EP2980468B1 - Protection device for pressurized gas containers - Google Patents

Protection device for pressurized gas containers Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2980468B1
EP2980468B1 EP15174346.5A EP15174346A EP2980468B1 EP 2980468 B1 EP2980468 B1 EP 2980468B1 EP 15174346 A EP15174346 A EP 15174346A EP 2980468 B1 EP2980468 B1 EP 2980468B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
protective device
deformation
impact
pressurized gas
pressurized
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
EP15174346.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2980468A1 (en
Inventor
Alexander Kriese
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.)
Messer Gaspack GmbH
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Messer Gaspack GmbH
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Messer Gaspack GmbH filed Critical Messer Gaspack GmbH
Priority to EP20202891.6A priority Critical patent/EP3805627A1/en
Publication of EP2980468A1 publication Critical patent/EP2980468A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2980468B1 publication Critical patent/EP2980468B1/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/06—Closures, e.g. cap, breakable member
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/056—Small (<1 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/058—Size portable (<30 l)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0308—Protective caps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/011—Oxygen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/013—Carbone dioxide
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/014—Nitrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/016—Noble gases (Ar, Kr, Xe)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/036—Very high pressure (>80 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/01—Improving mechanical properties or manufacturing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/07—Applications for household use
    • F17C2270/0745—Gas bottles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a protective device for pressurized gas bottles, with a protective device body which encloses an inner cavity for receiving a withdrawal valve and can be connected to a fastening section with the neck of a pressurized gas bottle and has at least one recess for operating the withdrawal valve.
  • pressurized gas cylinders which in the following is to be understood in particular to mean pressurized gas cylinders, gas cartridges or pressurized cans, is the extraction valve, which is used to remove gas and to fill the pressurized gas cylinder.
  • extraction valve here refers to the extraction valve including all fittings that may be integrated therein, such as pressure reducers, dosing and needle valves, or the like. Understood.
  • valve protection devices in the form of protective hoods, brackets or caps are used, which are attached to an existing thread on the neck of the compressed gas cylinder or to a corresponding fastening section of the extraction valve.
  • These protective devices have a high degree of rigidity, so that in the event of an external force acting against the protective device, for example when the cylinder falls over, the energy to be absorbed is diverted to the body of the pressurized gas cylinder and the extraction valve is thus protected from damage.
  • Protective devices that are made of metal and / or plastic are for example in the publications DE 44 40 298 A1 , U.S. 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 U.S. 4,332,331 A1 described.
  • Valve protection devices are also required by law for pressurized gas cylinders during transport and their design requirements are standardized in ISO 11117.
  • the execution requirements include, among other things, the performance of a drop test, the passing of which is a prerequisite for a use permit.
  • the protective devices are made of plastic at low cost.
  • pressurized gas cylinders whose volume is greater than 20 l and which can weigh from 40 kg to over 100 kg
  • the mechanical load on the protective device when the cylinder falls over can become so high that the stability of a plastic version is not sufficient to absorb the energy derive.
  • the protective device breaks and the extraction valve is damaged in an impermissible manner.
  • a metallic construction has predominantly been chosen for the protective device of heavy pressurized gas cylinders, which for example consist of aluminum or steel, with welded models as well as cast versions being available in the latter case.
  • the disadvantage here is that the metal versions are comparatively expensive compared to the plastic caps and also have a considerable weight of several kilograms, which makes the gas bottles difficult to handle.
  • FIG EP 1 041 339 B2 proposes to manufacture a protective device from two different materials, namely from an inner metal skeleton with high rigidity, around which an outer cap construction made of polymer material is injected.
  • this construction is very complex and expensive to manufacture.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to develop an inexpensive protective device for pressurized gas cylinders which, particularly in the case of heavy containers, offers reliable protection of the extraction valve against impact when the pressurized gas cylinder falls over.
  • the protective device body is made of plastic and is equipped with at least one plastically or elastically deformable deformation zone for absorbing the impact energy in the event of an impact or if the pressurized gas container.
  • the protective device In contrast to the prior art, in which a protective device had to be as rigid as possible in order to direct the energy to be absorbed in the event of a fall or impact to less sensitive parts of the pressurized gas cylinder, the protective device according to the invention absorbs this energy to a large extent itself.
  • the protective device is equipped with deformation zones which are plastically or elastically deformable and which convert the kinetic energy supplied in the event of 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 drop test in accordance with ISO 11117 that does not cause deformation of the deformation zones is so small that the stability of a plastic construction is sufficient to transfer this energy to the bottle body without the withdrawal valve is exposed to excessive impact or shock.
  • a protective device that is also suitable for heavy bottles with a total weight of 40 kg to over 100 kg exclusively from plastic. After deformation, e.g. if you fall, the protective device is replaced by a new one. Such falls only occur very rarely, so that the economy of the invention is not impaired.
  • the deformation zone of the protective device can be designed as a separate deformation body firmly connected to the protective device body, or it can be embodied in one piece with the protective device body.
  • the deformation zone and the protective device body can be manufactured independently of one another and in particular consist of different plastic materials.
  • the protective device body is designed to be deformable as a whole, in which case it must be ensured that it is in the Deformation of the protective device body does not result in an excessive force acting on the extraction valve.
  • deformation zones can be provided on a protective device, all of which are elastic, all plastic or partially elastic and partially plastic deformable.
  • the deformation can go as far as the destruction of the deformation zones at predetermined breaking points, which are of course designed or arranged in such a way that when they break the extraction valve - at least when a force is applied in accordance with the drop tests required in ISO 11117 - is not impermissibly damaged.
  • the deformation zone In the case of plastically deformable deformation zones in particular, it is advantageous to form the deformation zone from a material with a foam-like or honeycomb-like structure.
  • a honeycomb-like structure made of polymers is used, for example, in the WO 2013/117838 A1 described. Due to the foam or honeycomb-like structure, a great deal of energy can be absorbed and converted into internal energy, and the forces acting are at least to a large extent deflected in a direction within the protective device pointing away from the extraction valve.
  • 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 in the event of its deformation.
  • a plastically deformable mass for example construction foam
  • the deformation zone comprises a deformation body in which an outer casing is filled with a foam-like or pourable or honeycomb-like material.
  • the cover ensures the external shape of the deformation body and protects the filling during normal operation.
  • the elastic deformation zone comprises spring elements which extend around the protective device body.
  • a particularly advantageous elastic deformation zone is constructed in the manner of a corrugated hose or pipe. Such a deformation zone has a high elasticity and a high resistance to impact by impact or impact.
  • a corrugated hose-like deformation zone is designed, for example, in such a way that it completely or partially encompasses the extraction valve.
  • Another advantageous embodiment provides several spring elements or corrugated hose-like deformation bodies which are arranged in the circumferential direction around the extraction valve and thereby form a cage-like structure by which it is protected from inadmissible impact.
  • the deformation zone comprises one or more buckling bars.
  • a significant part of the energy absorbed is used to bend the buckling bar or bars and ultimately to break them.
  • the pressurized gas cylinders in which the protective device according to the invention is used are preferably containers with a filling volume of at least 20 l, preferably 50 l.
  • these are pressurized 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.
  • the protective devices 1, 2, 3, 4 shown in the drawings are each equipped with a fastening section 5 for releasably attaching the respective protective device 1, 2, 3, 4 to the neck of a pressurized gas cylinder, not shown here.
  • the fastening section 5, which has high rigidity, has 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 is fastened to the neck of the compressed gas cylinder, for example by screws or clamps.
  • the fastening section 5 is constructed essentially the same in all the embodiments shown and is therefore denoted by the same reference number in all drawings.
  • the protective devices 1, 2, 3, 4 each have a protective device body 10, 11, 12, 13, which connects to the fastening section 5 and encloses an inner cavity 7, within which, when the protective device 1, 2, 3, 4 is used as intended is arranged on the neck of the compressed gas cylinder mounted extraction valve.
  • 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 reduce at least some of the effects on the protective device 1, 2, 3, 4 when the compressed gas cylinder overturns 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 device in the cavity 7 present extraction valve is equipped with an opening 14 on its side opposite from the extraction section 5.
  • 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 outer diameter which alternates in the axial direction. Due to the spring-like configuration of the outer wall 14, the protective device body 10 is elastic, that is to say it can react to an external impact by means of elastic deformation.
  • the protective device body 10 thus acts overall as a deformation zone in that it absorbs part of the impact energy and converts it into deformation energy and thereby protects the extraction valve.
  • the protective device 2 shown has a protective device body 11 in which several, in the exemplary embodiment four, rod-shaped support elements extend in the longitudinal direction of the protective device body 11 between the fastening section 5 and an end section 16, of which only three - the support elements 17a, 17b, 17c - are shown here.
  • the support elements 17a, 17b, 17c are arranged on the fastening section at regular angular intervals so that there are openings between each two support elements 17a, 17b, 17c which allow access to a removal valve in the cavity 7.
  • the support elements 17a, 17b, 17c each have profiles that are shaped like a spring and can thus be elastically deformed when a force is applied 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 the event of a fall is absorbed and converted into deformation energy.
  • the guard body 12 of in Fig. 3 The protective device 3 shown is connected to the fastening section 5 by a hollow central section 19, which has a medium to high rigidity, that is to say is not or only slightly deformed in a drop test according to ISO 11117.
  • the middle section 19 can be conical as in FIG Fig. 3 shown, or straight, so have axially parallel walls.
  • openings can also be provided in the central section 19.
  • an elastically or plastically deformable deformation body 20 is arranged in the middle section 19.
  • the deformation body 20 is a cylindrical or hollow cylinder-shaped body made of a foam-like or honeycomb-like material, for example a honeycomb-like polymer structure, as shown in FIG WO 2013/117838 A1 is described.
  • the deformation body 20 can consist of an outer envelope which is filled with a foam-like or pourable or honeycomb-like material.
  • an external force acting on the deformation body 20 for example if a compressed gas cylinder equipped with the protective device 3 falls, at least part of the impact energy is absorbed and converted into deformation energy.
  • the bed or the foam or honeycomb structure is deformed and / or partially destroyed, and the forces acting on the extraction valve are reduced to a permissible level.
  • the protective device body 13 of the protective device 4 does not have a rigid central section, as in the exemplary embodiment of the protective device 3 Fig. 3 but a plastically and / or elastically deformable deformation body 21 is directly connected to the fastening section 5.
  • the deformation body 21 is designed as a partially cut open hollow body with a conical or straight longitudinal section, open at both ends, and encloses the cavity 7.
  • a lateral recess 22 in the deformation body 21 serves to facilitate access to a dispensing valve present in the cavity 7.
  • the deformation body 21 can also consist of a foam-like or honeycomb-like material.
  • the deformation body 21 can also consist of an outer envelope which is filled with a foam-like or pourable or honeycomb-like material.
  • an external force acts on the deformation body 21, for example if a pressurized gas cylinder equipped with the protective device 4 falls, at least part of the impact energy is absorbed and converted into deformation energy by changing the shape of the deformation body 21.
  • the protective devices 1, 2, 3, 4 are suitable for pressurized gas containers, in particular pressurized gas cylinders, gas cartridges or pressurized cans of different sizes, for example with a volume of 2, 5, 10, 20 or 50 liters. Due to the complete execution of plastic, the manufacturing costs of the protective device can be minimized; In addition, a considerable weight saving is achieved compared to metallic protective devices. In addition, it enables a visually appealing design and / or coloring of the protective device.
  • the protective devices 1, 2, 3, 4 are designed in such a way that they can withstand at least the forces acting on the protective device 1, 2, 3, 4 in the event of a fall or impact in accordance with ISO 11117, without the extraction valve from an inadmissibly high impact of the impact , Blow or fall.
  • the protective devices 1, 2, 3, 4 shown in the exemplary embodiments are, moreover, not to be understood as a restriction of the invention to the designs shown there; rather, the invention is also suitable for other protective device designs than those shown.
  • a large number of protective devices with a cage, collar, bell or ring-like design are known from the prior art, which can also be equipped according to the invention with plastic or elastic deformation zones according to the type of the exemplary embodiments shown here.
  • a combination of an elastic deformation zone is also appropriate, for example Fig. 1 with a plastic deformation zone accordingly, for example Figure 4a possible and should also be covered by the present invention.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Schutzvorrichtung für Druckgasflaschen, mit einem einen inneren Hohlraum zur Aufnahme eines Entnahmeventils umschließenden, mit einem Befestigungsabschnitt mit dem Hals einer Druckgasflasche verbindbaren Schutzvorrichtungskörper, der wenigstens eine Aussparung zur Bedienung des Entnahmeventils aufweist.The invention relates to a protective device for pressurized gas bottles, with a protective device body which encloses an inner cavity for receiving a withdrawal valve and can be connected to a fastening section with the neck of a pressurized gas bottle and has at least one recess for operating the withdrawal valve.

Der empfindlichste Teil von Druckgasflaschen, worunter im Folgenden insbesondere Druckgasflaschen, Gaskartuschen oder Druckdosen verstanden werden sollen, ist das Entnahmeventil, das zur Gasentnahme und zur Befüllung der Druckgasflasche dient. Unter dem Begriff "Entnahmeventil" wird hier das Entnahmeventil einschließlich aller darin gegebenenfalls integrierter Armaturen, wie beispielsweise Druckminderer, Dosier- und Nadelventile, o.ä. verstanden. Um das Entnahmeventil vor Beschädigungen bei Stürzen zu schützen, kommen Ventilschutzvorrichtungen in Form von Schutzhauben, -bügel oder -kappen zum Einsatz, die an einem vorhandenen Gewinde am Hals der Druckgasflasche oder an einem entsprechenden Befestigungsabschnitt des Entnahmeventils befestigt werden. Diese Schutzvorrichtungen besitzen eine hohe Steifigkeit, sodass bei einer äußeren Krafteinwirkung gegen die Schutzvorrichtung, beispielsweise beim Umstürzen der Flasche, die zu absorbierende Energie zum Körper der Druckgasflasche abgeleitet und so das Entnahmeventil vor Beschädigungen geschützt wird.The most sensitive part of pressurized gas cylinders, which in the following is to be understood in particular to mean pressurized gas cylinders, gas cartridges or pressurized cans, is the extraction valve, which is used to remove gas and to fill the pressurized gas cylinder. The term "extraction valve" here refers to the extraction valve including all fittings that may be integrated therein, such as pressure reducers, dosing and needle valves, or the like. Understood. To protect the extraction valve from damage in the event of falls, valve protection devices in the form of protective hoods, brackets or caps are used, which are attached to an existing thread on the neck of the compressed gas cylinder or to a corresponding fastening section of the extraction valve. These protective devices have a high degree of rigidity, so that in the event of an external force acting against the protective device, for example when the cylinder falls over, the energy to be absorbed is diverted to the body of the pressurized gas cylinder and the extraction valve is thus protected from damage.

Schutzvorrichtungen, die aus Metall und/oder Kunststoff gefertigt werden, werden beispielsweise in den Druckschriften 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 oder der US 4 332 331 A1 beschrieben. Ventilschutzvorrichtungen sind für Druckgasflaschen während des Transports im Übrigen auch gesetzlich vorgeschrieben und ihre Ausführungsanforderungen in ISO 11117 normiert. Die Ausführungsanforderungen enthalten unter anderem die Durchführung eines Falltests, dessen Bestehen Voraussetzung einer Verwendungserlaubnis ist.Protective devices that are made of metal and / or plastic are for example in the publications DE 44 40 298 A1 , U.S. 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 U.S. 4,332,331 A1 described. Valve protection devices are also required by law for pressurized gas cylinders during transport and their design requirements are standardized in ISO 11117. The execution requirements include, among other things, the performance of a drop test, the passing of which is a prerequisite for a use permit.

Bei kleinen Druckgasflaschen (mit einem Volumen bis zu 20l) sind die Schutzvorrichtungen kostengünstig aus Kunststoff gefertigt. Bei Druckgasflaschen, deren Volumen größer als 20 l ist und die ein Gewicht von 40 kg bis über 100kg haben können, kann die mechanische Belastung auf die Schutzvorrichtung beim Umstürzen der Flasche derart hoch werden, dass die Stabilität einer Kunststoffausführung nicht ausreicht, um die aufgenommene Energie abzuleiten. Es besteht dann die Gefahr, dass die Schutzvorrichtung bricht und das Entnahmeventil unzulässig beschädigt wird. Daher wird für die Schutzvorrichtung schwerer Druckgasflaschen bislang überwiegend eine metallische Konstruktion gewählt, die beispielsweise aus Aluminium oder Stahl bestehen, wobei in letzterem Falle geschweißte Modelle ebenso wie Gussausfertigungen erhältlich sind. Nachteilig dabei ist, dass die Metallausführungen gegenüber den Kunststoffkappen vergleichsweise teuer sind und zudem ein erhebliches Gewicht von mehreren Kilogramm besitzen, durch das die Handhabbarkeit der Gasflaschen erschwert wird.In the case of small pressurized gas cylinders (with a volume of up to 20 l), the protective devices are made of plastic at low cost. In the case of pressurized gas cylinders whose volume is greater than 20 l and which can weigh from 40 kg to over 100 kg, the mechanical load on the protective device when the cylinder falls over can become so high that the stability of a plastic version is not sufficient to absorb the energy derive. There is then the risk that the protective device breaks and the extraction valve is damaged in an impermissible manner. For this reason, up to now a metallic construction has predominantly been chosen for the protective device of heavy pressurized gas cylinders, which for example consist of aluminum or steel, with welded models as well as cast versions being available in the latter case. The disadvantage here is that the metal versions are comparatively expensive compared to the plastic caps and also have a considerable weight of several kilograms, which makes the gas bottles difficult to handle.

Um den Materialaufwand bei Schutzvorrichtungen aus Metall so gering wie möglich zu halten, wurde bereits versucht, die Steifigkeit der Schutzvorrichtungen durch entsprechende Mittel, wie beispielsweise Verstärkungsrippen, zu erhöhen, wie beispielsweise in der DE 44 40 298 A1 vorgeschlagen.In order to keep the cost of material for protective devices made of metal as low as possible, attempts have already been made to increase the rigidity of the protective devices by appropriate means, such as reinforcing ribs, for example in FIG DE 44 40 298 A1 suggested.

Um die Leichtigkeit von Kunststoffkappen mit der für einen hinreichenden Schutz des Entnahmeventils als erforderlich angesehene Steifigkeit von Metallkonstruktionen zu verbinden, sieht der Gegenstand der EP 1 041 339 B2 vor, eine Schutzvorrichtung aus zwei unterschiedlichen Materialien zu fertigen, nämlich aus einem inneren Metallskelett mit hoher Steifigkeit, um das herum eine äußere Kappenkonstruktion aus Polymermaterial aufgespritzt ist. Diese Konstruktion ist jedoch sehr aufwändig und kostenintensiv in der Herstellung.In order to combine the lightness of plastic caps with the rigidity of metal structures, which is regarded as necessary for adequate protection of the extraction valve, the subject matter of FIG EP 1 041 339 B2 propose to manufacture a protective device from two different materials, namely from an inner metal skeleton with high rigidity, around which an outer cap construction made of polymer material is injected. However, this construction is very complex and expensive to manufacture.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist daher, eine preisgünstige Schutzvorrichtung für Druckgasflaschen zu entwickeln, die insbesondere bei schweren Gebinden einen zuverlässigen Schutz des Entnahmeventils gegen eine Stoßeinwirkung beim Umfallen der Druckgasflasche bietet.The object of the present invention is therefore to develop an inexpensive protective device for pressurized gas cylinders which, particularly in the case of heavy containers, offers reliable protection of the extraction valve against impact when the pressurized gas cylinder falls over.

Gelöst ist diese Aufgabe bei einer Schutzvorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art dadurch, dass der Schutzvorrichtungskörper aus Kunststoff gefertigt und mit wenigstens einer plastisch oder elastisch verformbaren Deformationszone zum Aufnehmen der Stoßenergie im Falle eines Stoßes oder Falls des Druckgasbehälters ausgerüstet ist.This object is achieved in a protective device of the type mentioned in that the protective device body is made of plastic and is equipped with at least one plastically or elastically deformable deformation zone for absorbing the impact energy in the event of an impact or if the pressurized gas container.

Im Unterschied zum Stande der Technik, bei dem eine Schutzvorrichtung eine möglichst hohe Steifigkeit aufweisen musste, um die beim Fall oder Stoß zu absorbierende Energie auf weniger empfindliche Teile der Druckgasflasche zu leiten, nimmt die erfindungsgemäße Schutzvorrichtung diese Energie zu wesentlichen Teilen selbst auf. Dazu ist die Schutzvorrichtung mit Deformationszonen ausgestattet, die plastisch oder elastisch verformbar sind und die beim Stoß, Fall oder einer Schlageinwirkung zugeführte kinetische Energie in potentielle Energie (Verformungsenergie) umwandeln. Die Deformationszonen sind so ausgelegt, dass der Bruchteil der bei einem Fallversuch gemäß ISO 11117 der Schutzvorrichtung zugeführten Energie, der nicht die Verformung der Deformationszonen bewirkt, so gering ist, dass die Stabilität einer Kunststoffkonstruktion ausreicht, um diese Energie auf den Flaschenkörper abzuleiten, ohne dass das Entnahmeventil einer zu hohen Einwirkung des Stoßes oder Schlages ausgesetzt wird. Erfindungsgemäß ist es daher möglich, eine Schutzvorrichtung, die auch für schwere Flaschen mit einem Gesamtgewicht von 40 kg bis über 100 kg geeignet ist, ausschließlich aus Kunststoff zu fertigen. Nach erfolgter Deformation, z.B. durch Sturz, wird die Schutzvorrichtung durch eine neue ersetzt. Diesbezügliche Stürze treten nur sehr selten auf, so dass die Wirtschaftlichkeit der Erfindung hierdurch nicht beeinträchtigt wird.In contrast to the prior art, in which a protective device had to be as rigid as possible in order to direct the energy to be absorbed in the event of a fall or impact to less sensitive parts of the pressurized gas cylinder, the protective device according to the invention absorbs this energy to a large extent itself. For this purpose, the protective device is equipped with deformation zones which are plastically or elastically deformable and which convert the kinetic energy supplied in the event of 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 drop test in accordance with ISO 11117 that does not cause deformation of the deformation zones is so small that the stability of a plastic construction is sufficient to transfer this energy to the bottle body without the withdrawal valve is exposed to excessive impact or shock. According to the invention it is therefore possible to manufacture a protective device that is also suitable for heavy bottles with a total weight of 40 kg to over 100 kg exclusively from plastic. After deformation, e.g. if you fall, the protective device is replaced by a new one. Such falls only occur very rarely, so that the economy of the invention is not impaired.

Die Deformationszone der Schutzvorrichtung kann dabei als ein separater, fest mit dem Schutzvorrichtungskörper verbundener Deformationskörper ausgebildet oder einstückig mit dem Schutzvorrichtungskörper ausgeführt sein. In ersteren Fall können Deformationszone und Schutzvorrichtungskörper unabhängig voneinander gefertigt werden und insbesondere aus unterschiedlichen Kunststoffmaterialien bestehen. Im letztgenannten Fall ist es ist es im Rahmen der Erfindung insbesondere möglich, dass der Schutzvorrichtungskörper als Ganzes deformierbar ausgebildet ist, wobei in diesem Falle darauf zu achten ist, dass es bei der Verformung des Schutzvorrichtungskörpers nicht zu einer zu hohen Krafteinwirkung auf das Entnahmeventil kommt.The deformation zone of the protective device can be designed as a separate deformation body firmly connected to the protective device body, or it can be embodied in one piece with the protective device body. In the former case, the deformation zone and the protective device body can be manufactured independently of one another and in particular consist of different plastic materials. In the last-mentioned case, it is in particular possible within the scope of the invention that the protective device body is designed to be deformable as a whole, in which case it must be ensured that it is in the Deformation of the protective device body does not result in an excessive force acting on the extraction valve.

Weiterhin können mehrere Deformationszonen an einer Schutzvorrichtung vorgesehen sein, die alle elastisch, alle plastisch oder teilweise elastisch und teilweise plastisch verformbar sind. Die Verformung kann dabei auch bis zur Zerstörung der Deformationszonen an vorbestimmten Sollbruchstellen gehen, die freilich so konstruiert bzw. angeordnet sind, dass bei deren Bruch das Entnahmeventil - zumindest bei einer Krafteinwirkung entsprechend den in ISO 11117 geforderten Fallversuchen - nicht unzulässig beschädigt wird.Furthermore, several deformation zones can be provided on a protective device, all of which are elastic, all plastic or partially elastic and partially plastic deformable. The deformation can go as far as the destruction of the deformation zones at predetermined breaking points, which are of course designed or arranged in such a way that when they break the extraction valve - at least when a force is applied in accordance with the drop tests required in ISO 11117 - is not impermissibly damaged.

Insbesondere bei plastisch verformbaren Deformationszonen ist es vorteilhaft, die Deformationszone aus einem Material mit einer schaumartigen oder wabenartigen Struktur zu bilden. Eine wabenartige, aus Polymeren bestehende Struktur wird beispielsweise in der WO 2013/117838 A1 beschrieben. Aufgrund der Schaum- oder wabenartige Struktur kann sehr viel Energie aufgenommen und in innere Energie umgewandelt werden, und die einwirkenden Kräfte werden zumindest zu wesentlichen Teilen in eine vom Entnahmeventil weg weisende Richtung innerhalb der Schutzvorrichtung abgelenkt.In the case of plastically deformable deformation zones in particular, it is advantageous to form the deformation zone from a material with a foam-like or honeycomb-like structure. A honeycomb-like structure made of polymers is used, for example, in the WO 2013/117838 A1 described. Due to the foam or honeycomb-like structure, a great deal of energy can be absorbed and converted into internal energy, and the forces acting are at least to a large extent deflected in a direction within the protective device pointing away from the extraction valve.

In einer anderen bevorzugte Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist die Deformationszone von Hohlräumen gebildet, die innerhalb des Schutzvorrichtungskörpers oder am Schutzvorrichtungskörper angeordnet sind und in denen eine plastisch verformbare Masse, beispielsweise Bauschaum, vorliegt, die die beim Fall aufgenommene Energie durch ihre Deformation absorbiert.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 in the event of its deformation.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Ausführungsform sieht vor, dass die Deformationszone einen Deformationskörper umfasst, bei dem eine äußere Umhüllung mit einem schaumartigen oder schüttfähigen oder wabenartig aufgebauten Material gefüllt ist. Die Umhüllung sorgt in diesem Fall für die äußere Form des Deformationskörpers sowie für den Schutz der Füllung im normalen Betrieb.Another advantageous embodiment provides that the deformation zone comprises a deformation body in which an outer casing is filled with a foam-like or pourable or honeycomb-like material. In this case, the cover ensures the external shape of the deformation body and protects the filling during normal operation.

Im Falle einer elastischen Deformationszone sorgen die bei Stoß oder Schlag einwirkenden Kräfte für eine kurzzeitige Verformung der Deformationszone, die anschließend in ihre Ausgangsform zurückkehrt und die Kräfte zumindest teilweise an die Außenumgebung der Druckgasflasche abgibt. Beispielsweise umfassen die elastische Deformationszone Federelemente, die sich um den Schutzvorrichtungskörper herum erstrecken. Eine besonders vorteilhafte elastische Deformationszone ist nach Art eines Wellschlauchs oder Wellrohrs aufgebaut. Eine solche Deformationszone besitzt eine hohe Elastizität und eine große Widerstandfähigkeit gegen eine Einwirkung durch Schlag oder Stoß. Eine wellschlauchartige Deformationszone ist beispielsweise so ausgebildet, dass sie das Entnahmeventil ganz oder teilweise umgreift. Eine andere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung sieht mehrere Federelemente oder wellschlauchartig aufgebaute Deformationskörper vor, die in Umfangsrichtung um das Entnahmeventil herum angeordnet sind und dabei eine käfigartige Struktur bilden, durch die es vor einer unzulässigen Stoßeinwirkung geschützt ist.In the case of an elastic deformation zone, the forces acting in the event of impact or impact ensure a brief deformation of the deformation zone, which then returns to its original shape and at least partially transfers the forces to the outside environment of the compressed gas cylinder. For example, the elastic deformation zone comprises spring elements which extend around the protective device body. A particularly advantageous elastic deformation zone is constructed in the manner of a corrugated hose or pipe. Such a deformation zone has a high elasticity and a high resistance to impact by impact or impact. A corrugated hose-like deformation zone is designed, for example, in such a way that it completely or partially encompasses the extraction valve. Another advantageous embodiment provides several spring elements or corrugated hose-like deformation bodies which are arranged in the circumferential direction around the extraction valve and thereby form a cage-like structure by which it is protected from inadmissible impact.

Eine ebenfalls bevorzugte Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass die Deformationszone einen oder mehrere Knickstäbe umfasst. Im Falle einer Stoßeinwirkung wird ein wesentlicher Teil der aufgenommenen Energie dafür aufgewendet, den Knickstab oder die Knickstäbe zu biegen und schließlich zu brechen.Another preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the deformation zone comprises one or more buckling bars. In the event of an impact, a significant part of the energy absorbed is used to bend the buckling bar or bars and ultimately to break them.

Bevorzugt handelt es sich bei den Druckgasflaschen, bei denen die erfindungsgemäße Schutzvorrichtung zum Einsatz kommt, um Gebinde mit einem Füllvolumen von mindestens 20l, bevorzugt von 50l. Insbesondere handelt es sich dabei um Druckgasflaschen, in denen technische oder medizinische Gase, insbesondere Sauerstoff, Stickstoff, Kohlendioxid, Edelgase oder Schweißgasgemische oder Lebensmittelgasgemische bei einem Druck von 150 bar, 200 bar oder 300 bar bevorratet werden.The pressurized gas cylinders in which the protective device according to the invention is used are preferably containers with a filling volume of at least 20 l, preferably 50 l. In particular, these are pressurized 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.

Anhand der Zeichnung soll ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung näher erläutert werden. In schematischen Anzeigen zeigen:

  • 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.
An exemplary embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with the aid of the drawing. Show in schematic displays:
  • Fig. 1 : a protective device according to the invention in a first embodiment in cross section,
  • Fig. 2 : a protective device according to the invention in a second embodiment in cross section,
  • Fig. 3 : a protective device according to the invention in a third embodiment in cross section,
  • Figure 4a : a protective device according to the invention in a third embodiment in a cross section along the line AA in FIG Figure 4b
  • Figure 4b : the protection device off Figure 4a in a plan view from direction B in Figure 4a .

Die in den Zeichnungen gezeigten, jeweils aus Kunststoff gefertigten Schutzvorrichtungen 1, 2, 3, 4 sind mit jeweils einem Befestigungsabschnitt 5 zum lösbaren Befestigen der jeweiligen Schutzvorrichtung 1, 2, 3, 4 am Hals einer hier nicht gezeigten Druckgasflasche ausgerüstet. Der eine hohe Steifigkeit aufweisende Befestigungsabschnitt 5 weist jeweils eine Innenöffnung 6 auf, die dem Halsgewinde einer Druckgasflasche entspricht und mit dem die Schutzvorrichtung 1, 2, 3, 4 auf den Hals der Druckgasflasche, etwa durch Schrauben oder Klemmen, befestigt wird. Der Befestigungsabschnitt 5 ist bei allen gezeigten Ausführungsformen im Wesentlichen gleich aufgebaut und wird daher in allen Zeichnungen mit derselben Bezugsziffer bezeichnet. Die Schutzvorrichtungen 1, 2, 3, 4 besitzen jeweils einen Schutzvorrichtungskörper 10, 11, 12 ,13, der sich an den Befestigungsabschnitt 5 anschließt und einen inneren Hohlraum 7 umschließt, innerhalb dessen beim bestimmungsgemäßen Einsatz der Schutzvorrichtung 1, 2, 3, 4 ein auf dem Hals der Druckgasflasche montiertes Entnahmeventil angeordnet ist. Die Schutzvorrichtungskörper 10, 11, 12, 13 der Schutzvorrichtungen 1, 2, 3, 4 weisen im Folgenden beschriebene Deformationszonen auf, deren Aufgaben darin bestehen, zumindest einen Teil der bei einem Umstürzen der Druckgasflasche auf die Schutzvorrichtung 1, 2, 3, 4 einwirkenden Stoßenergie in Verformungsenergie umzuwandeln.The protective devices 1, 2, 3, 4 shown in the drawings, each made of plastic, are each equipped with a fastening section 5 for releasably attaching the respective protective device 1, 2, 3, 4 to the neck of a pressurized gas cylinder, not shown here. The fastening section 5, which has high rigidity, has 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 is fastened to the neck of the compressed gas cylinder, for example by screws or clamps. The fastening section 5 is constructed essentially the same in all the embodiments shown and is therefore denoted by the same reference number in all drawings. The protective devices 1, 2, 3, 4 each have a protective device body 10, 11, 12, 13, which connects to the fastening section 5 and encloses an inner cavity 7, within which, when the protective device 1, 2, 3, 4 is used as intended is arranged on the neck of the compressed gas cylinder mounted extraction valve. 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 reduce at least some of the effects on the protective device 1, 2, 3, 4 when the compressed gas cylinder overturns To convert impact energy into deformation energy.

Die Schutzvorrichtung 1 umfasst einen hohlzylinderförmigen Schutzvorrichtungskörper 10, der zwecks Bedienung eines im Hohlraum 7 vorliegenden Entnahmeventils auf seiner vom Entnahmeabschnitt 5 entgegengesetzten Seite mit einer Öffnung 14 ausgerüstet ist. Die Außenwand 15 des Schutzvorrichtungskörpers 10 ist nach Art einer Feder ausgebildet, der Schutzvorrichtungskörper 10 besitzt also einen in axialer Richtung alternierenden Außendurchmesser. Durch die federartige Ausgestaltung der Außenwand 14 ist der Schutzvorrichtungskörper 10 elastisch, kann also auf einen äußeren Stoß durch eine elastische Verformung reagieren. Der Schutzvorrichtungskörper 10 wirkt so insgesamt als Deformationszone, indem er einen Teil der Stoßenergie aufnimmt und in Verformungsenergie umwandelt und dadurch das Entnahmeventil schützt.The protective device 1 comprises a hollow cylindrical protective device body 10 which, for the purpose of operating a device in the cavity 7 present extraction valve is equipped with an opening 14 on its side opposite from the extraction section 5. 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 outer diameter which alternates in the axial direction. Due to the spring-like configuration of the outer wall 14, the protective device body 10 is elastic, that is to say it can react to an external impact by means of elastic deformation. The protective device body 10 thus acts overall as a deformation zone in that it absorbs part of the impact energy and converts it into deformation energy and thereby protects the extraction valve.

Die in Fig. 2 gezeigte Schutzvorrichtung 2 weist einen Schutzvorrichtungskörper 11 auf, in dem sich zwischen Befestigungsabschnitt 5 und einem Endabschnitt 16 mehrere, im Ausführungsbeispiel vier, stabförmige Stützelemente in Längsrichtung des Schutzvorrichtungskörpers 11 erstrecken, von denen hier nur drei - die Stützelemente 17a, 17b, 17c gezeigt sind. Die Stützelemente 17a, 17b, 17c sind auf dem Befestigungsabschnitts in gleichmäßigen Winkelabständen angeordnet, sodass zwischen jeweils zwei Stützelementen 17a, 17b, 17c Öffnungen bestehen, die einen Zugriff auf ein im Hohlraum 7 vorliegendes Entnahmeventil erlauben. Die Stützelemente 17a, 17b, 17c weisen jeweils Profilierungen auf, die nach Art einer Feder geformt sind und sich dadurch bei einer Krafteinwirkung aus radialer oder axialer Richtung elastisch verformen lassen. Die Stützelemente 17a, 17b, 17c wirken so als Deformationszonen, in denen ein Teil der bei einem Fall auf die Schutzvorrichtung 11 einwirkenden Stoßenergie aufgenommen und in Deformationsenergie umgewandelt wird.In the Fig. 2 The protective device 2 shown has a protective device body 11 in which several, in the exemplary embodiment four, rod-shaped support elements extend in the longitudinal direction of the protective device body 11 between the fastening section 5 and an end section 16, of which only three - the support elements 17a, 17b, 17c - are shown here. The support elements 17a, 17b, 17c are arranged on the fastening section at regular angular intervals so that there are openings between each two support elements 17a, 17b, 17c which allow access to a removal valve in the cavity 7. The support elements 17a, 17b, 17c each have profiles that are shaped like a spring and can thus be elastically deformed when a force is applied 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 the event of a fall is absorbed and converted into deformation energy.

Beim Schutzvorrichtungskörper 12 der in Fig. 3 gezeigten Schutzvorrichtung 3 schließt sich an den Befestigungsabschnitt 5 ein hohler Mittelabschnitt 19 an, der eine mittlere bis hohe Steifigkeit besitzt, also bei einem Fallversuch nach ISO 11117 nicht oder nur geringfügig verformt wird. Der Mittelabschnitt 19 kann konisch verlaufend sein wie in Fig.3 gezeigt, oder auch geradlinig, also achsparallele Wände aufweisen. Zur besseren Erreichbarkeit eines im Hohlraum 7 vorliegenden Entnahmeventils können im Mittelabschnitt 19 auch hier nicht gezeigte Öffnungen vorgesehen sein. Auf seinem vom Befestigungsabschnitt 5 entgegengesetzten Ende des Mittelabschnitts 19 ist ein elastisch oder plastisch verformbarer Deformationskörper 20 angeordnet. Beim Deformationskörper 20 handelt es sich um einen zylinder- oder hohlzylinderförmigen Körper aus einem schaumartigen oder wabenartig aufgebauten Material, beispielsweise eine wabenartig aufgebaute Polymerstruktur, wie sie in der WO 2013/117838 A1 beschrieben wird. Alternativ kann der Deformationskörper 20 aus einer äußeren Umhüllung bestehen, welche mit einem schaumartigen oder schüttfähigen oder wabenartig aufgebauten Material gefüllt ist. Bei einer äußeren Krafteinwirkung auf den Deformationskörper 20, beispielsweise bei einem Sturz einer mit der Schutzvorrichtung 3 ausgerüsteten Druckgasflasche, wird zumindest ein Teil der Stoßenergie aufgenommen und in Verformungsenergie umgewandelt. Dabei wird die Schüttung oder die Schaum- oder Wabenstruktur verformt und/oder teilweise zerstört, und die auf das Entnahmeventil einwirkenden Kräfte auf ein zulässiges Maß reduziert.The guard body 12 of in Fig. 3 The protective device 3 shown is connected to the fastening section 5 by a hollow central section 19, which has a medium to high rigidity, that is to say is not or only slightly deformed in a drop test according to ISO 11117. The middle section 19 can be conical as in FIG Fig. 3 shown, or straight, so have axially parallel walls. For better accessibility of an extraction valve present in the cavity 7, openings (not shown here) can also be provided in the central section 19. On its end opposite the fastening section 5 an elastically or plastically deformable deformation body 20 is arranged in the middle section 19. The deformation body 20 is a cylindrical or hollow cylinder-shaped body made of a foam-like or honeycomb-like material, for example a honeycomb-like polymer structure, as shown in FIG WO 2013/117838 A1 is described. Alternatively, the deformation body 20 can consist of an outer envelope which is filled with a foam-like or pourable or honeycomb-like material. In the event of an external force acting on the deformation body 20, for example if a compressed gas cylinder equipped with the protective device 3 falls, at least part of the impact energy is absorbed and converted into deformation energy. The bed or the foam or honeycomb structure is deformed and / or partially destroyed, and the forces acting on the extraction valve are reduced to a permissible level.

Beim Ausführungsbeispiel nach den Fig. 4a und Fig 4b weist der Schutzvorrichtungskörper 13 der Schutzvorrichtung 4 keinen starren Mittelabschnitt auf, wie beim Ausführungsbeispiel der Schutzvorrichtung 3 nach Fig. 3, sondern ein plastisch und/oder elastisch verformbarer Deformationskörper 21 ist unmittelbar mit dem Befestigungsabschnitt 5 verbunden. Der Deformationskörper 21 ist als teilweise aufgeschnittener, an beiden Stirnseiten offener Hohlkörper mit konischem oder geradem Längsschnitt ausgebildet und umschließt den Hohlraum 7. Eine seitliche Ausnehmung 22 im Deformationskörper 21 dient der erleichterten Zugänglichkeit eines im Hohlraum 7 vorliegenden Entnahmeventils. Ähnlich wie der Deformationskörper 20 der Schutzvorrichtung 3 kann auch der Deformationskörper 21 aus einem schaum- oder wabenartig aufgebauten Material bestehen. Ebenfalls kann der Deformationskörper 21 aus einer äußeren Umhüllung bestehen, welche mit einem schaumartigen oder schüttfähigen oder wabenartig aufgebauten Material befüllt ist. Auch hier wird bei einer äußeren Krafteinwirkung auf den Deformationskörper 21, beispielsweise bei einem Sturz einer mit der Schutzvorrichtung 4 ausgerüsteten Druckgasflasche, zumindest ein Teil der Stoßenergie aufgenommen und durch eine Formänderung des Deformationskörpers 21 in Verformungsenergie umgewandelt.In the embodiment according to the Figures 4a and 4b if the protective device body 13 of the protective device 4 does not have a rigid central section, as in the exemplary embodiment of the protective device 3 Fig. 3 but a plastically and / or elastically deformable deformation body 21 is directly connected to the fastening section 5. The deformation body 21 is designed as a partially cut open hollow body with a conical or straight longitudinal section, open at both ends, and encloses the cavity 7. A lateral recess 22 in the deformation body 21 serves to facilitate access to a dispensing valve present in the cavity 7. Similar to the deformation body 20 of the protective device 3, the deformation body 21 can also consist of a foam-like or honeycomb-like material. The deformation body 21 can also consist of an outer envelope which is filled with a foam-like or pourable or honeycomb-like material. Here, too, when an external force acts on the deformation body 21, for example if a pressurized gas cylinder equipped with the protective device 4 falls, at least part of the impact energy is absorbed and converted into deformation energy by changing the shape of the deformation body 21.

Die Schutzvorrichtungen 1,2 ,3 ,4 sind für Druckgasbehälter, insbesondere Druckgasflaschen, Gaskartuschen oder Druckdosen unterschiedlicher Größe, beispielsweise mit 2, 5, 10, 20 oder 50 Liter Volumen geeignet. Durch die vollständige Ausführung aus Kunststoff können die Herstellkosten der Schutzvorrichtung minimiert werden; zudem wird gegenüber metallischen Schutzvorrichtungen eine erhebliche Gewichtseinsparung erzielt. Zudem ermöglicht sie eine optisch ansprechende Gestaltung und/oder Farbgebung der Schutzvorrichtung. Die Schutzvorrichtungen 1, 2, 3, 4 sind so konstruiert, dass sie zumindest den beim Fall oder Stoß auf die Schutzvorrichtung 1, 2, 3, 4 einwirkenden Kräften entsprechend der ISO 11117 standhalten können, ohne dabei das Entnahmeventil einer unzulässig hohen Einwirkung des Stoßes, Schlages oder Falls auszusetzen.The protective devices 1, 2, 3, 4 are suitable for pressurized gas containers, in particular pressurized gas cylinders, gas cartridges or pressurized cans of different sizes, for example with a volume of 2, 5, 10, 20 or 50 liters. Due to the complete execution of plastic, the manufacturing costs of the protective device can be minimized; In addition, a considerable weight saving is achieved compared to metallic protective devices. In addition, it enables a visually appealing design and / or coloring of the protective device. The protective devices 1, 2, 3, 4 are designed in such a way that they can withstand at least the forces acting on the protective device 1, 2, 3, 4 in the event of a fall or impact in accordance with ISO 11117, without the extraction valve from an inadmissibly high impact of the impact , Blow or fall.

Die in den Ausführungsbeispielen gezeigten Schutzvorrichtungen 1, 2, 3, 4 sind im Übrigen nicht als Beschränkung der Erfindung auf die dort dargestellten Gestaltungen zu verstehen, die Erfindung ist vielmehr auch für andere als die gezeigten Schutzvorrichtungsbauformen geeignet. Insbesondere sind aus dem Stand der Technik eine Vielzahl von Schutzvorrichtungen mit einer käfig- , kragen-, glocken- oder ringartigen Gestaltung bekannt, die nach der Art der hier gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiele ebenfalls erfindungsgemäß mit plastischen oder elastischen Deformationszonen ausgerüstet werden können. Weiterhin ist beispielsweise auch eine Kombination von einer elastischen Deformationszone entsprechend z.B. Fig. 1 mit einer plastischen Deformationszone entsprechend z.B. Fig. 4a möglich und soll gleichfalls durch die vorliegende Erfindung abgedeckt sein.The protective devices 1, 2, 3, 4 shown in the exemplary embodiments are, moreover, not to be understood as a restriction of the invention to the designs shown there; rather, the invention is also suitable for other protective device designs than those shown. In particular, a large number of protective devices with a cage, collar, bell or ring-like design are known from the prior art, which can also be equipped according to the invention with plastic or elastic deformation zones according to the type of the exemplary embodiments shown here. Furthermore, for example, a combination of an elastic deformation zone is also appropriate, for example Fig. 1 with a plastic deformation zone accordingly, for example Figure 4a possible and should also be covered by the present invention.

BezugszeichenlisteList of reference symbols

1.1.
SchutzvorrichtungProtective device
2.2.
SchutzvorrichtungProtective device
3.3.
SchutzvorrichtungProtective device
4.4th
SchutzvorrichtungProtective device
5.5.
BefestigungsabschnittFastening section
6.6th
Öffnungopening
7.7th
Hohlraumcavity
8.8th.
--
9.9.
--
10.10.
SchutzvorrichtungskörperGuard body
11.11.
SchutzvorrichtungskörperGuard body
12.12.
SchutzvorrichtungskörperGuard body
13.13th
SchutzvorrichtungskörperGuard body
14.14th
Öffnungopening
15.15th
AußenwandOuter wall
16.16.
EndabschnittEnd section
17a, 17b, 17c.17a, 17b, 17c.
StützelementSupport element
18.18th
--
19.19th
MittelabschnittMiddle section
20.20th
DeformationskörperDeformation body
21.21st
DeformationskörperDeformation body
22.22nd
AusnehmungRecess

Claims (2)

  1. Protective device for pressurized-gas bottles, having a protective device body (10, 11, 12, 13) which surrounds an inner cavity (7) for receiving an extraction valve and, with a fastening section (5), is able to be connected to the neck of a pressurized-gas bottle and has at least one cutout (6, 14, 22) for operating the extraction valve,
    wherein
    the protective device body (10, 11, 12, 13) is manufactured from plastic, and is provided with at least one elastically deformable deformation zone (10, 17a, 17b, 17c, 20, 21) for absorbing the impact energy in the event of an impact or fall of the pressurized-gas bottle,
    characterized
    in that the deformation zone (10, 17a, 17b, 17c, 20, 21) comprises elastic spring elements extending around the protective device body and is constructed in the manner of a corrugated hose or corrugated tube.
  2. Use of a protective device according to Claim 1 for equipping a pressurized-gas bottle having a filling volume of at least 20 1, preferably of 50 1.
EP15174346.5A 2014-07-29 2015-06-29 Protection device for pressurized gas containers Active EP2980468B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20202891.6A EP3805627A1 (en) 2014-07-29 2015-06-29 Protection device for pressurized gas containers

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102014011214.4A DE102014011214A1 (en) 2014-07-29 2014-07-29 Protective device for pressurized gas containers

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20202891.6A Division EP3805627A1 (en) 2014-07-29 2015-06-29 Protection device for pressurized gas containers

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2980468A1 EP2980468A1 (en) 2016-02-03
EP2980468B1 true EP2980468B1 (en) 2020-10-28

Family

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EP15174346.5A Active EP2980468B1 (en) 2014-07-29 2015-06-29 Protection device for pressurized gas containers
EP20202891.6A Withdrawn EP3805627A1 (en) 2014-07-29 2015-06-29 Protection device for pressurized gas containers

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20202891.6A Withdrawn EP3805627A1 (en) 2014-07-29 2015-06-29 Protection device for pressurized gas containers

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (2) EP2980468B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102014011214A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2841140T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3092383B1 (en) * 2019-02-06 2021-01-01 Air Liquide Protective cap and pressurized fluid bottle assembly (s) comprising such a cap.
CN111412386A (en) * 2020-05-08 2020-07-14 长春致远新能源装备股份有限公司 L NG air supply system gas cylinder is with new material guard circle structure and with gas cylinder connection structure

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3776412A (en) 1972-09-27 1973-12-04 Luxfer Usa Ltd Gas cylinder structure and valve-protecting element therefor
US4332331A (en) 1980-06-03 1982-06-01 Fawley Norman Rotatable valve protector for compressed gas cylinder
US5004117A (en) 1989-09-25 1991-04-02 Sakae Kitsuda Safety cylinder cap
US4944424A (en) * 1990-01-09 1990-07-31 Wood Jr Theodore N Safety cap assembly
FR2661970B1 (en) * 1990-05-09 1992-07-24 Air Liquide PROTECTIVE STRUCTURE OF A TOXIC GAS CONTAINER TAP.
FR2706016B1 (en) 1993-06-03 1995-07-28 France Prod Oxygenes Co Gas bottle cap.
DE4440298C2 (en) 1994-11-11 1997-05-07 Andreas Vetter Gas bottle with valve protection collar
DE19648440C1 (en) 1996-11-22 1998-03-26 Messer Griesheim Gmbh Cap for bottle containing compressed gas
US5845809A (en) * 1997-06-27 1998-12-08 Garrett; James Kelly Protective cover for a compressed gas bottle
FR2791757B1 (en) 1999-04-01 2001-06-15 Air Liquide COMPOSITE OPEN HAT FROM LARGE INDUSTRIAL AND MEDICAL GAS BOTTLES
DE10058632B4 (en) * 2000-11-25 2006-08-03 Air Liquide Deutschland Gmbh Foamed protection system for pressurized gas containers
GB0522048D0 (en) * 2005-10-28 2005-12-07 Boc Group Plc Valve guard assembly
FR2986458B1 (en) 2012-02-06 2014-02-21 Plasticell METHOD AND INSTALLATION FOR MANUFACTURING AN ALVEOLAR STRUCTURE OF HONEYCOMB
FR2989759B1 (en) * 2012-04-19 2015-01-30 Air Liquide PROTECTIVE HAT FOR PRESSURIZED FLUID BOTTLE VALVE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
ES2561894T3 (en) * 2013-08-06 2016-03-01 Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. Protection structure for a gas bottle and valve arrangement

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Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE102014011214A1 (en) 2016-02-04
EP3805627A1 (en) 2021-04-14
EP2980468A1 (en) 2016-02-03
ES2841140T3 (en) 2021-07-07

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