EP2980468A1 - Protection device for pressurized gas containers - Google Patents

Abstract

Protective devices for pressurized gas cylinders have a protective device body, which is arranged around an inner, intended for receiving a removal valve cavity. In order to protect the sampling valves from damage when the compressed gas cylinder falls over, the protective device body, at least for heavy compressed gas cylinders, is usually made of metal and has a high degree of rigidity. According to the invention, a protective device is characterized in that the protective device body is made of plastic and has at least one plastically or elastically deformable deformation zone, which converts the kinetic energy to be absorbed into deformation energy in the event of a collision or overturning of the compressed gas container equipped with the protective device. As a result, the stability requirements required to protect the bleed valve are lower and allow the use of plastic protection devices for heavy compressed gas cylinders.

Description

The invention relates to a protective device for compressed gas cylinders, with an inner cavity for receiving a sampling valve enclosing, connectable to a mounting portion with the neck of a compressed gas cylinder protective device body having at least one recess for operating the sampling valve.

The most sensitive part of pressurized gas cylinders, which are to be understood below in particular compressed gas cylinders, gas cartridges or pressurized cans, is the removal valve, which is used for gas removal and for filling the gas cylinder. The term "sampling valve" here is the sampling valve including all optionally integrated therein fittings, such as pressure reducer, metering and needle valves, or similar. Understood. Valve guards in the form of protective covers, stirrups or caps are used to secure the sampling valve from damage in the event of a fall, which are fastened to an existing thread on the neck of the compressed gas cylinder or to a corresponding attachment section of the extraction valve. These protections have a high rigidity, so that when an external force against the protective device, for example, when overturning the bottle, the energy to be absorbed to the body of the compressed gas cylinder derived and so the sampling valve is protected from damage.

Protective devices made of metal and / or plastic, for example, in the publications DE 44 40 298 A1 . US 3 776 412 A . WO 91/04197 A1 . WO 98/23895 A1 . EP 0 725 247 B1 . EP 0 629 812 A1 . EP 0 939 875 A1 or the US 4 332 331 A1 described. By the way, valve protection devices are also legally required for compressed gas cylinders during transport and their execution requirements are standardized in ISO 11117. The execution requirements include the performance of a drop test, the existence of which is a prerequisite for a use permit.

For small compressed gas cylinders (with a volume up to 20l), the protections are inexpensively made of plastic. For compressed gas cylinders whose volume is greater than 20 l and which can have a weight of 40 kg to over 100 kg, the mechanical load on the protective device when overturning the bottle can be so high that the stability of a plastic version is insufficient to absorb the energy derive. There is then the danger that the protective device breaks and the sampling valve is damaged inadmissible. Therefore, for the protection of heavy gas cylinders so far predominantly a metallic construction chosen, which consist for example of aluminum or steel, in the latter case, welded models are available as well as castings. The disadvantage here is that the metal versions compared to the plastic caps are relatively expensive and also have a considerable weight of several kilograms, through which the handling of the gas cylinder is difficult.

In order to keep the cost of materials in metal guards as low as possible, has already been trying to increase the rigidity of the guards by appropriate means, such as reinforcing ribs, such as in the DE 44 40 298 A1 proposed.

In order to combine the ease of plastic caps with the deemed necessary for a sufficient protection of the bleed valve stiffness of metal structures, sees the subject of the EP 1 041 339 B2 to fabricate a protector of two different materials, namely an inner metal skeleton with high rigidity, around which an outer cap construction of polymer material is sprayed. However, this construction is very complicated and expensive to manufacture.

Object of the present invention is therefore to develop a low-priced protection device for compressed gas cylinders, which offers a reliable protection of the sampling valve against impact when falling of the compressed gas cylinder, especially in heavy containers.

This object is achieved in a protective device of the type mentioned above in that the protective device body is made of plastic and equipped with at least one plastically or elastically deformable deformation zone for receiving the impact energy in the event of a shock or case of compressed gas tank.

In contrast to the prior art, in which a protective device had to have the highest possible rigidity in order to direct the energy to be absorbed in the fall or shock to less sensitive parts of the compressed gas cylinder, the protective device according to the invention absorbs this energy itself in essential parts. For this purpose, the protection device is equipped with deformation zones that are plastically or elastically deformable and convert the kinetic energy supplied during impact, fall or impact into potential energy (deformation energy). The deformation zones are designed so that the fraction of the energy supplied to the protective device in a fall test in accordance with ISO 11117, which does not cause deformation of the deformation zones, is so low that the stability of a plastic construction is sufficient to dissipate this energy to the bottle body the sampling valve is exposed to excessive impact or shock. According to the invention it is therefore possible to manufacture a protective device, which is also suitable for heavy bottles with a total weight of 40 kg to over 100 kg, exclusively of plastic. After deformation, e.g. by falling, the protection device is replaced by a new one. Such falls occur only very rarely, so that the economy of the invention is not affected thereby.

The deformation zone of the protective device may be formed as a separate, rigidly connected to the protective device body deformation body or be designed in one piece with the protective device body. In the former case, deformation zone and protective device body can be manufactured independently of each other and in particular consist of different plastic materials. In the latter case, it is possible in the context of the invention, in particular, that the protective device body is formed as a whole deformable, in which case it must be ensured that it is in the Deformation of the protection device body does not come too high a force on the extraction valve.

Furthermore, a plurality of deformation zones may be provided on a protective device, which are all elastic, all plastic or partially elastic and partially plastically deformable. The deformation can also go to the destruction of the deformation zones at predetermined breaking points, which are of course designed or arranged so that when they break the sampling valve - at least with a force corresponding to the required in ISO 11117 drop tests - not unduly damaged.

In particular in the case of plastically deformable deformation zones, it is advantageous to form the deformation zone from a material having a foam-like or honeycomb-like structure. A honeycomb-like structure consisting of polymers is described, for example, in US Pat WO 2013/117838 A1 described. Due to the foam or honeycomb structure, a great deal of energy can be taken up and converted into internal energy, and the forces acting are deflected at least substantially in a direction away from the bleed valve within the protection device.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the deformation zone is formed by cavities which are arranged inside the protective device body or on the protective device body and in which there is a plastically deformable mass, for example construction foam, which absorbs the energy absorbed during the fall by its deformation.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that the deformation zone comprises a deformation body in which an outer envelope is filled with a foam-like or free-flowing or honeycomb-structured material. In this case, the covering ensures the external shape of the deformation body and the protection of the filling during normal operation.

In the case of an elastic deformation zone, the forces acting on impact or impact provide for a short-term deformation of the deformation zone, which then returns to its original shape and at least partially releases the forces to the outside environment of the compressed gas cylinder. For example, the elastic deformation zone includes spring members that extend around the protector body. A particularly advantageous elastic deformation zone is constructed in the manner of a corrugated tube or corrugated tube. Such a deformation zone has a high elasticity and a high resistance to impact by impact. A corrugated-like deformation zone is designed, for example, such that it completely or partially surrounds the extraction valve. Another advantageous embodiment provides a plurality of spring elements or corrugated hose-like deformation body, which are arranged in the circumferential direction around the discharge valve around and thereby form a cage-like structure, by which it is protected from an inadmissible impact.

A likewise preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the deformation zone comprises one or more buckling bars. In the event of a shock, a substantial portion of the energy consumed is used to bend the buckling bar or buckling bars and eventually break.

The compressed gas cylinders in which the protective device according to the invention is used are preferably containers having a filling volume of at least 20 l, preferably 50 l. In particular, these are compressed gas cylinders in which technical or medical gases, in particular oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, noble gases or welding gas mixtures or food gas mixtures are stored at a pressure of 150 bar, 200 bar or 300 bar.

• Fig. 1: eine erfindungsgemäße Schutzvorrichtung in einer ersten Ausführungsform im Querschnitt,
• Fig. 2: eine erfindungsgemäßen Schutzvorrichtung in einer zweiten Ausführungsform im Querschnitt,
• Fig. 3: eine erfindungsgemäße Schutzvorrichtung in einer dritten Ausführungsform im Querschnitt,
• Fig. 4a: eine erfindungsgemäße Schutzvorrichtung in einer dritten Ausgestaltung in einem Querschnitt längs der Linie A-A in Fig. 4b
• Fig. 4b: die Schutzvorrichtung aus Fig. 4a in einer Draufsicht aus Richtung B in Fig. 4a.

Reference to the drawings, an embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail. In schematic displays show:

• Fig. 1 FIG. 2: a protective device according to the invention in a first embodiment in cross-section, FIG.
• Fig. 2 FIG. 2: a protection device according to the invention in a second embodiment in cross-section, FIG.
• Fig. 3 FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a protection device according to the invention in a third embodiment, FIG.
• Fig. 4a a protection device according to the invention in a third embodiment in a cross section along the line AA in Fig. 4b
• Fig. 4b : the fender off Fig. 4a in a plan view from direction B in Fig. 4a ,

The protective devices 1, 2, 3, 4, each made of plastic, shown in the drawings, are each equipped with a fastening section 5 for releasably securing the respective protective device 1, 2, 3, 4 to the neck of a compressed gas cylinder, not shown here. The high rigidity fastening portion 5 has in each case an inner opening 6, which corresponds to the neck thread of a compressed gas cylinder and with which the protective device 1, 2, 3, 4, on the neck of the compressed gas cylinder, for example by screws or clamps attached. The attachment portion 5 is constructed substantially the same in all embodiments shown and is therefore designated in all drawings with the same reference numeral. The protection devices 1, 2, 3, 4 each have a protective device body 10, 11, 12, 13, which adjoins the attachment portion 5 and encloses an inner cavity 7, within which the intended use of the protection device 1, 2, 3, 4 a arranged on the neck of the compressed gas cylinder removal valve is arranged. The protective device bodies 10, 11, 12, 13 of the protective devices 1, 2, 3, 4 have deformation zones described below, the tasks of which are to act on at least part of the protective device 1, 2, 3, 4 acting upon overturning of the compressed gas cylinder To convert impact energy into deformation energy.

The protective device 1 comprises a hollow-cylindrical protective device body 10, which for the purpose of operating a in the cavity. 7 present withdrawal valve is equipped on its side opposite from the removal section 5 side with an opening 14. The outer wall 15 of the protective device body 10 is designed in the manner of a spring, the protective device body 10 thus has an alternating outer diameter in the axial direction. Due to the spring-like configuration of the outer wall 14 of the protective device body 10 is elastic, so it can respond to an external shock by an elastic deformation. The protection device body 10 thus acts as a deformation zone as a whole, by absorbing part of the impact energy and converting it into deformation energy, thereby protecting the extraction valve.

In the Fig. 2 shown protection device body 11, in which between the attachment portion 5 and an end portion 16 more, in the exemplary embodiment four, rod-shaped support elements in the longitudinal direction of the protective device body 11 extend, of which only three - the support elements 17a, 17b, 17c are shown. The support elements 17a, 17b, 17c are arranged on the attachment portion at equal angular intervals, so that between each two support elements 17a, 17b, 17c openings exist that allow access to an existing in the cavity 7 removal valve. The support elements 17a, 17b, 17c each have profiles that are shaped in the manner of a spring and thereby can be elastically deformed when a force from the radial or axial direction. The support elements 17a, 17b, 17c thus act as deformation zones, in which part of the impact energy acting on the protective device 11 in a case is absorbed and converted into deformation energy.

In the protection device body 12 of FIG Fig. 3 Protective device 3 shown adjoins the mounting portion 5, a hollow central portion 19 which has a medium to high rigidity, that is not or only slightly deformed in a drop test according to ISO 11117. The central portion 19 may be tapered as in Figure 3 shown, or even rectilinear, so have axially parallel walls. For better accessibility of a removal valve present in the cavity 7, openings (not shown here) may also be provided in the middle section 19. On its opposite from the attachment section 5 end of the central portion 19, an elastically or plastically deformable deformation body 20 is arranged. The deformation body 20 is a cylinder-shaped or hollow-cylindrical body made of a foam-like or honeycomb-like material, for example a honeycomb-structured polymer structure, as described in US Pat WO 2013/117838 A1 is described. Alternatively, the deformation body 20 may consist of an outer casing which is filled with a foam-like or free-flowing or honeycomb-structured material. In an external force acting on the deformation body 20, for example in a fall of a equipped with the protective device 3 compressed gas cylinder, at least a portion of the impact energy is absorbed and converted into deformation energy. In this case, the bed or the foam or honeycomb structure is deformed and / or partially destroyed, and reduces the forces acting on the bleed valve forces to an acceptable level.

In the embodiment of the Fig. 4a and Fig 4b the protective device body 13 of the protective device 4 does not have a rigid middle section, as in the exemplary embodiment of the protective device 3 Fig. 3 but a plastically and / or elastically deformable deformation body 21 is connected directly to the attachment portion 5. The deformation body 21 is formed as a partially cut open, open at both ends hollow body with a conical or straight longitudinal section and surrounds the cavity 7. A lateral recess 22 in the deformation body 21 is used to facilitate accessibility of a present in the cavity 7 removal valve. Similar to the deformation body 20 of the protective device 3, the deformation body 21 can also consist of a foam-like or honeycomb-structured material. Likewise, the deformation body 21 can consist of an outer casing, which is filled with a foam-like or free-flowing or honeycomb-structured material. Here, too, with an external force acting on the deformation body 21, for example in the event of a fall of a compressed gas cylinder equipped with the protection device 4, at least part of the impact energy is absorbed and converted into deformation energy by a deformation of the deformation body 21.

The protective devices 1, 2, 3, 4 are suitable for pressurized gas containers, in particular compressed gas cylinders, gas cartridges or pressurized containers of different sizes, for example with 2, 5, 10, 20 or 50 liter volumes. Due to the complete plastic design, the manufacturing costs of the protection device can be minimized; In addition, a significant weight saving is achieved compared to metallic protection devices. In addition, it allows a visually appealing design and / or color of the protective device. The protective devices 1, 2, 3, 4 are designed so that they can withstand at least the forces acting on the protective device 1, 2, 3, 4 in the fall or impact according to ISO 11117, without removing the removal valve of an inadmissibly high impact of the shock To suspend blows or falls.

Incidentally, the protective devices 1, 2, 3, 4 shown in the embodiments are not to be understood as limiting the invention to the configurations illustrated therein, but the invention is also suitable for other than the types of protective device shown. In particular, from the prior art, a plurality of protective devices with a cage, collar, bell or ring-like design are known, which can also be equipped according to the invention with plastic or elastic deformation zones according to the nature of the embodiments shown here. Furthermore, for example, a combination of an elastic deformation zone according to eg Fig. 1 with a plastic deformation zone according to eg Fig. 4a possible and should also be covered by the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1.

guard

Second

guard

Third

guard

4th

guard

5th

attachment section

6th

opening

7th

cavity

8th.

-

9th

-

10th

Protector body

11th

Protector body

12th

Protector body

13th

Protector body

14th

opening

15th

outer wall

16th

end

17a, 17b, 17c.

support element

18th

-

19th

midsection

20th

deformation body

21st

deformation body

22nd

recess

Claims (8)

Protective device for pressurized gas cylinders, comprising a protective device body (10, 11, 12, 13) which can be connected to an attachment portion (5) with the neck of a compressed gas cylinder and enclosing an internal cavity (7) for receiving a removal valve, which has at least one recess (6, 14, 22) for operating the extraction valve,
characterized,
in that the protective device body (10, 11, 12, 13) is made of plastic and equipped with at least one plastically or elastically deformable deformation zone (10, 17a, 17b, 17c, 20, 21) for absorbing the impact energy in the event of a collision or fall of the compressed gas container is. Protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the deformation zone (10, 17a, 17b, 17c, 20, 21) consists of a material with a foam-like or honeycomb-like structure. Protective device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the deformation zone (10, 17a, 17b, 17c, 20, 21) comprises a cavity arranged in the protective device body (10, 11, 12, 13), in which a plastically or elastically deformable mass is included. Protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation zone (10, 17a, 17b, 17c, 20, 21) comprises a deformation body (20) having a filled with a foam-like, free-flowing or honeycomb-structured material envelope. Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation zone (10, 17a, 17b, 17c, 20, 21) comprises elastic spring elements. Protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation zone (10, 17a, 17b, 17c) is constructed in the manner of a corrugated tube or corrugated tube. Protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformation zone (10, 17a, 17b, 17c, 20, 21) is equipped with buckling bars. Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressed gas cylinder equipped with the protective device (1, 2, 3, 4) has a filling volume of at least 20 l, preferably 50 l.

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