ITUD20080100A1 - "COLLAR FOR HIGH-PRESSURE CYLINDERS AND PROCEDURE FOR ITS CONSTRUCTION" - Google Patents

Description

Description of the Patent for Industrial Invention entitled:

"COLLAR FOR HIGH PRESSURE CYLINDERS AND PROCEDURE FOR ITS CONSTRUCTION"

Application sector

The present invention relates to a collar for high pressure cylinders (and the process for its realization), composed of various metal elements that can be coupled together in a stable way, which can be incorporated with the mass of the container itself, which is made of composite material, metal alloy , synthetic material, resins and reinforcing fibers.

The mouthpiece is made up of several elements in metal or metal alloy, which lock together stably by means of threads, e10 welding, and 10 gluing, finishing at the end of the core (liner), simultaneously tightening it on both sides, internal and external. . This gripper has an external polygonal shape to facilitate its incorporation into the mass of the composite material that constitutes the borribola, avoiding the possibility of rotating on itself if it is subject to screwing (in the case of insertion of a re-valve or valve), at the same time ensuring perfect sealing even at high pressures.

The invention is particularly useful and advantageous in the production of borribole in composite material, of different capacities and at high pressure, on cores made both of synthetic material and> of nietal (steel sheets, aluminum, or metal alloys).

State of the art

At the present state of the art are known - in the production of cylinders or containers with high connection for taps and 10 safety valves.

There are known pressure vessels obtained entirely in steel or aluminum alloy, with various and subsequent hot working steps starting from the starting material, which obtain the mouthpiece directly in the niassa of the material, making a thread suitable for tightening a tap or seal valve. These techniques guarantee the impermeability of the containers to the gases or fluids contained in them, but these technical solutions are expensive, require large investments in equipment and land, and the final product is heavy and impractical in its handling. Therefore, it was decided - at first - to overcome these problems, creating the circumferential wrapping with reinforcing threads and 10 resins, reducing the thickness of the metal structure by about half; then - in a second moment - realizing a circumferential and axial winding, further reducing the thickness of the metal structure and the weight; finally, with a non-structural ternioplastic core, externally reinforced, with winding in all directions.

In the first case, although economically advantageous, the result is a very heavy object; in subsequent cases there is a compromise between production costs and weight reduction. The last example is the lightest, but has the drawback of being partially permeable to gases. This is unacceptable for certain types of gas, such as methane, hydrogen, helium and more generally the various toxic mixtures. The critical point of these products is constituted by the core and by the coupling of this between the ogive and the nozzle. In fact, the nozzle must be made of metallic material, in order to guarantee the perfect housing of the threaded valve; at the interface between the plastic material and the surface of the nozzle, the gas tends to penetrate and produce a delamination effect in the earth with consequent gas leakage.

To overcome these drawbacks, the technique proposed by the patent W020061034439 <A2 is known, for the construction of the mouthpiece of high pressure containers where an inner ring of elastic type is provided which is of the split type to allow its expansion. It does not allow to insert a gasket between the liner and the material of the mouthpiece; moreover, being elastic, it is not axially blocked: in particular it could fall inside the container losing its functionality. The same ring could not be of the conical type, because this geometric characteristic would not favor its stationing in position, but on the contrary it would increase its axial instability. The technique used must include at least two gaskets: one between the external winding and the body of the collar, another between the external winding of the mouthpiece and the internal core (liner). Furthermore, this system does not allow the replacement of the external seal between the mouthpiece winding and the container core, as both are incorporated in the same winding.

Referring then to the patent W020071079971 A1, the system used does not allow the disassembly and replacement of the gasket, since the external winding of the mouthpiece is incorporated in the reinforcement, which prevents the sealing ring from being removed, freeing the seat of the gasket itself. .

With reference to patents W0200510993313 A l, EP 1228862 A l and W 0 96199142, the three proposed systems are substantially equivalent: they have the metal structure of the mouthpiece incorporated in the core of the container by melting and pouring the plastic material of the core inside of special cavities, made in various ways in the metal structure of the mouthpiece itself.

All these known systems have drawbacks linked to the cohesion between the metal and the plastic-polymer surfaces of the liner which - subjected to high gas pressures - tend, over time, to become unstuck and to allow the gas to penetrate more and more through these interfaces. Furthermore <.. i> there is no possibility to intervene on the mouthpiece, for normal maintenance, without inevitably damaging the liner as well. Also in the case of patents W020061034439 A2 and W020071079971 A l, as already highlighted, ordinary maintenance of the seals for their eventual replacement is not possible (the guarantee of efficiency of the container degrades over time and with use).

Purpose of the invention

The purpose of the present invention is therefore to obviate the drawbacks encountered with the known techniques, by making a collar or mouthpiece for high-pressure and reinforced cylinders (made of corresponding material) and a construction process that has the following characteristics: <-> a suitable mouthpiece and can be connected with certainty of seal indifferently for cores (liner) in metallic material and 10 in plastic material;

<-> i. in an internal seal ring and of the whole type, non-elastic split, of the choriic type, capable of containing a toroidal gasket between the same ring and the core of the cylinder;

a sealing ring which can be conical to increase the adhesion of the inner and outer surfaces of the core respectively to the outer surface of the ring and to the inner surface of the outer winding of the mouthpiece respectively;

<-> an internal ring that is perfectly stable in position, being screwed to the external winding of the mouthpiece;

- <an internal shape of the sealing ring which has a hexagonal seat to facilitate its> assembly and disassembly;

<-> the external part of the mouthpiece that has a polygonal shape (for example octagonal), on which the reinforcing threads with the resins are wound forming a single body, incorporating it: this determines a formidable tightening torque, screwing the valve or tap on the inside of the mouthpiece, discharging this torque on the mouthpiece and the external coating and not <on the arinia of the borribola;>

- avoid the tensions normally localized on the end of the core, distributing them over a greater surface affecting both the internal and external part of the same: in the internal part by means of the ring in direct contact on the smooth e10 threaded, cylindrical and 10 cored surface, and in the external part by means of the mouthpiece body with smooth surface e10 threaded, cylindrical e10 conic Essence of the invention

The objects of the invention are achieved according to the characteristics of the main claim and 10 of any other claim reported in this patent text, by means of the realization of a collar for high pressure borribole - coated with several layers of reinforcing threads and resins - and the exemplification of the related construction process.

We propose the creation of a collar (or elements available in metal material), suitable for coupling to i.in <l> core (liner, consisting of thin sheet steel or light aluminum alloy or plastic material), forming thus a nozzle incorporated in the synthetic mass of external reinforcement coating, in which the gas delivery valve is subsequently housed, avoiding leaks through the connection interface between the core and the nozzle itself.

In a first embodiment, the internal part of the nozzle is constituted by a cylindrical tubular shaped ring made of metal material and has the first internal upper part threaded and suitable for housing a valve for screwing; the second part is obviously perforated and shaped (in cross section) in the shape of a hexagon, in order to be able to extract it with a hexagonal key for its maintenance, since it is screwed to the second external element of the nozzle. In the first external part of the ring there is a thread for screwing to the second element of the nozzle. Lower down, the external surface is perfectly smooth and interrupted by an annular groove suitable for housing a toroidal gasket: this surface will adhere to the core of the cylinder (in metal or plastic sheet).

The external body of the nozzle, also made of metal, or the second component element of the nozzle, is shaped as follows: in the first upper internal part there is a threaded screw for screwing the internal ring; in the second part there is a cylindrical recess in the core, and in a subsequent and large enlargement of thinned material, thus forming a large support surface on the core itself. In the external part of this element a first simply cylindrical part is provided, which widens forming a polygonal section configuration (for example octagonal) with protruding tooth, and then tapers until it reaches the final part of the element.

This solution allows the complete extraction of the internal ring element to perform maintenance or control and replacement of the internal sealing gasket.

The procedure for fixing the nozzle to the core of the cylinder is the following: first of all the external toroidal gasket is taken and positioned within the appropriate seat of the external element of the nozzle; the external element is brought closer to the air of the borribola making it adhere perfectly; the other internal gasket is inserted in the appropriate seat of the internal ring element; it is completely screwed to the external body of the nozzle, enclosing the core between the modular elements; finally, the external reinforcement wrapping with several layers of threads and resins is carried out, incorporating - in particular - the external part with greater over-thickness near the external element of the nozzle, also covering the polygonal conformation.

The product thus obtained is technically perfect: a nozzle that prevents gas delamination even at high pressure between the core of the cylinder and the contact walls of the nozzle itself, thanks also to the two toroidal joints, internal and external to the core. itself, and the large thickness of the wrapping with reinforcing threads and resins in the vicinity of the area of attachment of the nozzle to the core of the cylinder.

In a second solution, the internal part of the nozzle is different in its lower internal shape: instead of ending in a cylindrical way, it widens, increasing in diameter and following the connection of the cylinder core, presenting two gasket housing seats (one on the cylindrical section and the other with a wider diameter on the final contact section identical to the first case already exemplified. This solution cannot be dismantled, therefore its maintenance is not possible; it is indicated in the case of construction of borribole with joint core along the longitudinal part of the cylinder itself.

It follows that the application of the nozzle to the core is different from the previous example, since the internal element of the nozzle equipped with two toroidal seals is inserted from the inside of the cylinder (and is no longer removable) and is made to adhere to the terrestrial part of the core: it is then screwed on the outside to the second external part of the nozzle, which has no sealing seats. When the two modular elements of the nozzle are tightened, the terminal part of the cylinder air is simultaneously enclosed between them. The wide external wrapping is then carried out, with reinforcing threads and resins, of the entire attachment area of the nozzle and of the entire cylinder.

A further variant to the present invention relates to the possibility of making a secondary and an external thread on the terminal part of the core of the cylinder, be it metal or plastic and having a sufficient thickness. The external one is used to be able to screw on it the external element of the nozzle (in this way an additional sealing gasket is not needed), while the internal one is used to screw the internal ring (after inserting it into the appropriate seat of the internal gasket) component the nozzle. In this way the terminal part of the ariima of the

<1> cylinder between the two elements of the nozzle: subsequently the external (thick) wrapping of the reinforcing threads and 10 synthetic resin is carried out, completely covering the connection area between the nozzle and the core.

Another variant of the present invention consists in the fact that the two threads - external and internal - of the terminal part of the core of the borribola, are of the conical type, thus also corresponding to those of the external element and of the internal ring element constituting the nozzle. This executive peculiarity improves the tightness and efficiency of the cylinder over time.

The invention achieves the intended aim and objects, namely: overcoming the disadvantages known in the septorde; also at high pressure; allow the creation of high pressure cylinders by considerably lowering their weight, thus facilitating their handling and transport; in some solutions described, allowing the interchangeability of the internal ring part, facilitating maintenance and giving the possibility to replace the internal sealing gasket.

Illustration of the drawings

Four solutions according to the present invention are represented by way of preferential example, however not limiting, in the five attached drawing tables, where:

- Fig. 1 shows, in section view from the front, a high pressure cylinder composed of a metal sheet or e10 coated plastic core reinforced with threads and resins, highlighting the area of the collar or mouthpiece modular with only one seal on the inside, and extractable component ring;

- Fig. 2 shows, in cross-section and plan view, the mouthpiece with the modular internal element holding ring-type and removable gasket, having two gaskets (one on the internal side and one on the external side of the terminal part of the 'soul);

Fig. 3 shows, in cross-section and plan view, the modular mouthpiece equipped with an internal element with two sealing gaskets, of the non-removable type and which can only be inserted from the inside of the cylinder during construction;

- Fig. 4 shows, in cross-section and plan view, the coriiporiibile mouthpiece with removable annular internal element, with the end part of the cylinder core threaded both in the external and internal part;

- Fig. 5 shows, in cross-section and plan view, the modular mouthpiece similar to the previous figure, but having the external and internal threads of the terminal part of the conical type core, and similar threads on the respective surfaces of the two components of the mouthpiece .

As can be seen from the various figures, the collar or mouthpiece for high pressure cylinders is applied to the terminal part of the core (2) of the cylinder (l), made of sheet steel or light alloy or plastic or synthetic material , reinforced externally with a plurality of layers of corresponding material (3), such as reinforcement threads embedded in synthetic resins which incorporate the mouthpiece (4) in the mass constituting the high pressure cylinder.

The invention is represented in the constructive solutions of the various types of mouthpiece (4), formed by various elements which can be assembled together, so as to guarantee the seal and avoid the delamination of the gas (under pressure) contained in the borribole itself.

First of all, the mouthpiece (4) is composed of two precision-machined metal parts, of which an external part (4.1) and an internal part (4.2), coaxial and both annular, can be screwed and joined together, thanks to the internal thread of the external element and to the external thread of the internal annular element. Between said parts there remains a lower space suitable for containing, enclosing and tightening the terminal part of the core (liner) (2) of the cylinder.

A thread is provided on the upper internal part of the inner ring (4.2) to lock a valve or tap for supplying the gas contained in the borribola (1). Furthermore, on the lower external part of the ring element (4.2) there is at least one annular seat (7) to contain at least one toroidal gasket (5) which comes into direct contact with the internal part of the cylinder core (2 ). Said ring can be removed and removed if necessary to carry out maintenance or replacement of the gasket (5).

To facilitate the tightening of this ring to the external body (4.1) of the mouthpiece and its removal, a shaped seat is provided in the central perforated part - for example with a hexagon (9) - to be able to exert a torque of force with the insertion of a special key. Always for the same reason the external element of the mouthpiece has on the upper external part, on the key and therefore being able to exert greater effectiveness in the tightening or unlocking action between said two elements making up the mouthpiece. On the lower central part of the external element (4.1) there is a polygonal configuration (for example octagonal) (8) with the purpose of being able to provide a greater surface resistant to axial rotation, after wrapping in several layers with reinforcing threads and resins .

The related manufacturing process of the collar and its fixing to the cylinder core (in metal or plastic) includes: inserting the gasket (5) in the seat (7) of the internal element (4.2); then the same internal end part of the core (2) of the borribola (1) is positioned; then the external element (4.1) of the mouthpiece (4) is screwed with a strong tightening to the internal element (4.2) thus enclosing the core of the cylinder; after tightening, the external wrapping is carried out in several layers of reinforcing threads and resins, forming a substantial thickness of composite material (3) covering and incorporating the external shaped part (8).

After this embodiment solution, a variant is shown in Fig. 2 in which it is possible to alternatively provide an annular seat (7) on the inner part on the outer element (4.9) of the mouthpiece, as opposed to qi ~ ella obtained on the internal element (4.2) of the mouthpiece, in order to be able to insert an annular sealing gasket (5) also externally to the air (2). Also in this case the internal component (4.2) of the mouthpiece is of the removable type for maintenance.

The third representation illustrates a solution different from the previous ones, in which the internal element (4.3) of the mouthpiece is non-removable and can be applied only from the internal part of the cylinder core (in the case of cylinders of considerable length where a welding of the two parts of the constituent core). Said element (4.3) has the lower part that widens in a circular way so that it cannot be removed through the mouthpiece opening. It has two consecutive annular seats (7) on the side in contact with the core (2) of the cylinder. one on the cylindrical part and the other on the inclined part of said core. In this case the external element (4.4) is identical to the element (4.1) referred to in the first representation.

The fourth representation turns out to be a variant of the first representation with only the difference in the terminal part of the core (2); in fact it has, both in the internal and in the external part, a thread (6) similarly in the respective areas of the two modular elements the mouthpiece (4), internal part (4.5) and external part (4.6).

Finally, the fifth representation is similar to the previous one with the only variant that the threads - both on the terminal sections of the core (6.1) and in the two components of the mouthpiece, internal (4.8) and external (4.7) - are of the conical type, such as those commonly used in the plumbing sector. In this case, the more the elements in play tighten together (elements of the mouthpiece and the soul of the bornbola), the more the parts fit together, guaranteeing the seal between the parts, thus avoiding delamination of the contained gas.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the examples of embodiment described above, starting from which other forms and other embodiments can be provided, and the details of execution can in any case vary without thereby departing from the essence of the invention as stated. and hereinafter claimed.

Claims (1)

R I V E N D I C A Z I O N I 1A Collar for high pressure cylinders and procedure for its construction cylinders made with an internal core in sheet metal or plastic material and externally coated in several layers with reinforcing threads and resins - characterized by the fact that: - it is composed of two elements, which can be assembled together, forming the mouthpiece (4): an internal part (4.2) in the shape of a cylindrical ring, the upper part of which has an external thread to screw to the external part (4.1) and an internal thread to screw a dispensing valve or tap; an external part (4.1), having the first upper part as a cylindrical ring and terminating at the bottom in a widened way with an inclined and joined circular flange, having in the upper internal part a thread that can be screwed to that obtained on the internal component; - these two modular elements (4.1) and (4.2), forming the mouthpiece (4) or collar, are made of metallic material and, once the coupling has taken place, provide sufficient space to enclose, contain and clamp the core (2 ) (liner) of the cylinder (1); - at least one of the two modular elements making up the mouthpiece (4) has at least one annular seat or groove (7) on the surface in contact with the core (2) of the cylinder (1) suitable for housing a toroidal gasket (O-ring or lip) ; - the external modular element of the mouthpiece (4) is further blocked to the core (2) of the cylinder by means of external wrapping, in several layers, of reinforcing threads and resins (composite materials), incorporating it, almost completely, in the cylinder shaft. 2A Procedure for fixing the collar (as per claim IA) to the body of the cylinder (made using composite materials), characterized by: insertion of the sealing gasket in the appropriate seat obtained on the internal modular element of the collar itself, or of the gaskets sealing on the elements making up the mouthpiece (4); approaching it in adherence to the internal end part of the core (2) of the cylinder (1); screwing the second modular element of the mouthpiece (the external one) to the first, thus tightening the end part of the core (2); winding of the external part of the mouthpiece with a sequence of repeated layers of reinforcing threads (glass fibers and equivalents) and resins during the final phase of construction of the entire light-type cylinder, obtained by wrapping the core (in metal sheet or plastic and the like) with composite materials (reinforcing threads and synthetic resins). 3A Collar according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal annular element (4.2) (4.5) (4.8) is of the extractable, removable and reassembled type, by unscrewing-screwing, to facilitate maintenance and replacement of the annular seal (s) contained therein. 4 "Collar according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central part of the inner ring element (4.2) (4.3) (4.5) (4.8) of the mouthpiece (4) has an internal shaped axial seat (9) (e.g. hexagonal), suitable for receiving a key to facilitate the tightening and disassembly action with the respective external part (4.1) (4.9) (4.4) (4.6) (4.7). 5 "Collar according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the inner element (4.3) of the mouthpiece (4) cannot be removed through the central opening, since it has a flared shape on the inside - widening circumferentially - and has at least two seats (7) for containing gaskets (5), one on the cylindrical part and one on the enlarged part, in direct contact with the core (2) of the cylinder (1). 6A Collar according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elements constituting (4.6) and (4.5) the mouthpiece (4), have respective internal-external threadings in direct contact with the end of the core (2.1 ) also threaded (6), both in the internal and external terrrinal part. 7 "Collar according to claim 6", characterized in that the threads, both on the end part of the core (2.2) (external and internal) and on the elements (4.7) and (4.8) of the mouthpiece (4), are of the conical (6.1). 8 "Collar according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external element (4.9) of the mouthpiece (4), in the internal part in contact with the core (Z), has at least one suitable grooved seat (7) to house an appropriate O-ring (5).