play between these ears so as to allow an easy tilting of the two shells relative to one another .

Each shell has a neck 4e, 5e and a horizontal and transverse wing 4f, 5f which is in the form of a semicircle extended by a central tab determining a projection also semi-circular as is more particularly illustrated in fig . 3. It can be seen in fig.2 that the center 4g of the upper transverse wing 4f is raised and has in its center a cutout 4h having a circular shape. As for the lower transverse wing 5f of the shell 5, it comprises in its center an opening 5g with a directly threaded edge situated coaxially with respect to the cut 4h, in the closed position explained below. It is observed that the transverse wing 5f of the shell 5 is in abutment against the internal face of the transverse wing 4f of the shell 4.

If the cartridge 1 is of the type comprising axial depressions 1 d, provision is made in the side wall of the two shells 4 and 5 for projections 4j, 5j oriented towards the center and which are intended to engage in the corresponding depressions 1d cartridge 1.

When starting from the open position of fig. 1 we start with the cartridge 1 between the two open shells 4 and 5 in the form of a jaw; these two shells are then pivoted around the rivets 6 and 7 so as to bring them into the closed position shown in fig. 3, taking care to place the projections 4j, 5j in the depressions 1 d, failing which the support (4, 5) cannot close on the cartridge 1. The two transverse wings 4f and 5f of the corresponding shells are placed one below the other as illustrated in fig.2, and above the cartridge 1, the cut 4h coming in front of the tapped opening 5g. The cartridge at this time is trapped and centered between the two shells. In the free state, its bead 1 c bears against the edges 4b, 5b of the two shells. We can then screw the threaded axial end piece 2a of the device 2 into the threaded opening 5g until the usual annular seal 2b carried by the end of a tubular piston associated with the base 2a (see the description given in French patent 1,133,075), comes into leaktight support against the surface of the cup. 1 b. Continuing the screwing, one causes on the one hand the support of the bead 1c against the edges 4b, 5b of the shells, then the perforation of the wall of the cup 1b inside the joint 2b, so that the the device can be powered.

It is easily understood that the base 2a remaining screwed relative to the tapped opening 5g, there can be no gas leakage and that it is only after the complete unscrewing of the base that can be opened. two shells to extract the cartridge.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 4 we are dealing with shells 8, 9 similar to those 4 and 5 described above but which are articulated not at their base but along two of their corresponding vertical edges, therefore around the same vertical and lateral axis . These edges are rolled so as to allow the introduction of a vertical rod 10, so that the two shells open in "portfolio". The upper parts of the two shells are produced in a similar manner to those 4e of the variant of FIG. 2, that is to say that they have, above a neck, two walls which have the shape of a semicircle, the center of which has a semi-circular tab 8a respectively 9a. The center of each of the transverse wings of the two shells is provided as regards the first with a tapped central opening 9b, while in the second a central cutout 8b has been provided. To connect the device 2 to the cartridge 1 by means of a system comprising shells 8 and 9, the cartridge is engaged in one of the latter, its bead 1c resting against its horizontal edge 8c or 9c, then it is made to pivot the other until the cutout 8b comes to be placed above the tapped opening 9b and concentrically with the latter as shown in FIG. 5. If the cartridge has depressions 1 d, provision is made to provide radial projections oriented towards the center in the two shells 8 and 9 so that the cartridge is immobilized angularly with respect to these shells. In the example shown, the shells have three projections referenced 8d and 9d.

We note in fig. 5 as in the example in FIG. the central part 8e of the tab 8a is slightly offset above the general plane of this tab so that the one 9a comes to bear against the underside of the non-raised part of said tab 8a. Thus when the base 2a of the device 2 is screwed into the threaded opening 9b and the device itself comes to bear against the raised part 8e of the tab 8a, the latter does not tend to collapse so that the attachment of the device 2 is rigid. We will not go back to the way in which the sealing takes place between the device 2 and the cartridge 1 because it is strictly identical to that described with reference to FIG. 2.

According to an embodiment illustrated in fig. 7 we are dealing with a system comprising a stirrup 11 and a bell 12. The stirrup 11 is established from a strip of spring steel whose two ends are bent to form a hook 11a, 11b and which is arched so as to assign at rest the general shape of a V open downwards. The stirrup is manufactured so as to include in its middle a veil 11c, the center of which is provided with a tapped opening 11d. The two wings of the stirrup 11 are advantageously rounded in cross section for reasons which will be better explained below. Each of these wings may have a projection 11e, 11f capable of cooperating with a corresponding depression 1d of the cartridge 1.

The bell 12 comprises a cylindrical skirt 12a whose lower edge 12b is flared, while its upper part is connected to a transverse wall 12c comprising in its center a cutout 12d with a diameter slightly greater than that of the tapped opening 11d.

To assemble an apparatus such as that 2 to a cartridge 1, the latter is placed between the two branches of the stirrup 11 and then these are folded down in the direction of the cartridge so that the hooks 11 a, 11 b are placed under the bead 1 c of this cartridge. Then the bell 12 is engaged around the caliper-cartridge assembly so as to lock the latter against the cartridge as illustrated in FIG. 8. The rounded shape of the stirrup arms allows it to press against the side wall of the cartridge.

It is observed that once the bell engaged around the stirrup 11 its transverse wall 12c is raised relative to the web 11 of the stirrup so that again the cutout is located above the tapped opening for the reasons explained above with reference to fig. 6.

It is easily understood that once the device 2 is screwed into the opening 11 d the bell is locked relative to the stirrup so that the system according to the invention, the device, and the cartridge form a rigid assembly .

In particular and as indicated above, it is easily conceivable that the system according to the invention can cooperate with cartridges devoid of vacuum provided that the projections provided in the shells, the stirrups or the cap are eliminated.

Claims (11)

1. Attachment system (3) for a gas extraction device or head (2) in relation to a tank of gas under pressure such as an interchangeable cartridge (1) forming a non-returnable packing, of the type constituted by a holder intended to receive the cartridge (1), comprising at least two support pieces (4, 5-8, 9-11, 12) which are movable relative to each other and formed so as to enclose at least partially the said cartridge (1) and an annular tightness means (2b) intended to be applied in a tight manner against the central part (1 b) of the upper wall of the cartridge (1), the gas extraction head (2) having axial means for perforation of the cartridge on the interior of the tightness means and being able to be screwed axially on the holder, characterized in that - at least partial - screwing of the gas extraction head (2) on the holder constitutes a means sufficient to lock the two support pieces (4, 5-8, 9-11, 12) relative to each other to close the holder on the cartridge (1), and in that the total unscrewing of the gas extraction head (2) constitutes a means to release the two support pieces (4,5-8,9-11, 12) relative to each other to open the holder.

2. System according to Claim 1, wherein the gas extraction head (2) has an axial tip (2a) which is threaded externally, and wherein the holder has a central opening (5g, 9b, 11d) provided with a complementary threading to that of the said tip, characterized in that at least one of the support pieces (4, 8, 12) has a central cut-out (4h, 8b, 12d) arranged to come into axial coincidence with the said opening (5g, 9b, 11d) in the closed position of the holder.

3. System according to Claim 2, characterized in that the two support pieces (4, 5-8, 9-11, 12), articulated relative to each other, each have a horizontal wing (4f, 5f-8a, 9a-11 c, 12c) with a perforated part (4h, 5g-8b, 9b-11 d, 12d) situated above the cartridge when the holder is in the closed position, and in that in the said closed position, on the one hand the two horizontal wings overlap at least partially, and on the other hand the two perforations are brought into axial coincidence, the lower perforation (5g, 9b, 11 d) comprising a complementary threading cooperating with that of the axial tip (2a) of the gas extraction head (2).

4. System according to Claim 3, characterized in that the two support pieces (4, 5) are articulated relative to each other, about the same horizontal geometric axis situated on the lower part of the holder.

5. System according to Claim 3, characterized in that the two support pieces (8, 9) are articulated relative to each other, about the same vertical geometric axis, situated on the side of the holder.

6. System according to Claim 3, characterized in that each support piece (4, 5-8, 9) has on its lower part a rim (4b, 5b-8c, 9c) for the support of the lower flange (1 c) of the cartridge (1).

7. System according to Claim 3, characterized in that in the closed position, the two support pieces (4, 5-8, 9) completely encase the cartridge (1).

8. System according to any one of Claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the edge of the opening (5g, 9b, 11d) has directly the form of a thread.

9. System according to Claim 2, characterized in that one of the support pieces is constituted by an elastic stirrup (11), the transverse bend (11 c) of which comprises the threaded opening (11 d) and which presents the general shape of an inverted V, whilst the other support piece assumes the shape of a bell (12) which caps the stirrup so as to apply it against the cartridge (1) and lock it with the base of the latter, the top part (12c) of the said bell (12) being provided with the central cutout (12d).

10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in a manner known per se, the holder, and in particular at least one of the support pieces (4, 5-8, 9-11), has at least three male elements (4j, 5j-Sd, 9d-11e, 11_f), distributed angularly in a regular manner around the axis of the said holder, which male elements are intended to engage in at least three corresponding female elements (1d) distributed angularly in a regular manner around the axis of a cartridge (1).

11. Apparatus for the combustion of a combustible gas, characterized in that it comprises a system according to any one of the preceding claims.

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