EP0995945B1 - Built-in manometer for a pressure fluid delivery device, more particularly for a gas-pressure reducing valve - Google Patents

Built-in manometer for a pressure fluid delivery device, more particularly for a gas-pressure reducing valve Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0995945B1
EP0995945B1 EP99402560A EP99402560A EP0995945B1 EP 0995945 B1 EP0995945 B1 EP 0995945B1 EP 99402560 A EP99402560 A EP 99402560A EP 99402560 A EP99402560 A EP 99402560A EP 0995945 B1 EP0995945 B1 EP 0995945B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
connection piece
receptacle
housing
manometer
pressure gauge
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP99402560A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0995945A1 (en
Inventor
Gilles Cannet
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.)
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Original Assignee
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Air Liquide SA, LAir Liquide SA a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude filed Critical Air Liquide SA
Publication of EP0995945A1 publication Critical patent/EP0995945A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0995945B1 publication Critical patent/EP0995945B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/02—Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment
    • F17C13/025—Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment having the pressure as the parameter
    • 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
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/04—Arrangement or mounting of valves
    • 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
    • F17C2205/0338—Pressure regulators
    • 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
    • F17C2205/0391—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters inside 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
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/04—Methods for emptying or filling
    • F17C2227/048—Methods for emptying or filling by maintaining residual 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
    • 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
    • F17C2260/02—Improving properties related to fluid or fluid transfer
    • F17C2260/024—Improving metering
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8158—With indicator, register, recorder, alarm or inspection means
    • Y10T137/8175—Plural
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8158—With indicator, register, recorder, alarm or inspection means
    • Y10T137/8326—Fluid pressure responsive indicator, recorder or alarm

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for distributing pressurized fluid, such as a pressurized gas regulator, equipped with one or more built-in pressure gauges, usable in particular in the field of welding or in the medical field.
  • a pressure gauge Invention, to indicate the pressure of a fluid, it is usual to use a pressure gauge.
  • the pressure gauges intended to be mounted on regulators of gas or other fluids to indicate the pressure of said gas or fluid, for example before and after expansion, are conventionally fixed to the regulator by means of a screw connection, also called connection end piece, as detailed in standard EN562.
  • Document GB-A-2111154 describes a gas passage control valve with a screwed pressure gauge of this type.
  • said pressure gauge is first screwed with sufficient torque to ensure the tightness, then with an additional torque intended to deform the aforementioned washer, so as to reach the angular position required for reading, that is to say the indexing of said pressure gauge.
  • a similar technique is based on the use of a tip with a conical thread filled with a film of deformable material, for example a TEFLON TM tape, or tow.
  • document US-A-3963267 describes a connector for a fluid conduit comprising a body, an annular element, an O-ring and a jaw clamp cooperating with a groove provided on the fluid conduit.
  • this device is not designed for mounting a pressure gauge.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution to the abovementioned problems, while improving the safety and the ergonomics of the regulators.
  • the invention further relates to a pressure gauge capable of equipping a device according to the invention, said pressure gauge comprising a housing and a connection end piece, characterized in that said connection end piece comprises at least one recess formed in its peripheral lateral wall.
  • connection end of the pressure gauge further comprises at least one peripheral circular groove capable of receiving a sealing means, such as an O-ring, said peripheral circular groove being arranged between at least one recess and the end. distal of the tip.
  • a sealing means such as an O-ring
  • the invention also relates to a pressurized fluid expander comprising at least one body and at least one housing formed in the body and capable of receiving at least part of a pressure gauge connection end piece, characterized in that said body comprises at minus a passage communicating laterally with said housing.
  • the invention also relates to a pressurized fluid bottle equipped with a fluid distribution device, in particular a pressure reducer, such as those mentioned above.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 represent a pressure gauge capable of equipping a pressure regulator for pressurized fluid according to the prior art and as described by the European standard EN562. More precisely, this pressure gauge 3 comprises a housing 4 containing all the mechanisms of the pressure gauge, a graduated dial 12, a needle 11 for indicating the pressure, a protective window 18 made of glass or transparent polymer, a clamping surface 13 and a connection end piece 2 comprising a thread 15.
  • the connection end piece 2 is intended to be inserted by screwing its threaded part 15 into a threaded housing formed within the pressure reducer on which it must be mounted. Tightening and indexing of the pressure gauge on the pressure reducer is done by means of the tightening surface 13 and a tightening key transmitting to said tightening surface 13 the tightening torque necessary for the correct fixing of the pressure gauge on the pressure reducer.
  • Figures 1 and 2 are identical, except that the pressure gauge in Figure 1 is of the radial connection type 2 (in front view), while the pressure gauge in Figure 2 is of the type 2 axial connection (in profile view).
  • FIG. 3 shows a pressure gauge identical to that of Figure 1 in bottom view, where it is clearly distinguished that the clamping surface 13 of the pressure gauge 3 has a hexagonal shape.
  • the clamping surface 13 can also take other forms, for example a rectangular square shape, as shown in FIG. 4a or a truncated cylindrical shape as well as shown in Figure 4b.
  • connecting piece 2 is generally of cylindrical shape as shown in Figure 5a, but few, in some cases, take a different shape, for example a conical shape as shown in Figure 5b.
  • the graduations of the markings on the dial 12 of the pressure gauge 3 must be contrasted and legible, that is to say that it must be possible to easily read the pressures which are displayed.
  • the background of the dial is white and that the needle and markings are black.
  • the graduation scale is generally numbered every ten graduation scales with a minimum of four numbers on the dial.
  • the tip of the needle 11 usually ends as close as possible to the dial 12, that is to say at a distance of at most equal to 2 mm, so as to allow an effective reading of the pressure by the operator.
  • FIG. 6 represents, for its part, a needle gauge 3 according to the present invention, again comprising a housing 4 provided with a dial 12 provided with graduations (not shown), said housing 4 being provided with a nozzle connection 2, which is inserted into a housing 5 formed in the body 1 ′ of a device for distributing fluid under pressure, here a gas pressure regulator (in partial section view).
  • a gas pressure regulator in partial section view
  • the pressure gauge 3 in FIG. 6 is of the radial connection type and comprises a connection end piece 2 of cylindrical shape devoid of thread.
  • the housing 5 of the body is also devoid of any tapping.
  • connection end piece 2 has a recess 7 made in its lateral peripheral wall 9 and intended to receive a connecting means 8, such as a key or the like, as detailed below.
  • a passage 6 communicating with the housing 5 has been arranged in the body 1 'of the regulator, so that the connecting means 8, once inserted in the passage 6 of the body 1' and in the recess 7 of the connecting piece 2, allows the securing, at least temporarily, of the pressure gauge 2 on the body 1 ', that is to say which allows to keep the pressure gauge 3 in position on the body 1'.
  • Sealing means such as an O-ring, are carried by the distal end 2a of the connection end piece 2, so as to avoid or limit leakage of fluid under pressure via the space existing between the side wall 9 of the nozzle 2 and the side wall of the housing 5, and thus ensuring an accurate indication of the pressure of the fluid under pressure by the pressure gauge 3.
  • the pressurized fluid is brought to the pressure gauge 3 by a passage 20 of pressurized fluid also arranged in the body 1 'of the regulator 1 and opening at the interior end of the housing 5 .
  • the passage 6 communicates with, not the lower end of the housing 5, but with the peripheral wall of said housing 5, which is in contact with the lateral peripheral wall 9 of the 'connection piece 2.
  • FIGS. 7a and 7b show diagrams of two pressure gauges 3, of the axial connection type, according to the present invention, which are held and fixed in the same body 1 ′ of a distribution device 1 for fluid under pressure by means of one and the same fixing means 8, inserted, on the one hand, in the passage 6 of the body 1 ', and, on the other hand, in the recesses 7 and 7' of the connection ends 2 and 2 'of the pressure gauges 3 and 3 'respectively, according to the same principle as that shown in Figure 6.
  • the pressure gauges 3 and 3 ' being supplied, in a conventional manner, with pressurized fluid by passages 20 and 20' for supplying pressurized fluid.
  • connection end pieces 2 and 2 'of the pressure gauges 3 and 3' are devoid of any thread and the housings 5 and 5 'of the body 1', into which the end pieces 2 and 2 'are inserted. also without any tapping.
  • the manometers 3 and 3 ′ are joined to the body 1 ′ by means of cooperation between the connecting means 8, for example a key, a pin or the like, with the recesses 7 and 7 ′.
  • Figure 7b shows a section of Figure 7a along the axis AA.
  • the fixing means 8 can be, as the case may be, a key, a pin, a staple, a screw or the like, or a combination of several of these elements.
  • the fixing means 8 can be hidden or embedded in the body 1 ′ of the fluid distribution device 1, in particular when the disassembly of the pressure gauge is not desirable for safety reasons for example, or on the contrary, the fixing means can be easily accessible, in particular when regular and frequent maintenance is necessary.
  • the sealing is achieved by means, for example, of an O-ring ensuring great flexibility in positioning the pressure gauge in its housing and effective indexing of it, that fixing and the actual indexing is ensured by the fixing means 8 which further prevents movement, that is to say the withdrawal, of the pressure gauge 3 from its housing 5 within the body 1 'of the regulator.
  • the fixing means 8 which further prevents movement, that is to say the withdrawal, of the pressure gauge 3 from its housing 5 within the body 1 'of the regulator.
  • the solution proposed by the invention makes it possible to remove the constraints of the screwing encountered with the pressure gauges of the prior art and therefore makes it possible to remove the clamping surface 13, as shown in FIG. 1, of avoid having to machine a thread on the connection piece 2 of the pressure gauge 3 and, similarly, a thread on the walls 5 of the housing of the body 1 '.
  • the present invention eliminates or minimizes the risk of leakage through the use of a sealing means, such as an O-ring, overcomes the compatibility problems of materials, allows for a saving space and weight in the pressure gauge / regulator assembly, authorizes the use of the pressure gauge (s) in a protective space that does not allow the screwing of a conventional pressure gauge, saves time during assembly and disassembly of the pressure gauge on the body of the regulator and makes it possible to design manometers having shapes which are no longer necessarily of revolution, for example regulators of square or rectangular shape, without however encountering problems of indexing thereof.
  • Such pressure gauges are shown in Figure 8.
  • Figure 9 allows, for its part, to clearly show the distance D gained when using a pressure gauge 3 according to the present invention ( Figure 9b) compared to a pressure gauge according to the prior art comprising a connection nozzle 2 provided, d on the one hand, a clamping surface 13 and, on the other hand, a deformable washer ensuring sealing. It is immediately understood that the pressure gauge according to the present invention makes it possible to significantly increase the ergonomics of the pressure gauge itself and of the pressure gauge / regulator assembly.
  • FIG. 10 shows another embodiment according to the invention, in which the connection end piece 2 of the pressure gauge 3 is inserted into the housing of the body 1 ′ of a pressure regulator, while being kept integral with said body 1 ′ thanks to cooperation of a key 8 inserted in a passage 6 of the body 1 ′ and of a recess 7 formed on the lateral peripheral wall of the connection end piece 2.
  • the body 1 ′ also includes a second passage 16 and the connection end piece 2 also comprises a second recess 17, within which passage 16 and obviously 17 is inserted a second fixing means 18, such a second key 18, forming a redundant obstacle preventing inadvertent ejection or withdrawal of the pressure gauge 3 from its housing 5 of the regulator 1 ′, in the event of involuntary or untimely withdrawal of the fixing means 8 from the recess 7 and / or the passage 6.
  • the pressure gauge 3 is supplied with pressurized gas through the pressurized gas supply passage 20 arranged in the body 1 ′ of the regulator and opening at the lower end of the housing 5.
  • an O-ring 10 arranged under the distal end 2a of the connection endpiece 2 ensures sealing; the O-ring being inserted in a circular groove 27 and peripheral to the end 2a of the nozzle 2.
  • Figure 11 is similar to Figure 6 except that it further comprises a housing 50 ', arranged in the body 1', located between the passage 20 for supplying pressurized fluid and the bottom of the housing 5, which additional housing 50 'comprises a device preventing gas leaks upon disassembly and / or disassembly of the pressure gauge 3 on the body 1'.
  • a housing 50 ' arranged in the body 1', located between the passage 20 for supplying pressurized fluid and the bottom of the housing 5, which additional housing 50 'comprises a device preventing gas leaks upon disassembly and / or disassembly of the pressure gauge 3 on the body 1'.
  • this safety device comprises valve means 50 moved by elastic means 51, such as a spring or the like, said valve means 50 closing at least partially the orifice 52 separating the housing 5 and the housing additional 50 ', during an assembly and / or disassembly operation of the pressure gauge 3 on the body 1', so as to control the passage of the gas or fluid under pressure from the additional housing 50 'and towards the pressure gauge 3.
  • elastic means 51 such as a spring or the like
  • Figure 12 is, in turn, similar to Figure 6 except that, in this embodiment, an additional bore 60 has been arranged in the body 1 ', so as to allow the gas pressure or fluid to escape to the atmosphere during disassembly of the pressure gauge while it is still under pressure or a residual pressure still exists in the housing 5.
  • the pressurized fluid likely to be in the housing 5 and / or supplied by the supply passage 20 is then discharged to the atmosphere as represented by the arrow F.
  • Figure 13 shows another method of attachment, similar to that of Figure 12 in which the housing 5 has a flared shape, that is to say a funnel shape, capable of letting, again, escape the pressurized fluid to the atmosphere, in the event of disassembly of the pressure gauge when a residual pressure exists in the housing 5 or when this housing 5 is still supplied with gas or pressurized fluid through the supply passage 20 in fluid food.
  • the escape of gases to the atmosphere is represented by the arrows F.
  • the fluid distribution device according to the present invention in particular a pressure reducer, and the pressure gauge according to the present invention can be used in all fields requiring the use of a distribution of pressurized fluid, in particular in the field of welding or in the medical field.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Measuring Fluid Pressure (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Feeding And Controlling Fuel (AREA)
  • Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
  • Control Of Fluid Pressure (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)

Abstract

The pressure gauge (3) is fitted to the body (1) of the gas cylinder by a plug (2) with a seal (10) which fits into a socket (5) in the cylinder. The socket and plug have recesses (6, 7) in their facing surfaces to receive a peg (8), key or pin to hold the pressure gauge in place.

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de distribution de fluide sous pression, tel qu'un détendeur de gaz sous pression, équipé d'un ou plusieurs manomètres encastrables, utilisable notamment dans le domaine du soudage ou dans le domaine médical.The present invention relates to a device for distributing pressurized fluid, such as a pressurized gas regulator, equipped with one or more built-in pressure gauges, usable in particular in the field of welding or in the medical field.

Habituellement, pour indiquer la pression d'un fluide, il est usuel d'utiliser un manomètre. Ainsi, les manomètres destinés à être montés sur les détendeurs de gaz ou d'autres fluides pour indiquer la pression dudit gaz ou fluide, par exemple avant et après détente, sont classiquement fixés sur le détendeur au moyen d'un raccord vissé, encore appelé embout de raccordement, ainsi que détaillé dans la norme EN562. Le document GB-A-2111154 décrit un robinet de contrôle de passage de gaz à manomètre vissé de ce type.Usually, to indicate the pressure of a fluid, it is usual to use a pressure gauge. Thus, the pressure gauges intended to be mounted on regulators of gas or other fluids to indicate the pressure of said gas or fluid, for example before and after expansion, are conventionally fixed to the regulator by means of a screw connection, also called connection end piece, as detailed in standard EN562. Document GB-A-2111154 describes a gas passage control valve with a screwed pressure gauge of this type.

Afin de pouvoir assurer, d'une part, l'étanchéité entre le détendeur et le manomètre et, d'autre part, le positionnement ou indexage correcte du manomètre, de manière à pouvoir lire l'indication qu'il donne, il est également habituel de disposer entre l'extrémité du filetage porté par l'embout de raccordement et le fond du logement taraudé du corps de manomètre, destiné à recevoir ledit embout, une rondelle déformable constituée, par exemple, d'aluminium ou de matière plastique.In order to be able to ensure, on the one hand, the seal between the regulator and the pressure gauge and, on the other hand, the correct positioning or indexing of the pressure gauge, so as to be able to read the indication that it gives, it is also usual to have between the end of the thread carried by the connection end piece and the bottom of the threaded housing of the pressure gauge body, intended to receive said end piece, a deformable washer made, for example, of aluminum or plastic.

Lors de l'opération de montage du manomètre sur le corps du détendeur, ledit manomètre est d'abord vissé avec un couple suffisant pour assurer l'étanchéité, puis avec un couple supplémentaire destiné à déformer la rondelle susmentionnée, de manière à atteindre la position angulaire requise pour la lecture, c'est-à-dire l'indexation dudit manomètre.During the mounting operation of the pressure gauge on the regulator body, said pressure gauge is first screwed with sufficient torque to ensure the tightness, then with an additional torque intended to deform the aforementioned washer, so as to reach the angular position required for reading, that is to say the indexing of said pressure gauge.

Une technique analogue repose sur l'utilisation d'un embout à filetage conique garni d'un film de matière déformable, par exemple un ruban de TEFLON™, ou de la filasse.A similar technique is based on the use of a tip with a conical thread filled with a film of deformable material, for example a TEFLON ™ tape, or tow.

Selon encore une autre technique, il est possible de fixer le manomètre sur le détendeur au moyen d'une douille taraudée ou, le cas échéant, par compression d'un joint plat à l'aide d'un écrou flottant.According to yet another technique, it is possible to fix the pressure gauge on the regulator by means of a threaded sleeve or, if necessary, by compression of a flat seal using a floating nut.

Toutefois, ces différents modes de fixation comportent un certain nombre d'inconvénients.However, these different methods of attachment have a certain number of drawbacks.

Ainsi, la technique de la rondelle déformable, qui est largement répandue, présente au moins quatre inconvénients majeurs, à savoir notamment :

  • elle implique la transmission d'un couple relativement important à l'embout de raccordement du manomètre et nécessite donc d'agencer entre la partie filetée de l'embout de raccordement et le boîtier du manomètre, une partie à section carrée ou hexagonale sur laquelle sera appliqué le couple de serrage par l'intermédiaire d'une clé plate ou d'un moyen de serrage analogue, ce qui implique, en outre, de prévoir un espace suffisant entre l'extrémité inférieure du boîtier du manomètre et la surface supérieure du corps du détendeur pour permettre le passage de ladite clé de serrage, lors du montage ou du démontage du manomètre sur le détendeur. De telles contraintes limitent donc la possibilité de concevoir de nouveaux détendeurs, en particulier lorsque l'on souhaite diminuer leur encombrement et augmenter leur ergonomie. En outre ce type de montage engendre une augmentation des coûts de montage et/ou de démontage du manomètre.
  • elle nécessite l'utilisation de matières déformables, tels l'aluminium ou le plastique, qui sont peu compatibles avec certains gaz, tel par exemple l'oxygène.
  • elle pose des problèmes d'étanchéité dans des conditions extrêmes de température du fait des dilatations de l'ensemble, du fluage ou de la modification des caractéristiques mécaniques de la rondelle, par exemple lors de variations de température de -40°C à +60°C.
  • elle engendre une maintenance délicate, en particulier au démontage, car il est généralement difficile d'extraire la rondelle après déformation.
Thus, the deformable washer technique, which is widely used, has at least four major drawbacks, namely in particular:
  • it involves the transmission of a relatively large torque to the connection end of the pressure gauge and therefore requires fitting between the threaded part of the connection end and the pressure gauge housing, a part with square or hexagonal section on which will be applied the tightening torque by means of an open-ended wrench or similar tightening means, which also implies providing sufficient space between the lower end of the pressure gauge housing and the upper surface of the body of the regulator to allow the passage of said tightening key, during assembly or disassembly of the pressure gauge on the regulator. Such constraints therefore limit the possibility of designing new regulators, in particular when it is desired to reduce their bulk and increase their ergonomics. In addition, this type of mounting generates an increase in the costs of mounting and / or dismantling the pressure gauge.
  • it requires the use of deformable materials, such as aluminum or plastic, which are not very compatible with certain gases, such as for example oxygen.
  • it poses sealing problems in extreme temperature conditions due to expansion of the assembly, creep or modification of the mechanical characteristics of the washer, for example during temperature variations from -40 ° C to +60 ° C.
  • it generates delicate maintenance, in particular during disassembly, since it is generally difficult to extract the washer after deformation.

En outre, si la solution consistant à utiliser une douille taraudée permet de fixer le manomètre sur le détendeur sans nécessiter d'opération de vissage ou analogue, ainsi que mis en oeuvre sur les détendeurs de type MONOBLOC 3 commercialisés par LA SOUDURE AUTOGENE FRANCAISE.In addition, if the solution consisting in using a threaded socket makes it possible to fix the pressure gauge on the regulator without requiring any screwing operation or the like, as used on regulators of the MONOBLOC 3 type marketed by LA SOUDURE AUTOGENE FRANCAISE.

Toutefois, cette solution ne peut être considérée comme idéale, dans la mesure où elle requiert, d'une part, que le manomètre soit tenu pendant son montage et, d'autre part, qu'un accès soit aménagé à l'arrière du corps supportant le manomètre pour pouvoir monter la douille taraudée, ce qui restreint les possibilités de conception de nouveaux détendeurs.However, this solution cannot be regarded as ideal, insofar as it requires, on the one hand, that the pressure gauge is held during its assembly and, on the other hand, that an access is arranged at the back of the body supporting the pressure gauge to be able to mount the threaded sleeve, which limits the possibilities of designing new regulators.

On connaît, par ailleurs, le document DE-A-3243811 qui enseigne un dispositif de distribution de fluide comprenant un embout et un corps, l'embout venant s'insérer dans le corps en y étant retenu par un système de fixation venant se positionner dans une gorge pratiqué périphériquement à l'embout. Toutefois, ce dispositif ne comporte pas de manomètre et le système de fixation ne permet pas d'empêcher la rotation de l'embout dans le corps.We also know the document DE-A-3243811 which teaches a fluid distribution device comprising a nozzle and a body, the nozzle coming to be inserted into the body being retained there by a fixing system coming to position in a groove made peripherally at the tip. However, this device does not include a pressure gauge and the fixing system does not prevent rotation of the nozzle in the body.

En outre, le document US-A-3963267 décrit un connecteur pour conduit de fluide comprenant un corps, un élément annulaire, un joint torique et une pince à mâchoires venant coopérer avec une gorge aménagée sur le conduit de fluide. Cependant, ce dispositif n'est pas conçu pour une fixation de manométre.In addition, document US-A-3963267 describes a connector for a fluid conduit comprising a body, an annular element, an O-ring and a jaw clamp cooperating with a groove provided on the fluid conduit. However, this device is not designed for mounting a pressure gauge.

Le but de la présente invention est donc d'apporter une solution aux problèmes susmentionnés, tout en améliorant la sécurité et l'ergonomie des détendeurs.The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution to the abovementioned problems, while improving the safety and the ergonomics of the regulators.

La présente invention concerne alors un dispositif de distribution de fluide sous pression, tel un détendeur de fluide sous pression, comprenant au moins un corps équipé d'au moins un manomètre comportant un boîtier et un embout de raccordement, ledit embout de raccordement étant inséré dans un logement pratiqué dans le corps, caractérisé en ce que :

  • ledit corps comporte, en outre, au moins un passage communiquant latéralement, tangentiellement avec ledit logement,
  • ledit embout de raccordement comporte au moins un évidement latéral tangentiel, et
  • au moins un moyen de liaison de forme allongée est inséré dans au moins une partie dudit passage du corps et dans au moins une partie dudit évidement de l'embout de raccordement, de manière à permettre la solidarisation, au moins temporaire, dudit manomètre sur ledit corps et à empêcher ainsi la rotation de l'embout du manomètre dans le logement du corps.
The present invention therefore relates to a device for distributing pressurized fluid, such as a pressurized fluid expander, comprising at least one body equipped with at least one pressure gauge comprising a housing and a connection end piece, said connection end piece being inserted in housing in the body, characterized in that:
  • said body further comprises at least one passage communicating laterally, tangentially with said housing,
  • said connection end piece comprises at least one tangential lateral recess, and
  • at least one elongate connecting means is inserted in at least part of said passage of the body and in at least part of said recess of the connection piece, so as to allow the securing, at least temporarily, of said pressure gauge on said body and thereby prevent rotation of the pressure gauge tip in the body housing.

Selon le cas, le dispositif de distribution de fluide sous pression selon l'invention comprend l'une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes :

  • au moins un évidement est porté par la paroi périphérique latérale de l'embout de raccordement ;
  • l'embout de raccordement comporte plusieurs évidements, en ce que le corps comporte plusieurs passages communiquant latéralement avec ledit logement, et en ce qu'au moins un moyen de liaison est inséré dans au moins une partie d'au moins un des passages et dans au moins une partie d'au moins un des évidements :
  • l'embout de raccordement comporte, en outre, au moins un moyen d'étanchéité, de préférence un ou plusieurs joints toriques ;
  • le moyen d'étanchéité est agencé entre au moins un évidement et l'extrémité distale de l'embout de raccordement et/ou en ce que le moyen d'étanchéité est inséré dans une gorge circulaire périphérique aménagée dans la paroi périphérique latérale de l'embout de raccordement ;
  • le moyen de liaison est choisi parmi les clavettes, les goupilles, les tiges, les vis, les épingles ou autres moyens similaires;
  • la paroi périphérique latérale de l'embout de raccordement est dépourvue de filetage et/ou la paroi périphérique du logement est dépourvue de taraudage ;
  • au moins un passage d'alimentation en fluide sous pression débouche par un orifice au fond du logement du corps ;
  • au moins un passage supplémentaire faisant communiquer le logement avec l'atmosphère débouche sur la paroi latérale du logement ;
  • au moins un logement supplémentaire, comportant des moyens de contrôle de la circulation du fluide sous pression entrant dans le logement par l'orifice, est aménagé dans le corps entre le fond dudit logement et le passage d'alimentation ;
  • il est choisi parmi les détendeurs de fluide sous pression, notamment des détendeurs ou les ensembles robinets/détendeurs de gaz sous pression.
Depending on the case, the device for dispensing pressurized fluid according to the invention comprises one or more of the following characteristics:
  • at least one recess is carried by the lateral peripheral wall of the connection end piece;
  • the connecting piece has several recesses, in that the body has several passages communicating laterally with said housing, and in that at least one connecting means is inserted in at least part of at least one of the passages and in at least part of at least one of the recesses:
  • the connection end piece further comprises at least one sealing means, preferably one or more O-rings;
  • the sealing means is arranged between at least one recess and the distal end of the connecting piece and / or in that the sealing means is inserted in a peripheral circular groove arranged in the lateral peripheral wall of the connection piece;
  • the connecting means is chosen from keys, pins, rods, screws, pins or other similar means;
  • the lateral peripheral wall of the end piece connection has no thread and / or the peripheral wall of the housing has no thread;
  • at least one pressurized fluid supply passage opens out through an orifice at the bottom of the body housing;
  • at least one additional passage communicating the housing with the atmosphere opens onto the side wall of the housing;
  • at least one additional housing, comprising means for controlling the circulation of the pressurized fluid entering the housing through the orifice, is arranged in the body between the bottom of said housing and the supply passage;
  • it is chosen from pressure regulators for pressurized fluid, in particular regulators or sets of taps / regulators for pressurized gases.

L'invention concerne en outre un manomètre susceptible d'équiper un dispositif selon l'invention, ledit manomètre comportant un boîtier et un embout de raccordement, caractérisé en ce que ledit embout de raccordement comporte au moins un évidement pratiqué dans sa paroi latérale périphérique.The invention further relates to a pressure gauge capable of equipping a device according to the invention, said pressure gauge comprising a housing and a connection end piece, characterized in that said connection end piece comprises at least one recess formed in its peripheral lateral wall.

De préférence, l'embout de raccordement du manomètre comporte, en outre, au moins une gorge circulaire périphérique susceptible de recevoir un moyen d'étanchéité, tel un joint torique, ladite gorge circulaire périphérique étant agencée entre au moins un évidement et l'extrémité distale de l'embout.Preferably, the connection end of the pressure gauge further comprises at least one peripheral circular groove capable of receiving a sealing means, such as an O-ring, said peripheral circular groove being arranged between at least one recess and the end. distal of the tip.

L'invention concerne également un détendeur de fluide sous pression comprenant au moins un corps et au moins un logement pratiqué dans le corps et susceptible de recevoir au moins une partie d'un embout de raccordement de manomètre, caractérisé en ce que ledit corps comporte au moins un passage communiquant latéralement avec ledit logement.The invention also relates to a pressurized fluid expander comprising at least one body and at least one housing formed in the body and capable of receiving at least part of a pressure gauge connection end piece, characterized in that said body comprises at minus a passage communicating laterally with said housing.

Par ailleurs, l'invention concerne aussi une bouteille de fluide sous pression équipée d'un dispositif de distribution de fluide, en particulier un détendeur, tels ceux susmentionnés.Furthermore, the invention also relates to a pressurized fluid bottle equipped with a fluid distribution device, in particular a pressure reducer, such as those mentioned above.

L'invention va maintenant être décrite plus en détail à l'aide des figures ci-annexées données à titre illustratif mais non limitatif.The invention will now be described in more detail with the aid of the appended figures given by way of illustration but not limitation.

Les figures 1 et 2 représentent un manomètre susceptible d'équiper un détendeur de fluide sous pression selon l'art antérieur et ainsi que décrit par la norme européenne EN562. Plus précisément, ce manomètre 3 comporte un boîtier 4 renfermant tous les mécanismes du manomètre, un cadran gradué 12, une aiguille 11 d'indication de la pression, une vitre de protection 18 en verre ou en polymère transparent, un surplat de serrage 13 et un embout de raccordement 2 comprenant un filetage 15. L'embout de raccordement 2 est destiné à être inséré par vissage de sa partie filetée 15 dans un logement taraudé pratiqué au sein du détendeur sur lequel il doit être monté. Le serrage et l'indexation du manomètre sur le détendeur se font par l'intermédiaire du surplat de serrage 13 et d'une clé de serrage transmettant audit surplat de serrage 13 le couple de serrage nécessaire à la fixation correcte du manomètre sur le détendeur.FIGS. 1 and 2 represent a pressure gauge capable of equipping a pressure regulator for pressurized fluid according to the prior art and as described by the European standard EN562. More precisely, this pressure gauge 3 comprises a housing 4 containing all the mechanisms of the pressure gauge, a graduated dial 12, a needle 11 for indicating the pressure, a protective window 18 made of glass or transparent polymer, a clamping surface 13 and a connection end piece 2 comprising a thread 15. The connection end piece 2 is intended to be inserted by screwing its threaded part 15 into a threaded housing formed within the pressure reducer on which it must be mounted. Tightening and indexing of the pressure gauge on the pressure reducer is done by means of the tightening surface 13 and a tightening key transmitting to said tightening surface 13 the tightening torque necessary for the correct fixing of the pressure gauge on the pressure reducer.

Les figures 1 et 2 sont identiques, à l'exception du fait que le manomètre de la figure 1 est de type à embout de raccordement 2 radial (en vue de face), alors que le manomètre de la figure 2 est de type à embout de raccordement 2 axial (en vue de profil).Figures 1 and 2 are identical, except that the pressure gauge in Figure 1 is of the radial connection type 2 (in front view), while the pressure gauge in Figure 2 is of the type 2 axial connection (in profile view).

La figure 3 représente un manomètre identique à celui de la figure 1 en vue de dessous, où l'on distingue clairement que le surplat de serrage 13 du manomètre 3 a une forme hexagonale. Toutefois, le surplat de serrage 13 peut également revêtir d'autres formes, par exemple une forme carrée rectangulaire, telle que représentée sur la figure 4a ou une forme cylindrique tronquée ainsi que représentée sur la figure 4b.3 shows a pressure gauge identical to that of Figure 1 in bottom view, where it is clearly distinguished that the clamping surface 13 of the pressure gauge 3 has a hexagonal shape. However, the clamping surface 13 can also take other forms, for example a rectangular square shape, as shown in FIG. 4a or a truncated cylindrical shape as well as shown in Figure 4b.

En outre, l'embout de raccordement 2 est généralement de forme cylindrique ainsi que représenté sur la figure 5a, mais peu, dans certains cas, revêtir une forme différente, par exemple une forme conique telle que représentée sur la figure 5b.In addition, the connecting piece 2 is generally of cylindrical shape as shown in Figure 5a, but few, in some cases, take a different shape, for example a conical shape as shown in Figure 5b.

De façon générale, les graduations des marquages du cadran 12 du manomètre 3 doivent être contrastées et lisibles, c'est-à-dire qu'il doit être possible de lire aisément les pressions qui s'affichent. Pour cela, il est de coutume que le fond du cadran soit de couleur blanche et que l'aiguille et les marquages soient de couleur noire. De plus, l'échelle de graduation est généralement numérotée toutes les dix échelles de graduations avec un minimum de quatre nombres sur le cadran. La pointe de l'aiguille 11 se termine habituellement aussi près que possible du cadran 12, c'est-à-dire à une distance d'au plus égale à 2 mm, de manière à permettre une lecture efficace de la pression par l'opérateur.In general, the graduations of the markings on the dial 12 of the pressure gauge 3 must be contrasted and legible, that is to say that it must be possible to easily read the pressures which are displayed. For this, it is customary that the background of the dial is white and that the needle and markings are black. In addition, the graduation scale is generally numbered every ten graduation scales with a minimum of four numbers on the dial. The tip of the needle 11 usually ends as close as possible to the dial 12, that is to say at a distance of at most equal to 2 mm, so as to allow an effective reading of the pressure by the operator.

La figure 6 représente, quant à elle, un manomètre 3 à aiguille 11 selon la présente invention, comportant, là aussi un boîtier 4 munis d'un cadran 12 doté de graduations (non représentées), ledit boîtier 4 étant muni d'un embout de raccordement 2, lequel est inséré dans un logement 5 pratiqué dans le corps 1' d'un dispositif de distribution de fluide sous pression, ici un détendeur de gaz (en vue en coupe partielle).FIG. 6 represents, for its part, a needle gauge 3 according to the present invention, again comprising a housing 4 provided with a dial 12 provided with graduations (not shown), said housing 4 being provided with a nozzle connection 2, which is inserted into a housing 5 formed in the body 1 ′ of a device for distributing fluid under pressure, here a gas pressure regulator (in partial section view).

Plus précisément, le manomètre 3 de la figure 6 est de type à raccordement radial et comporte un embout de raccordement 2 de forme cylindrique dépourvu de filetage. De même, le logement 5 du corps est également dépourvu de tout taraudage.More precisely, the pressure gauge 3 in FIG. 6 is of the radial connection type and comprises a connection end piece 2 of cylindrical shape devoid of thread. Similarly, the housing 5 of the body is also devoid of any tapping.

L'embout de raccordement 2 comporte un évidement 7 pratiqué dans sa paroi périphérique latérale 9 et destiné à recevoir un moyen de liaison 8, tels une clavette ou un moyen analogue, ainsi que détaillé ci-après.The connection end piece 2 has a recess 7 made in its lateral peripheral wall 9 and intended to receive a connecting means 8, such as a key or the like, as detailed below.

En outre, un passage 6 communiquant avec le logement 5 a été aménagé dans le corps 1' du détendeur, de manière à ce que le moyen de liaison 8, une fois inséré dans le passage 6 du corps 1' et dans l'évidement 7 de l'embout de raccordement 2, permette la solidarisation, au moins temporaire, du manomètre 2 de sur le corps 1', c'est-à-dire qui permette de maintenir le manomètre 3 en position sur le corps 1'.In addition, a passage 6 communicating with the housing 5 has been arranged in the body 1 'of the regulator, so that the connecting means 8, once inserted in the passage 6 of the body 1' and in the recess 7 of the connecting piece 2, allows the securing, at least temporarily, of the pressure gauge 2 on the body 1 ', that is to say which allows to keep the pressure gauge 3 in position on the body 1'.

Des moyens d'étanchéité, tel un joint torique, sont portés par l'extrémité distale 2a de l'embout de raccordement 2, de manière à éviter ou à limiter les fuites de fluide sous pression via l'espace existant entre la paroi latérale 9 de l'embout 2 et la paroi latérale du logement 5, et d'assurer ainsi une indication précise de la pression du fluide sous pression par le manomètre 3.Sealing means, such as an O-ring, are carried by the distal end 2a of the connection end piece 2, so as to avoid or limit leakage of fluid under pressure via the space existing between the side wall 9 of the nozzle 2 and the side wall of the housing 5, and thus ensuring an accurate indication of the pressure of the fluid under pressure by the pressure gauge 3.

De manière connue en soi, le fluide sous pression est amené jusqu'au manomètre 3 par un passage 20 de fluide sous pression aménagé, lui aussi, dans le corps 1' du détendeur 1 et débouchant au niveau de l'extrémité intérieure du logement 5.In a manner known per se, the pressurized fluid is brought to the pressure gauge 3 by a passage 20 of pressurized fluid also arranged in the body 1 'of the regulator 1 and opening at the interior end of the housing 5 .

Contrairement au passage 20 d'amenée du fluide sous pression, le passage 6 communique avec, non pas l'extrémité inférieure du logement 5, mais avec la paroi périphérique du dit logement 5, laquelle est en contact de la paroi périphérique latérale 9 de l'embout 2 de raccordement.Unlike the passage 20 for supplying the pressurized fluid, the passage 6 communicates with, not the lower end of the housing 5, but with the peripheral wall of said housing 5, which is in contact with the lateral peripheral wall 9 of the 'connection piece 2.

Les figures 7a et 7b représentent des schémas de deux manomètres 3, de type à raccordement axial, selon la présente invention, lesquels sont tenus et fixés dans un même corps 1' d'un dispositif de distribution 1 de fluide sous pression au moyen d'un seul et même moyen de fixation 8, inséré, d'une part, dans le passage 6 du corps 1', et, d'autre part, dans les évidements 7 et 7' des embouts de raccordement 2 et 2' des manomètres 3 et 3' respectivement, selon le même principe que celui exposé à la figure 6.FIGS. 7a and 7b show diagrams of two pressure gauges 3, of the axial connection type, according to the present invention, which are held and fixed in the same body 1 ′ of a distribution device 1 for fluid under pressure by means of one and the same fixing means 8, inserted, on the one hand, in the passage 6 of the body 1 ', and, on the other hand, in the recesses 7 and 7' of the connection ends 2 and 2 'of the pressure gauges 3 and 3 'respectively, according to the same principle as that shown in Figure 6.

Les manomètres 3 et 3' étant alimentés, de manière classique, en fluide sous pression par des passages 20 et 20' d'amenée de fluide sous pression.The pressure gauges 3 and 3 'being supplied, in a conventional manner, with pressurized fluid by passages 20 and 20' for supplying pressurized fluid.

Là encore, les embouts de raccordement 2 et 2' des manomètres 3 et 3', respectivement, sont dépourvus de tout filetage et des logements 5 et 5' du corps 1', au sein duquel sont insérés les embouts 2 et 2', sont eux aussi dépourvus de tout taraudage. En d'autres termes, la solidarisation des manomètres 3 et 3' sur le corps 1' est réalisée grâce à une coopération des moyens de liaison 8, par exemples une clavette, une goupille ou analogue, avec les évidements 7 et 7'. Cela est détaillé sur la figure 7b qui représente une coupe de la figure 7a selon l'axe AA.Again, the connection end pieces 2 and 2 'of the pressure gauges 3 and 3', respectively, are devoid of any thread and the housings 5 and 5 'of the body 1', into which the end pieces 2 and 2 'are inserted. also without any tapping. In other words, the manometers 3 and 3 ′ are joined to the body 1 ′ by means of cooperation between the connecting means 8, for example a key, a pin or the like, with the recesses 7 and 7 ′. This is detailed in Figure 7b which shows a section of Figure 7a along the axis AA.

Les moyens de fixation 8 peuvent être, selon le cas, une clavette, une goupille, une agrafe, une vis ou analogue, ou une combinaison de plusieurs de ces éléments.The fixing means 8 can be, as the case may be, a key, a pin, a staple, a screw or the like, or a combination of several of these elements.

En outre, bien que les manomètres 3 et 3' de la figure 7 soient maintenus par le même moyen de fixation 8, il est possible d'associer à chacun des manomètres 3 et 3' un moyen de fixation qui lui est propre.In addition, although the pressure gauges 3 and 3 'in FIG. 7 are held by the same fixing means 8, it is possible to associate each of the pressure gauges 3 and 3' with a fixing means which is specific to it.

Par ailleurs, selon le cas, le moyen de fixation 8 peut être caché ou noyé dans le corps 1' du dispositif de distribution de fluide 1, notamment lorsque le démontage du manomètre n'est pas souhaitable pour des questions de sécurité par exemple, ou au contraire le moyen de fixation peut être facile d'accès, notamment lorsqu'une maintenance régulière et fréquente est nécessaire.Furthermore, as the case may be, the fixing means 8 can be hidden or embedded in the body 1 ′ of the fluid distribution device 1, in particular when the disassembly of the pressure gauge is not desirable for safety reasons for example, or on the contrary, the fixing means can be easily accessible, in particular when regular and frequent maintenance is necessary.

On comprend au vu des figures 6, 7a et 7b que, selon la solution proposée par la présente invention, l'étanchéité est réalisée au moyen, par exemple, d'un joint torique assurant une grande souplesse de positionnement du manomètre dans son logement et une indexation efficace de celui-ci, que la fixation et l'indexage proprement dits sont assurés par le moyen de fixation 8 qui fait, en outre, obstacle au déplacement, c'est-à-dire au retrait, du manomètre 3 de son logement 5 au sein du corps 1' du détendeur. Toutefois, dans certains cas, il est possible d'assurer l'indexage par un moyen différent de la clavette 8.It will be understood from FIGS. 6, 7a and 7b that, according to the solution proposed by the present invention, the sealing is achieved by means, for example, of an O-ring ensuring great flexibility in positioning the pressure gauge in its housing and effective indexing of it, that fixing and the actual indexing is ensured by the fixing means 8 which further prevents movement, that is to say the withdrawal, of the pressure gauge 3 from its housing 5 within the body 1 'of the regulator. However, in certain cases, it is possible to ensure indexing by a means different from the key 8.

Dans tous les cas, la solution proposée par l'invention permet de supprimer les contraintes du vissage rencontrées avec les manomètres de l'art antérieur et permet dès lors de supprimer le surplat de serrage 13, tel que représenté sur la figure 1, d'éviter de devoir usiner un filetage sur l'embout de raccordement 2 du manomètre 3 et, de manière analogue, un taraudage sur les parois 5 du logement du corps 1'.In all cases, the solution proposed by the invention makes it possible to remove the constraints of the screwing encountered with the pressure gauges of the prior art and therefore makes it possible to remove the clamping surface 13, as shown in FIG. 1, of avoid having to machine a thread on the connection piece 2 of the pressure gauge 3 and, similarly, a thread on the walls 5 of the housing of the body 1 '.

Il en résulte que la présente invention permet de supprimer ou de minimiser les risques de fuite grâce à l'utilisation d'un moyen d'étanchéité, tel un joint torique, permet de passer outre les problèmes de compatibilité de matériaux, permet de réaliser un gain d'encombrement et de poids à l'ensemble manomètre/détendeur, autorise l'utilisation du/ou des manomètres, dans un espace protecteur ne permettant pas le vissage d'un manomètre classique, engendre un gain de temps au montage et au démontage du manomètre sur le corps du détendeur et permet de concevoir des manomètres ayant des formes qui ne sont plus nécessairement de révolution, par exemple des détendeurs de forme carrée ou rectangulaire, sans pour autant rencontrer de problèmes d'indexage de ceux-ci. De tels manomètres sont représentés sur la figure 8.It follows that the present invention eliminates or minimizes the risk of leakage through the use of a sealing means, such as an O-ring, overcomes the compatibility problems of materials, allows for a saving space and weight in the pressure gauge / regulator assembly, authorizes the use of the pressure gauge (s) in a protective space that does not allow the screwing of a conventional pressure gauge, saves time during assembly and disassembly of the pressure gauge on the body of the regulator and makes it possible to design manometers having shapes which are no longer necessarily of revolution, for example regulators of square or rectangular shape, without however encountering problems of indexing thereof. Such pressure gauges are shown in Figure 8.

La figure 9 permet, quant à elle, de bien montrer la distance D gagnée lorsqu'on utilise un manomètre 3 selon la présente invention (figure 9b) par rapport à un manomètre selon l'art antérieur comportant un embout de raccordement 2 muni, d'une part, d'un surplat de serrage 13 et, d'autre part, une rondelle déformable assurant l'étanchéité. On comprend immédiatement que le manomètre selon la présente invention permet d'accroître notablement l'ergonomie du manomètre lui-même et de l'ensemble manomètre/détendeur.Figure 9 allows, for its part, to clearly show the distance D gained when using a pressure gauge 3 according to the present invention (Figure 9b) compared to a pressure gauge according to the prior art comprising a connection nozzle 2 provided, d on the one hand, a clamping surface 13 and, on the other hand, a deformable washer ensuring sealing. It is immediately understood that the pressure gauge according to the present invention makes it possible to significantly increase the ergonomics of the pressure gauge itself and of the pressure gauge / regulator assembly.

La figure 10 représente un autre mode de réalisation selon l'invention, dans lequel l'embout de raccordement 2 du manomètre 3 est inséré dans le logement du corps 1' d'un détendeur, en lui étant maintenu solidaire dudit corps 1' grâce à une coopération d'une clavette 8 insérée dans un passage 6 du corps 1' et d'un évidement 7 pratiqué sur la paroi périphérique latérale de l'embout de raccordement 2.FIG. 10 shows another embodiment according to the invention, in which the connection end piece 2 of the pressure gauge 3 is inserted into the housing of the body 1 ′ of a pressure regulator, while being kept integral with said body 1 ′ thanks to cooperation of a key 8 inserted in a passage 6 of the body 1 ′ and of a recess 7 formed on the lateral peripheral wall of the connection end piece 2.

Toutefois, dans ce mode de réalisation, le corps 1' comporte également un second passage 16 et l'embout de raccordement 2 comporte également un deuxième évidemment 17, au sein desquels passage 16 et évidemment 17 est inséré un deuxième moyen de fixation 18, telle une deuxième clavette 18, formant un obstacle redondant interdisant une éjection ou un retrait intempestif du manomètre 3 de son logement 5 du 1' du détendeur, en cas de retrait involontaire ou intempestif du moyen de fixation 8 de l'évidement 7 et/ou du passage 6.However, in this embodiment, the body 1 ′ also includes a second passage 16 and the connection end piece 2 also comprises a second recess 17, within which passage 16 and obviously 17 is inserted a second fixing means 18, such a second key 18, forming a redundant obstacle preventing inadvertent ejection or withdrawal of the pressure gauge 3 from its housing 5 of the regulator 1 ′, in the event of involuntary or untimely withdrawal of the fixing means 8 from the recess 7 and / or the passage 6.

En d'autres termes, la présence du deuxième moyen de fixation 18 coopérant avec le deuxième passage 16 du corps 1' et avec le deuxième évidemment 17 de l'embout 2 permet d'accroître la sécurité de l'utilisation pour l'opérateur.In other words, the presence of the second fastening means 18 cooperating with the second passage 16 of the body 1 'and with the second obviously 17 of the end piece 2 increases the safety of use for the operator.

Par ailleurs, comme dans les modes de réalisation précédents, le manomètre 3 est alimenté en gaz sous pression par le passage 20 d'amenée de gaz sous pression agencé dans le corps 1' du détendeur et débouchant à l'extrémité inférieure du logement 5.Furthermore, as in the previous embodiments, the pressure gauge 3 is supplied with pressurized gas through the pressurized gas supply passage 20 arranged in the body 1 ′ of the regulator and opening at the lower end of the housing 5.

En outre, un joint torique 10 agencé sous l'extrémité distale 2a de l'embout 2 de raccordement permet d'assurer l'étanchéité ; le joint torique étant inséré dans une gorge 27 circulaire et périphérique à l'extrémité 2a de l'embout 2.In addition, an O-ring 10 arranged under the distal end 2a of the connection endpiece 2 ensures sealing; the O-ring being inserted in a circular groove 27 and peripheral to the end 2a of the nozzle 2.

En cas de rupture de la clavette 8 ou de démontage intempestif de l'ensemble manomètre/détendeur par retrait de ladite clavette 8 insérée dans le passage 6 et le logement 7. La présence du deuxième moyen de fixation 18 permet d'éviter une expulsion du manomètre 3 susceptible d'être dangereuse pour l'utilisateur, tout en autorisant une fuite de gaz sous pression amené par le conduit 20, ladite fuite devient une alerte détectable par ledit utilisateur, l'avertissant du risque encouru en cas de poursuite du démontage dudit manomètre 3.In the event of breakage of the key 8 or untimely disassembly of the pressure gauge / regulator assembly by removal of said key 8 inserted in the passage 6 and the housing 7. The presence of the second fixing means 18 makes it possible to avoid expulsion of the pressure gauge 3 likely to be dangerous for the user, while authorizing a leak of pressurized gas supplied through the conduit 20, said leak becomes an alert detectable by said user, warning him of the risk incurred in the event of further disassembly of said pressure gauge 3.

La figure 11 est analogue à la figure 6 à l'exception du fait qu'elle comprend, en outre, un logement 50', aménagé dans le corps 1', situé entre le passage 20 d'alimentation en fluide sous pression et le fond du logement 5, lequel logement supplémentaire 50' comporte un dispositif interdisant les fuites de gaz au démontage et/ou au démontage du manomètre 3 sur le corps 1'.Figure 11 is similar to Figure 6 except that it further comprises a housing 50 ', arranged in the body 1', located between the passage 20 for supplying pressurized fluid and the bottom of the housing 5, which additional housing 50 'comprises a device preventing gas leaks upon disassembly and / or disassembly of the pressure gauge 3 on the body 1'.

Selon ce mode de réalisation, ce dispositif de sécurité comporte des moyens à valve 50 mûs par des moyens élastiques 51, tel un ressort ou analogue, lesdits moyens à valve 50 venant obturer au moins partiellement l'orifice 52 séparant le logement 5 et le logement supplémentaire 50', lors d'une opération de montage et/ou de démontage du manomètre 3 sur le corps 1', de manière à contrôler le passage du gaz ou fluide sous pression depuis le logement supplémentaire 50' et vers le manomètre 3.According to this embodiment, this safety device comprises valve means 50 moved by elastic means 51, such as a spring or the like, said valve means 50 closing at least partially the orifice 52 separating the housing 5 and the housing additional 50 ', during an assembly and / or disassembly operation of the pressure gauge 3 on the body 1', so as to control the passage of the gas or fluid under pressure from the additional housing 50 'and towards the pressure gauge 3.

La figure 12 est, quant à elle, analogue à la figure 6 à l'exception du fait que, dans ce mode de réalisation, un perçage supplémentaire 60 a été aménagé dans le corps 1', de manière à permettre à la pression de gaz ou de fluide de s'échapper vers l'atmosphère lors d'un démontage du manomètre alors que celui-ci est toujours sous pression ou qu'une pression résiduelle existe encore dans le logement 5. Le fluide sous pression susceptible de se trouver dans le logement 5 et/ou amené par le passage d'alimentation 20 est alors évacué vers l'atmosphère ainsi que représenté par la flèche F.Figure 12 is, in turn, similar to Figure 6 except that, in this embodiment, an additional bore 60 has been arranged in the body 1 ', so as to allow the gas pressure or fluid to escape to the atmosphere during disassembly of the pressure gauge while it is still under pressure or a residual pressure still exists in the housing 5. The pressurized fluid likely to be in the housing 5 and / or supplied by the supply passage 20 is then discharged to the atmosphere as represented by the arrow F.

La figure 13 représente un autre mode de fixation, analogue à celui de la figure 12 dans lequel le logement 5 présente une forme évasée, c'est-à-dire une forme en entonnoir, susceptible de laisser, là encore, s'échapper le fluide sous pression à l'atmosphère, en cas de démontage du manomètre alors qu'une pression résiduelle existe dans le logement 5 ou que ce logement 5 est toujours alimenté en gaz ou fluide sous pression par le passage d'alimentation 20 en fluide d'alimentation. L'échappement des gaz vers l'atmosphère est, là encore, représenté par les flèches F.Figure 13 shows another method of attachment, similar to that of Figure 12 in which the housing 5 has a flared shape, that is to say a funnel shape, capable of letting, again, escape the pressurized fluid to the atmosphere, in the event of disassembly of the pressure gauge when a residual pressure exists in the housing 5 or when this housing 5 is still supplied with gas or pressurized fluid through the supply passage 20 in fluid food. Here again, the escape of gases to the atmosphere is represented by the arrows F.

Le dispositif de distribution de fluide selon la présente invention, notamment un détendeur, et le manomètre selon la présente invention peuvent être utilisés dans tous les domaines nécessitant l'utilisation d'une distribution de fluide sous pression, en particulier dans le domaine du soudage ou dans le domaine médical.The fluid distribution device according to the present invention, in particular a pressure reducer, and the pressure gauge according to the present invention can be used in all fields requiring the use of a distribution of pressurized fluid, in particular in the field of welding or in the medical field.

Claims (15)

  1. Device (1) for the distribution of fluid under pressure, comprising at least one body (1') equipped with at least one manometer (3, 3') comprising a housing (4) and a connection piece (2, 2'), the said connection piece (2, 2') being inserted into a receptacle (5, 5') made in the body (1'), characterized in that:
    - the said body (1') comprises, furthermore, at least one passage (6, 16) communicating laterally and tangentially with the said receptacle (5, 5'),
    - the said connection piece (2, 2') comprises at least one lateral and tangential recess (7, 7'), and
    - at least one junction means (8, 18) of elongate shape is inserted into at least part of the said passage (6, 16) of the body (1') and into at least part of the said recess (7, 7') of the connection piece (2, 2'), so as to make it possible to fix the said manometer (3, 3'), at least temporarily, to the said body (1') and thereby to prevent the connection piece of the manometer from rotating in the housing of the body .
  2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least one recess (7', 7, 17) is carried by the lateral peripheral wall (9, 9') of the connection piece (2, 2').
  3. Device according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the connection piece (2, 2') comprises a plurality of recesses (7, 17), in that the body (1') comprises a plurality of passages (6, 16) communicating laterally with the said receptacle (5, 5'), and in that at least one junction means (8, 18) is inserted into at least part of at least one of the passages (6, 16) and into at least part of at least one of the recesses (7, 17).
  4. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connection piece (2, 2') comprises, furthermore, at least one leak-tightness means (10, 10'), preferably one or more O-ring seals.5.
  5. Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the leak-tightness means (10, 10') is arranged between at least one recess (7, 17) and the distal end (2a) of the connection piece (2, 2'), and/or in that the leak-tightness (10, 10') is inserted into a circular peripheral groove made in the lateral peripheral wall (9, 9') of the connection piece (2, 2').
  6. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the junction means (8, 18) is selected from keys, dowels, rods, screws and pins.
  7. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lateral peripheral wall (9, 9') of the connection piece (2, 2') is free of any thread, and/or in that the peripheral wall of the receptacle (5, 5') is free of any internal thread.
  8. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one passage (20, 20') for the a supply of fluid under pressure opens out via an orifice (52) at the bottom (5a) of the receptacle (5, 5') in the body (1').
  9. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one additional passage (60) causing the receptacle (5, 5') to communicate with the atmosphere opens out onto the lateral wall of the receptacle (5, 5').
  10. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one additional receptacle (50) comprising means (51, 52) for controlling the circulation of the fluid under pressure enter in the receptacle (5, 5') via the orifice (52) is made in the body (1') between the bottom of the said receptacle (5, 5') and the supply passage (20, 20').
  11. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it is selected from fluid-pressure reducing valves, in particular gas-pressure reducing valves or cock/reducing valve assemblies.
  12. Manometer capable of equipping a device for the distribution of fluid under pressure according to one of Claims 1 to 11, comprising a housing (4) and a connection piece (2, 2'), characterized in that the said connection piece (2) comprises at least one recess (7, 7', 17) made tangentially in its lateral peripheral wall, which is capable of receiving a junction means (8, 18) of elongate shape so as to make it possible to fix the manometer (3,3'), at least temporarily, to the body (1') of the distribution device (1) and thereby to prevent the said manometer (3,3') from rotating in the housing (5,5') of the said body (1').
  13. Manometer according to Claim 12, characterized in that the connection piece (2. 2') comprises, furthermore, at least one circular peripheral groove (27) capable of receiving a leak-tightness means (10, 10'), such as an O-ring seal, the said circular peripheral groove (27) being arranged between at least one recess (7, 7', 17) and the distal end (2a) of the connection piece (2, 2').
  14. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it forms a pressure reducing valve.
  15. Bottle of fluid under pressure, in particular a bottle of welding gas or of medical gas, characterized in that it is equipped with a device for the distribution of fluid according to one of Claims 1 to 11 or with a pressure reducing valve according to Claim 14.
EP99402560A 1998-10-19 1999-10-18 Built-in manometer for a pressure fluid delivery device, more particularly for a gas-pressure reducing valve Expired - Lifetime EP0995945B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9813069 1998-10-19
FR9813069A FR2784738B1 (en) 1998-10-19 1998-10-19 BUILT-IN MANOMETER FOR PRESSURIZED FLUID DELIVERY DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR GAS REGULATOR

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0995945A1 EP0995945A1 (en) 2000-04-26
EP0995945B1 true EP0995945B1 (en) 2004-12-29

Family

ID=9531714

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99402560A Expired - Lifetime EP0995945B1 (en) 1998-10-19 1999-10-18 Built-in manometer for a pressure fluid delivery device, more particularly for a gas-pressure reducing valve

Country Status (12)

Country Link
US (1) US6378553B1 (en)
EP (1) EP0995945B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2000128294A (en)
AT (1) ATE286226T1 (en)
AU (1) AU5359899A (en)
BR (1) BR9910428A (en)
CA (1) CA2285857A1 (en)
DE (1) DE69922902T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2235450T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2784738B1 (en)
TW (1) TW437894U (en)
ZA (1) ZA996581B (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
LU91319B1 (en) * 2007-02-26 2008-08-27 Luxembourg Patent Co Monobloc for gas with integrated pressure gauge
EP2418141B1 (en) * 2009-04-07 2017-10-18 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Shaft coupling structure
BR112013001467A2 (en) * 2010-07-21 2017-07-04 Ulo Systems L L C coupling assembly for connection to a fluid supply, hose coupling arrangement for underwater construction operations and offshore oil rig

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US3107498A (en) * 1961-03-13 1963-10-22 Conch Int Methane Ltd Portable insulated storage tanks and valve means
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US3760842A (en) * 1970-12-29 1973-09-25 T Mikiya Pressure manifold having plurality of quick connect-disconnect plugs for selectively receiving pressure meter, drain cock, etc.
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GB2111154B (en) * 1981-11-17 1985-04-17 Baj Vickers Ltd Fluid flow couplings
DE3243811A1 (en) * 1982-11-26 1984-05-30 Hermann Hemscheidt Maschinenfabrik Gmbh & Co, 5600 Wuppertal Plug-in coupling for hose lines and pipelines
AU6598286A (en) * 1986-07-07 1988-01-29 Howeth, D.F. Fluid coupling construction for non-pressure balanced fluid conducting swivel joints
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DE4001170A1 (en) * 1990-01-17 1991-07-18 Roland Man Druckmasch SCREW-IN VALVE BODY KIT, IN PARTICULAR FOR A THROTTLE VALVE
DE9102151U1 (en) * 1990-03-06 1991-05-16 Geberit Ag, Jona, St.Gallen, Ch
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US5758909A (en) * 1996-06-18 1998-06-02 Victaulic Company Of America Rotation inhibiting quick connect connector for grooved pipe

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2285857A1 (en) 2000-04-19
FR2784738A1 (en) 2000-04-21
JP2000128294A (en) 2000-05-09
DE69922902D1 (en) 2005-02-03
FR2784738B1 (en) 2000-12-08
TW437894U (en) 2001-05-28
DE69922902T2 (en) 2005-12-15
ZA996581B (en) 2000-04-19
ES2235450T3 (en) 2005-07-01
BR9910428A (en) 2001-05-02
EP0995945A1 (en) 2000-04-26
US6378553B1 (en) 2002-04-30
ATE286226T1 (en) 2005-01-15
AU5359899A (en) 2000-04-20

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