FR2712262A1 - Device for capping a tank, suitable plug and tank fitted accordingly. - Google Patents

Abstract

It is a device for plugging, with sealing or ventilation, a tank, comprising a neck (5) defining a mouth (7) of the tank and a stopper (3) comprising means for screwing onto the neck. (11b) or equivalent. This plug which contains a shutter (25) fixed to it, which incorporates a seal associated with a valve, is movable relative to the neck between an open position where said shutter releases a passage (20) for leakage and / or suction between the tank and the outside leaving free movement of said valve, and a closed position where the shutter is blocked peripherally between the stopper and the neck to close said passage (20). Application to tanks for transporting dangerous products.

Description

The invention relates to the general field of plugging devices and

ventilation adaptable on

tanks and other containers.

  In connection with the invention, it will be noted, for example, that in the field of transporting dangerous materials, and in particular liquids such as acids, it is usually necessary today to satisfy

  both quality and safety requirements.

  Thus, in particular in this field, it is necessary that the tanks, or the like, - be able to ensure an effective seal with regard to the materials transported, and this both in normal service (straight tank with all its possible drainage openings closed), that '' in the event of overturning, - preferably allow a possible entry of air into the tank during emptying (this, of course, especially in the case of liquids), - and avoid any significant risk of overpressure on the inside the container (in particular,

  in the case of products which may emit gases).

  So far, these rather contradictory requirements (sealing and ventilation) have not found

really satisfactory solution.

  The present invention therefore relates to an accessory, which may or may not be integrated into the corresponding container and which, by virtue of its structure and operation, constitute a possibly substantially hermetic stopper, in a first stoppering position, and a vent or a means aeration in a second position, in which said accessory may also possibly have the characteristics of a "jet-breaker", in the case where the material contained in the

  tank is fluid, and in particular liquid.

  More specifically, the invention thus proposes a closure device, with sealing of closure or ventilation, of a tank, or equivalent, this device comprising: - a neck fixedly connected to the tank along an axis, by defining a mouth for that -this, and - a plug comprising screwing means or the like, to be mounted substantially in the axis of said neck, the plug enclosing a shutter attached to it, which incorporates a seal associated with a valve for selective shuttering of said mouth and is interposed between said neck and at least one orifice for communication with the outside passing through the plug, which is displaceable substantially axially relative to the neck, between an open position in which said shutter is spaced from the neck to release a leakage and / or suction passage between the tank and the outside, leaving said valve free to move for possible other communication between the tank e and the outside, through said plug hole, and a closed position in which said shutter is locked peripherally between the plug and

  the neck so that its seal closes said passage.

  Thus, in the closed position of the cap, this device added to the tank will play its role of sealing means by ensuring, at the place where it is arranged, a substantially hermetic closure of said tank (at least in the tank direction towards the outside. ), while in the open position of the plug, the device will function as a vent (to allow for example the escape of a gas which may have accumulated inside the tank) by also authorizing an admission in particular air in the tank. According to an additional characteristic of

  the invention, the leakage or suction passage mentioned above

  before will preferably be defined by a reserved clearance of manufacture between the complementary means of cooperation between the stopper and the neck of the tank, these means being able in particular to be constituted by threads in the case (clearly envisaged above) of the use a cap screwed onto the neck, or even by a bayonet system, snap-fastening, or any other equivalent means allowing guided movement, and in general limited, in

  translation and / or rotation of the plug.

  As regards the plug valve, it will moreover advantageously be of the unidirectional type, so as to exclusively allow a possible entry of gas towards the tank, as soon as a determined vacuum prevails in this tank with respect to the outside. . In addition to the device of the type presented, the invention also relates to the stopper itself,

  as well as a tank or equivalent so equipped.

  Other features and benefits of

  the invention will become more apparent from the description more

  detailed below, made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 shows a tank equipped with the device of the invention, - Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view (completed by symmetry) of the device in question, made following line II-II of Figure 3, - Figure 3 is a half-section view taken along a horizontal plane of the plug (line III - III) of Figure 2, - while Figure 2 shows the device of the invention in the closed position of the plug, FIG. 4 shows said device with its plug open with a section along the line IV - IV of FIG. 3, - FIG. 5 is a detail view of the zone marked V in FIG. 4 , - Figure 6 shows, in a view identical to that of Figure 4, the same device in the inverted position of the tank, - Figure 7 is an alternative embodiment in which the fixed tubular part, support of the cap is not integrated into the tank but constitutes an additional part, similar rtée, - Figure 8 is a section showing an alternative embodiment of the shutter, in the area

Figure VIII in Figure 2.

  If we refer first to Figure 1, we see illustrated a known plastic tank (for example molded in high density polyethylene) for the transport of a dangerous product (hydrochloric acid for example) comprising, in the lower part , a drain neck 4 for recovering the product and, in the upper part, a filling orifice formed by a plug 6 next to which there is a vent 8 which can be closed by a plug. This plug vent, of conventional and usual model on this type of tank, fulfilling only imperfectly the functions which appeared important to the present depositor, the device of the invention has been illustrated in the following figures 2 to 8 which

is called upon to replace him.

  As shown in particular in Figure 2, this device, identified 1, essentially comprises a plug 3 of a particular type, mounted on a tubular part 5 fixedly connected to the tank 2 and defining a mouth 7

for this one.

  In this case, the tubular part 5 is made in one piece with the tank to form a neck or neck

projecting.

  The plug 3 is mounted substantially in the axis 9 of this neck, the neck and the plug having, for their cooperation and to ensure a guided movement of the plug relative to the neck, cooperation means. In this case, these means consist of threads 11a, 11b formed respectively, in the general direction 9, on the outer wall of the neck 5 and on an inner wall of the skirt 13 of the plug. It should however be clear that other means of cooperation could well be used, such as snap-fastening means, in two positions (open or closed) or even means

  bayonet link, for example.

  Above its lateral peripheral skirt 13, the plug 3 has an internal shoulder 15 (and in this case, also external 16) restricting its section at least inside, the plug then being extended by a dome zone with a upper wall 17a and a side wall 17b. From the transverse wall 17a, and towards the inside of the stopper, extends a block of material 19 occupying a central position, substantially in the general axis 9, this block constitutes a kind of short axial stud which is substantially interrupted at the level of the inner shoulder 15, defining around it a chamber 18, possibly divided into several independent sectors 18a, 18b ... separated by stiffening ribs

internal 21 (Figure 3).

  Preferably, all of the aforementioned constituent parts of the plug 3 will be made in one piece, the plug can be made of molded plastic. As appears in particular in FIGS. 2 and 3, one or more lateral orifices 22 intended to be arranged substantially horizontally are arranged in the plug, through its wall area 17b, so that the interior chamber (s) ( s) 18 can communicate with the outside, limiting the risk of entry

  excessive water (especially rain).

  At its free end, and therefore facing the orifices 22, the stud 19 carries a selective shutter 25 which can play the role of seal and / or valve as will be explained below. This shutter is presented here as a discoidal membrane, full, flexible, deformable, made of unalterable material for the transported products, for example rubber, having a diameter adapted to come on its outer periphery to bear, in the closed position, against the inner shoulder 15 of the plug. This membrane, which normally extends, at rest, substantially perpendicular to the general axis 9, is here kept in contact with the stud 19 by a holding means such as a screw (for example plastic) 27, a shoulder 29 of the nipple ensuring correct positioning of the valve while

  favoring its deformation during opening / closing.

  Thus constituted, the device of the invention operates as follows: as illustrated in FIG. 2, when the plug 3 is in the closed position (in this case, entirely screwed onto the neck 5), the selective shutter 25 is blocked or wedged between the shoulder 15 and the free end Sa of the neck. In this position, the selective shutter therefore peripherally acts as a seal, preventing any communication (and in particular any suction or leakage of gas, or leakage of liquid) between

  the outside and the tank, through the mouth 7 of the neck.

  When, on the other hand, the plug 3 is axially spaced from the neck 5 (in this case unscrewed), then the membrane 25 can effectively play its role of valve, the displacement of the plug towards its open position of FIG. 4, releasing or furthermore, automatically and preferably permanently, a passage allowing the escape or aspiration in particular of gas (air), towards or from outside. In this case, this passage is formed by the intermediate space which, during manufacture, will have been provided between the threads 11a, 11b of the neck and of the stopper, respectively, the passage in question having been illustrated in enlarged view at 20 on the figure 5. Thus, in this hypothesis, there will be a certain transverse play between the stopper and the neck. For this, provision may in particular be made, either that the thread 11b of the plug is provided with more rounded threads than those of the neck, or even that only these threads 11b are rounded, those of the

  neck 5 can be more or less sharp angle.

  Anyway, the reserved passage 20 will allow air circulation at least towards the outside of the tank, thus avoiding in particular that a possible

overpressure prevails.

  This being so if, notwithstanding this passage, too great a vacuum exists inside the tank while the cap is open (vacuum for example due to the emptying of the tank) then the membrane 25 will itself open, so as to allow an admission of air from the orifices 22, through the chamber (s) 18, by the path shown diagrammatically by the arrow 10, the membrane 25 deforming so as to move away from its peripheral seat 15

(see figure 4).

  In practice, it is advisable to provide several ribs 21, thus multiplying the bearing surfaces for the membrane, at the location of the free end 21a of said ribs (forming partition walls in

  the case of a realization in several rooms).

  In the present case (this however not being in any way limiting), it will be understood that the membrane 25 is in fact a valve with "one-way" opening normally closed, and the opening of which can only be obtained from the moment o the plug is in the open position and o

  Sufficient vacuum exists inside the tank.

  If, on the other hand, an excess of pressure reigns inside this tank, the only authorized escape route

is passage 20.

  It is the same if the tank, for example

  filled with liquid, is overturned or inverted (Figure 6).

  In this case, the pressure P of this liquid is applied against the valve 25 which, being pressed against its seat, prevents both any exit and entry of liquid, or other, through the orifices 22. The liquid may on the other hand , at least after a certain time, escape more or less through passage 20. But this will only be a fairly minimal leak, the liquid cannot in any case be ejected in a jet powerful. The passage 20 will thus play the role of "jet breaker", this function can also be ensured in the upright position (FIG. 4) when, in the event of excessive overpressure inside the tank, it could no longer be gas but some cash

  which would tend to circulate along said passage.

  Let us now turn to the embodiment of FIG. 7 to simply note that what differentiates the closure device 30 shown in this figure, is that here the mouth of the tank 70 is defined not by a neck coming from a single piece with the tank, but by a tubular end piece 40 attached to the tank and suitable for being fixedly engaged through an orifice 71 of the tank. For this, the tubular end piece 40 ends on one side by a flange 42 held under the wall 72 which surrounds the orifice 71, a screwable ring 80 pressing the flange 42 against the tank, coming to be screwed, on the opposite side , on complementary threads 43 arranged towards the base of the endpiece which comprises, beyond these same threads, and possibly in their extension, the aforementioned threads llb adapted to cooperate with the complementary threads lla of the plug 3, reserving between them the

passage 20.

  Insofar as the “functionally active” part as regards the sealing / aeration functions of the device 40 of this FIG. 7 is identical to that of the preceding figures, it is clear that the operation of

  this device is the same as that already described.

  Of course, different embodiments of the invention could be imagined. In particular, one could for example replace (or complete) the passage 20 between the threads with leaktight cooperation, with one (or even several) calibrated hole (s), shown in dashed lines in FIG. 4 and marked 90. This hole which crosses the skirt 13 of the plug below the level of attachment of the valve will only be discovered when the plug is opened, as clearly illustrated in FIG. 4. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the obturator 25 by another, 91, constituted in this case as a flexible, deformable discoidal membrane, for example rubbery, always fixed in the center of the plug but coming peripherally, at 91a, to permanently bear against the shoulder 15 to form the joint sealing, by presenting, between its periphery and its center, an opening, for example annular, 93, selectively closable by a valve 95 articulated on the obturator to constitute the desired valve, a seat 97 in. to prevent the valve from opening in the

tank direction outward.

  Instead, or in addition to the radial clearance between the means of cooperation of the stopper and the neck of the tank, one could also have provided open axial cuts (for example four in number angularly offset by 90) locally interrupting these means of cooperation and thus forming, in the context of the screwing means illustrated in FIG. 7, communication channels

  99 interrupting the threads of the plug, preferably.

Claims (10)

  1. Clogging device, with sealing or ventilation, of a tank or equivalent, comprising: - a neck (5, 40) fixedly links to the tank (2, 70) along an axis, defining a mouth (7, 71 ) for the latter, and a plug (3, 30) comprising screwing means (11b) or the like, to be mounted substantially in the axis of said neck (5), the plug containing a fixed shutter (25, 91) to it, which incorporates a seal associated with a valve for selective sealing of said mouth and being interposed between said neck (5, 40) and at least one orifice (22) communicating with the outside through the plug, which is displaceable substantially axially with respect to the neck, - between an open position in which said shutter is moved away from the neck to release a leakage and / or suction passage (20) between the tank and the outside, leaving it free of movement said valve for a possible other communication between the tank and outside, through said orifice (22) of the plug, - and a closed position in which said shutter is blocked peripherally between the plug and the neck so that its seal closes said passage (20). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said screwing means (11a, 11b) or equivalent complementary cooperation between the plug (3, 30) and the neck (5, 40) cooperate with each other in a manner not leaktight to less to gas, so as to reserve a path between them (20, 99) for said escape passage   and / or suction between the tank and the outside.   3. Device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that said internal shutter valve (25, 91) cooperates with a seat (15, 97) to selectively allow air circulation only from the outside towards the tank (2), from   of a given depression prevailing in said tank.   4. Device according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that   the internal obturator of the stopper is presented as a discoidal membrane (25), - fixed in the central part to the stopper (3, 30), - constituting at its periphery said seal, in the closed position of the stopper, by peripheral support d 'one side against an inner shoulder (15) of the plug, and on the other side, against a shoulder (5a) complementary to the neck (5, 40), - and constituting, also at its periphery, said valve in the open position of said plug, by axial displacement of the latter away from the shoulder (Sa) of the neck.   5. Device according to any one of   claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said   internal obturator is presented as a discoidal membrane (91), - fixed in the central part to the plug (3, 30), - constituting at its periphery said seal (91a) in the closed position of the plug, by peripheral support of a side against a shoulder (15) of said stopper and, on the other, against a shoulder (5a) complementary to the neck, said shutter having, between its periphery and its central part, an opening (93) opposite which is articulated a valve (95) fixed to the shutter.   6. Device according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that between   the shutter (25, 91) and its said orifices (22) for communication with the outside, which are multiple, the plug (3, 30) has an internal chamber (18) where ribs (21) extend a free end (21a)   constitutes a support for said shutter.   7. Device according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that the   plug (3, 30) and the neck (5, 40) cooperate with each other by means of screwing (11a, 11b) of the plug on the neck, the threads (11b) formed on the neck being round, or more   rounded, as those (11a) formed on the cap.   8. Device according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that the (s)   orifice (s) (22) for communication with the exterior formed in the plug extend substantially horizontally in a substantially vertical arrangement of the plug on the neck.   9. Sealing or ventilation plug comprising screwing means (11b) or equivalent, to be mounted substantially in the axis (9) of a tubular end piece or neck (5, 40) internally defining a mouthpiece for a tank (2), or equivalent, said cap being movable relative to the neck between an open position and a closed position, reserving, in the open position, a first path (10) and a second path (? O20) for possible passage of fluid between the mouth (7, 71) of the tank and the outside, the cap being fitted internally with a shutter (25, 91) extending transversely to its axis and comprising a seal associated with a valve which conditions the opening and closing of said first passageway (10), the seal releasing said second passage (20) in the open position of the plug, while it closes it in the closed position of said plug.   10. Tank equipped with a stoppering device   according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or of a cap according to claim 9.