NL1018674C2 - Equipment for storage and delivery of fluid under pressure comprises fluid containers of type with cylindrical housing, closed under side and upper side provided with outlet mouth, mouth at outset being closed by membrane - Google Patents

Abstract

The equipment (10) for storage and delivery of fluid under pressure comprises fluid containers (12,14) of the type with a cylindrical housing, a closed under side and an upper side provided with an outlet mouth. The mouth at the outset is closed by a membrane. A coupling block (16) is provided with a number of inlet ports (18,20) corresponding to the quantity of fluid containers, an outlet port (22) and channels (24,26) between the inlet ports and the outlet port. Connecting devices connect the fluid containers with the coupling block so that each container with its mouth is coupled in a gastight manner with one of the inlet ports. The upper side of each container has a bottle neck shape and the inlet ports of the coupling are matched to this shape. A base block is provided with recesses in which the fluid containers at least partly fit and coupling devices with which the base block can be fixed to the coupling block.

Description

Device for storing and supplying a pressurized fluid TERRAIN OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for storing and supplying a pressurized fluid. More in particular, the invention relates to gas bottles and gas bottles of relatively small size in which, for example, CO2 or another liquefied and pressurized gas is stored

BACKGROUND ART

Such gas bottles and bottles are known in various variants. For household use, bottles with a capacity of less than 100 grams are known. The smallest sizes are used, for example, in whipped cream sprayers and water spray siphons, while a size larger is used for, for example, beer dispensers for small barrel-shaped cans of beer with a capacity of approximately 5 liters. These small designs are therefore widely used in household appliances. Therefore, it is preferable that these bottles are normally available in retail stores so that the consumer does not experience any problems when purchasing them. In most countries there are no requirements for the transport and storage of such small gas bottles and therefore the retail trade has no problem in including these bottles in the assortment and in stocking and selling any other product like this. .

Larger embodiments with a content varying between 100 and 500 grams are used in the hospitality industry, for example in carbonising equipment with which ordinary "flat" water can be used to make carbonated water. These larger embodiments are not available at every retail store. In many countries, demands are placed on transport and storage, with the result that these larger embodiments are only available from authorized dealers.

This relatively poor availability is seen as a disadvantage.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

The invention now seeks to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantage at least to a considerable extent by making it possible that in applications where the equipment is in fact only suitable for the larger bottles, the small bottles can also be used.

THE INVENTION

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The object described above is now met according to the invention by a device for storing and supplying a pressurized fluid comprising - a number of fluid containers of the type embodied with a cylindrical housing, a closed bottom side and a top side provided with a mouth, the outlet being initially closed, - a coupling block provided with a number of input ports and an output port corresponding to the number of fluid containers, and channels between the input ports and the output port, - connecting means for connecting the fluid containers to the coupling block such that each container has its outlet is gas-tightly connected to one of the entrance gates.

After the fluid containers are connected to the coupling block, each container can deliver fluid through the respective input port. Such a device with a number of relatively small fluid containers can take over the function of a single fluid container with relatively larger content.

Containers for liquids and gases (generally referred to as "fluids") come in a variety of forms. Although the invention is not limited to a particular type, the use of the invention is particularly contemplated by cylindrical containers with a convex bottom side and a bottle-necked top side. These are used in large numbers for various consumer products, both with and without thread around the neck.

Bottles with screw thread around the neck can be screwed directly into the coupling block. However, many embodiments of the fluid containers do not have a screw thread. In that case it is preferred that the device is further provided with a bottom block which is provided with recesses into which the fluid containers fit at least partially as well as means with which the bottom block can be attached to the coupling block. A solid whole is created through this bottom block that can be used as a unit.

Fluid containers are known in which the seal of the exit port is realized with the aid of a membrane. In order to couple all fluid containers at the same time when multiple containers are used (and thereby prevent loss of gas as much as possible), it is preferable that said coupling means 1018674 · 3 are designed such that a relative approaching movement between bottom block and coupling block can be realized. The fluid containers are initially provided with a sealing membrane. Each of the input ports is provided with a pointed protrusion into which the input port opens. If the holder is now moved to the entrance port 5 (or vice versa), then this pointed protrusion will protrude through the membrane while at the same time the holder is secured to the block. With the pointed protrusion the membrane is thus inserted open, whereby an open fluid connection is created between the fluid container and the external connection. If all the fluid containers are connected to the coupling block in this way, the device as a whole is ready to supply fluid.

Although fluid containers with a membrane seal are widely available, it is not unlikely that fluid containers with a ball valve or other seal will find a wider distribution in the foreseeable future. These containers can also be used within the scope of the invention. In that case, the IS entrance ports may have to be adapted, but that does not detract from the principle of the invention.

If, prior to the external connection, was coupled to the fluid input of the system to which fluid must be supplied, this system is thus ready for operation. In most cases, however, the device according to the invention is first made operational by coupling all fluid containers and only then is the finished device connected to the consumer. In order to prevent premature fluid from escaping from the finished device, it is preferable that the outlet port of the coupling block is provided with a valve with which the port can be opened and closed. During operation, this port remains closed and the valve is not opened until commissioning.

It is preferred that the valve is designed such that it is automatically opened by coupling the device with the consumer. Known are ball valves, the ball of which is permanently pressed from its seat by a part of the user intended for this purpose, so that a permanently open passage is provided during operation.

In order not to suffer from premature fluid loss during coupling of the various fluid containers, it is preferable that the inlet ports of the coupling block are each provided with a valve with which the inlet port can be opened and closed. Simple embodiments are known which can be embodied in parallel such that all valves can be opened simultaneously with a single operating element. Ball valves are also preferred here. In that case, all fluid containers can each be individually mounted in place without loss of gas. During assembly, each valve is opened automatically while all other input ports are closed by valves or are connected to a fluid container but do not allow gas to pass through.

It is furthermore preferable that all of the aforementioned components of the device can be accommodated in the operation-ready state in an enclosure which is preferably formed as a per se known fluid container of larger dimensions than the aforementioned fluid containers, which larger container on the one or can be opened in another way to position the other components of the device

Generally, with regard to storage, transport and the like, with regard to storage, transport and the like, with regard to storage, transport and the like, containers are made between small containers with a capacity of less than 90 grams and larger bottles with a capacity of more than 90 grams. 90 grams. The smaller bottles that are used in whipped cream sprayers, carbonation bottles, beer dispensers for small kegs and the like can be stored and sold everywhere. Larger containers, on the other hand, 20 must be stored under prescribed conditions and may not be sold everywhere. This makes the use of these larger bottles more difficult. By now designing the casing in such a way that it can replace a larger bottle and fill it with smaller bottles, the existing drawbacks can at least largely be eliminated.

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FIGURES

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures, in which a number of exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated.

Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows a partial section through Fig. 1 with a valve in two positions 1018674 «5

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a device according to the invention.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional embodiment with valves of a different design.

Figure 5 shows in perspective an embodiment with 4 fluid holders.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment with a casing in the form of a fluid container with larger dimensions.

Figure 7 shows an embodiment with a gas bottle-shaped envelope of even larger dimensions.

10

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following figures, embodiments are shown in which use is made of fluid containers sealed with a membrane. As already noted, the invention is not limited thereto. Holders with a ball valve or other type of closure can also be used within the scope of the invention.

In Figure 1, a device according to the invention, generally indicated by 10, is shown in section. The device is provided with the fluid containers 12 and 14 and the coupling block 16. The coupling block has two input ports 18 and 20 and a single output port 22. In this example, the fluid containers are provided with external thread around the neck with which the containers can be screwed in in corresponding internal threads in the input ports 18 and 20 of the coupling block. The input ports are connected to the internal channels 24 and 26 which open into an output channel 28. This output channel is coupled to a spring-loaded ball valve 30. The internal 25 channels contain coupled valves which are represented here by a shaft 32 in which transverse holes are provided with which the channels can be opened or blocked as will be described briefly with reference to Fig. 2.

Figure 2 shows a detailed view of Figure 1 at the place where the shaft 32 intersects the channel 24. . In view A, the shaft 32 is rotated such that the hole 36 therein is in line with the channel 24 and thus forms a passage for the fluid that wants to flow through the channel. In view B, the shaft 32 is rotated about 90 degrees so that the hole 16 has disappeared from the flow path and the channel 24 is actually blocked.

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It should be noted that valves of this type are also known in which the shaft does not make a rotating movement but a sliding movement in the longitudinal direction. The shaft is provided with a number of constrictions or places with a smaller diameter. If these constrictions lie in the fluid channels, the channels are open. If these constrictions are each pushed out of the associated channel, the channels are closed. Further explanation is considered unnecessary for the expert reader.

It is otherwise preferable to design the valves or valves in such a way that no separate action is required from the user to operate the valves. One can think of ball valves which are operated by the fluid containers themselves. This is discussed in more detail below

As is known, the fluid containers 12 and 14 are closed at the top with a membrane. Each input port is provided with a pointed channel end such as 38 at the end of the channel 24. If a fluid container is screwed into the input port, the pointed channel end will protrude through this membrane and thereby open the container. It is ensured in advance that the valve shaft 34 is in the "closed" position so that no fluid can escape.

If both fluid containers are coupled to this block by screwing into the respective input port of the coupling block 16, then the valve shaft 32 can be brought to the "opened" position whereby fluid could flow through the channels 24 and 26 and the output channel 28, had it not that the exit port is still closed by a ball valve 30. The device is now ready for operation, for which purpose the valve 30 is coupled, for example, to a fluid user, the valve 30 being opened. Ball valves of the type that are automatically opened when a consumer is connected are also known to the skilled reader Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a similar embodiment, but now intended for five fluid containers The five containers are indicated by 40,42, 44, 46 and 48. On the one shown in Figure 1 In this way the holders are screwed into the in this case elongated coupling block 50. Also in this case a valve shaft is present whose control button is indicated by 52. As will be clear, this axis opens and closes five input channels simultaneously. However, due to the presence of the ball valve at the outlet, no fluid can escape even when the valve shaft is turned from the "closed" position "D" to the open position "O".

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It will be clear that the number of fluid containers can be chosen arbitrarily, provided that the coupling block is adapted to the selected number.

Fluid holders are also supplied without a thread around the neck. In that case, other means must be used to connect the fluid containers to the coupling block. An example is shown in cross-sectional view in Figure 4.

In Figure 4 the device according to the invention is generally indicated by 60. The device 60 comprises two fluid containers 62 and 64 and a coupling block 66. The fluid containers are placed with their convex underside in openings in a bottom block 68. The coupling block 66 is in this exemplary embodiment not provided with a valve shaft but is provided with a ball valve for the left inlet port in the figure and provided with a needle valve for the right inlet port in the figure, the valve 72 in the inlet port 70 and the valve 74 in the inlet port 76 The ports 70 and 76 in this example have no threads and only serve to guide the neck of the respective fluid container. If the fluid containers fit into the bottom block without too much play, then it is possible that a guide of the neck of the container is superfluous and in that case the port can be designed as drawn at port 76.

As indicated and shown, port 70 is provided with a ball valve of the type wherein the ball 71 is pushed through the holder 62 via a pin 75 during the connection of the holder 62 from its seat. When the holder 62 is properly in place, the membrane is pierced and the valve 72 is open.

As stated, port 76 has a needle valve. Such valves are known and require no further explanation.

The coupling block is provided on its underside with a tie rod 78 which extends through a hole in the bottom block 68 and protrudes below it. A nut 80 is screwed onto the protruding end.

To prepare the device for operation, the nut 80 is loosened from the rod 78. In the released bottom block 68 two gas bottles 62 and 64 are placed and then the drawbar 78 is inserted through the central hole in the bottom block 68 so that the coupling block with the plug-in connections in the entry ports comes to rest on the top side of the bottles. At that moment the bottles are still closed by membranes and the plug-in connections of the coupling block 66 rest against these membranes. The nut 80 is then screwed onto the underside of the drawbar 78 until the bottles become jammed. If from that moment on, 1018674 · 8 is screwed through, the plug-in connections will pierce the membranes and gas can be supplied from the bottles 62 and 64 via the valves 72 and 74 (if these are open) and the channels 82 and 84 and the ball valve 86 to a consumer connected to the valve 86.

The number of fluid containers can be selected arbitrarily and depends primarily on the available space and the preferred amount of fluid

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a device 90 with four gas bottles that are approximately in a square configuration. The gas bottles 91, 92, 93 and 94 are in openings in a bottom block 96. The coupling block 98 is placed on the bottles and by means of the invisible drawbar 100 and the nut 102 this block is tightened against the bottom block 96 such that the plug-in connections on the underside of the block 98 are inserted through the membranes of the vials and the device is thus ready for operation. A valve 104, 105, 106 and 107 respectively is associated with each of the bottles, with which the bottles remain closed until the actual use of the device. The device is brought to the ready state by opening the needle valves 104, 105, 106 and 107. In the operating situation, the gas is supplied via the ball valve 108. As an advantage of the use of needle valves, reference can be made to the possibility of initially opening only three valves 104, 105 and 106, and keeping valve 107 as a reserve and initially closed. . This valve is only opened when it is actually needed.

In any case, it is preferable to design the valves in such a way that the fluid containers can be fixed one by one on the coupling block (by screwing or otherwise). The force that the user must exert remains relatively limited with this and, moreover, the user maintains a "grip" on the coupling. M.a.w. the user can feel what is happening and in particular it is clear whether or not the bottle is properly secured. If all the bottles are coupled at the same time, for example by tightening the nut 102 at the bottom of the drawbar 101, whereby the bottom block as a whole is pulled in the direction of the coupling block, a considerable force is required at a certain moment when all the membranes must be pierced. , which power cannot be applied by all users.

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Instead of needle valves, four ball valves can also be used here, as shown in Figure 4 on the left, which in any case promotes the simplicity of operation.

It is noted that here too the ball valve 108 can possibly be omitted if it is possible to start the gas delivery by turning the needle valves 104 ... 107 open.

As already noted, the use of separate valves has the additional advantage that, for example, one of the valves can be kept closed when the device is put into operation. The gas bottle in question can then serve as a "reserve", whereby it is avoided that the user is completely without gas at a crucial moment.

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a device which is provided with an envelope, the envelope per se being in the form of a large fluid container 124. This device comprises three bottles 110, 111 and 112. The envelope 124 contains also the other components of the device, namely the coupling block 114 and the bottom block 116. The two blocks 114 and 116 are again mounted to each other via a drawbar (not shown) such that the membranes of the individual fluid container holders are pierced. Furthermore, the valves (not shown) in the coupling block are open so that the containers are ready to supply gas via the ball valve 118. This ball valve is located on an elongated part of the coupling block 114.

The enclosure preferably consists of two or more parts that can be inserted into each other in a suitable manner or can be coupled via screw thread or otherwise. The enclosure can also consist of a whole, albeit with movable (for instance pivotable) parts through which openings can be made for inserting the other components of the device.

Furthermore, a filling piece 120 is arranged in the enclosure with which any rattling of the various components can be prevented. Optionally, further filler pieces can be used to fill up the empty spaces within the enclosure.

The casing is threaded at the top of the "neck" with which this casing, instead of a real gas bottle, can be screwed in place in or to the user. The ball valve is then opened and the gas delivery can begin.

Finally, Figure 7 shows an embodiment in which two devices of the type shown in Figure 6 are placed one above the other in a single enclosure. The enclosure itself is indicated by 130 in Figure 7. The upper sub-device 132A comprises the bottles 134, 136 and 138, the coupling block 140 and the bottom block 142. The lower sub-device 132B comprises the bottles 144, 146 and 148, the coupling block 150 and the bottom block 152. The underside of the enclosure is filled with a filler piece 154 and at the top an extension 156 of the coupling block 140 with the ball valve 158 provides for the release of the gas from the six bottles which in this embodiment are mutually linked. The sub-devices 132A and 132B are coupled to each other via a coupling 160 known per se, for example provided with a ball valve.

It will be clear that such an embodiment of the device in Fig. 7 that the sub-devices 132A and 123B are identical to each other opens the way to embodiments in which several of these sub-devices are placed on top of each other in an elongated sleeve. relatively expensive fluid containers are generally replaced. In order to be able to perform the various partial devices in an idyllic manner, it will be necessary to design the valve valve at the top and bottom of the partial devices in such a way that they can easily cooperate only by placing the partial devices against each other. In that case, the long neck at the top of the upper sub-device (if it is at least needed) will have to be designed as a separate component.

It is further noted that the casing can not only be manufactured from this material such as can or plastic, but can also be designed as a molded article, the actual casing 130 being integrated with the shim 154 and possibly further shim. Such a molding can easily be pressed or sprayed into a mold, wherein the inner parts consist of, for example, light foam material and the outer walls are made of hard solid plastic.

In a practical embodiment of the example in Figure 7, it has been found possible to accommodate 6 fluid containers with a capacity of 90 grams each in an enclosure which has the same dimensions as a commercially available container with a content of 420 grams. Thanks to the invention, the contents of the device which the fluid is to deliver can in fact be increased from 420 grams to 6 x 90 = 540 grams, while on the other hand the cost of the fluid source has been considerably reduced. A large gas bottle is considerably more expensive than 6 small gas bottles. The costs of the device according to the invention are quickly recouped. Moreover, there are no storage and stock problems with the small bottles.

• 018674 ·

Claims (11)

An apparatus for storing and supplying a pressurized fluid comprising: 5. a number of fluid containers of the type equipped with a cylindrical housing, a closed bottom side and a mouthed top side, wherein the mouth mouth is initially closed with a membrane, a coupling block provided with a number of input ports and an output port corresponding to the number of fluid containers, and channels between the input ports and the output port, connecting means for connecting the fluid containers to the coupling block such that each container with its mouth is gas-tightly connected to one of entry gates. 2. Device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the upper side of each holder is of bottle-shaped design and that the input ports of the coupling block are adapted to this shape. 3. Device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device further comprises a bottom block which is provided with recesses into which the fluid holders fit at least partially, as well as coupling means with which the bottom block can be attached to the head-peiblock block. 4. Device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said coupling means are designed such that a relative approaching movement between bottom block and coupling block can be realized 5. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the outlet port of the coupling block is provided with a valve with which the port can be opened and closed. 1018674 · Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the inlet ports of the coupling block are each provided with a valve with which the inlet port can be opened and closed. Device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the valve is designed as a ball valve which can be opened by movement of the respective fluid container relative to the coupling block 8. Device as claimed in any of the claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the closing means can close off at least a part of the channels through the system as desired. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that all said components are surrounded by an enclosure Device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the enclosure is formed as a fluid container of per se known dimensions of a larger size than the aforementioned fluid containers, which larger container can be opened for positioning the other components of the device. 11. Coupling block provided with a number of input ports and an output port corresponding to the number of fluid containers, as well as channels between the input ports and the output port, intended for use in a device according to any one of the preceding claims. 25 ***** 1018674 ·