EP0707174A1 - Container, in particular a gas bottle - Google Patents

Abstract

The container comprises an inner shell (2) of metal to hold the liquefied gas, and an outer housing (7) of a synthetic material, which is made in two sections (13,14) joined together by couplings (15) which allow the two sections to be separated and the inner shell to be removed. The parting plane (16) between the two outer housing sections can be perpendicular to the container's lengthwise axis or, in a variant, parallel to it. The couplings can form a bayonet-type joint, threaded surfaces, tongued and grooved surfaces or other forms of connector.

Description

The invention relates to a tank, in particular of the gas cylinder type, comprising an outer protective envelope, in particular of synthetic material, provided with means forming the seat of said tank.

The present invention will find its application in the field of the design of tanks, very particularly metallic and of transportable nature, such as liquefied gas cylinders.

In the context of these tanks, of the gas cylinder type, these are in the form of a metal casing comprising, generally in its upper part, a mouth capable of receiving, for example, a pressure reducing valve making it possible to manage the evacuation of the fluid, in the gaseous state, from said reservoir. Frequently, on this mouthpiece can also be screwed a protective end piece of the pressure-reducing valve, which end piece is often equipped with a handle facilitating the gripping of the reservoir. Finally, it receives, at its base, an annular rim through which it rests on the ground. Consequently, this annular rim attached by welding to the metal casing constitutes the seat of said tank.

These tanks, of the gas cylinder type, necessarily undergo a treatment for protection against corrosion at their external walls. However, this treatment, for example, a zinc metallization or an application of a zinc paint, whatever its mechanical strength, is sensitive to the knocking which these tanks undergo, in particular, during their transport. Consequently, this anti-corrosion protection deteriorates relatively quickly, not to mention that the knocking of these tanks generates significant noise.

Added to this are the drawbacks linked to the design and assembly of the annular rim forming the seat on the bottom of the metal shell of the tank. Indeed, the production of this annular rim and its welding to the tank, correspond to long and tedious operations, not to mention that the presence of this annular rim often complicates the application of the anti-corrosion coating.

Also, it has been imagined to cover such a tank by means of an envelope of external protection, in particular, of synthetic material, as shown in document DE-A-3,533,406. In this case, a metallic tank is described intended to contain a pressurized fluid, of the beer barrel type, which receives, effectively at its external walls, a protective envelope of synthetic material applied by an overmolding process or equivalent. . Note that this outer protective envelope is extended, at the upper and lower part of the metal container, by an annular rim, one of which is equipped with openings so as to constitute means for gripping the reservoir, while the 'another annular rim, extending downward, comes to form the seat. It is obvious that such an external protective envelope, made of synthetic material, on the one hand, avoids the design and the assembly by welding of the metallic annular rim on the bottom of the tank and, on the other hand, provides a solution to the problem of the deterioration of a possible anti-corrosion protective coating or of the noise caused by the collision of the tanks during transport.

However, it nonetheless results in new drawbacks linked, precisely, to the presence of the outer protective envelope. Indeed, the latter being applied by an overmolding process or equivalent, it cannot be removed, without destruction, from the metal container in order to carry out an inspection of the latter. For example, it is not possible to check whether there is any degradation of the anti-corrosion protective coating, either due to an initial failure of the latter, or by the excessive presence of moisture between the outer protective envelope and said metallic container. In addition, in the event of a violent impact, there may be deformation of the metal reservoir, while due to its elasticity linked to the material of which it is composed, the outer protective casing can retain its initial shape. Consequently, here again, the user cannot realize the extent of the degradation which the metal container has undergone.

The present invention therefore proposes to provide a solution to all of these problems.

To this end, the invention relates to a tank, in particular of the gas cylinder type, comprising an external protective envelope, in particular, made of synthetic material, provided with means forming the seat of said tank, characterized in that said envelope protection outer consists of at least two parts movable between them and made integral, one with the other, by means of retractable connecting means allowing, when the latter are undone, to remove the reservoir from said protective envelope outside.

According to the invention, the two parts define, on the one hand, a container in which the tank can take a position and, on the other hand, a cover capable of covering the latter.

According to another embodiment, the two parts define two symmetrical demicoqullies with respect to the vertical median plane of the tank.

According to another characteristic of the invention, this external protective envelope is equipped with water drainage means located between the external protective envelope and the external wall of the tank.

The advantages obtained thanks to this invention consist, essentially, in that the external protective envelope can be removed from the tank in order to allow the inspection, repair or replacement of the latter. In addition, the drainage means improve the longevity of the anti-corrosion protective coating often applied to the external wall of the metal tank, as is the case for gas cylinders in particular.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématisée et en coupe d'un réservoir, tout particulièrement du type bouteille à gaz, conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue schématisée et en perspective d'un réservoir, du type bouteille à gaz, conforme à l'invention et correspondant à un autre mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 3 illustre, de manière schématisée, des moyens de liaison escamotables exécutés selon un premier mode de réalisation et assurant la liaison entre les deux parties de l'enveloppe de protection extérieure équipant le réservoir ;
• la figure 4 est une vue schématisée et partielle du détail repéré A sur la figure 1 et représentant des moyens de liaison escamotables correspondant à un second mode d'exécution :
• les figures 5 à 10 correspondent à des vues analogues à la figure 4 et illustrant, à chaque fois, des modes de réalisation différents des moyens de liaison escamotables reliant les deux parties, au moins, composant l'enveloppe de protection extérieure équipant le réservoir :
• la figure 11 représente de manière schématisée et en coupe une portion de l'enveloppe de protection extérieure, celle-ci étant équipée d'entretoises en tant que moyens de drainage de l'eau s'écoulant entre cette enveloppe de protection extérieure et la paroi externe du réservoir.

The invention is set out below in more detail with the aid of drawings representing only a few embodiments.

• Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a tank, particularly of the gas cylinder type, according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a tank, of the gas cylinder type, according to the invention and corresponding to another embodiment;
• Figure 3 illustrates, schematically, retractable connecting means executed according to a first embodiment and ensuring the connection between the two parts of the outer protective envelope fitted to the tank;
• Figure 4 is a schematic and partial view of the detail marked A in Figure 1 and showing retractable connecting means corresponding to a second mode of execution:
• FIGS. 5 to 10 correspond to views similar to FIG. 4 and illustrating, each time, different embodiments of the retractable connecting means connecting the two parts, at least, constituting the outer protective envelope fitted to the tank:
• FIG. 11 shows schematically and in section a portion of the external protective envelope, this being equipped with spacers as means for draining the water flowing between this external protective envelope and the wall external of the tank.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the present invention relates to a tank 1 shown, more particularly, in the form of a gas cylinder, comprising a casing 2 forming a container, generally metallic and frequently constituted by the intermediate of two half-shells 3, 4, assembled by welding.

In its upper part 5, this tank 1, particularly if it is a gas cylinder, may have a mouth 6 capable of receiving a pressure reducing valve (not shown).

Ultimately, this reservoir 1 comprises an outer protective envelope 7 designed, preferably, of a synthetic material and having the function of protecting the reservoir against shocks, especially during transport. Note that if an anti-corrosion protective coating is applied to the tank 1, such an external protective envelope 7, made of synthetic material, constitutes the guarantee of the longevity of said anti-corrosion protective coating.

This external protective envelope 7 also incorporates means 8 forming the seat of the tank 1. In this specific case, these means 8 are in the form of an extension of the external protective envelope 7, in the part bottom 9 of the tank 1, this so as to define an annular rim 10 by means of which said tank rests on the ground.

Note that this outer protective envelope 7 is also extended, substantially in the upper part 5 of the tank 1, by so as to define, also, an annular rim 11 which can be equipped with one or more openings 12 so as to constitute means for gripping the reservoir 1.

In fact, according to the invention, the outer protective envelope 7 consists of at least two parts 13, 14 movable between them and made integral with one another, by means of retractable connecting means 15 allowing, precisely, to remove the reservoir 1 from said external protective envelope 7.

The present description will focus on the case, more particularly, where this outer protective envelope 7 actually consists of two parts 13, 14 only. However, it is obvious that said external protective envelope 7 could be broken down into more parts, insofar as the retractable connecting means 15, connecting together at least some of these parts, make it possible to remove the reservoir 1 and, finally , to authorize repairs or other interventions on the latter.

Thus, the subdivision into two parts, in particular 13, 14, can be done along a plane perpendicular 16 relative to the axis 17 of the tank, as shown in Figure 1, this so as to define a cover 18 covering the tank 1 in its upper part 5 and a container 19 receiving the reservoir and coming to cooperate with said cover 18 by means of the retractable connecting means 15. It will be noted, in passing, that the proportions of the cover 18 relative to the container 19 are indifferent insofar as the aim sought is to be able to remove the external protective envelope 7. This subdivision into two parts 13, 14, of the external protective envelope can also be done along a longitudinal median plane 20 of the tank 1, this so as to define a cover 18A and a container 19A of symmetrical shape.

Figures 3 to 10 illustrate different embodiments of the retractable connecting means 15 which, in some cases, are adaptable, indifferently, to a subdivision along a perpendicular plane 16 or along the longitudinal median plane 20, while other modes of implementation will only find their application in one or the other of these cases.

Thus, in Figure 3, illustrating a first embodiment of these retractable connecting means 15 adaptable, more particularly, to a subdivision along a perpendicular plane 16 relative to the longitudinal axis 17, there is a male part 21 and a female part 22 of conjugate shape. More specifically, the male part 21 that is defined, either the free edge 23 of the container 19, or the free edge 24 of the cover 18, has a section 25 adapted so as to fit at least partially, in the female part 22 that constitutes, respectively, the free edge 24 of the cover 18 or the free edge 23 of the container 19.

These retractable connecting means 15 are completed, at the male part 21 or, conversely, on the female part 22, pins 26 capable of engaging in notches 27, machined, respectively, on the female part 22 or the male part 21. In addition, the notches 27 are extended by grooves 28 in which the nipples 26 can engage, precisely, following the engagement of the male part 21 in the female part 22 and the rotation of the 'one over the other. It should be noted that the cross section of these grooves 28 can be determined so as to produce a progressive tightening on the nipples 26, thus preventing the involuntary release of the male part 21 relative to the female part 22.

The embodiment of the retractable connecting means 15 shown in FIG. 4 is also applicable, only, within the framework of a subdivision of the outer protective envelope 7 into two parts 13, 14 along a plane 16 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 17 of the reservoir 1. Thus, here again, these retractable connecting means 15 are in the form of a male part 21 which constitutes the free edge 23 of the container 19 or, conversely, the free edge 24 of the cover 18, while that the female part 22 is constituted, conversely, either by the free edge 24 of the cover 18, or by the free edge 23 of the container 19. In fact, the male part 21 is in the form of a threaded end piece 29, while the female part 23 is tapped so as to receive the threaded end piece 29.

Naturally, in the two embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the male 21 and female 22 parts can be defined in the thickness 30 of the wall of the outer protective envelope 7. This has the advantage of not create extra thickness around the outer periphery of the latter. Conversely, such an additional thickness may be desired so as to define a peripheral reinforcement 31 constituting, in a way, a impact protection of the outer protective casing 7 itself. In addition, depending on the mechanical strength which the retractable connecting means 15 must satisfy, such an additional thickness produced by the fitting of the part 21 into the female part 22, may be desirable so as to avoid, moreover, give the entire outer protective envelope 7 a thickness 30 that is too great.

Figures 5 to 10 illustrate embodiments of the retractable connecting means 15 as much applicable to a subdivision of the outer protective envelope 7 into two parts 13, 14 along a plane 16 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 17 of the tank 1 or along a longitudinal median plane 21 of the latter.

Thus, in the context of FIGS. 5 and 6, there is illustrated retractable connection means 15 in the form of snap-on retaining members 32, 33 defined by the male part 21 and the female part 22 of the tenon and mortise type as shown in FIG. 5, or retaining hooks of conjugate shape fitted to the free edges 23, 24, respectively of the part 14 forming the container 19, 19A and of the part 13 constituting the cover 18 and 18A. In this case, the release of the cover 18, 18A relative to the container 19, 19A is effected, for example, by force. In any case, the withdrawal of the outer protective envelope 7 relative to the reservoir 1 must be within the reach of an authorized body and not necessarily that of a user. Note, in this regard, that the container 19, 19A and / or the cover 18, 18A can be equipped with retaining means 34, for example in the form of a peripheral groove as shown in Figure 1, allowing, precisely , to a tool for holding this container 19, 19A and / or the cover 18, 18A while the latter are being separated.

In the context of FIGS. 7 and 8, we return to the configuration of retractable connection means 15 in the form of a male part 21 and a female part 22, one being constituted by the free edge 23 of the containing 19, 19A or the free edge 24 of the cover 18, 18A, while the other part is, conversely, represented by the free edge 24 of the cover 18, 18A or the free edge 23 of the container 19, 19A. In addition, in the context of these embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, these retractable connecting means 15 are completed by one or more fixing members 35 of the screw, rivet, pin or similar type, passing simultaneously through the male part 21 and the female part 22, preferably perpendicular to the direction of fitting of the latter. It should be noted that these male 21 and female 22 parts may have, under these conditions, openings 36, 37 which are positioned in line with one another so as to receive the fixing member or members 35.

As shown in Figure 9, these retractable connecting means 15 may also be in the form of a belt 38, metallic or made of synthetic material, coming to position astride the free edge 24 of the cover 18, 18A and the edge free 23 of the container 19, 19A, this with respect to the joint plane 39 defined by the latter. This belt 38 includes retaining members 40 able to cooperate with the cover 18, 18A and retaining members 41, cooperating with the container 19, 19A. In fact, such retaining members 40, 41 may be in the form of pins, rivets, screws or the like, capable of making this belt 38 integral, simultaneously, of said cover 18, 18A and of the container 19, 19A and, by Therefore, able to ensure the liaison of the latter.

As shown in FIG. 10, these retractable connecting means 15 can borrow, in addition, the configuration of staples 42 engaging, simultaneously, with the free edge 23 of the container 19, 19A and the free edge 24 of the cover 18 , 18A, once these have been positioned on the reservoir 1. Note, in this case, that such clips 32 remain retractable type connecting means insofar as it suffices to remove them in order to release the cover 18 , 18A from container 19, 19A. It will suffice, after inspection or replacement of the reservoir 1, to replace said clips 42.

According to the invention, this external protective envelope 7 further comprises means 43 for draining water which can be inserted between the internal wall 44 of the external protective envelope 7 and the external periphery of the tank 1 According to a preferred embodiment, these drainage means 43 are in the form, on the one hand, of spacers 45, of the boss type, vertical groove or the like, pre-fitting, for example, the internal wall 44 of the envelope. of external protection 7 in order to allow, precisely, the circulation of air and water between the latter and said external periphery of the tank 1. On the other hand, these drainage means 43 are supplemented by openings of ventilation 46 fitted to the upper part of the outer protective casing 7, as well as ventilation and drainage openings 47 arranged at the base. In fact, these openings 46, 47 put in communication with the outside, the space 48 preserved between the internal wall 44 of the external protective envelope 7 and the external periphery of the tank 1 via the spacers 45.

In addition, in the event of exposure of the tank 1 to the weather, it may be wise to avoid that water cannot stagnate in the bowl 49 defined in the upper part of the outer protective envelope 7 by means of the annular rim 11 constituting the means for gripping said reservoir 1. Also, at the base 50 of this upper annular rim 11 are orifices 51 of radial arrangement capable of ensuring the evacuation of this water from the bowl 49 to the outside tank 1.

It is clearly understood, through the foregoing description, that the present invention makes it possible to provide a solution to all of the drawbacks generated, up to now, by the presence of an external protective envelope, in particular in synthetic material, at a tank 1 such as a gas cylinder. Consequently, the present invention corresponds to a clear progress in this field.

Claims (14)

Tank, in particular, of the gas cylinder type, comprising an external protective envelope (7), in particular made of synthetic material, provided with means (8) forming the seat of said reservoir (1), characterized in that said envelope external protection (7) consists of at least two parts (13, 14) movable between them and made integral with one another, by means of retractable connecting means (15) allowing, when the latter are defeated, to remove the reservoir (1) from said outer protective envelope (7). Tank according to claim 1, characterized in that the external protective envelope (7) is subdivided into two parts (13, 14) along a plane perpendicular (16) relative to the longitudinal axis (17) of said tank ( 1), said parts (13, 14) coming to define a cover (18) covering the tank (1) in its upper part (5) and a container (19) receiving said tank (1) and coming to cooperate with the cover (18) by means of the retractable connecting means (15). Tank according to claim 1, characterized in that the external protective envelope (7) is subdivided into two parts (13, 14) along a longitudinal median plane (20) of the tank (1) so as to define a cover ( 18A) and a container (19A) of symmetrical shape. Tank according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the retractable connecting means (15) comprise a male part (21) and a female part (22) of conjugate shape, said male part (21) being defined either by the free edge (23) of the container (19, 19A), or by the free edge (24) of the cover (18, 18A) while the female part (22) is constituted, respectively, by the free edge (24) of the cover (18, 18A) or the free edge (23) of the container (19, 19A). Tank according to claim 4, characterized in that the retractable connecting means (15) are completed, at the male part (21) or, conversely, on the female part (22), nipples (26) in the same to engage in the notches (27) machined, respectively, on the female part (22) or on the male part (21), said notches (27) being extended by grooves (28) in which can engage, the pins (26) following the engagement of the male part (21) in the female part (22) and the rotation of one of the latter relative to the other. Tank according to claim 5, characterized in that the grooves (28) have a section determined so as to produce a progressive tightening on the studs (26) and prevent the involuntary release of the male part (21) relative to the part female (22). Tank according to claim 4, characterized in that the male part (21) is in the form of a threaded end piece (29) while the female part (23) is tapped so as to receive said threaded end piece (29). Tank according to claim 4, characterized in that the retractable connecting means (15) are in the form of snap-on retaining members (32, 33) defined by the male part (21) and the female part (23), of the tenon and mortise type or hooks for retaining conjugated shapes. Tank according to claim 4, characterized in that the retractable connecting means (15) are completed by one or more fixing members (35), of the screw, rivet, pin or similar type, passing simultaneously through the male part ( 21) and the female part (22), preferably, perpendicular to the direction of fitting of the latter. Tank according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the retractable connecting means (15) are in the form of a belt (38), metallic or made of synthetic material, which is positioned astride the free edge (24) of the cover (18, 18A) and the free edge (23) of the container (19, 19A), this relative to the joint plane (39) defined by the latter, this belt (38) comprising members retainer (40) able to cooperate with the cover (18, 18A) and retainers (41) cooperating simultaneously with the container (19, 19A). Tank according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the retractable connecting means (15) consist of staples (42) engaging simultaneously with the free edge (23) of the container (19 , 19A) and the free edge (24) of the cover (18, 18A). Tank according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (19, 19A) and / or the cover (18, 18A) are fitted with retaining means (34) adapted to allow a tool to maintain this container (19, 19A) and / or the cover (18, 18A) while the latter are being separated. Tank according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for draining (43) the water situated between the internal wall (44) of the external protective envelope (7) and the periphery external of the reservoir (1), these drainage means (43) being in the form, on the one hand, of spacers (45), of the boss type, vertical groove or the like, pre-equipping said internal wall (44) with the external protective envelope (7) and, on the other hand, by ventilation openings (46) arranged in the upper part of the external protective envelope (7), as well as by ventilation and openings drain (47) arranged at the base of the latter. Tank according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external protective envelope (7) is extended, in its upper part, by an annular rim (11) capable of constituting means for gripping the tank (1 ) and comprising, at its base, orifices (50) of radial arrangement capable of ensuring the evacuation of the water contained in the bowl (49) defined, through this annular rim (11), in the part upper of the outer protective casing (7).

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