EP3463682A1

EP3463682A1 - Liquid container end piece intended to be fitted on a tank end piece

Info

Publication number: EP3463682A1
Application number: EP17725600.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: François Martin; Laurent SIBUE; Agnès ROBIN; Jean Christophe MONIN; François BURON; Damien RAGONNEAU
Original assignee: Total Marketing Services SA
Current assignee: TotalEnergies Onetech SAS
Priority date: 2016-05-25
Filing date: 2017-05-24
Publication date: 2019-04-10
Also published as: BR112018074181A2; CL2018003355A1; FR3051776B1; US20190300359A1; MX2018014383A; FR3051776A1; WO2017202958A1

Abstract

The container end piece (1) comprises: - an inlet (14), - an outlet (16), - a closure device (28) that is movable between a closed position and an open position, - a device for connecting the container end piece (1) to the tank end piece (2). The connecting device comprises: - a clamping device (54) that is movable between a spaced-apart position, in which the container end piece (1) can be inserted around the tank end piece (2), and a clamped position, in which the clamping device (54) engages with the tank end piece (2), - a control device (56) that is actuable between a retracted position and an active position in which the control device (56) exerts a clamping force on the clamping device (54) in its clamped position.

Description

Liquid container tip for fitting on a reservoir tip

The present invention relates to a liquid container tip, of the type adapted to fit on a liquid reservoir tip for sealingly transferring liquid from the container to the reservoir, said container tip comprising:

an inlet intended to be sealingly connected to the liquid container,

an outlet intended to be sealingly connected to the tank nozzle, said outlet being in fluid communication with the inlet,

a closing device movable between a closed position, in which the closure device prevents the flow of liquid through the outlet, and an open position, in which the closing device allows the flow of liquid through the exit,

- A device for sealing connection of the container tip on the tank tip for cooperating sealingly and removably with the reservoir tip.

The invention also relates to a connection assembly of a liquid container and a liquid reservoir, comprising such a container tip and a liquid container comprising such a container tip.

For the transfer of certain liquids between a container containing this liquid and a reservoir to be filled with this liquid, it may be necessary to ensure a tight connection between the container and the reservoir in order to prevent any leakage of liquid outside the reservoir at transfer course. This is particularly the case for toxic or dangerous liquids, liquids that should not be exposed to air or the environment in order to avoid the risk of pollution of liquids by this medium or pollution of the environment by these substances. liquids, liquids producing unpleasant fumes or more simply when the transfer of liquid must be at a pressure other than atmospheric pressure or to ensure a lossless transfer of liquid and / or simply, quickly and / or ergonomically.

In addition, this waterproof connection must generally be provided to avoid unintentional disconnection, which could lead to liquid leakage.

To ensure a tight transfer, there is provided a container tip connected to the container and adapted to cooperate with the nozzle of the tank so as to provide a sealed connection between the internal volume of the container and the internal volume of the tank. For this purpose, the container tip is generally screwed onto a thread provided on the outer wall of the nozzle of the tank. This connection is particularly robust and waterproof.

However, the operation of screwing the container tip on the tank tip is a tedious operation and can be complicated if the tank tip is difficult to access. In addition, the sizing of the thread of the container tip must be adapted to that of the tank tip. Thus, the container tip can not be used with any type of tank tip.

AU 646 972 B2 discloses a liquid pipe tip of the aforementioned type, wherein the connecting device comprises locking balls and an actuating slider.

The holding in the connected position is done by the cooperation of the connection device with complementary receiving means provided on the pipe end.

One of the aims of the invention is to overcome these disadvantages by providing a reservoir tip that can be connected simply, quickly and / or ergonomically sealingly and securely on a container tip.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a container tip of the aforementioned type, comprising:

a clamping device around the reservoir tip movable between a spaced apart position, in which the container tip can be inserted around an outer wall of the tank tip, and a clamped position, in which the device clamping engagement sealingly with the outer wall of the reservoir tip,

a control device operable between a retracted position, in which the control device does not cooperate with the clamping device, and an active position, in which the control device exerts a clamping force on the clamping device in its position. the displacement of the control device from the retracted position to the active position causing the clamping device to move from the remote position to the clamped position.

The container tip according to the invention can be fixed on a tank tip simply by fitting the container tip onto the tank tip and actuating the control device in order to move the clamping device from the discarded position. in the tight position. This movement of fitting and actuation can be done through a single translational movement and therefore does not require to perform a rotation of the container tip as is the case when the container tip is screwed on the tank tip. Thus, the connection operation is faster and simplified. This connection can in particular be carried out with one hand. In addition, the connection does not require positioning the container tip in a particular orientation with respect to the tank tip. In addition, the container tip can be attached to a smooth portion of the reservoir tip. It is thus not necessary to provide a particular adaptation of the container tip to the tank tip. In the pipe end described in AU 646 972 B2, the actuating slide moves the locking balls into a receiving groove provided on the pipe end but does not exert a clamping force on these balls to maintain them. in the throat. This difference allows the tip according to the present invention to cooperate effectively with a reservoir tip having a smooth outer wall and not including specific receiving means.

According to other characteristics of the container tip according to the invention, taken separately or in any technically possible combination:

- The outlet extends along a flow axis, the displacement of the clamping device between the spaced position and the clamped position being in a radial direction, substantially perpendicular to the direction of the flow axis;

the control device moves in translation along the axis of flow between the retracted position and the active position;

the control device is connected to the closure device, the control device being furthermore operable in a flow position beyond the active position with respect to the retracted position, the displacement of the control device in the position of flow causing the closing device to move from the closed position to the open position;

the control device comprises a device for locking the control device in the flow position, the locking device being movable between an unlocked position when the control device moves between the retracted position and the flow position, and a locked position when the control device reaches the flow position, the locking device being arranged to hold the control device in the flow position when in the lock position:

the clamping device comprises at least two clamping arms, preferably opposed, spaced apart from one another in the spaced apart position and brought together in the clamped position, each clamping arm comprising a surface internally adapted to be in sealing contact with the outer wall of the reservoir tip in the clamped position, and an outer surface on which the control device slides by moving from the retracted position to the active position so as to bring the arms together clamping each other during this movement;

the container tip comprises a wall extending between the inlet and the outlet and defining a portion of a volume of flow of the liquid, the closure device comprising a movable body provided with a closure body, the movable body being movable with respect to said wall between the closed position in which the shutter body is in sealed contact with the wall and the open position, wherein the closure body is clear of the wall so that liquid can flow through the outlet;

the container tip comprises an air duct extending through the flow volume and insulated from it, said duct comprising at least one air inlet integral with the closure body so that the the air inlet is closed in the closed position of the closing device and is in communication with the outside in the open position of the closing device;

the container endpiece further comprises a locking device, movable between a locking position, in which the locking device prevents the closure device from moving from the closed position to the open position, and an unlocking position, in which the closure device can move between the open and closed positions;

- The locking device comprises a plug fixed on a wall of the container tip and preventing movement of the closure device in the locking position and separated from said wall in the unlocking position; and

- The locking device comprises at least one locking tab, said locking tab being movable between a locking position, in which it interferes with the closure device and prevents its movement, and an unlocking position, in which the tab of blocking does not interfere with the closure device and allows its movement, the displacement of the locking tab from the locking position to the unlocking position being done by the introduction of the container tip on the tank tip .

The invention also relates to a connection assembly of a liquid container to a liquid reservoir, comprising a container tip as described above and a reservoir tip comprising an outer wall of which at least one section is substantially smooth, the container tip being sealingly attached to the reservoir tip by the cooperation of the clamping device with the smooth section of the outer wall when said clamping device is in the clamped position.

The invention also relates to a liquid container defining an internal volume adapted to contain a liquid and comprising an outlet opening through which the liquid can flow out of the internal volume, said container comprising a container tip as described above whose inlet is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the container through the outlet opening.

According to another feature, the liquid container comprises a neck defining the outlet opening, the container tip being fixed directly on said neck or being connected to said neck via a flexible pipe. Other aspects and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description which follows, given by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a connection assembly comprising a container tip according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation in section along the axis II-II of the connection assembly of FIG. 1, the clamping device being in a spaced position;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation in section along the line III-III of the connection assembly of FIG. 1, the clamping device being in a spaced position, - FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional representation of the connection assembly of FIG. 2, the clamping device being in a tight position and the closing device being in the open position;

FIG. A diagrammatic sectional representation of the connection assembly of FIG. 3, the clamping device being in the tightened position and the closing device being in the open position;

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional representation of a flexible hose that can be used with the container tip of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional representation of a container tip comprising a blocking device in the locked position according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation in section of a container tip comprising a blocking device in the locked position according to another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional representation of the container tip of FIG. 8, the locking device being in the unlocking position and the closing device being in the open position.

In the description, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are defined with respect to the flow direction of the liquid from a container to a reservoir along a flow axis.

The term "radial" is defined in a direction or a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of flow. The term "outside" is defined by what extends outside the volume defined by the container tip.

With reference to FIG. 1, a connection assembly from a container to a tank is described. By container and reservoir (not shown) is meant any type of liquid container defining an internal volume adapted to contain a liquid and comprising a liquid flow opening in fluid communication with the internal volume.

More particularly, the invention relates to a connection assembly allowing transfer a liquid from the container to the reservoir. Thus, the container is for example formed by a container of any capacity, and the reservoir is for example formed by a vehicle tank. The invention is particularly suitable for transferring an aqueous urea solution from a can to a motor vehicle tank. However, the container could also be formed by the tank of a pump or the like and the tank could be formed by another can or the like.

The connection assembly includes a container tip 1 for attachment to the container so as to be in fluid communication with the liquid flow opening of the container, and a reservoir tip 2 for attachment to the reservoir. so as to be in fluid communication with the flow opening of the reservoir liquid.

The reservoir tip 2 is, for example, integral with the reservoir and comprises an inner wall 4, forming a liquid flow channel in fluid communication with the flow opening, and an outer wall 6, forming a receiving surface of the container tip 1 or a closure cap. The inner wall 4 and the outer wall 6 are for example formed by cylinders of coaxial revolution and extending along a flow axis A. The outer wall 6 comprises for example a thread 8 intended to allow the attachment of a plug (not shown) The outer wall 6 further comprises a smooth section 10 extending between the thread 8 and the free end 12 of the reservoir nozzle 2. By smooth section 10 is meant that the outer wall 6 is of substantially constant diameter in the smooth section 10. For example, the length of the smooth section 10, measured along the flow axis A, is between 5 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 6 mm and 9 mm and more preferably between 7 mm and 8 mm. In a particular example, the length of the smooth section 10 measured along the flow axis A is 7.8 mm.

The container tip 1 is intended to be connected to the flow opening of the container. Advantageously, the container tip is not integral with the container but is fixed thereon so that it can be removed. According to an embodiment suitable for small capacity containers, the container tip 1 is for example screwed on the flow opening. Alternatively, for example for larger containers, the container tip 1 is connected to a hose 13 itself connected to the liquid flow opening, as shown in Figs. 1 and 7 for example. The container tip 1 is adapted accordingly, for example by being provided with a thread for screwing on a container or comprising a mouthpiece for receiving the flexible hose sealingly.

As shown in Figs. 2 to 9, the container end includes an inlet

14 and an output 16 in fluid communication with the input 14. The input 14 is in fluidic communication with the flow outlet of the container so that the liquid contained in the container can flow to the outlet 16 through the inlet 14. In the case of a connection of the container tip 1 with a hose 13, the inlet 14 is connected to a liquid flow line 17 provided in the hose 13, as shown in Figs. 7 to 9. The inlet 14 and the outlet 16 are connected to each other by a flow volume 18 sealed, that is to say that a liquid disposed in the flow volume can not out only through the inlet 14 or the outlet 16. When the container tip 1 is connected to the reservoir tip 2 as will be described later, the flow volume 18, the inlet 14 and the outlet 16 extend substantially along the flow axis A.

The container tip 1 comprises a fixed body 20 comprising a wall 22. In the vicinity of the outlet 16, the flow volume 18 is delimited by the downstream portion 24 of the wall 22 of the fixed body whose outer diameter is less than or equal to the diameter of the inner wall 4 of the reservoir tip so that the downstream portion 24 of the wall 22 can be introduced into the reservoir tip 2, as shown in Figs. 2 to 9. Advantageously, the downstream portion of the wall 22 is substantially complementary to the inner wall 4 of the tank nozzle 2 so that the flow volume 18 is as large as possible in the vicinity of the outlet 16, which is defined by the orifice extending at the downstream end of the downstream portion 24 of the wall 22.

Upstream of the downstream portion 24, the diameter of the wall 22 is enlarged so that the fixed body 20 can accommodate the movable body 26 of a closure device 28 for controlling the flow of liquid through the outlet 16. The wall 30 of the movable body 26 of the closing device 28 defines the flow volume 18 upstream of the downstream portion 24 of the wall 22 of the fixed body 20. The inlet 14 of the container end 1 is defined through the orifice extending at the upstream end of the wall 30 of the movable body 26. The downstream end of the wall 30 of the movable body 26 is in fluid communication with the upstream end of the downstream portion 24 of the wall 22 of the fixed body 20 so as to ensure the continuity of the flow volume 18. The outer surface of the wall 30 of the movable body 26 is in sealing contact with the inner surface of the downstream portion 24 of the wall 22 of the fixed body 20 in the vicinity of the downstream end of the wall 30 of the movable body 26 and the ex upstream end of the downstream portion 24 of the wall 22 of the fixed body 20 so as to seal the flow volume 18. To do this, the outer diameter of the wall 30 of the movable body 26 is substantially equal to the inside diameter the downstream portion 24 of the wall 22 of the fixed body 20, at least in the vicinity of the downstream end of the wall 30 of the movable body 26. In addition, the seal is for example provided by an annular seal 32 extending between the wall 30 of the movable body 26 and the downstream portion 24 of the wall 22 of the fixed body 20. The closure device 28 further comprises a closure body 34 connected to the wall 30 of the movable body 26 by at least one arm 36 extending between the closure body 34 and the downstream end of the wall 30 of the body mobile 26, as shown in Figs. 3, 5 and 7. According to the embodiment shown in these figures, two arms 36 connect the closure body 34 to the wall 30 of the movable body 26. These arms 36 are sized to limit the disruption of the flow of liquid in the flow volume 18. The closure body 34 is substantially complementary to the downstream portion 24 of the wall 22 of the fixed body 20 so that the closure body 34 can close the downstream portion 24 and prevent the flow through the outlet 16, as shown in Figs. 2, 3, 7 and 8. For this purpose, the closure body 34 has an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the downstream portion 24 of the wall 22 of the fixed body 20. In addition, an annular seal 38 is extends for example around the closure body 34 to ensure a sealing contact between the closure body 34 and the downstream portion 24 in the closed position of the closure device 28, as will now be described.

The movable body 26 is movable relative to the fixed body 20 between a closed position (Figs 2, 3, 7 and 8) and an open position (Figs 4, 5 and 9). In the closed position, the position of the movable body 26 is such that the closure body 34 extends in the downstream portion 24 of the wall 22 of the fixed body 20 and is in sealing contact with the latter in the vicinity of the outlet 16 so that the flow of the liquid through the outlet 16 is not possible. In the open position, the movable body 26 is moved in the downstream direction along the flow axis A so that the closure body 34 is moved out of the downstream portion 24 of the wall 22 of the fixed body 20, which releases the flow of liquid through the outlet 16. Thus, the closure device 28 is movable in translation along the flow axis A between the closed position and the open position relative to the fixed body 20.

According to an embodiment shown in the figures, a constraint element

40 constrains the movable body 26 to the closed position. The constraint element 40, for example a helical spring, is for example arranged around the wall 30 of the movable body 26 and bears against a radial bearing surface 42 of the fixed body 20 on the one hand and against a surface radial support 44 extending radially projecting from the wall 30 of the movable body 26 on the other hand. The constraint element 40 is compressed when the movable body 26 is in the open position so as to exert a restoring force towards the closed position on the movable body 26.

The actuation of the closing device 28 between the closed position and the open position will be described later.

An air line 46 extends through the flow volume 18 along the flow axis A. The flow line 46 comprises at least one inlet 48. integral with the closure body 34 and an outlet 50 intended to be connected to a ventilation pipe 49 provided in the container or in the flexible pipe 13. The inlet 48 is movable with the closure body 34 between the closed position , in which the inlet 48 is closed by the downstream portion 24 of the wall 22 of the fixed body 20, and the open position, in which the inlet 48 is moved out of the downstream portion 24 so as to be in fluid communication with the internal volume of the tank. In a known manner, the ventilation duct 46 makes it possible to put in fluidic communication the volume of air contained in the reservoir before filling it with a volume of air extending above the level of liquid in the container in order to favor the flow of liquid between the container and the reservoir. In addition, the air inlet 48 serves as an anti-overflow device by stopping or slowing the flow of liquid when the inlet 48 is immersed in the liquid in the tank. The vent pipe 46 is isolated from the flow volume 18 so that the liquid does not enter this pipe.

According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the ventilation duct 46 comprises two opposite inlets 48 so that the ventilation duct 46 has a T shape at its downstream end. Such an arrangement improves the circulation of air in the aeration pipe 46. More particularly, the fact of providing two inlets 48 makes it possible to ensure a gaseous exchange between the tank and the container whatever the connection angle of the tank. the container tip on the tank tip.

According to an embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and 5, the ventilation pipe

46 extends substantially in the center of the flow volume 18 of the downstream portion 24 of the fixed body 20 to a zone adjacent to the inlet 14. In this zone, the ventilation duct 46 forms a bend 52 so that extend against the wall 30 of the movable body 26 to the inlet 14. Such an embodiment makes it possible to connect the ventilation duct 46 to an air duct 49 provided in the flexible pipe 13 coextruded with the flexible pipe 13, as shown in FIG. 6. According to this embodiment, the flexible pipe 13 comprises an inner wall 51 separating the liquid flow channel 17 and the aeration pipe 49, this inner wall 51 being able to be made in one piece with the rest of the flexible pipe 13 by extrusion. Thus, the realization of the flexible pipe is simplified because it does not require the realization of a flexible pipe and a separate aeration pipe and then the introduction of the air pipe into the flexible pipe, as it is the case in the embodiment shown in Figs. 8 and 9, in which the ventilation duct is provided in the center of the flexible pipe 13.

The container tip 1 further comprises a clamping device 54, for sealingly attaching the container tip 1 to the tank tip 2 and a control device 56 of the clamping device 54. When the container tip 1 is fixed on the tank nozzle 2, the clamping device 54 is arranged to cooperate sealingly with the smooth portion 10 of the outer wall 6 of the tank nozzle 2 to ensure a sealed connection between the container tip 1 and the tank tip 2.

The clamping device 54 extends around the fixed body 20 upstream of the downstream portion 24 of the fixed body 20 in the vicinity of the upstream end of the downstream portion 24. The clamping device 24 comprises at least two clamping arms 58 preferably opposed, movable between a spaced position (Figs 2, 3 and 7) and a clamped position (Figs 4 and 5).

In the spaced apart position, the distance between the clamping arms 58 and the outer surface of the wall 22 of the fixed body 20 is such that the free end 12 and at least a portion of the smooth section 10 of the reservoir tip 2 can be introduced between the clamping arms 58 and the outer surface of the wall of the fixed body 20. In the clamped position, the clamping arms 58 are brought closer to each other so as to bear at least one point against the smooth section 10 and to exert a clamping force on the smooth section 10. The movement between the spaced position and the clamped position is a radial movement so that the clamping force is exerted in the radial direction. Such a clamping force makes it possible to ensure a robust and leakproof attachment between the container tip 1 and the reservoir tip 2.

The clamping arms 58 have a substantially flared shape from upstream to downstream, that is to say that the upstream end of each clamping arm 58 is closer to the wall 22 of the fixed body 20 than the the downstream end of the clamping arm 58. The movement between the spaced apart position and the clamped position is by bringing the downstream ends of the clamping arms 58 of the outer wall 6 of the tank end-piece 2 closer together, i.e. say by bringing the downstream ends of the clamping arms 58 closer to each other in a radial direction.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each clamping arm 58 comprises an outer portion 60 integral with the wall 22 of the fixed body 20 and an inner portion 62 formed of a resilient material, for example of the elastomer type. The inner portion 62 is applied against the outer portion 60 and is disposed between the outer portion 60 and the wall 22 of the fixed body 20. Thus, the inner portion 62 forms the inner surface of the clamping arm 58 which is applied against the smooth portion 10 of the outer wall 6 of the reservoir nozzle 2. Such an embodiment makes it possible to ensure a tight contact between the clamping device 54 and the reservoir nozzle 2 in the tight position. In addition, the inner portion 62 is arranged to bear on the free end 12 of the reservoir tip to ensure a complete seal between the container end 1 and the reservoir tip 2. The internal portion 62 is for example arranged to provide an annular sealing contact on the whole of the free end 12 of the reservoir tip 2.

The outer portion 60, in turn, forms the outer surface of the clamping arm 58 which is intended to cooperate with the control device 56 to move the clamping device 54 between the spaced position and the clamped position, as will be described later. .

Each clamping arm 58 is arranged such that it is in a spaced-apart position when no stress is exerted on the clamping arm 58. Thus, each clamping arm is substantially elastic in the radial direction.

As a variant, the clamping device 54 could comprise more than two opposite arms, for example four arms distributed around the fixed body 20. According to another variant, the clamping device 54 is formed by a flared skirt from upstream to downstream extending continuously around the fixed body 20. Such an embodiment provides a continuous annular contact between the clamping device 54 and the smooth section 10 in the clamped position. This results in a more robust clamping and improved sealing.

The control device 56 is arranged to move the clamping device 54 between the spaced apart position and the clamped position and to exert a clamping force on the clamp 54 in the clamped position. To do this, the control device 56 is movable between a retracted position (Figs 2, 3 and 7), in which the control device 56 exerts no force on the clamping device 54, and an active position ( Figs 4 and 5), wherein the controller 56 has moved the clamp 54 into the clamped position and exerts a clamping force on the clamp 54.

For this purpose, the control device 56 comprises a sleeve 64, or slider 64, disposed around the fixed body 20 and movable in translation along the flow axis A relative to the fixed body 20 between a retracted position in which the sleeve 64 is moved away from the clamping device 54 and an active position in which the sleeve 64 exerts a radial pressing force on the clamping device 54 to place and hold it in the clamped position.

More particularly, the sleeve 64 comprises an inner surface 66 adapted to cooperate with the outer surface formed by the outer portion 60 of the clamping arms 58 to radially move the clamping arms 58 to the clamped position when the sleeve 64 slides downstream in the direction of the flow axis A. Thus, the translational movement in the direction of the flow axis A of the sleeve 64 between the retracted position and the active position is transformed into radial movement of the clamping arms between the spaced apart position and the clamped position. The sleeve 64 is for example provided with actuating surfaces 68 on its outer wall, allowing the user to actuate the control device 56 between the retracted position and the active position. The actuating surfaces 68 form for example ears on the outer surface of the sleeve 64 and allow the user to grasp the sleeve to move it in the upstream-downstream direction or in the downstream-upstream direction by positioning his fingers from and other of the sleeve 64 for grasping the ears formed by the actuating surfaces 68.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the control device

56 also makes it possible to actuate the closing device 28 between the closed and open positions. To do this, the closure device 28 comprises at least one connecting element 70 connecting the movable body 26 to the sleeve 64 through an opening 72 formed in the wall 22 of the fixed body 20, as shown in Figs. 3, 5 and 7 to 9.

The connecting member 70 is formed by bearing surfaces respectively provided on the movable body 26 and on the sleeve 64 arranged to come into contact with one another when the sleeve 64 is moved so that the contact surface provided on the sleeve 64 presses on the contact surface provided on the movable body 26 to move the movable body 26 between the closed position (Figures 3 and 8) and the open position (Figures 5 and 9). According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and 5, the contact surface of the sleeve 64 is formed by two contact arms 74 projecting radially from the inner surface 66 of the sleeve 64 and the contact surface of the movable body is formed by two contact arms 76 extending radially outwardly from the outer surface of the wall 30 of the movable body 26 facing the contact arms 74 of the sleeve 64. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the contact surfaces are formed between two pins 78 extending radially from the outer surface of the wall 30 of the movable body 26 and grooves provided in the sleeve 64 and in which the pins 78 are introduced.

According to this embodiment, the control device 56 is movable to a flow position (Figures 3, 5 and 9) so as to move the closure device 28 into the open position. In other words, the displacement of the control device 56 to the flow position causes the closure device 28 to move to the open position. The flow position extends beyond the active position relative to the retracted position, that is to say that in the upstream-downstream direction, the control device 56 is successively movable between the retracted position, the active position and the flow position. In the retracted position, the control device 56 does not interact with the clamping device 54 or with the closing device 28. In the active position, the control device 56 only interacts with the clamping device 54, to place it and hold it in a tight position . In the flow position, the controller 56 interacts with the clamp 54, to maintain it in a tight position, and with the closure 28 to move it to the open position. This means that the container tip 1 is arranged such that the closure device 28 can be placed in the open position only when the container tip 1 is sealingly attached to the reservoir tip 2. It avoids as well as the flow of liquid can take place while the container tip 1 is not fixed on the tank nozzle 2.

The control device 56 further comprises a locking device of the control device 56 in the flow position so that the user does not have to maintain a pressing force on the control device 56 during the transfer operation. liquid between the container and the reservoir. The locking device comprises for example a shoulder 82 extending radially projecting from the inner surface 66 of the sleeve 64 to the downstream end of the sleeve 64 and a retaining surface 84 extending radially from the downstream end of the connecting arms. The dimensioning of the sleeve 64 and the clamping arms 58 is such that, when the control device 56 reaches the flow position, the shoulder 82 cooperates with the holding surfaces 84 of the clamping arms 58 in order to block the relative movement of the control device 56 relative to the fixed body 20 and thus ensure the maintenance of the closure device 28 in the open position. Thus, the locking device is movable between an unlocked position, when the control device 56 moves between the retracted position and the flow position, and a locked position, when the control device 56 reaches the flow position, the locking device being arranged to hold the control device 56 in the flow position when in the locking position. The sizing is also such that the shoulder 82 can disengage from the holding surfaces 84 when a user pulls on the sleeve 64 through the actuating surfaces 68 in the downstream-upstream direction in order to move the closure device 28 into position. the closed position.

Such a locking device also makes it possible to inform the user of the good connection of the container tip to the tank tip. Indeed, the passage of the shoulder 82 in the position in which it cooperates with the holding surfaces causes a click that is felt by the user through the sleeve 64. This click informs the user that the connection has been done correctly. According to another embodiment, the actuation of the closing device 28 could be dissociated from the actuation of the clamping device 54 by providing two control devices, one for the displacement of the clamping device 54 and the other for the movement of the closing device 28.

According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 8 and 9, which can also be applied to the other embodiments, a bistable element 86 is provided between the movable body 26 and the fixed body 20 to give the user information on the position occupied by the closing device 28. Such a bistable element 86 is provided to have a stable closed position in the closed position of the closure device 28 (Fig. 8) and a stable open position in the open position of the closure device 28 (Fig. 9). Between its two positions, the bistable element 86 tends to return the closure device 28 to the closed position when the bistable element 86 is between the stable closed position and an intermediate position and tends to bring the closing device 28 back to the position open when the bistable element 86 is between the intermediate position and the stable open position. Thus, the user feels the force applied by the bistable element 86 on the closure device 28 when it moves towards the open position or towards the closed position, which gives it information on the position of the closing device 28. Such a bistable element is for example formed by an elastic washer extending around the outer wall of the movable body 26 to the inner wall of the fixed body 20. In each of the stable positions, the washer has a frustoconical shape. More particularly, in stable closed position, the small base of the washer, formed by the end of the washer extending around the outer wall of the movable body 26, extends upstream of the large base, formed by the end of the washer extending on the inner wall of the fixed body 20. In open stable position, the small base of the washer extends downstream of the large base of the washer. In the intermediate position, the washer is substantially flat. As a variant, a plurality of bistable elements, for example formed by elastic blades, can be provided between the movable body 26 and the fixed body 20, these blades being inclined with respect to the flow axis A in the stable positions and being substantially perpendicular to the flow axis A in the intermediate position.

The container tip 1 further comprises a locking device to prevent unintentional movement of the closure device 28 in the open position to prevent leakage of the container when the container tip 1 is not attached to the container. tank tip 2.

According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 to 7, the locking device is formed by a plug 88 (shown in Fig. 7), which is screwed onto the sleeve 64 and which comprises a locking surface 90 applied against the closure body 34 when the cap 88 is screwed onto the sleeve 64. Thus, the closure device can not move to the open position when the cap 88 is screwed onto the sleeve 64. To this end, the outer surface of the sleeve 64 is then provided with a thread 92 for screwing the cap 88 onto the sleeve 64. Thus, the user must remove the cap 88 of the container tip 1 to be able to actuate the closure device 28. According to this embodiment, a strap connecting the stopper to the sleeve (not shown) may be provided to retain the plug 88 when it is unscrewed from the sleeve 64 to prevent any loss of this plug. According to this embodiment, the locking device is in the locking position when the cap 88 is screwed onto the sleeve 64 and in the unlocking position when the cap 88 is removed from the sleeve 64.

According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the locking device comprises at least one locking tab 94 provided between the fixed body 20 and the movable body 26. The locking tab 94 is integral with the fixed body 20 and is movable between a locking position (FIG. 8), wherein the locking tab 94 interferes with the movable body 26 and prevents its movement to the open position, and an unlocking position (Fig 9), wherein the locking tab does not interfere with the movable body 26 and allows its movement to the open position. The locking tab 94 extends for example between a downstream end of the upper part of the fixed body 20 and the downstream end of the movable body 26 in the locking position so that it prevents movement of the movable body 26 towards the open position. When the container tip 1 is fitted on the reservoir tip 2, the smooth portion 10 is arranged to move the locking tab 94 against the wall 22 of the fixed body 20 in order to disengage it from the downstream end of the barrel. movable body 26 and thus allow movement of the movable body 26 to the open position, as shown in FIG. 9. The locking tab 94 has an elastic behavior so that it returns to the blocking position when the container tip 1 is removed from the reservoir tip 2 and the closure device 28 returns to the closed position. under the effect of the constraint element 40. According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the locking device comprises two diametrically opposite locking tabs 94.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the closure device 28 can move to the open position only if the container tip 1 is fitted on the reservoir tip 2, which avoids any inadvertent manipulation of the mouthpiece. container 1.

The operation of the connection assembly will now be described. When the tank is to be filled with the liquid contained in the container, the user uses the container tip 1 to connect it to the tank nozzle 2 and thus allow a transfer of the liquid from the container to the tank.

In the embodiment where the locking device is formed by a plug 88, the user removes the cap 88 so as to disengage the closure body 34.

The user then fits the container tip 1 on the tank nozzle 2 by holding the container tip 1 by the sleeve 64, for example by the actuating surfaces 68. When the container tip 1 is fitted on the tank nozzle 2, the smooth portion 10 of the tank nozzle is introduced between the outer surface of the downstream portion 24 of the fixed body 20 and the inner surface of the clamping arms 58. When the free end 12 of the the reservoir tip 1 comes into contact with the inner portion 62 of the clamping arms 58, a bearing in the upstream-downstream direction of the user on the sleeve 64 causes a displacement of the control device 56 from the retracted position to the active position, which causes a displacement of the clamp 54 from the spread position to the clamped position. The container tip 1 is thus tightly and sturdily attached to the tank tip 2. It will be noted that the attachment of the container tip 1 is on the smooth part 10 of the tank tip by a movement translation. Thus, the user does not have to turn the container tip relative to the tank tip, as is the case when the tips are screwed together, which simplifies the attachment of the tips. In addition, the container tip does not need to be oriented in a particular way with respect to the tank tip so that the connection can be made. In addition, the container tip 1 can be attached to several types of reservoir tips without having to size a thread of the container tip relative to a tank tip thread. Finally, the tank nozzle 2 can be simplified since it does not need to include specific means of cooperation with the container tip to ensure the attachment of the connection assembly.

Further movement in the upstream-downstream direction by the user causes the control device 56 to move from the active position to the flow position, causing the closure device 28 to move from the closed position to the open position. . The user is then informed that the flow position is reached by the triggering caused by the locking device and / or by the bistable element 86.

Thus, the user can, with a single upstream-downstream actuation on the sleeve 64, fit the container tip 1 on the reservoir tip 2, seal the container tip 1 on the tip of the container. tank 2 and engage the transfer of liquid from the container to the tank by passing the closure device 28 from the closed position to the open position. This actuation can be performed with one hand of the user. The transition from the closed position to the open position can only be done once the container tip 1 attached to the tank tip 2. Thus, improper handling of the container tip 1 can not cause fluid leakage. In order for the closure device 28 to move into the open position without the container tip 1 being fastened to the reservoir tip 2, the user would have to bear himself on the inner portion 62 of the clamping arms 58. , which is highly unlikely because this part is inaccessible from outside the container tip 1 and this operation is particularly complicated and can only happen in a desired manner. Thus, the risk of involuntary opening of the container tip 1 is eliminated.

During the transfer, the user can release the control device 56 which remains in its flow position by means of the locking device described above, which keeps the control device 56 in the flow position and the closure element 28 in the open position against the force exerted by the constraining element 40. The flow of liquid from the container to the reservoir is done quickly through the ventilation ducts 46 and 49.

When the transfer is complete, the latter stopping for example automatically when the air inlet 48 is immersed in the liquid in the tank, the user only has to pull on the control device 56 in the downstream-upstream direction, to successively place the closure device 28 in the closed position, undo the attachment of the container tip 1 of the tank nozzle 2 and remove the container tip 1. The closing device 28 automatically returns to its closed position under the effect of the constraint element 40 when the locking device is unlocked by the disengagement of the shoulder 82 from the holding surfaces 84.

Note that the volume occupied by the parts of the nozzle extending in the internal volume of the container tip 1 is adapted to the tank nozzle 2 is released during the disconnection of the container tip 1 ce which releases a volume in the tank nozzle 2 and thus prevents any overflow of the transferred liquid outside the tank even when it is completely filled.

The user then returns the cap 88, which prevents leakage when the container is not used, for example in case of impact against the container or when a heavy object is placed on it. Indeed, the cap 88 prevents any movement of the closure device 28 to the open position even when an overpressure is applied in the container. The operation of the container tip 1 according to the embodiment of Figs. 8 and 9 is substantially similar except that there is no need to remove a cap to use the tip. Indeed, in this case, the locking device passes into its unlocking position during the fitting of the container tip 1 on the tank tip 2, which further simplifies the use of the nozzle of container 1.

As indicated above, the container tip 1 described above can be attached to various containers of variable capacity. These containers are for example of the bogus type. Such a container defines an internal volume adapted to contain the liquid and an outlet opening through which the liquid can flow out of the internal volume. The outlet opening is for example formed by the free end of a neck.

For containers of small capacity, for example 2 L or less, the container tip 1 can be directly attached to the neck of the container, for example by screwing. In this case, the inlet 14 of the tank tip 1 is in direct fluid communication with the internal volume of the vessel through the outlet opening. For containers of larger capacities, for example 5 L, the container tip 1 is connected to the container via a flexible hose 13 as previously described. This makes it possible not to have to lift the container during the liquid transfer operation and thus prevent the user from carrying heavy loads. The pipe 13 is for example clipped on the one hand on the container tip 1 and screwed on the other side to the neck of the container. In this case, the inlet 14 of the container tip is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the container via the hose 13.

Claims

1. - Liquid container tip (1) for fitting on a liquid reservoir tip (2) for sealingly transferring the liquid from the container to the reservoir, said container tip (1) comprising:

an inlet (14) intended to be sealingly connected to the liquid container,

an outlet (16) intended to be sealingly connected to the tank nozzle (2), said outlet (16) being in fluid communication with the inlet (14),

- a closing device (28) movable between a closed position, in which the closing device (28) prevents the flow of liquid through the outlet (16), and an open position, in which the closing device ( 28) allows the flow of liquid through the outlet (16),

- A device for sealing connection of the container tip (1) on the tank tip (2) for sealingly and removably cooperating with the reservoir tip (2),

characterized in that the connection device comprises:

- a clamping device (54) around the reservoir nozzle (2) movable between a spaced position, in which the container tip (1) can be inserted around an outer wall (6) of the nozzle of a tank (2), and a tight position, in which the clamping device (54) cooperates sealingly with the outer wall (6) of the tank nozzle (2),

- a control device (56) operable between a retracted position, in which the control device (56) does not cooperate with the clamping device (54), and an active position, in which the control device (56) exerts a clamping force on the clamping device (54) in its clamped position, moving the control device (56) from the retracted position to the active position causing the clamping device (54) to move from the retracted position to the tight position.

2. - Container tip according to claim 1, wherein the outlet (16) extends along a flow axis (A), the displacement of the clamping device (54) between the spaced position and the clamped position being in a radial direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the flow axis (A).

3. - Container tip according to claim 2, wherein the control device (56) moves in translation along the flow axis (A) between the retracted position and the active position.

4. - Container tip according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control device (56) is connected to the closure device (28), the control device (56) being further operable in a position of flow beyond the active position with respect to the retracted position, the movement of the control device (56) into the flow position causing the closing device (28) to move from the closed position to the open position .

The container end according to claim 4, wherein the control device (56) comprises a locking device of the control device (56) in the flow position, the locking device being movable between an unlocked position when the control device (56) moves between the retracted position and the flow position, and a locked position when the control device (56) reaches the flow position, the locking device being arranged to hold the device control (56) in the flow position when in the lock position.

6. - Container tip according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the clamping device (54) comprises at least two clamping arms (58), preferably opposite, spaced from each other in the spaced-apart position and brought closer to each other in the clamped position, each clamping arm (58) including an inner surface adapted to be in sealing contact with the outer wall (6) of the tank end (2) in the clamped position, and an outer surface on which the control device (56) slides by moving from the retracted position to the active position so as to bring the clamping arms (58) closer to each other when this displacement.

7. - Container tip according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a wall (22) extending between the inlet (14) and the outlet (16) and defining a portion of a flow volume (18) liquid, the closing device (28) comprising a movable body (26) provided with a closure body (34), the movable body (26) being movable relative to said wall (22) between the closed position in which the closure body (34) is in sealing contact with the wall (22) and the open position, in which the closure body is disengaged from the wall (22) so that the liquid can flow through the outlet (16).

The container end of claim 7 including an air line (46) extending through and separated from the flow volume (18), said conduit (46) including at least one inlet of air (48) integral with the closure body (34) so that the air inlet (48) is closed in the closed position of the closing device (28) and is in communication with the outside in position open closure device (28).

Container tip according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a locking device, movable between a locking position, wherein the locking device prevents movement of the closure device (28) from the position closed in the open position, and an unlocking position, wherein the closure device (28) is movable between the open and closed positions.

10. - Container tip according to claim 9, wherein the locking device comprises a plug (88) fixed on a wall of the container tip (1) and preventing the movement of the closure device (28) in the position blocking and separated from said wall in the unlocking position.

1 1. - Container tip according to claim 9, wherein the locking device comprises at least one locking tab (94), said locking tab (94) being movable between a locking position, in which it interferes with the closure device (28) and prevents its movement, and an unlocking position, in which the locking tab (94) does not interfere with the closure device and allows its movement, the displacement of the locking tab (94) from the position locking in the unlocking position being by the introduction of the container tip (1) on the tank tip (2).

12. - A connection assembly of a liquid container to a liquid reservoir, comprising a container tip (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1 and a reservoir tip (2) comprising an outer wall ( 6) at least one portion (10) is substantially smooth, the container tip (1) being sealingly attached to the reservoir tip (2) by the cooperation of the clamping device (54) with the smooth section (10) of the outer wall (6) when said clamping device (54) is in a tight position.

13. - A liquid container defining an internal volume adapted to contain a liquid and comprising an outlet opening through which the liquid can flow out of the internal volume, said container comprising a container tip (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 1 1, the inlet (14) of which is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the container via the outlet opening.

14. - A liquid container according to claim 13, comprising a neck defining the outlet opening, the container tip (1) being fixed directly on said neck or being connected to said neck via a flexible pipe ( 13).