EP0639156B1 - Device for transferring liquid by gravity or by pumping - Google Patents

Abstract

The device is intended to transfer liquid from one container to another container by gravity or by pumping, without disassembly, very rapidly, and without external flow. The device is comprised of a plug valve (1) having a variable threaded diameter and having a part receiving an adapter (6) commun to all plugs. The adapter makes possible easy opening of the valve (2) by a simple push and optionally suction of liquid by connection to a standard pump. This device is particularly intended to empty containers, tanks or engine oil sumps.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a liquid transfer device by simple gravity or accelerated by a standard suction pump.

PRIOR ART

Existing devices such as traditional plugs, quick couplings or valves have various disadvantages such as, in the case of the traditional plug for example, splashes, external flows, the need to have a tool to unscrew the plug, the obligation to change the seal, the impossibility of connecting to a pump. In the case of valves or quick couplings, these materials represent a significant cost, require having several nozzles of different sizes and above all have a large size which can lead to risks of deterioration by hanging when the containers are mobile, such as mobile containers. , crankcases and the like.

From documents WO-A-82/03 674 and AU-B-1 414 976, a device is known comprising a tubular plug provided with an external thread, with the diameter and pitch of the thread of the threaded drain hole of the container in which it is intended to be tightly screwed, and whose bore is normally closed by a valve provided with a seal and a return spring in the closed position, projecting outside the container , thus leading to risks of deterioration as described above. In addition, each of the two devices described comprises a tubular adapter comprising a central actuating member in the open position, of the valve of the tubular plug, as well as an annular seal ensuring the seal between the tubular plug and the adapter, removable connection means between the plug and the adapter being provided to allow the attachment of the second to the first during emptying of the container and its rapid removal after emptying.

In document WO-A-82/03674, the removable connection means between the plug and the adapter consist of radially movable balls between a retracted position and a projecting coupling position, the transition from the first to the second requiring the axial displacement of an adapter ring, after engagement of the latter in the plug until the plug valve opens.

Consequently, the assembly of the adapter to the plug requires a significant effort over a relatively long stroke and, when it is a crankcase plug and the operator does not have a pit, it is practically impossible to achieve.

In the document AU-B-1 414 976, the removable connection means between the plug and the adapter are constituted by a system of baillonnettes, cooperating with a complementary shape formed at the level of the adapter. This system prohibits any operation of screwing or even unscrewing the cap out of the container.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION.

• un bouchon tubulaire,
  • . muni d'un filetage extérieur destiné à coopérer avec le taraudage du trou de vidange taraudé du récipient dans lequel il est destiné à être vissé de manière étanche,
  • . dont l'alésage est normalement fermé par un clapet muni d'un joint d'étanchéité et d'un ressort de rappel en position de fermeture,
    • ◆ le clapet et une partie essentielle de l'alésage étant situés au sein du bouchon à l'intérieur du récipient,
    • ◆ le joint d'étanchéité du clapet, dont le siège est constitué par l'extrémité en forme de couronne du bouchon, étant du type plat, et étant lié axialement au clapet,
• un adaptateur tubulaire comportant :
  • . un organe central d'actionnement, en position d'ouverture, du clapet ;
  • . un joint annulaire assurant l'étanchéité entre le bouchon tubulaire et l'adaptateur,
  • . un ressort, associé au joint annulaire, et destiné à le repousser en direction de l'extrémité d'assemblage de l'adaptateur, ladite extrémité étant équipée d'une butée axiale pour le joint,
• et des moyens de liaison amovible entre le bouchon et l'adaptateur pour permettre la fixation dudit adaptateur audit bouchon lors de la vidange du récipient et son retrait rapide après vidange, constitués d'une part, d'une collerette interrompue sur l'intégralité de son épaisseur, s'étendant selon deux secteurs angulaires inférieurs à 180° et diamétralement opposés, et d'autre part, de deux ergots diamétralement opposés, dont chacun est destiné à être engagé derrière l'un des secteurs de collerette précités.

The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks. It relates to a liquid transfer device contained in a container by simple or accelerated gravity of the type comprising, in combination:

• a tubular plug,
  • . fitted with an external thread intended to cooperate with the thread of the threaded drain hole of the container into which it is intended to be tightly screwed,
  • . the bore of which is normally closed by a valve fitted with a seal and a return spring in the closed position,
    • ◆ the valve and an essential part of the bore being located within the plug inside the container,
    • ◆ the valve seal, the seat of which is formed by the crown-shaped end of the plug, being of the flat type, and being axially connected to the valve,
• a tubular adapter comprising:
  • . a central actuating member, in the open position, of the valve;
  • . an annular seal ensuring the seal between the tubular plug and the adapter,
  • . a spring, associated with the annular seal, and intended to push it towards the assembly end of the adapter, said end being equipped with an axial stop for the seal,
• and removable connection means between the stopper and the adapter to allow the fixing of said adapter to said stopper during emptying of the container and its rapid removal after emptying, consisting on the one hand, of an interrupted flange on the entirety of its thickness, extending along two angular sectors less than 180 ° and diametrically opposite, and on the other hand, two diametrically opposite lugs, each of which is intended to be engaged behind one of the abovementioned flange sectors.

• partie essentielle du clapet et de l'alésage du bouchon est située à l'intérieur et non pas à l'extérieur du récipient, limitant ainsi au maximum la saillie de bouchon à l'extérieur du récipient,
• les moyens de liaison amovible entre le bouchon et l'adaptateur sont constitués pour partie d'entre eux d'une collerette interrompue sur l'intégralité de son épaisseur et non d'une système à baillonnette, autorisant ainsi un vissage et dévissage facile du bouchon hors du conteneur sans pour autant induire une augmentation d'encombrement,
• un joint annulaire assurant l'étanchéité entre le bouchon et l'adaptateur, sur lequel est monté un ressort destiné à repousser le joint en direction de l'extrémité d'assemblage de l'adaptateur.

In other words, the invention resides in a combination of means making it possible to obtain a liquid transfer device, of simple and practical use in which:

• essential part of the valve and the bore of the cap is located inside and not outside the container, thus limiting as much as possible the projection of the cap outside the container,
• the removable connection means between the plug and the adapter partly consist of a flange interrupted over its entire thickness and not of a gag system, thus allowing easy screwing and unscrewing of the plug outside the container without inducing an increase in size,
• an annular seal sealing between the plug and the adapter, on which is mounted a spring intended to push the seal towards the assembly end of the adapter.

To allow rapid fixing of the adapter on the plug, the two flange sectors are provided on the tubular plug and the two lugs on the adapter.

According to a simple embodiment of the invention, the two diametrically opposite flange sectors are interrupted by two flats, diametrically opposite, suitable for serving as a socket for a screwing or unscrewing wrench.

Advantageously, the axial stop, which is provided with the assembly end of the adapter for retaining its seal, is constituted by the two pins used for its coupling with the plug.

Finally, to allow its connection to a suction pump, the end of the adapter opposite its assembly end to the tubular plug is provided with a connection end piece for flexible tubing.

This device therefore makes it possible to transfer a liquid by gravity from one container to another without any dismantling, very quickly when using a standard pneumatic pump and, above all, without risk of external flows. It can be adapted to any container, provided with a tapped drain hole, while keeping an external part of the container always of the same size, very compact and which allows the use of a single adapter which is fixed, by simple rotation, on the cap. The latter therefore has the advantage of being easily assembled and removable and of being screwed from the outside of the container. In addition, its small size avoids any risk of snagging or damage by impact.

To empty a container, the cap remains screwed onto it. The adapter, whether or not connected to a pump, is pushed onto the cap, which lifts the valve and lets the liquid pass. It remains to turn the adapter a quarter of a turn so that it remains in place. When all the liquid has been emptied, all you have to do is remove the adapter and the valve automatically closes the tubular plug thanks to its spring.

In any case, the invention will be clearly understood, with the aid of the description which follows, with reference to the appended schematic drawing representing, by way of nonlimiting example, an embodiment of this device, in the case where the adapter is fitted with a connection piece for flexible tubing:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 shows the entire device in axial section, the half section on the right showing it in the open position and the half section on the left showing it in the closed position.

Figure 2 is an axial sectional view of the tubular plug. Figure 3 is a side view, in elevation, of the body of the tubular plug.

Figure 4 is a plan view from above of the object of Figure 3.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view along V-V of FIG. 4.

Figure 6 is a plan view from below of the valve of the tubular plug.

FIG. 7 is a plan view from above of the object of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a view in axial section along VIII-VIII of FIG. 7.

Figure 9 is an axial sectional view of the adapter.

Figure 10 is an axial sectional view of the body of the adapter alone.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along XI-XI of FIG. 10.

EXAMPLE OF IMPLEMENTATION

This device includes a tubular plug (fig. 2) and an adapter (fig. 9).

The plug is made up of five parts, namely a body (1), a valve (2), a valve seal (3), a return spring (4) and a locking washer (5).

The body (1) has a threaded end (20) of diameter and pitch determined by those of the threaded hole of the container to which it must be fixed, by screwing, and a flange (21) of identical size on all the caps, interrupted by two diametrically opposed flats (25) and dividing the collar (21) into two diametrically opposite sectors.

The two flats (25) dividing the collar (21) into two sectors allow two diametrically opposed lugs (7) of the adapter to be engaged behind the two collar sectors (21) by depressing the adapter and its quarter-turn rotation.

The front end (23) of the body (1) of the tubular plug serves as a seat for the valve (2).

The body (1) of the tubular plug has an axial bore (24) intended to receive the valve (2) and its return spring (4).

The valve (2) has an axial bore (26) in which is formed at least one lateral orifice (26a) allowing the passage of the liquid to be withdrawn into the container. At its free end, the valve (2) has an external flange (27) serving as support, by its internal face, to its return spring (4) which, by its other end, bears against an internal flange of the end of the body (1) of the plug forming the seat of the valve (2).

The external face of the flange (27) of the valve (2) is intended to receive the axial thrust of the push tube (31) of the adapter, when the latter is fixed to the tubular plug, as indicated above.

The range (28) of the inner end of the valve (2), limited by a shoulder (28a), is intended to receive the seal (3) of the valve (2). This seal (3) is a flat seal avoiding the obligation to machine its seat at the inner end of the body (1) of the plug. The seal (3) is held by crimping, on the inner end of the valve (2), a locking washer (5). As shown in Figure 2, the spring (4) normally maintains the valve (2) in the closed position. As shown in Figure 2, almost the entire body (1) and the valve (2) of the tubular plug is housed in the threaded hole for emptying the container.

The adapter, visible in Figures 9 to 11, is composed of six parts, namely a body (6), a push tube (31), two diametrically opposed lugs (7), a seal (8) , a washer (9) for protecting the seal (8), a return spring (11) and a washer (10) for supporting the spring (11).

As shown in the drawing, the lugs (7) are arranged near the assembly end of the body (6) of the adapter. As can be seen, these pins project radially inside an annular space (30) formed between the body (6) and the thrust tube (31) which is coaxial with it.

Inside the annular space (30) and around the push tube (31) are stacked, starting from the bottom of the annular space (31), the return spring (11), its support washer (10), the seal (8) and the protective washer (9).

As shown in Figure 9, the return spring (11) keeps the washer assembly (10), seal (8) and washer (9) tight against each other and against the lugs (7) . The spring support washer (10) protects the seal (8) against any risk of damage by the spring (11).

As shown in Figure 1, when coupling the adapter (Fig. 9) to the tubular plug (Fig. 2), on the one hand, the push tube (3) causes the valve (2) to be raised and, on the other hand, the flange sectors (21) of the body (1) of the tubular plug, cause the seal (8) to sink into the annular space (30), thereby ensuring perfect sealing between the tubular plug and the adapter.

After pushing in enough to allow the lugs (7) to protrude beyond the inner face of the flange sectors (21), to fix the adapter to the plug, it suffices to rotate it about a quarter of a turn.

To uncouple the adapter from the plug, simply rotate it a quarter of a turn, in one direction or the other, which has the effect of freeing the two pins (7) from the flange sectors (21) .

In the example illustrated in the drawing, at its end opposite to its assembly end, the body (6) of the adapter is provided with a connection end piece (32) making it possible to connect the bore of the push tube (31) to a suction pump and therefore to accelerate the emptying of the container.

Claims (5)

1. Device for transferring liquid contained in a receptacle by simple or accelerated gravity comprising, in combination :

   - a tubular plug,

   . equipped with an external thread (20) intended to cooperate with the threading of the threaded draining hole of the receptacle into which it is intended to be screwed in a sealed manner,

   . the bore (24) of which is normally closed by a valve (2) fitted with a seal (3) and a return spring (4) in closed position,

   . the valve (2) and a main part of the bore (24) being situated within the plug inside the receptacle,

   . the seal (3) of the valve (2), the seat of which is formed by the crown-shaped end of the plug, being of the flat type and being axially linked up to the valve (2),

   - a tubular adapter comprising :

   . a central actuation member (31), in open position, of the valve (2) ;

   . an annular joint (8) ensuring tightness between the tubular plug and the adapter,

   . a spring (11), associated with the annular joint (8), and intended to push it back to the assembly-end of the adapter, the said end being fitted with an axial thrust bearing for the joint (8),

   - and removable linkage means between the plug and the adapter to enable the securing of the said adapter to the said plug when the receptacle is being drained and its rapid removal following draining, made up of on the one hand, an interrupted flange (21) on the whole of its thickness, extending according to two diametrically opposed angular areas of less than 180° and, and on the other hand, two diametrically opposed pins (7), each of which is intended to be inserted behind one of the aforementioned flange areas (21).
2. Device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the two flange areas (21) are fitted on the tubular plug and the two pins (7) on the adapter.
3. Device as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the two diametrically opposed flange areas (21) are interrupted by two diametrically opposed flat parts (25), suitable for use as a hold for a wrench when screwing or unscrewing the plug.
4. Device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the axial thrust bearing provided on the assembly-end of the adapter to hold the seal (8) is made up of two pins (7) used for coupling it to the plug.
5. Device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the end of the adapter opposed to its assembly-end is fitted with a connection endpiece (32) for supple tubing.

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