ES2202803T3 - PRESSURE CONTAINER FOR FLUIDS. - Google Patents

Abstract

Pressure container for fluids, such as propane and butane, comprinsing an inner, fluid-tight liner layer (1) and a pressure supporting layer (2) outside the liner, as well as an outer, protective casing (5). As known per se the said layers (1, 2) consist of transparent or translucent materials, and the casing (5) comprises a middle section (7) having surface portions (7A, 7B, 7C) being cut-away so that parts of the actual container (3), being located inside the casing (5), are visible from the outside, and that the casing has shock-absorbing properties.

Description

Pressurized container for fluids.

Propane bottles and other containers to fluid pressure has been known for many years years, based on a metal for its construction, in particular steel. These containers of known type, which are used in largely by people in their activities abroad and in cabins, have the disadvantage, among others, of being heavy and, Therefore, difficult to handle. In addition, it exists frequently the problem of knowing how much original content is left Still in the bottle or container.

Given the risk of explosion and accidents, they have imposed many very strict demands regarding these pressure containers. Therefore, the security aspect is very  Essential in this sector.

In recent years it has been announced to market a propane bottle of combined materials, such as It is described in Norwegian Patent No. 179,423. This structure known is partly based on transparent materials or translucent, these being also relatively light, of so that some of the above mentioned inconveniences with regarding steel pressure containers are eliminated. However, the propane bottle made of materials combined cannot be manufactured in a rational and inexpensive way when the strict demands of safety, and at the same time preventing damage and accidents such as result of mechanical stresses such as shocks and impacts.

In contrast to the manufacturing method, according to the Norwegian patent memory that has been cited, is particularly advantageous to manufacture the currently known pressure containers manufacturing, first of all, an internal coating and then wrapping around it the reinforcement elements of fibers, for example, fiberglass bands or wicks.

This last manufacturing method forms the basis of the pressure vessel known by Norwegian patent No. 170.552, which also describes and shows a protective case external that has fire resistance characteristics or Heat resistance.

Therefore, taking this last design as starting point, the present invention relates to a container a pressure of the type comprising a watertight inner liner a the fluids and an outer layer to said coating that supports pressure, as well as an external enveloping body of protection.

What is new and specific to the container according to the present invention, consists first of all in that the internal coating and said layer known per se consist in transparent or translucent materials, that the body envelope comprises a middle section that has parts of its cropped surface, so that parts of the actual container located inside the enclosure body are visible externally and, that the enveloping body has characteristics of shock absorption.

The coating or inner layer can be manufactured by methods known in themselves and, in particular, by one-piece blow molding or injection molding in Two or more pieces for assembly. The particular shape of the body. envelope of the present invention can also be produced by injection molding, possibly in the form of two or three pieces separated that are then assembled forming an integral structure. In this regard, it is essential that the body structure envelope have shock absorption characteristics achieved by the appropriate choice of materials and / or the Actual configuration of the envelope body.

The pressure container according to the present invention, which has an enveloping body as indicated In the above, it has substantial advantages, particularly in consideration of two important factors with regard to this type of pressure containers in which the filling of a liquid phase fluid, such as propane, to be supplied to a household appliance or similar, after vaporization in the pressure vessel. In order to obtain a capacity desired in a situation of use, it is important that the heat of required vaporization is supplied from the environment. On the other hand, as it has been indicated above, it is of interest to users to have the possibility of observing the level of liquid in the container, what which is possible when it consists of transparent materials or translucent The trimmed areas of the enveloping body make possible to observe the level of the liquid. In addition, these areas they will have a "blind" effect that, in case of a strong solar radiation, prevents too intense heating of the true pressure vessel.

However, it is more important than Envelope body configuration with trimmed parts enable air flow from the outside over the container real, so that the required heat can be supplied for the vaporization, as mentioned above. The latter highly desirable effect will be particularly increased when at least the cylindrical middle part of the shell, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, be designed with separating elements in order to constitute steps for the air flow between the surface of the container and the overall body. In this regard, it is special advantage that the air flow passages are adapted to extend in a general vertical direction, when the container under pressure has a normal vertical position resting on its base and with the axis of the cylindrical section oriented substantially vertically.

The pressure container object of the present invention will be explained in more detail in the following description that refers to the drawings they show embodiments, by way of example, based on the invention.

Figure 1 shows in axial section a pressure container, according to the invention for example for its use as a propane bottle,

Figure 2 shows the actual container of the example of figure 1,

Figure 3 is a perspective view with the disassembled parts, showing three sections of the enveloping body of the container of figure 1,

Figure 4 shows a cylindrical section intermediate of a higher (upper) pressure housing than that of figures 1 and 2,

Figure 5 shows another preferred form of protective wrapping body according to an elevation view,

Figure 6 shows a partial view of another realization of the protective shell,

Figure 7 shows according to an elevation view and in section, an advantageous design of the bottom part of the container under pressure,

Figure 8 shows on a smaller scale the part bottom or bottom of figure 7, top view,

Figure 9 shows correspondingly to Figure 8, a first alternative embodiment of the section bottom or bottom, with respect to that of figure 8,

Figure 10 shows a second section alternative of the bottom part,

Figure 11 shows a third form alternative of a bottom section for the pressure vessel, Y

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of an advantageous design of a projection of the upper part of the pressure container.

The actual container, which is manufactured for a desired volume capacity, indicated in figures 1 and 2 with the reference numeral (3). As shown in the Figure 1, the container (3) comprises an inner layer or internal coating (1) adapted, first, to constitute a layer with fluid tightness, so that the content does not can escape from the container even if it is under pressure comparatively high. Outside the lining (1), it has shown a reinforcement or pressure and support layer (2) provided with winding means of reinforcing fiber elements, such as fiberglass, to which a suitable adhesive has been applied or similar for subsequent curing, taking the form of a series of layers wound on the inner lining (1). Presents itself here the question of the manufacturing stages and the choice of materials known in themselves, without the need for major explanations In this regard, it is clear that the materials selected and composed of materials for layers (1) and (2), in a manner known per se, they provide a container (3) that It has transparent or translucent walls. This feature is especially desirable in the cylindrical parts of the wall that They are usually incorporated in such containers. This does not However, it does not exclude the possibility that they may be of interest in in relation to the invention, purely spherical containers with transparent walls A main form endowed with symmetry with with respect to an axis it is clearly preferable.

In general, figures 2 and 4 have shown parts incorporated in a mounting for a valve or similar in an opening in the upper part of the container (3). See also figure 1 in this regard. These parts of the structure, however, have only a secondary interest in relationship with the present invention and will not be explained further detailed.

It is of particular interest, despite this respect, in the surrounding enveloping body which, according to the explanations above, has a new combination and specific functions. As will be seen from figures 1 and 3, the enclosure body (5) that has been shown comprises a intermediate section (7), preferably generally cylindrical, a top (8) and a bottom or bottom (9). As indicated in Figure 3, these three sections they can be manufactured separately and then they can be mounted on a total structure more or less integrated that constitutes the body envelope (5). Alternatively, sections (7) and (9) can be made integrally in one piece, for example, by injection molding and then can be attached to the part top (8) when the actual container (3) has been placed in the intermediate section (7). Another alternative is to produce some sections (7) and (8) integrated in one piece with joint subsequent to the bottom section or lower section (9). Having in mind, among other factors the rationality of production, the  enveloping body can, as a whole and in its basic form, deviate more or less from the basic shape of the container located in its interior.

The intermediate section (7) is constituted by a series of elements in the form of strips, two of which have been indicated with the numerals (7E) and (7F), extending around the circumference of section (7) and possessing a certain axial direction spacing as indicated, for example, with numerals (7A), (7B) and (7C). These spaces form the surface trimmed areas that have been mentioned previously, which make it possible to observe areas of the actual container (3) located inside the enclosure, in particular with the aim to observe the level of liquid in the container. To this respect may be advantageous than clipped areas or spaces (7A), (7B) and (7C) have a substantially larger dimension in the lateral direction than in the height direction. This design is also favorable considering the blind effect that mentioned, that is, the shading effect against unwanted solar heating.

To constitute an integral structure and resistant in the intermediate section (7), the addition to the elements of strips around the circumference of elements longitudinal, as shown, for example with numerals (11) and (12), forming in this example a drawing rectangular of the elements in the form of strips. It is evident that the configuration of the drawing or elements that constitute the section Intermediate (7) of the enclosure can be varied within wide limits maintaining the effect described based on the zones of surface trimmed. These can be more or less elongated and they can spread in different directions, even with certain inclination. You can also provide open circular areas. The proportion of the total area in the intermediate section that represents the trimmed surface parts may vary broadly in relation to what can be seen in the example of Figures 1 and 3. However, it is preferable that the parts cropped constitute a relatively significant proportion of the total area. It has been observed that the proportion of cropped surface areas must be at least 20% of the Total external surface of the enclosure.

Inside the intermediate section (7) has  arranged a series of projections, ribs or laminar elements adapted to form relatively wide interstices for the air between the outer surface of the container (3) and the parts main adjacent body. These nerves or laminar elements have been shown with numerals (14) and (15) in Figure 1, and an additional example has been shown with the numeral (16) in figure 3. As will be seen from this figure, there is a relatively large number of said protruding nerves around the circumference inwardly in the section intermediate (7). In this way air interstices are formed that make airflow possible, particularly in the direction vertical, as indicated by arrow (20) in the figure 1. This solution is also seen in association with the zones cropped (7A), (7B), (7C) of Figure 1, being very advantageous with respect to the vaporization effect, at the same time as the through air flow, in the case of little solar heating desired, has the effect of maintaining a surface temperature lower and acceptable in the container (3). It is evident that the separating elements in the form of projections, ribs or elements Laminar, as indicated above, can be arranged  in different ways and in several locations internally in the  intermediate section (7).

In order that the separating elements have also an elastic and shock absorbing effect with respect to the container (3), can be adapted for deformation, preferably elastic, when there is a tendency to small relative movements between the enveloping body and the container, that is, movements or efforts mainly perpendicular to the main surfaces. This structure elastic can also be useful in the case of expansion of the container (3), for example, during filling to a certain overpressure, or in the case of different thermal expansions of the container and wrapper body (7) during changes of temperature. It is evident that said elastic separator elements they can have their effect based on mechanisms other than curved or folded that has been mentioned, for example, in the fact that the elementary material as such, yields or by some form of breakage mechanism, possibly with permanent deformation as a result.

The deformable separating elements elastically that have been explained above can serve also to compensate or equal variations in dimensions in containers (3) for their manufacture and, in addition they can have a useful effect for load distribution, so that the forces reaction between enclosure and container will be distributed over a larger surface area at the contact base or coupling that in principle can have a linear shape. The latter effect will exist on condition that the separating elements remain arranged and distributed in a number and with a length such that a regular distribution of the load or efforts is achieved as mentioned.

When the section is considered upper (8) of figures 1 and 3, it will be noted that its part lower has an edge (18) around the circumference intended for cooperation and union with the upper section (7). In the upper part of the upper section (8) a relatively resistant ring (8A) that, among other things, forms a practical and convenient manual handle for lifting and handling the pressure container as a whole. The manual handle (8A) has been shown a part with deep cut (8B) that allows an exit convenient, for example, of a propane pipe, from a connector and valve device (not shown) located in the part top of the actual container (3). This upper area of the container (3) with components (4) (figure 2) has free access from the upper part through the upper opening (8D) in the section upper (8). Finally, figure 3 also shows in the inside the upper section (8) a series of radial nerves or laminar elements (8C) adapted to establish contact with the top side of the container (3), when the container assembly Pressure is mounted. The nerves (8C), same as the elements separators described above, can have an effect both for the desired air flow as well as for the absorption of shock and expansion compensation, as explained previously.

As regards the lower section or of bottom (9), it also has an edge directed upwards or similar (19) for its union with the lower circumference of the middle section (7). The lower section (9) has an opening central (9A) that makes possible the inspection of the bottom of the container (3) after assembly, so that the profile of the bottom part of the lower section (9) brings the opening (9A) to be somewhat elevated with respect to the support surface directed down the lower section (9). As is known, the bottom face of the bottom section (9A) and the part upper of the upper section (8), in particular the handle of manual clamping (8A), are adapted and designed so that They can stack pressure containers on top of each other.

The specific form of the fund that has been mentioned, it has a wavy structure, as shown with numerals (9B) and (9C) in figures 1 and 3 forming rings in a bottom part in the form of a bellows or support element that It has a certain degree of elasticity and therefore has an effect shock absorption with respect to the bottom of the container (3). As will be appreciated, specifically from the background section (9) of Figure 3, it has a recess (9E) open laterally in an area of the circumference, so that a handle is arranged appropriate manual obtained in particular in view of the elements separators, which means that this circumferential part by under the edge (19) it will be at a certain distance from the adjacent surface of the container.

The subdivision into sections that has been described previously of the assembly of the envelope body (5) it allows a Very rational production of the pressure container as a whole. In Particularly advantageous is that the intermediate cylindrical section (7) is can manufacture with different height dimensions selected for corresponding pressure containers of different capacities While, for example, the embodiment of figures 1, 2 and 3, may be suitable for gas or propane bottles with a maximum propane content of 6 Kg, is shown in figure 4 an intermediate section (27) intended for a propane bottle with a maximum capacity of 11 Kg of propane. Section (27) of the Figure 4 is composed of elements corresponding to the section (7) of Figure 3, but the number of elements in the form of strips (31), (38) is approximately double. Interstices corresponding or trimmed areas have been indicated with the numerals (41), (48) in figure 4. In addition, in correspondence with the embodiment described above, the example of figure 4 it has longitudinal reinforcement elements such as shown with numerals (21) and (22). Finally inside of the section (27) a separating element in the form of nerve (26) as one of several of said elements around the internal circumference of the section (27).

Figure 5 shows in a simplified way another preferred embodiment of a wrapping body for the container a pressure, according to the present invention, more specifically, a intermediate section (57) of said housing. In this case, it  presents the question of the intermediate section in a general way cylindrical (57) equipped with a series of surface areas trimmed that extend substantially axially, from the that three have been shown, indicated with the numerals (51), (52) and (53) in the figure. It is evident that a number could be distributed greater of said cut-out areas around the circumference of the middle section (57). In this way, zones (51), (52) and (53) in this case they have a relatively groove shape, distinguishing themselves of the drawing or surface structure of figures 3 and 4 in the fact that the parts of the cuts or grooves extends, of general way, in axial direction instead of direction circumferential. In both cases the blind effect will be obtained when referenced above and the same applies to effect of the air flow between the enclosure and the container located inside.

A specific variant is shown in Figure 6 of surface trimmed in zones, showing only one segment  partial of an intermediate section (67) in a perspective view corresponding, as in figure 5. With numeral (63) of the Figure 6 has indicated the way in which the part will be located top of the actual container with respect to the intermediate section (67) of the enveloping body. A numeral (61) has indicated a recess or opening that by itself has an extension relatively small, but with a large number of such openings or open areas located with a very small separation, providing a total area of passage that can have the same effect that the interstices or openings of figures 3 and 5 respectively. With an arrangement or structure of the openings (61) as shown in Figure 6, each of these or groups of these in combination can represent letters or other characters or possibly a logo, for example, a symbol of Company or a brand. This may indicate the manufacturer or pressure container distributor.

Regardless of the type of openings that are have shown it can be advantageous to use a float device to clearly indicate the level of liquid in the container such as described in the Norwegian patent application simultaneously with the current No. 97.0457.

Another additional modification that refers to the background section is shown in figure 7. In contrast to the bellows shape section of figures 1 and 3, that of figure 7 it has a series of separating elements in the form of nerves, three of which indicated with the numerals (71), (72) and (73) have specifically shown inside the background section (79) of Figure 7. Same as the separator elements previously described, also these elements (71), (72) and (73) and others, will have a favorable effect on both the air flow and also in shock absorption, thermal expansion and dimensional tolerances in the actual container and in the body envelope In Figure 7 it should be noted specifically that separating elements (71), (72), (73) and others have a certain inclination so that they form an angle with respect to zones adjacent to the surface of the actual container (77), this being angle other than 90 °. This inclination implies that the elements you could say that they are prepared for deformation by flexion, that is, reaching a tilt with greater curvature at  take place a sufficiently high level of effort of container (77). Of course, a corresponding effect will exist when the separating elements extend further towards up along the container (77), in an intermediate section of the  enveloping body or, also, in an upper section.

Figure 8 shows a complete arrangement of said elements (71), (72), (73) and others in the background section (79), having been represented from the top. I also know appreciate a relatively large central opening (75) in which the radial inner ends of the elements are located separators The bottom or bottom of the container (77) will be accessible through said opening (75), but it is evident that this does not necessarily have to be arranged in this way that a substantially complete design of the cover or bottom part It can be incorporated in the background section (79). This kind of background reinforced can protect the real container (77) in a better way against damage caused from the bottom but nonetheless it can be provided with smaller holes or perforations, by example, for water drainage.

An alternative embodiment of the structure of bottom or bottom structure with associated separating elements, it shown in figure 9. Of the circumference of the section of background (99) that has been shown, elements in shape are prolonged of plates in tangent arrangement to a central opening (95) similar to the opening (75) of figure 8. One of said elements It is indicated with the numeral (91). With this provision, the separating elements will have a specific inclination with with respect to the fund itself or possibly the top of a container inserted, so that an effect will be obtained corresponding to the one explained above with respect to Figures 7 and 8. In Figure 9 it has also been indicated with the numeral (97) an outer circumference of a more or less cylindrical part of the actual container and, in this part, the elements (91) can be prolong axially but with a relatively short length, such as shown in (91A), from inside the body envelope that corresponds to the contour (99) to set contact with the outside of the real container (97). Tilt of the length or section (91A) of the element has been clearly shown in this figure of the drawings.

Figures 10 and 11 are directed, particularly, to arrangements of separating elements in the background section, in principle by situation of a series of said arched or circular elements from the central axis of the associated container and enclosure. More specifically, the bottom section (100) of figure 10 has elements relatively long upwardly directed separators (101) and (102) which, in polygonal arrangement, extend around the background section. The related provision in some way of the Figure 11 shows a larger number of separating elements (111) and (112), respectively, shorter than the elements in the figure 10 and together forming an approximately circular drawing in the bottom section (110). Because of the curvature of the bottom or lower part of the container itself, the separating elements, both of figure 10 as of figure 11, will establish contact with the container surface in places corresponding to an angle other than 90 ° between the surface of the container and the plane general of the separating elements described. As it has been indicated above, the provisions of separating elements, as shown in figures 7, 11, for the section of background, they could also be used, correspondingly, in the upper section of the enveloping body.

Apart from the separating elements described in illustrated, forms of absorption of shocks or bodies in other desired locations in the structure of the enveloping body, as will be apparent to an expert in the subject. It should be noted, specifically, in this regard, that the manual grip (8A) of the upper section (8) and the support or coupling elements around the part of bottom of the lower section (9) (figures 1 and 3) can be constituted in the form of hollow structures known in themselves equipped, for example, with an open or spongy core to effects of withstanding mechanical stresses that will take place during the practical use of said pressure containers.

The mounting or projection device (4), such As shown in general in Figure 2, you can have advantageously a design on the top, as it has been shown in figure 12. As will be seen from figure 12, has arranged a nut-shaped part or part (4A) that can have, for example, hexagonal shape that by the strong anchor of the protruding structure on top of the actual container (3) implies that this and the nut-shaped part (4A) are firmly interconnected in the direction of rotation. When assembles a valve or connection device or similar in the projection (4) of figure 2, for example, by means of a threaded connection, the nut-shaped part (4A) can be used favorably. Thus users of said pressure containers will not depend on the rotation anchor safe of the enclosing structure described outside the container  at real pressure

Claims (17)

1. Portable pressure container for fluids such as propane and butane, which comprises an inner layer of coating (1) fluid tight, and a support layer of pressure (2) located outside said coating, as well as a protective outer shell (5, 57, 67) in which said layers (1, 2) consist of transparent materials or translucent, comprising the enveloping body (5, 57, 67) a intermediate section (7, 57, 67) having surface parts (7A, 7B, 7C, 41-48, 51-53, 61) cropped so that parts of the actual container (3) and, in its use, its content with localization inside the enveloping body (5, 57, 67), are visible from the outside and that, the enveloping body It has shock absorption characteristics. 2. Portable pressure container according to claim 1, characterized in that the cut-out surface portions comprise relatively elongated interstices (51-53) that extend, generally, in a vertical direction in a normal vertical position of the pressure container (figure 5). 3. A portable pressure container according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate section (7), preferably cylindrical, comprises strip-shaped elements (7E, 7F, 31-38) that extend around the circumference and have spaces mutual in axial direction in order to form cut surface areas (7A, 7B, 7C, 41-48), and axially extending elements (11, 12, 21, 22) to which said elements are attached in the form of strips. 4. Portable pressure container according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that at least some of the cut surface areas take the form of letters or other characters or a logo (61) which may indicate, for example, the manufacturer or distributor (figure 6). 5. A portable pressure container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the casing (5) is composed of three or more sections made separately, said intermediate section (7) comprising at least one upper section (8) and a bottom or bottom section (9). 6. Portable pressure container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the intermediate section (7) is manufactured in one piece together with the upper section (8) or with a bottom section (9), and is attached to a separate bottom section or separate upper section respectively, for the purpose of constituting the entire shell (5). 7. Portable pressure container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least the intermediate section (7) has separating elements (14, 15, 16) that form passages for air flow (20) between the external surface of the container (3) and the wrapping body (5), and which preferably have elastic or shock absorption characteristics. 8. A portable pressure container according to claim 7, characterized in that the upper section (8) and the bottom section (69) also have separating elements (8C, 71-73, 91, 101, 102, 111, 112) which they form passages for the flow of air between the outer surface of the container (3) and the wrapping body (5), and which preferably have elastic or shock absorbing characteristics. 9. Portable pressure container according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that at least some of the separator elements adopt the general radial shape with flat ribs (16) which, in the middle section (17), preferably extend in the axial direction out of the container (3). 10. A portable pressure container according to claim 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that at least a part of the separating elements (71-73, 91) are inclined so as to form an angle slightly different from 90 ° with respect to the adjacent part of the surface (77) of the container. 11. Portable pressure container according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the separator elements are arranged and distributed with such numbers and lengths that, together, they allow a substantial degree of smooth distribution of the loads between the container and the enveloping body 12. Portable pressure container according to any of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the separating elements (14-16, 8C, 71-73, 91, 101, 102, 111, 112) are preferably elastic in relation to the container (3, 77), so that they are flexible at least to the parts of the edges that make contact with the surface of the container. 13. Portable pressure container according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that at least some of the separating elements are permanently deformable, for example, by breakage when forces occur that exceed a certain limit between the container and the housing . 14. A portable pressure container according to any one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that at least some separating elements (101, 102, 111, 112) of the upper section or of the lower section (100, 110) are positioned arched or circular approximately, preferably around a central axis of the container and the enclosure. 15. Portable pressure container according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the bottom section (9) of the housing (5) comprises a support element capable of shock absorption in the form of bellows (9B, 9C ) that supports the bottom of the container (3). 16. Portable pressure container according to any of claims 8 to 15, characterized in that the bottom section (9) of the housing (5) is provided with at least one laterally directed recess (9E) along a part of the circumference, in order to serve as a manual holding handle apart from other functions. 17. Portable pressure container according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the cut-out surface areas (7A, 7B, 7C, 41-48, 51-53, 6a) together have an area that constitutes at least the 20% of the total outer surface of the enveloping body.