EP2873908B1 - Universal protector for gas cylinder - Google Patents

Universal protector for gas cylinder Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2873908B1
EP2873908B1 EP14189793.4A EP14189793A EP2873908B1 EP 2873908 B1 EP2873908 B1 EP 2873908B1 EP 14189793 A EP14189793 A EP 14189793A EP 2873908 B1 EP2873908 B1 EP 2873908B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
gas cylinder
thread
opening
component
lateral
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.)
Active
Application number
EP14189793.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2873908A3 (en
EP2873908A2 (en
Inventor
Emmanuelle Perdrix Boizet
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.)
Rovip SA
Original Assignee
Rovip SA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rovip SA filed Critical Rovip SA
Priority to PL14189793T priority Critical patent/PL2873908T3/en
Publication of EP2873908A2 publication Critical patent/EP2873908A2/en
Publication of EP2873908A3 publication Critical patent/EP2873908A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2873908B1 publication Critical patent/EP2873908B1/en
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Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS 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
    • F17C13/00Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/002Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels for vessels under pressure
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS 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
    • F17C1/00Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS 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
    • F17C2201/00Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01Shape
    • F17C2201/0104Shape cylindrical
    • F17C2201/0109Shape cylindrical with exteriorly curved end-piece
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS 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
    • F17C2201/00Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/03Orientation
    • F17C2201/032Orientation with substantially vertical main axis
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS 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
    • F17C2201/00Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05Size
    • F17C2201/058Size portable (<30 l)
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS 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
    • F17C2205/00Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0153Details of mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0157Details of mounting arrangements for transport
    • F17C2205/0165Details of mounting arrangements for transport with handgrip
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS 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
    • F17C2205/00Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0308Protective caps
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS 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
    • F17C2221/00Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/035Propane butane, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS 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
    • F17C2223/00Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS 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
    • F17C2223/00Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS 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
    • F17C2223/00Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/033Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS 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
    • F17C2223/00Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/035High pressure (>10 bar)
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS 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
    • F17C2260/00Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/01Improving mechanical properties or manufacturing
    • F17C2260/015Facilitating maintenance
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS 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
    • F17C2270/00Applications
    • F17C2270/07Applications for household use
    • F17C2270/0745Gas bottles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of protective devices for protecting a gas cylinder valve for liquefied, dissolved or compressed gases. More specifically, it relates to a gas cylinder protection cap.
  • the cylinder valve When transporting or handling gas cylinders, the cylinder valve may be subject to shock and damage. To avoid this, the gas cylinders are equipped with a safety device called protective cap.
  • the protective caps In order to allow access by the user to the cylinder valve, the protective caps must be open at the top.
  • the protective caps must also comply with ISO 11117, according to which the upper end of the protective cap must protrude by a minimum height from the tap to the open position, in order to prevent any shock likely to damage it.
  • the bottles are filled in filling plants by means of automata.
  • PLCs require a minimum space to operate around the cylinder valve.
  • the taps have a lateral orifice allowing the filling of the bottles.
  • the filling is done by means of a cane.
  • the hat must have a lateral opening allowing access to the filling rod.
  • the protective caps commonly used have in their lower part an opening provided with a screw thread intended to be screwed on a corresponding screw thread arranged on the bottle.
  • the cap is screwed until all the nets are engaged. It often happens that the lateral opening of the protective cap is not found in front of the lateral orifice of the valve. Under these conditions, the access of the automaton is not possible.
  • this manipulation represents an additional operation which is tedious and costly in terms of manpower since it must be carried out manually by an operator.
  • the document FR-A-2 976 048 discloses a protective cap for a pressurized fluid bottle.
  • the hat is an assembly of two half-shells. Each half-shell defines a lower base in the form of a threaded half-ring.
  • the two assembled half-shells form a threaded ring intended to cooperate by screwing directly or indirectly with the thread of the neck.
  • the intermediate piece there is the risk of disengaging the cap from the bottle by unscrewing.
  • the positioning of the cap is initially performed by the user himself by assembly of the two half-shells, which does not guarantee optimal placement.
  • the document WO2007 / 125240A2 describes a protective cap for gas cylinder in the form of two half-shells.
  • the cap is secured to the thread of the neck through an intermediate piece.
  • This piece corresponds to a split ring which is screwed on the neck.
  • the ring has an outer profile in the form of a horizontal rib, intended to cooperate with a complementary profile located inside the cap.
  • the profile of the rib does not prohibit the possible rotation of the cap relative to the ring when the screwing of the two half-shells is not optimal.
  • the positioning of the cap is initially performed by the user himself by assembling the two half-shells, which does not guarantee optimal placement.
  • the document EP1041339A1 describes a bi-material protective cap for gas cylinder.
  • the cap is composed at its base of a metal insert forming a threaded ring, which ensures the attachment of the cap on the threaded collar of a gas cylinder.
  • the insert is overmolded in a cowling structure of polymer material.
  • the insert has reinforcements ribbed on its outer surface to ensure the rigidity of the assembly.
  • the insert and the polymer overmoulding are de facto solidary. In other words, the cap is directly screwed on the neck of the bottle with the aforementioned drawbacks that it provides, in particular risk of separation of the cap from the bottle by unscrewing.
  • the present application therefore aims to develop a protective cap arranged to allow sufficient lateral access to the side port of the valve, so that an automaton can fill the bottle or the end user can connect the pipe of his equipment without the need to unscrew the hat even partially.
  • the cap of the invention is characterized in that it further comprises a lower fastener having a thread complementary to the thread of the cylindrical neck of the gas cylinder and intended to be screwed thereto, said lower part comprising positioning structures which, in combination with complementary positioning structures of the upper part, allow the desired positioning of the lateral opening, with respect to the lateral opening of the valve of the bottle while preventing the rotation of the upper part relative to the lower part when mutually engaged.
  • the lower part is in the form of a clamping ring provided with a central opening having an internal lateral face provided with a complementary thread to the thread of the gas bottle and an external lateral face. as well as an upper face and a lower face.
  • the clamping ring has positioning structures located on its external lateral face while the base has positioning structures located on the inner face of its opening. lower.
  • the clamping ring has a lower flange extending substantially horizontally outwardly.
  • the upper face of the flange is also provided with positioning structures which cooperate with corresponding structures arranged on the lower periphery of the opening of the base. In this way, the system is particularly stable.
  • the positioning structures are complementary vertical ribs effectively preventing the rotation of one part relative to the other. It can be any equivalent means for fulfilling the desired dual function (positioning + absence of rotation) such as stops or other. In all cases, the two elements will be associated by vertical sliding of one piece relative to the other.
  • the cap furthermore comprises a counter-nut having an opening having a complementary thread to the thread of the cylindrical neck of the gas cylinder, this counter-nut being intended to be screwed onto the threading the gas cylinder so as to grip the base of the upper part with the lower part.
  • the base of the upper piece has a groove in its upper face.
  • the lower part and the counter nut have gripping structures designed to be engaged by the fingers of a special screwdriver
  • the locknut has a notched ring arranged on its underside around its opening and which cooperates with a complementary notched ring provided on the upper periphery of the opening of the base.
  • the base has zones arranged on its underside so that these areas are supported on the body of the bottle, the hat once screwed.
  • the invention also relates to a gas cylinder comprising a protective cap as previously described.
  • the invention relates to a protective cap for a gas cylinder, complying with the ISO11117 standard, while allowing easier access to the valve and the lateral orifice of a gas cylinder without its it is necessary to unscrew the protective cap.
  • the protective cap (1) according to the invention is intended to be fixed on a gas cylinder (2).
  • a gas cylinder (2) is composed of a pressurized container (3) shaped with a convexly convex convex upper part (4) having a projecting cylindrical neck (5) in a central position. This neck (5) has a thread (6) on its lateral periphery (7).
  • the gas cylinder (2) also comprises a tap (8) secured in a central position on the upper face of the cylindrical neck (5).
  • This valve (8) usually comprises an opening and closing wheel (9) in the upper part and a side opening (10) for the gas outlet and the filling of the gas cylinder (2).
  • the lateral orifice (10) extends horizontally, perpendicularly to the vertical axis of the valve body (8).
  • the protective cap (1) is intended in particular to protect this valve (8) to prevent it from being damaged or torn in the event of a fall or shock, and to facilitate the handling of the gas cylinder (2). ).
  • the protective cap (1) is preferably made of a polymeric resin
  • lower piece a lower attachment piece (11) hereinafter referred to as “lower piece” and a upper piece of protection and handling (12) hereinafter referred to as “upper piece”.
  • the lower part (11) is in the form of a clamping ring (13) having a central opening (14) bordered by an upper face and a lower face.
  • This clamping ring (13) has an inner lateral face (15) and an outer lateral face (33).
  • the internal lateral face (15) has a thread (16) complementary to the thread (6) of the gas cylinder (2) (see FIG. Figures 2 and 3 ).
  • the outer lateral face (33) has a flange (34) extending substantially horizontally outwards.
  • This flange (34) itself has an upper face (35), and a lower face (36) for example common with the underside of the clamping ring (13).
  • the lower part (11) is designed to be screwed fully and tightly onto the thread (6) of the gas cylinder (2)
  • the upper part (12) comprises a base (17) intended to be fixed on the lower part (11) once it is immobilized on the cylindrical neck (5) of the gas cylinder (2).
  • the base (17) has a lower opening (18) intended to allow the passage of the valve (8) of the gas cylinder (2) and intended to be mounted on the lower part (11) (see Figures 4 and 5 ).
  • the base (17) comprises a vertical wall (19) arranged on part of its periphery, thus adopting the shape of a protective collar of the valve (8).
  • the height of the vertical wall (19) is chosen so that, when the upper piece (12) is mounted on the lower piece (11) once the latter has immobilized the gas bottle (2), the upper end ( 20) of the vertical wall (19) exceeds the valve (8).
  • the height (H) of the upper piece (12) can be between 90 and 102 mm.
  • the height (H) of the protective cap (1) is chosen to be greater than the height (h) of the assembly formed by the cylindrical neck (5) and the valve (8) of the gas cylinder (2) to comply with ISO11117.
  • the vertical wall (19) being open above the valve (8), the overall diameter thereof is also chosen so as to allow sufficient access around the valve (8), in particular to allow the valve to be encapsulated by a PLC without having to remove the protective cap (1).
  • the vertical wall (19) also has a lateral opening (21), provided in particular so as to allow sufficient lateral access to the lateral orifice (10) of the valve (8) when the lateral opening (21) of the upper piece (12) is positioned opposite the lateral orifice (10) of the valve (8).
  • This lateral opening (21) allows a controller can fill the bottle without the need to unscrew even partially the upper part (12).
  • the vertical wall (19) comprises gripping means (22) to facilitate the handling and transport of the bottle (2).
  • These gripping means (22) are in the form of a handle (23) and / or a curved rim provided (s) in the upper part of the vertical wall (19).
  • the upper parts (12) and lower (11) comprise complementary positioning structures (24a and 24b).
  • the lower part (11) comprises positioning structures (24a) in the form of vertical ribs located on the outer face of the ring and which extend on the horizontal flange (34).
  • the upper piece (12) has complementary ribs (24b) located on the inner face of its central opening (18) and which extend under the base (17). These complementary ribs (24a and 24b), when mutually engaged, prevent rotation of the upper piece (12) relative to the lower piece (11).
  • the upper part (12) is positioned so that the lateral opening (21) of the upper part (12) is located opposite the lateral orifice (10) of the valve (8).
  • Attaching the upper piece (12) to the lower piece (11) can be done in several ways.
  • the overall height of the lower part (11) is less than that of the cylindrical part (5) threaded with the gas cylinder (2) so that, when the lower part (11) is screwed on the thread (6) of the gas cylinder (2), a part of this thread (6) extends projecting above the lower part (11).
  • the upper part (12) is immobilized in position by the screwing of a counter-nut (25) (see FIG. Figures 6 and 7 ) on the protruding portion of the thread (6) located above the lower part (11).
  • the base (17) is then sandwiched between the lower part (11) and the counter nut (25).
  • the base (17) has at its upper face a groove provided to accommodate the lock nut (25) when it is screwed on the upper part of the thread (6) of the cylindrical neck (5).
  • the lower piece (11) and the counter-nut (25) each comprise gripping structures (respectively 28a and 28b), for example in the form of orifices as shown in the figures, intended to be engaged by the fingers of a special screwing tool adapted to screw on the thread (6) of the cylindrical neck (5) of the bottle (2).
  • a special screwdriver adapted tool makes it possible to strongly screw the lower part (11) and the locknut (25) on the gas cylinder (2) while avoiding that a user, not possessing the adequate tool, can not unscrew them.
  • the use of a special tool for these screwings reinforces in this case the irreversible nature of the fastening of the cap (1) on the gas cylinder (2) while ensuring a correct positioning of the lateral opening.
  • the locknut (25) comprises a toothed ring (29a) arranged on its upper face (30) around its opening (26).
  • This notched crown (29a) is intended to cooperate with a complementary toothed crown (29b) provided on the upper periphery of the opening (14) of the lower part (11).
  • the shocks to the bottle can cause vibrations in the upper part of the hat that may be reflected in the lower part. These vibrations can cause unscrewing of the lower part.
  • the base of the upper part of the cap is arranged to be in contact with the bottle. In this way, the shocks are transmitted directly to the bottle without passing through the lower part of the cap.
  • the energy of the shock is dissipated by the protective cap (1) without this causing any unscrewing of the lower part of the cap.
  • the present application also relates to a gas cylinder (2) provided with a protective cap (1) as described above.
  • the gas cylinder (2) may contain LPG (butane propane or technical gas).
  • the lower part (11) is screwed onto the cylindrical neck (5) of the gas cylinder (2) by passing the valve (8) thereof through the opening (14) of the lower part ( 11).
  • the upper piece (12) is positioned on the lower piece (11) via the complementary ribs (24a and 24b) so that its lateral opening (21) is situated in front of the lateral orifice (10) of the gas cylinder (2).
  • This joining can be done by clipping, gluing, welding, stamping force, or any other suitable means.
  • this securing can also be done by screwing a counter-nut (25) on the cylindrical neck (5) threaded of the gas cylinder (2) so that the upper part (12) is immobilized between the lower part (11) and the lock nut (25).
  • the protective cap (1) is then fixed on a gas cylinder (2) ( figure 11 ), preferably irreversibly, with a lateral opening (21) thereof positioned in front of the lateral orifice (10) of the valve (8).
  • the lateral opening (21) allows the PLC to access the valve (8) and the lateral orifice (10) without the need to disassemble the protective cap (1), while the free space around the valve (8) is sufficiently clear inside the protective cap (1) for allow the controller to perform its task.
  • the present application therefore proposes a protective cap complying with the ISO11117 standard.
  • the shape of the cap simultaneously makes it possible to free up sufficient space around the valve of the gas cylinder and to allow sufficient lateral access to the lateral orifice of the valve to allow filling of the gas cylinder and / or encapsulation of its gas cylinder. faucet by automata, without the need to disassemble, or even partially unscrew the hat.
  • the invention makes it possible to position the lateral orifice of the valve of the bottle in front of a lateral opening of the protective cap once and for all, the fastening of the cap protection on the gas cylinder then being preferentially irreversible.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Description

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine des dispositifs de protection destinés à protéger un robinet de bouteille à gaz pour gaz liquéfiés, dissous ou comprimés. Plus précisément, elle concerne un chapeau de protection de bouteille à gaz.The present invention relates to the field of protective devices for protecting a gas cylinder valve for liquefied, dissolved or compressed gases. More specifically, it relates to a gas cylinder protection cap.

Lors du transport ou de la manipulation de bouteilles à gaz, le robinet de la bouteille est susceptible de subir des chocs pouvant l'endommager. Afin d'éviter cela, les bouteilles à gaz sont munies d'un dispositif de sécurité nommé chapeau de protection.When transporting or handling gas cylinders, the cylinder valve may be subject to shock and damage. To avoid this, the gas cylinders are equipped with a safety device called protective cap.

Afin de permettre l'accès par l'utilisateur au robinet de la bouteille, les chapeaux de protection doivent être ouverts sur le dessus.In order to allow access by the user to the cylinder valve, the protective caps must be open at the top.

Les chapeaux de protection doivent également respecter la norme ISO 11117, selon laquelle l'extrémité supérieure du chapeau de protection doit dépasser d'une hauteur minimale le robinet en position ouverte, afin de prévenir de tout choc susceptible de l'endommager.The protective caps must also comply with ISO 11117, according to which the upper end of the protective cap must protrude by a minimum height from the tap to the open position, in order to prevent any shock likely to damage it.

Une fois vides, les bouteilles sont remplies dans des usines de remplissage par le biais d'automates. Les automates requièrent un espace minimum pour opérer autour du robinet de la bouteille. Tout d'abord, il est nécessaire de pouvoir actionner le robinet d'ouverture et de fermeture en accédant par le haut du chapeau. En outres, les robinets présentent un orifice latéral permettant le remplissage des bouteilles. Le remplissage est effectué au moyen d'une canne. Pour cette raison, le chapeau doit présenter une ouverture latérale permettant l'accès de la canne de remplissage.Once empty, the bottles are filled in filling plants by means of automata. PLCs require a minimum space to operate around the cylinder valve. First of all, it is necessary to be able to actuate the opening and closing valve by accessing from the top of the cap. In others, the taps have a lateral orifice allowing the filling of the bottles. The filling is done by means of a cane. For this reason, the hat must have a lateral opening allowing access to the filling rod.

Les chapeaux de protection couramment utilisés présentent dans leur partie inférieure une ouverture munie d'un pas de vis destiné à être vissé sur un pas de vis correspondant agencé sur la bouteille. En pratique, le chapeau est vissé jusqu'à ce que la totalité des filets soit en prise. Il arrive alors fréquemment que l'ouverture latérale du chapeau de protection ne se retrouve pas située en face de l'orifice latéral du robinet. Dans ces conditions, l'accès de l'automate n'est pas possible. Pour résoudre ce problème, il est d'usage que l'opérateur dévisse le chapeau pour amener l'ouverture latérale en face de l'orifice latéral du robinet. Tout d'abord, cette manipulation représente une opération supplémentaire fastidieuse et coûteuse en main d'oeuvre puisqu'elle doit être effectuée manuellement par un opérateur. En outre et surtout, du fait du dévissage partiel du chapeau, un certain nombre de filets ne sont plus en prise avec les filets correspondants de la bouteille. Il en résulte un problème de stabilité des chapeaux de protection mais également un risque accru que les chapeaux se désolidarisent des bouteilles sous l'effet du poids de celles-ci.The protective caps commonly used have in their lower part an opening provided with a screw thread intended to be screwed on a corresponding screw thread arranged on the bottle. In practice, the cap is screwed until all the nets are engaged. It often happens that the lateral opening of the protective cap is not found in front of the lateral orifice of the valve. Under these conditions, the access of the automaton is not possible. To solve this problem, it is customary for the operator to unscrew the cap to bring the lateral opening in front of the lateral orifice of the valve. First, this manipulation represents an additional operation which is tedious and costly in terms of manpower since it must be carried out manually by an operator. In addition and especially, because of the partial unscrewing of the cap, a number of nets are no longer in mesh with the corresponding nets of the bottle. This results in a problem of stability of the protective hats but also an increased risk that the hats disengage from the bottles under the effect of the weight thereof.

Parallèlement, il n'est pas rare que le consommateur final ait également à ajuster le positionnement du chapeau pour lui permettre de connecter la bouteille à la tuyauterie de son appareillage. Une telle manipulation peut s'avérer là encore fastidieuse en fonction de la force de serrage du chapeau sur la bouteille.At the same time, it is not uncommon for the final consumer to also have to adjust the positioning of the cap to allow him to connect the bottle to the piping of his apparatus. Such handling may again be tedious depending on the clamping force of the cap on the bottle.

Ainsi par exemple, le document FR-A-2 976 048 décrit un chapeau de protection pour bouteille de fluide sous pression. Le chapeau est un assemblage de deux demi-coquilles. Chaque demi-coquille définit une base inférieure en forme de demi-bague taraudée. Les deux demi-coquilles assemblées forment une bague taraudée destinée à coopérer par vissage directement ou indirectement avec le filetage du col. Lorsqu'il n'y a pas de pièce intermédiaire, on s'expose au risque de désolidarisation du chapeau par rapport à la bouteille par dévissage. Dans l"hypothèse ou la pièce intermédiaire est présente, il y a là encore possibilité de dévisser le chapeau et donc de modifier sa position par rapport au robinet. En outre, le positionnement du chapeau est initialement effectué par l'utilisateur lui-même par assemblage des deux demi-coquilles, ce qui ne garantit pas une mise en place optimale.For example, the document FR-A-2 976 048 discloses a protective cap for a pressurized fluid bottle. The hat is an assembly of two half-shells. Each half-shell defines a lower base in the form of a threaded half-ring. The two assembled half-shells form a threaded ring intended to cooperate by screwing directly or indirectly with the thread of the neck. When there is no intermediate piece, there is the risk of disengaging the cap from the bottle by unscrewing. In the case where the intermediate piece is present, there is again possible to unscrew the cap and thus to change its position with respect to the tap.In addition, the positioning of the cap is initially performed by the user himself by assembly of the two half-shells, which does not guarantee optimal placement.

Le document WO2007/125240A2 décrit un chapeau de protection pour bouteille de gaz sous la forme de deux demi-coquilles. Le chapeau est rendu solidaire du filetage du col par le biais d'une pièce intermédiaire. Cette pièce correspond à une bague fendue qui se visse sur le col. La bague présente un profil extérieur sous la forme d'une nervure horizontale, destinée à coopérer avec un profil complémentaire situé à l'intérieur du chapeau. De même que précédemment, le profil de la nervure n'interdit pas la possible rotation du chapeau par rapport à la bague lorsque le vissage des deux demi coquilles n'est pas optimal. De même, le positionnement du chapeau est initialement effectué par l'utilisateur lui-même par assemblage des deux demi-coquilles, ce qui ne garantit pas une mise en place optimale.The document WO2007 / 125240A2 describes a protective cap for gas cylinder in the form of two half-shells. The cap is secured to the thread of the neck through an intermediate piece. This piece corresponds to a split ring which is screwed on the neck. The ring has an outer profile in the form of a horizontal rib, intended to cooperate with a complementary profile located inside the cap. As above, the profile of the rib does not prohibit the possible rotation of the cap relative to the ring when the screwing of the two half-shells is not optimal. Similarly, the positioning of the cap is initially performed by the user himself by assembling the two half-shells, which does not guarantee optimal placement.

Le document EP1041339A1 décrit un chapeau bi-matière de protection pour bouteille de gaz. Le chapeau est composé à sa base d'un insert en métal formant une bague taraudée, qui assure la fixation du chapeau sur la collerette filetée d'une bouteille de gaz. L'insert est surmoulé dans une structure de capotage en matériau polymère. L'insert comporte des renforts nervurés sur sa surface externe afin d'assurer la rigidité de l'ensemble. L'insert et le surmoulage en polymère sont de facto solidaires. En d'autres termes, le chapeau est directement vissé sur le col de la bouteille avec les inconvénients précités que cela procure, en particulier risque de désolidarisation du chapeau par rapport à la bouteille par dévissage.The document EP1041339A1 describes a bi-material protective cap for gas cylinder. The cap is composed at its base of a metal insert forming a threaded ring, which ensures the attachment of the cap on the threaded collar of a gas cylinder. The insert is overmolded in a cowling structure of polymer material. The insert has reinforcements ribbed on its outer surface to ensure the rigidity of the assembly. The insert and the polymer overmoulding are de facto solidary. In other words, the cap is directly screwed on the neck of the bottle with the aforementioned drawbacks that it provides, in particular risk of separation of the cap from the bottle by unscrewing.

La présente demande vise donc à mettre au point un chapeau de protection agencé pour permettre un accès latéral suffisant à l'orifice latéral du robinet, de sorte qu'un automate puisse remplir la bouteille ou que l'utilisateur final puisse connecter la tuyauterie de son appareillage sans qu'il soit nécessaire de dévisser même partiellement le chapeau.The present application therefore aims to develop a protective cap arranged to allow sufficient lateral access to the side port of the valve, so that an automaton can fill the bottle or the end user can connect the pipe of his equipment without the need to unscrew the hat even partially.

Plus précisément, la présente invention a pour but de remédier simultanément aux inconvénients mentionnés ci-dessus, en proposant un chapeau de protection visant à:

  • orienter le chapeau de protection lors du montage de celui-ci sur la bouteille de sorte que l'ouverture latérale du chapeau de protection soit positionnée en face de l'orifice latéral du robinet de la bouteille à gaz ; et
  • empêcher la rotation du chapeau de protection lorsque celui-ci est monté sur la bouteille à gaz de sorte que celui-ci ne se dévisse pas et conserve son positionnement initial.
More specifically, the present invention aims to simultaneously overcome the disadvantages mentioned above, by providing a protective cap to:
  • orienting the protective cap during mounting thereof on the bottle so that the lateral opening of the protective cap is positioned in front of the lateral orifice of the valve of the gas cylinder; and
  • prevent rotation of the protective cap when it is mounted on the gas cylinder so that it does not unscrew and retains its original position.

Pour ce faire, le Demandeur a mis au moins un chapeau de protection prévu pour être fixé sur une bouteille à gaz, ladite bouteille à gaz présentant une partie supérieure comportant un col cylindrique présentant un filetage sur son pourtour latéral et dont le sommet est muni d'un robinet, ledit chapeau de protection comprenant une pièce supérieure de protection et de manutention avantageusement monobloc comprenant :

  • une embase présentant une ouverture inférieure pour le passage du robinet de la bouteille à gaz ;
  • une paroi verticale agencée sur toute ou partie de la périphérie de l'embase ;
  • au moins une ouverture latérale prévue dans la paroi verticale.
To do this, the Applicant has put at least one protective cap intended to be attached to a gas cylinder, said gas cylinder having an upper portion having a cylindrical neck having a thread on its lateral periphery and whose top is provided with a valve, said protective cap comprising a protective and handling upper part advantageously monobloc comprising:
  • a base having a lower opening for the passage of the valve of the gas cylinder;
  • a vertical wall arranged on all or part of the periphery of the base;
  • at least one lateral opening provided in the vertical wall.

Le chapeau de l'invention se caractérise en ce qu'il comprend en outre une pièce inférieure de fixation présentant un filetage complémentaire au filetage du col cylindrique de la bouteille à gaz et destinée à être vissée sur celui-ci, ladite pièce inférieure comprenant des structures de positionnement qui, en combinaison avec des structures de positionnement complémentaires que présente la pièce supérieure, permettent le positionnement souhaité de l'ouverture latérale, par rapport à l'ouverture latérale du robinet de la bouteille tout en empêchant la rotation de la pièce supérieure par rapport à la pièce inférieure lorsqu'elles sont mutuellement engagées.The cap of the invention is characterized in that it further comprises a lower fastener having a thread complementary to the thread of the cylindrical neck of the gas cylinder and intended to be screwed thereto, said lower part comprising positioning structures which, in combination with complementary positioning structures of the upper part, allow the desired positioning of the lateral opening, with respect to the lateral opening of the valve of the bottle while preventing the rotation of the upper part relative to the lower part when mutually engaged.

Dans un mode de réalisation avantageux, la pièce inférieure se présente sous la forme d'une bague de serrage munie d'une ouverture centrale présentant une face latérale interne munie d'un filetage complémentaire au filetage de la bouteille à gaz et une face latérale externe ainsi qu'une face supérieure et une face inférieure.In an advantageous embodiment, the lower part is in the form of a clamping ring provided with a central opening having an internal lateral face provided with a complementary thread to the thread of the gas bottle and an external lateral face. as well as an upper face and a lower face.

Pour permettre le positionnement de la pièce supérieure sur la pièce inférieure et interdire leur rotation, la bague de serrage présente des structures de positionnement situées sur sa face latérale externe tandis que l'embase présente des structures de positionnement situées sur la face interne de son ouverture inférieure.To allow the positioning of the upper part on the lower part and to prevent their rotation, the clamping ring has positioning structures located on its external lateral face while the base has positioning structures located on the inner face of its opening. lower.

Dans un mode de réalisation particulier, la bague de serrage présente un rebord inférieur s'étendant sensiblement horizontalement vers l'extérieur. Dans ces conditions, la face supérieure du rebord est également munie de structures de positionnement lesquelles coopèrent avec des structures correspondantes agencées sur le pourtour inférieur de l'ouverture de l'embase. De la sorte, le système est particulièrement stable.In a particular embodiment, the clamping ring has a lower flange extending substantially horizontally outwardly. Under these conditions, the upper face of the flange is also provided with positioning structures which cooperate with corresponding structures arranged on the lower periphery of the opening of the base. In this way, the system is particularly stable.

Avantageusement, les structures de positionnement sont des nervures verticales complémentaires interdisant de fait la rotation d'une pièce par rapport à l'autre. Il peut s'agir de tout moyen équivalent permettant de remplir la double fonction recherchée (positionnement + absence de rotation) tels que des butées ou autre. Dans tous les cas, les deux éléments seront associés par glissement vertical d'une pièce par rapport à l'autre.Advantageously, the positioning structures are complementary vertical ribs effectively preventing the rotation of one part relative to the other. It can be any equivalent means for fulfilling the desired dual function (positioning + absence of rotation) such as stops or other. In all cases, the two elements will be associated by vertical sliding of one piece relative to the other.

Pour interdire la désolidarisation entre elles des pièces inférieures et supérieures, le chapeau comprend en outre un contre-écrou présentant une ouverture comportant un filetage complémentaire au filetage du col cylindrique de la bouteille à gaz, ce contre-écrou étant prévu pour être vissé sur le filetage de la bouteille à gaz de manière à enserrer l'embase de la pièce supérieure avec la pièce inférieure.In order to prevent the upper and lower parts from being separated from one another, the cap furthermore comprises a counter-nut having an opening having a complementary thread to the thread of the cylindrical neck of the gas cylinder, this counter-nut being intended to be screwed onto the threading the gas cylinder so as to grip the base of the upper part with the lower part.

Pour loger le contre-écrou lorsque celui-ci est vissé sur la partie supérieure du filetage du col cylindrique de la bouteille à gaz, l'embase de la pièce supérieure présente une gorge dans sa face supérieureTo accommodate the locknut when it is screwed onto the upper part of the thread of the cylindrical neck of the gas cylinder, the base of the upper piece has a groove in its upper face.

Pour permettre le vissage des pièces inférieure et supérieure sur le filetage du col de la bouteille, la pièce inférieure et le contre-écrou comportent des structures de préhension prévues pour être engagées par les doigts d'un outil de vissage spécialTo enable the lower and upper parts to be screwed onto the thread of the neck of the bottle, the lower part and the counter nut have gripping structures designed to be engaged by the fingers of a special screwdriver

Pour garantir son inviolabilité, le contre-écrou présente une couronne crantée agencée sur sa face inférieure autour de son ouverture et qui coopère avec une couronne crantée complémentaire prévue sur le pourtour supérieur de l'ouverture de l'embase.To ensure its inviolability, the locknut has a notched ring arranged on its underside around its opening and which cooperates with a complementary notched ring provided on the upper periphery of the opening of the base.

Pour éviter que les chocs subis par le chapeau ne transmettent leur énergie à la pièce inférieure pouvant conduire à son dévissage, l'embase présente des zones agencées sur sa face inférieure de sorte que ces zones soient en appui sur le corps de la bouteille, le chapeau une fois vissé.To prevent the shocks to the cap from transmitting their energy to the lower part that can lead to its unscrewing, the base has zones arranged on its underside so that these areas are supported on the body of the bottle, the hat once screwed.

L'invention concerne également une bouteille à gaz comprenant un chapeau de protection tel que précédemment décrit.The invention also relates to a gas cylinder comprising a protective cap as previously described.

Les manières de réaliser l'invention, ainsi que les avantages qui en découlent, ressortiront bien de la description des modes de réalisation qui suivent, à l'appui des figures annexées dans lesquelles :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective des éléments constitutifs du chapeau de protection selon l'invention représentés dissociés en position de montage sur une bouteille à gaz ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en perspective de dessus de la pièce inférieure de fixation et de positionnement selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en perspective de dessous de la pièce inferieure de fixation et de positionnement selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en perspective de dessus de la pièce supérieure de protection et de manutention selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue en perspective de dessous de la pièce supérieure de protection et de manutention selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue en perspective de dessus du contre-écrou selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 7 est une vue en perspective de dessous du contre-écrou selon l'invention ; et
  • les figures 8 à 11 sont des vues en perspective illustrant les différentes étapes de mise en place d'un chapeau de protection selon l'invention sur une bouteille à gaz.
The ways of carrying out the invention, as well as the advantages which result therefrom, will emerge from the description of the embodiments which follow, in support of the appended figures in which:
  • the figure 1 is a perspective view of the constituent elements of the protective cap according to the invention shown dissociated in mounting position on a gas cylinder;
  • the figure 2 is a perspective view from above of the lower fixing and positioning part according to the invention;
  • the figure 3 is a perspective view from below of the lower fixing and positioning part according to the invention;
  • the figure 4 is a perspective view from above of the upper piece of protection and handling according to the invention;
  • the figure 5 is a perspective view from below of the upper piece of protection and handling according to the invention;
  • the figure 6 is a perspective view from above of the lock nut according to the invention;
  • the figure 7 is a perspective view from below of the lock nut according to the invention; and
  • the Figures 8 to 11 are perspective views illustrating the different steps of setting up a protective cap according to the invention on a gas cylinder.

Comme déjà exposé ci-dessus, l'invention concerne un chapeau de protection pour bouteille à gaz, respectant la norme ISO11117, tout en permettant un accès plus aisé au robinet et à l'orifice latéral d'une bouteille à gaz sans qu'il soit nécessaire de dévisser ledit chapeau de protection.As already explained above, the invention relates to a protective cap for a gas cylinder, complying with the ISO11117 standard, while allowing easier access to the valve and the lateral orifice of a gas cylinder without its it is necessary to unscrew the protective cap.

Le chapeau de protection va maintenant être décrit de façon détaillée en référence aux figures 1 à 11, qui représentent des exemples non limitatifs de réalisation de l'invention. Les éléments équivalents représentés sur les différentes figures porteront les mêmes références numériques.The protective cap will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 11 , which represent non-limiting examples of embodiment of the invention. The equivalent elements represented in the different figures will bear the same numerical references.

On définira dans la suite de cette description les notions de haut et de bas, d'inférieur et de supérieur, etc. en fonction de l'orientation adoptée par le chapeau de protection représenté sur les différentes figures.In the rest of this description we shall define the notions of high and low, of inferior and superior, etc. depending on the orientation adopted by the protective cap shown in the various figures.

Le chapeau de protection (1) selon l'invention est prévu pour être fixé sur une bouteille à gaz (2). Une bouteille à gaz (2) se compose d'un contenant sous pression (3) conformé avec une partie supérieure (4) habituellement bombée convexe comportant un col cylindrique (5) en saillie et en position centrale. Ce col (5) présente un filetage (6) sur son pourtour latéral (7). La bouteille à gaz (2) comprend également un robinet (8) solidarisé en position centrale sur la face supérieure du col cylindrique (5). Ce robinet (8) comprend habituellement un volant d'ouverture et de fermeture (9) en partie supérieure et un orifice latéral (10) pour la sortie du gaz et le remplissage de la bouteille à gaz (2). L'orifice latéral (10) s'étend à l'horizontal, perpendiculairement à l'axe vertical du corps du robinet (8).The protective cap (1) according to the invention is intended to be fixed on a gas cylinder (2). A gas cylinder (2) is composed of a pressurized container (3) shaped with a convexly convex convex upper part (4) having a projecting cylindrical neck (5) in a central position. This neck (5) has a thread (6) on its lateral periphery (7). The gas cylinder (2) also comprises a tap (8) secured in a central position on the upper face of the cylindrical neck (5). This valve (8) usually comprises an opening and closing wheel (9) in the upper part and a side opening (10) for the gas outlet and the filling of the gas cylinder (2). The lateral orifice (10) extends horizontally, perpendicularly to the vertical axis of the valve body (8).

Le chapeau de protection (1) a notamment pour but de protéger ce robinet (8) afin d'éviter qu'il ne soit détérioré ou arraché en cas de chute ou de choc, et de faciliter la manutention de la bouteille à gaz (2). Le chapeau de protection (1) est fabriqué de préférence en une résine polymériqueThe protective cap (1) is intended in particular to protect this valve (8) to prevent it from being damaged or torn in the event of a fall or shock, and to facilitate the handling of the gas cylinder (2). ). The protective cap (1) is preferably made of a polymeric resin

Il comprend au moins deux pièces distinctes, à savoir une pièce inferieure de fixation (11) désignée par la suite « pièce inférieure » et une pièce supérieure de protection et de manutention (12) désignée par la suite « pièce supérieure ».It comprises at least two separate pieces, namely a lower attachment piece (11) hereinafter referred to as "lower piece" and a upper piece of protection and handling (12) hereinafter referred to as "upper piece".

La pièce inferieure (11) se présente sous la forme d'une bague de serrage (13) présentant une ouverture (14) centrale bordée par une face supérieure et une face inférieure. Cette bague de serrage (13) présente une face latérale interne (15) et une face latérale externe (33). La face latérale interne (15) présente un filetage (16) complémentaire au filetage (6) de la bouteille à gaz (2) (voir figures 2 et 3). Dans sa partie inférieure, la face latérale externe (33) présente un rebord (34) s'étendant sensiblement horizontalement vers l'extérieur. Ce rebord (34) présente lui-même une face supérieure (35), ainsi qu'une face inférieure (36) par exemple commune avec la face inférieure de la bague de serrage (13).The lower part (11) is in the form of a clamping ring (13) having a central opening (14) bordered by an upper face and a lower face. This clamping ring (13) has an inner lateral face (15) and an outer lateral face (33). The internal lateral face (15) has a thread (16) complementary to the thread (6) of the gas cylinder (2) (see FIG. Figures 2 and 3 ). In its lower part, the outer lateral face (33) has a flange (34) extending substantially horizontally outwards. This flange (34) itself has an upper face (35), and a lower face (36) for example common with the underside of the clamping ring (13).

La pièce inferieure (11) est prévue pour être vissée entièrement et de manière serrée sur le filetage (6) de la bouteille à gaz (2)The lower part (11) is designed to be screwed fully and tightly onto the thread (6) of the gas cylinder (2)

C'est par l'intermédiaire de la pièce inferieure (11) que la pièce supérieure (12) du chapeau de protection (1) est solidarisée à la bouteille à gaz (2). La pièce supérieure (12) comporte une embase (17) prévue pour être fixée sur la pièce inferieure (11) une fois celle-ci immobilisée sur le col cylindrique (5) de la bouteille à gaz (2). A cet effet, l'embase (17) présente une ouverture inférieure (18) destinée à permettre le passage du robinet (8) de la bouteille à gaz (2) et prévue pour être montée sur la pièce inferieure (11) (voir figures 4 et 5).It is through the lower part (11) that the upper part (12) of the protective cap (1) is secured to the gas cylinder (2). The upper part (12) comprises a base (17) intended to be fixed on the lower part (11) once it is immobilized on the cylindrical neck (5) of the gas cylinder (2). For this purpose, the base (17) has a lower opening (18) intended to allow the passage of the valve (8) of the gas cylinder (2) and intended to be mounted on the lower part (11) (see Figures 4 and 5 ).

L'embase (17) comprend une paroi verticale (19) agencée sur partie de sa périphérie, adoptant ainsi la forme d'une collerette de protection du robinet (8). La hauteur de la paroi verticale (19) est choisie de sorte que, lorsque la pièce supérieure (12) est montée sur la pièce inferieure (11) une fois celle-ci immobilisée la bouteille à gaz (2), l'extrémité supérieure (20) de la paroi verticale (19) dépasse le robinet (8). La hauteur (H) de la pièce supérieure (12) peut être comprise entre 90 et 102 mm. En d'autres termes, la hauteur (H) du chapeau de protection (1) est choisie de manière à être supérieure à la hauteur (h) de l'ensemble formé par le col cylindrique (5) et le robinet (8) de la bouteille à gaz (2) afin de respecter la norme ISO11117.The base (17) comprises a vertical wall (19) arranged on part of its periphery, thus adopting the shape of a protective collar of the valve (8). The height of the vertical wall (19) is chosen so that, when the upper piece (12) is mounted on the lower piece (11) once the latter has immobilized the gas bottle (2), the upper end ( 20) of the vertical wall (19) exceeds the valve (8). The height (H) of the upper piece (12) can be between 90 and 102 mm. In other words, the height (H) of the protective cap (1) is chosen to be greater than the height (h) of the assembly formed by the cylindrical neck (5) and the valve (8) of the gas cylinder (2) to comply with ISO11117.

La paroi verticale (19) étant ouverte au-dessus du robinet (8), le diamètre global de celle-ci est également choisi de manière à permettre un accès suffisant autour du robinet (8), notamment pour permettre l'encapsulage du robinet par un automate sans qu'il soit nécessaire de retirer le chapeau de protection (1).The vertical wall (19) being open above the valve (8), the overall diameter thereof is also chosen so as to allow sufficient access around the valve (8), in particular to allow the valve to be encapsulated by a PLC without having to remove the protective cap (1).

La paroi verticale (19) présente également une ouverture latérale (21), prévue notamment de manière à permettre un accès latéral suffisant à l'orifice latéral (10) du robinet (8) lorsque l'ouverture latérale (21) de la pièce supérieure (12) est positionnée en face de l'orifice latéral (10) du robinet (8). Cette ouverture latérale (21) permet qu'un automate puisse remplir la bouteille sans qu'il soit nécessaire de dévisser même partiellement la pièce supérieure (12).The vertical wall (19) also has a lateral opening (21), provided in particular so as to allow sufficient lateral access to the lateral orifice (10) of the valve (8) when the lateral opening (21) of the upper piece (12) is positioned opposite the lateral orifice (10) of the valve (8). This lateral opening (21) allows a controller can fill the bottle without the need to unscrew even partially the upper part (12).

La paroi verticale (19) comporte des moyens de préhension (22) afin de faciliter la manutention et le transport de la bouteille (2). Ces moyens de préhension (22) se présentent sous la forme d'une poignée (23) et/ou d'un rebord recourbé prévu(s) en partie supérieure de la paroi verticale (19).The vertical wall (19) comprises gripping means (22) to facilitate the handling and transport of the bottle (2). These gripping means (22) are in the form of a handle (23) and / or a curved rim provided (s) in the upper part of the vertical wall (19).

Pour permettre de positionner correctement l'ouverture latérale du chapeau et empêcher la rotation de la pièce supérieure par rapport à la pièce inférieure, les pièces supérieure (12) et inferieure (11) comportent des structures de positionnement (24a et 24b) complémentaires. Comme le montre la figure 2 notamment, la pièce inferieure (11) comporte des structures de positionnement (24a) sous la forme de nervures verticales situées sur la face externe de la bague et qui s'étendent sur le rebord horizontal (34). La pièce supérieure (12) présente des nervures complémentaires (24b) situées sur la face interne de son ouverture centrale (18) et qui s'étendent sous l'embase (17). Ces nervures (24a et 24b) complémentaires, lorsqu'elles sont mutuellement engagées, empêchent la rotation de la pièce supérieure (12) par rapport à la pièce inferieure (11).To allow correct positioning of the lateral opening of the cap and prevent the rotation of the upper part relative to the lower part, the upper parts (12) and lower (11) comprise complementary positioning structures (24a and 24b). As shown in figure 2 in particular, the lower part (11) comprises positioning structures (24a) in the form of vertical ribs located on the outer face of the ring and which extend on the horizontal flange (34). The upper piece (12) has complementary ribs (24b) located on the inner face of its central opening (18) and which extend under the base (17). These complementary ribs (24a and 24b), when mutually engaged, prevent rotation of the upper piece (12) relative to the lower piece (11).

Lorsque la pièce inferieure (11) a été immobilisée sur le col cylindrique (5) de la bouteille (2) (voir figure 9), la pièce supérieure (12) est positionnée de sorte à ce que l'ouverture latérale (21) de la pièce supérieure (12) soit située en face de l'orifice latéral (10) du robinet (8).When the lower piece (11) has been immobilized on the cylindrical neck (5) of the bottle (2) (see figure 9 ), the upper part (12) is positioned so that the lateral opening (21) of the upper part (12) is located opposite the lateral orifice (10) of the valve (8).

La fixation de la pièce supérieure (12) sur la pièce inferieure (11) peut être effectuée de plusieurs manières.Attaching the upper piece (12) to the lower piece (11) can be done in several ways.

Selon une première variante de fixation, la hauteur globale de la pièce inferieure (11) est inférieure à celle de la pièce cylindrique (5) filetée de la bouteille à gaz (2) de sorte que, lorsque la pièce inferieure (11) est vissée sur le filetage (6) de la bouteille à gaz (2), une partie de ce filetage (6) se prolonge en saillie au-dessus de la pièce inferieure (11). Une fois positionnée sur la pièce inferieure (11), la pièce supérieure (12) est immobilisée en position par le vissage d'un contre-écrou (25) (voir figures 6 et 7) sur la partie en saillie du filetage (6) situé au-dessus de la pièce inferieure (11). L'embase (17) est alors prise en sandwich entre la pièce inferieure (11) et le contre-écrou (25). En pratique, l'embase (17) présente au niveau de sa face supérieure une gorge prévue pour loger le contre-écrou (25) lorsque celui-ci est vissé sur la partie supérieure du filetage (6) du col cylindrique (5).According to a first fixing variant, the overall height of the lower part (11) is less than that of the cylindrical part (5) threaded with the gas cylinder (2) so that, when the lower part (11) is screwed on the thread (6) of the gas cylinder (2), a part of this thread (6) extends projecting above the lower part (11). Once positioned on the lower part (11), the upper part (12) is immobilized in position by the screwing of a counter-nut (25) (see FIG. Figures 6 and 7 ) on the protruding portion of the thread (6) located above the lower part (11). The base (17) is then sandwiched between the lower part (11) and the counter nut (25). In practice, the base (17) has at its upper face a groove provided to accommodate the lock nut (25) when it is screwed on the upper part of the thread (6) of the cylindrical neck (5).

La pièce inferieure (11) et le contre-écrou (25) comportent chacun des structures de préhension (respectivement 28a et 28b), par exemple sous la forme d'orifices comme cela est représenté sur les figures, prévues pour être 9 engagées par les doigts d'un outil de vissage spécial adapté afin de les visser sur le filetage (6) du col cylindrique (5) de la bouteille (2). L'utilisation d'un outil de vissage spécial adapté permet de visser fortement la pièce inferieure (11) et le contre-écrou (25) sur la bouteille à gaz (2) tout en évitant qu'un utilisateur, ne possédant pas l'outil adéquat, ne puisse les dévisser. L'utilisation d'un outil spécial pour ces vissages renforce dans ce cas le caractère irréversible de la solidarisation du chapeau (1) sur la bouteille à gaz (2) tout en garantissant un positionnement correct de l'ouverture latérale.The lower piece (11) and the counter-nut (25) each comprise gripping structures (respectively 28a and 28b), for example in the form of orifices as shown in the figures, intended to be engaged by the fingers of a special screwing tool adapted to screw on the thread (6) of the cylindrical neck (5) of the bottle (2). The use of a special screwdriver adapted tool makes it possible to strongly screw the lower part (11) and the locknut (25) on the gas cylinder (2) while avoiding that a user, not possessing the adequate tool, can not unscrew them. The use of a special tool for these screwings reinforces in this case the irreversible nature of the fastening of the cap (1) on the gas cylinder (2) while ensuring a correct positioning of the lateral opening.

Pour renforcer d'avantage encore la solidarisation des pièces supérieure et inférieure, le contre-écrou (25) comprend une couronne crantée (29a) agencée sur sa face supérieure (30) autour de son ouverture (26). Cette couronne crantée (29a) est destinée à coopérer avec une couronne crantée complémentaire (29b) prévue sur le pourtour supérieur de l'ouverture (14) de la pièce inferieure (11).To further strengthen the joining of the upper and lower parts, the locknut (25) comprises a toothed ring (29a) arranged on its upper face (30) around its opening (26). This notched crown (29a) is intended to cooperate with a complementary toothed crown (29b) provided on the upper periphery of the opening (14) of the lower part (11).

Les chocs subis par la bouteille peuvent générer des vibrations dans la partie supérieure du chapeau susceptibles de se répercuter dans la pièce inférieure. Ces vibrations peuvent entrainer un dévissage de la pièce inferieure. Afin d'éviter cet inconvénient, selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention non représenté sur les figures, l'embase de la partie supérieure du chapeau est agencée pour être en contact avec la bouteille. De la sorte, les chocs sont transmis directement sur la bouteille sans passer par la partie inférieure du chapeau. Ainsi, en cas de choc l'énergie du choc est dissipée par le chapeau de protection (1) sans que cela ne provoque un quelconque dévissage de la partie inférieure du chapeau.The shocks to the bottle can cause vibrations in the upper part of the hat that may be reflected in the lower part. These vibrations can cause unscrewing of the lower part. To avoid this drawback, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the base of the upper part of the cap is arranged to be in contact with the bottle. In this way, the shocks are transmitted directly to the bottle without passing through the lower part of the cap. Thus, in the event of shock, the energy of the shock is dissipated by the protective cap (1) without this causing any unscrewing of the lower part of the cap.

La présente demande concerne également une bouteille à gaz (2) munie d'un chapeau de protection (1) tel que décrit ci-dessus. La bouteille à gaz (2) peut contenir du GPL (butane propane ou gaz technique).The present application also relates to a gas cylinder (2) provided with a protective cap (1) as described above. The gas cylinder (2) may contain LPG (butane propane or technical gas).

La mise en place du chapeau de protection (1) selon l'invention sur une bouteille à gaz (2) s'effectue de manière simple et rapide selon trois étapes successives représentées sur les figures 8 à 11. Ces étapes peuvent être facilement automatisées.The introduction of the protective cap (1) according to the invention on a gas cylinder (2) is carried out in a simple and fast manner according to three successive steps represented on the Figures 8 to 11 . These steps can be easily automated.

Au cours d'une première étape représentée sur la figure 8, la pièce inferieure (11) est vissée sur le col cylindrique (5) fileté de la bouteille à gaz (2) en faisant passer le robinet (8) de celle-ci à travers l'ouverture (14) de la pièce inferieure (11). Au cours d'une seconde étape représentée sur la figure 9, la pièce supérieure (12) est positionnée sur la pièce inferieure (11) par l'intermédiaire des nervures (24a et 24b) complémentaires de sorte que son ouverture latérale (21) soit située en face de l'orifice latéral (10) de la bouteille à gaz (2).During a first step represented on the figure 8 , the lower part (11) is screwed onto the cylindrical neck (5) of the gas cylinder (2) by passing the valve (8) thereof through the opening (14) of the lower part ( 11). During a second step represented on the figure 9 , the upper piece (12) is positioned on the lower piece (11) via the complementary ribs (24a and 24b) so that its lateral opening (21) is situated in front of the lateral orifice (10) of the gas cylinder (2).

Enfin, au cours d'une troisième étape, la pièce supérieure (12) solidarisée à la pièce inferieure (11). Cette solidarisation peut se faire par clipsage, collage, soudage, emboutissage à force, ou tout autre moyen adapté. Comme cela est représenté sur la figure 10, cette solidarisation peut également se faire par le vissage d'un contre-écrou (25) sur le col cylindrique (5) fileté de la bouteille à gaz (2) de sorte que la pièce supérieure (12) soit immobilisée entre la pièce inferieure (11) et le contre-écrou (25).Finally, during a third step, the upper piece (12) secured to the lower piece (11). This joining can be done by clipping, gluing, welding, stamping force, or any other suitable means. As shown on the figure 10 this securing can also be done by screwing a counter-nut (25) on the cylindrical neck (5) threaded of the gas cylinder (2) so that the upper part (12) is immobilized between the lower part (11) and the lock nut (25).

Le chapeau de protection (1) est alors fixé sur une bouteille à gaz (2) (figure 11), préférentiellement de manière irréversible, avec une ouverture latérale (21) de celui-ci positionnée en face de l'orifice latéral (10) du robinet (8).The protective cap (1) is then fixed on a gas cylinder (2) ( figure 11 ), preferably irreversibly, with a lateral opening (21) thereof positioned in front of the lateral orifice (10) of the valve (8).

Lors de l'étape de remplissage d'une bouteille à gaz (2) et d'encapsulage de son robinet par un automate, l'ouverture latérale (21) permet à l'automate d'accéder au robinet (8) et à l'orifice latéral (10) sans qu'il soit nécessaire de démonter le chapeau de protection (1), tandis que l'espace libre situé autour du robinet (8) est suffisamment dégagé à l'intérieur du chapeau de protection (1) pour permettre à l'automate d'effectuer sa tâche.During the step of filling a gas cylinder (2) and encapsulating its valve by a PLC, the lateral opening (21) allows the PLC to access the valve (8) and the lateral orifice (10) without the need to disassemble the protective cap (1), while the free space around the valve (8) is sufficiently clear inside the protective cap (1) for allow the controller to perform its task.

La présente demande propose donc un chapeau de protection respectant la norme ISO11117. La forme du chapeau permet concomitamment de dégager un espace suffisant autour du robinet de la bouteille à gaz et de permettre un accès latéral suffisant à l'orifice latéral du robinet pour permettre le remplissage de la bouteille à gaz et/ou l'encapsulage de son robinet par des automates, sans qu'il soit nécessaire de démonter, ni même de dévisser partiellement le chapeau. Enfin, par le procédé et les moyens de fixation du chapeau de protection, l'invention permet de positionner l'orifice latéral du robinet de la bouteille en face d'une ouverture latérale du chapeau de protection une fois pour toute, la solidarisation du chapeau de protection sur la bouteille à gaz étant alors préférentiellement irréversible.The present application therefore proposes a protective cap complying with the ISO11117 standard. The shape of the cap simultaneously makes it possible to free up sufficient space around the valve of the gas cylinder and to allow sufficient lateral access to the lateral orifice of the valve to allow filling of the gas cylinder and / or encapsulation of its gas cylinder. faucet by automata, without the need to disassemble, or even partially unscrew the hat. Finally, by the method and the fixing means of the protective cap, the invention makes it possible to position the lateral orifice of the valve of the bottle in front of a lateral opening of the protective cap once and for all, the fastening of the cap protection on the gas cylinder then being preferentially irreversible.

Claims (9)

  1. A protective cowl (1) designed to be attached on a gas cylinder (2), said gas cylinder (2) having an upper part (4) including a cylindrical neck (5) with a thread (6) around its lateral surface (7) and whose top is equipped with a valve (8) itself provided with a lateral opening (10), said protective cowl (1) comprising an upper protective and handling component (12) comprising:
    . a seat (17) with a lower opening (18) to enable the passing of the valve (8) of the gas cylinder (2);
    . a vertical wall (19) arranged on all or part of the periphery of the seat (17);
    . at least one lateral opening (21) provided in the vertical wall (19); which further comprises:
    - a lower attachment component (11) having a thread (16) that matches the thread (6) of the cylindrical neck (5) of the gas cylinder (2) and that is intended to be screwed thereon, and characterized in that said lower component (11) comprises positioning structures (24b) in the form of vertical ribs which, in combination with the matching positioning structures (24a) in the form of vertical ribs of the upper component (12), are designed to enable the desired positioning of the lateral opening (21) relative to the lateral hole of the gas cylinder valve, while preventing the upper component (12) from rotating relative to the lower component (11) when they are mutually engaged,
    . and in that a locknut (25) having an opening (26) that comprises a thread (27) matching the thread (6) of the cylindrical neck (5) of the gas cylinder (2), this locknut (25) being designed to be screwed onto the thread (6) of the gas cylinder (2) so as to fit the seat (17) of the upper component (12) tightly around the lower component (11), the locknut (25) having a toothed ring (29a) arranged on its lower side (30) around its opening (26) and which engages with a matching toothed ring (29b) provided on the upper perimeter of the opening (14) of the lower component (11).
  2. The protective cowl (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower component (11) is in the form of a clamping ring (13) with a central opening (14) having an inner lateral side (15) provided with a thread (16) that matches the thread (6) of the gas cylinder (2) and an outer lateral side (33) as well as an upper side and a lower side.
  3. The protective cowl (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the clamping ring (13) has positioning structures (24a) located on its outer lateral side (33) while the seat (17) has positioning structures (24b) located on the internal side of its lower opening (18).
  4. The protective cowl (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the clamping ring (13) further comprises a lower flange (34), extending substantially horizontally outward.
  5. The protective cowl (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the clamping ring (34) has, on its upper side (35), positioning structures (24a) that match the positioning structures (24b) arranged on the internal surface of its lower opening (18).
  6. The protective cowl (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the seat (17) of the upper component (12) has a groove in its upper side for housing the locknut (25) when the latter is screwed onto the upper part of the thread (6) of the cylindrical neck (5) of the gas cylinder (2).
  7. The protective cowl (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower component (11) and the locknut (25) comprise gripping structures (28a and 28b) designed to be engaged by the prongs of a special screw driving tool suitable for screwing them onto the thread (6) of the cylindrical neck (5) of the gas cylinder (2).
  8. The protective cowl (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seat (17) has areas arranged on its lower side so that these areas are in abutment against the body of the cylinder, once the cowl is screwed.
  9. A gas cylinder (2) comprising the protection cowl (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8.
EP14189793.4A 2013-11-08 2014-10-21 Universal protector for gas cylinder Active EP2873908B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL14189793T PL2873908T3 (en) 2013-11-08 2014-10-21 Universal protector for gas cylinder

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1360952A FR3013101B1 (en) 2013-11-08 2013-11-08 UNIVERSAL PROTECTOR FOR GAS BOTTLE

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2873908A2 EP2873908A2 (en) 2015-05-20
EP2873908A3 EP2873908A3 (en) 2015-10-28
EP2873908B1 true EP2873908B1 (en) 2017-02-01

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ID=49998474

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14189793.4A Active EP2873908B1 (en) 2013-11-08 2014-10-21 Universal protector for gas cylinder

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EP (1) EP2873908B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2615395T3 (en)
FR (1) FR3013101B1 (en)
PL (1) PL2873908T3 (en)
PT (1) PT2873908T (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102017007162A1 (en) * 2017-07-27 2019-01-31 Messer Gaspack Gmbh Valve protection device for pressurized gas containers

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3193072B1 (en) * 2016-01-12 2017-12-13 Rovip Universal protector for gas cylinder
ES2936107T3 (en) * 2018-07-12 2023-03-14 Gasib Soc Iberica De Gas Licuado S L U A collar to be mounted on a cylinder of a gas bottle
MA43446B1 (en) * 2018-10-01 2020-07-29 Imaplast Protective valve collar for LPG cylinders
IT201900003869A1 (en) 2019-03-18 2020-09-18 Tiziano Briata Valve protection for compressed or liquefied gas cylinders, compressed or liquefied gas cylinder including such protection.
IT201900003865A1 (en) 2019-03-18 2020-09-18 Tiziano Briata Compressed or liquefied gas cylinder valve protection device, compressed or liquefied gas cylinder including such device and method of mounting.

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2791757B1 (en) * 1999-04-01 2001-06-15 Air Liquide COMPOSITE OPEN HAT FROM LARGE INDUSTRIAL AND MEDICAL GAS BOTTLES
FR2900717B1 (en) * 2006-05-03 2008-07-11 Air Liquide PROTECTIVE HAT FOR A CONTAINER AND CONTAINER PROVIDED WITH SUCH A HAT
FR2976048B1 (en) * 2011-06-01 2014-05-23 Air Liquide Medical Systems PROTECTIVE HAT FOR PRESSURE FLUID RESERVOIR TANK

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102017007162A1 (en) * 2017-07-27 2019-01-31 Messer Gaspack Gmbh Valve protection device for pressurized gas containers

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2873908A3 (en) 2015-10-28
EP2873908A2 (en) 2015-05-20
ES2615395T3 (en) 2017-06-06
FR3013101B1 (en) 2015-11-06
FR3013101A1 (en) 2015-05-15
PT2873908T (en) 2017-02-13
PL2873908T3 (en) 2017-05-31

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