WO2010120161A1

WO2010120161A1 - Regulator for a gas cylinder

Info

Publication number: WO2010120161A1
Application number: PCT/MA2010/000004
Authority: WO
Inventors: Abdellah El Yabouri
Original assignee: Abdellah El Yabouri
Priority date: 2009-04-16
Filing date: 2010-03-01
Publication date: 2010-10-21
Also published as: TN2011000514A1; MA31961B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a regulator for a gas cylinder, for simplifying and securing the mounting of a regulator on a gas cylinder without using tools, consisting of an elongate rectangular frame, the large sides of which form or comprise guide rails for a clamp/push member having a shape adapted to the valve neck, and translatably actuated by a set screw turning to one end of the frame by means of a handle actuated by a manual movement (Fig. 1). The other end comprises a double end piece with a through-opening, such that, on the inner side of the frame, a first end piece is applied to the outlet of the gas cylinder valve, during the pressure movement, and the other end piece, oriented toward the outside, can be mounted on at least one gas regulator (Fig. 1). In the event of two or three gas cylinders, the same number of outer end pieces can be arranged in place of the outer end piece (Fig. 5 and Fig. 6).

Description

DOOR HOLDER FOR GAS BOTTLE

Inventor: Abdellah EL YABOURI

The present invention relates to an expansion valve for a gas cylinder. It concerns the field of combustible gases distributed in bottles, as well as that of industrial gases and more generally the distribution of low-viscosity fluids, where pressure taps must be taken quickly and safely without the need for special tools or specific job qualifications. However, among these different sectors and applications, those more specifically concerned are those where the delivery of gas to the job is carried out by means of taps - generally vertical axis of movement - equipped with a progressive manual opening / closing system. .

In the abovementioned fields, compressed natural gas cylinders are particularly known, as well as those of combustible or non-combustible industrial gases. These bottles are, in the current state of the art, generally equipped with faucets, the detailed technical characteristics of which depend on the nature of the gases to be delivered to the consumer. Thus, depending on the corrosive nature or not, the operating pressure, the conditions of transport and handling, the risk of flashback, etc., these valves can differ significantly and, in addition, be associated with other devices such as manometers and regulators in particular. These devices are usually connected to the faucet, and from there to the use, through threaded connections, with seals interposed to seal the connection and prevent gas leakage.

Most frequently, it is the regulator which is thus directly connected to the threaded outlet of the valve. When changing the cylinder, this link is defeated and it is common observation that special attention must be paid to this operation, in order to avoid leaks that can cause accidents in the form of explosions, in the case of combustible gases. The present invention does not relate in particular to gas cylinders provided with single valves, excluding faucets.

In the recent past, several solutions have been proposed to replace this gas regulator-gas bottle link and, on the one hand, make it faster and within the reach of unspecified persons, and on the other hand ensure the safety of the operation. However, we note that few models of solutions have been proposed to the public and, similarly, the patent literature contains few inventions on the subject of regulator-holder accessories or devices for the simple and tool-free connection of the latter on the faucet, although the systems and faucet variants themselves proposed are numerous.

The state of the art however reveals the existence of a few devices specifically intended to facilitate the connection of a regulator / regulator on a gas cylinder, and in particular so as to allow this operation quickly and safely, without tools and ultimately without the intervention of a specially qualified person. In the trade, the master clip device of the company Shell / Butagaz is known, characterized by the integration of a regulator as well as a safety device and a fast fixing. However, the sophisticated and delicate nature of this device makes its cost price high so that the market to which it responds is limited. In order to more fully position the present invention, it should be noted also the existence, exclusively for valve bottles, of a complete device also comprising a pressure reducer and snap-fastening means; this type of device is fixed vertically to a valve bottle, but is not suitable for conventional faucets. Among these devices, the "CHp-On" and "Clip-Cube" brands of the Primagaz and Butagaz companies are examples of examples. Furthermore, the patent WO0223071 (A1) is typically descriptive of an apparatus of this type, suitable for bottles without tap, with a suitable valve.

In the patent literature, as mentioned above, the devices approaching the present invention are few, as reported, and it is worth mentioning the patent CAl 165345

Al and WO8201542 of the company Cadbury Schweppes, characterized by a stirrup pivoting about a horizontal axis to come over the tap to be fixed by means of a screw with cruciform handle. The drawings and the text of this patent essentially refer to applications relating to the industrial gas sector for the purpose of reloading on the one hand and keeping the reservoir in a stable position on the other. In fact, by its nature, this device is first intended to be fixed on a stable vertical wall to prevent falling bottles, the latter being of the long type and base and horizontal section of reduced surface.

The present invention particularly relates to both butane, propane or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders with tap system, and the need for fast and secure gas connections for various industrial or private uses from a tap connected to a gas network, such as for example the distribution of gas in community, in the measure of the compatibility of the device of the present invention with the type of valve prescribed - or prescriptible - for this type of network. .

The invention has as priority objective to solve the problems of the difficulty and insecurity of the replacement of bottles with threaded connection valves, and in particular in domestic uses, when - in a very traditional way and still inevitable today - the user (often the housekeeper) has to cope with the rapid and almost unpredictable depletion of the gas. Indeed, and by definition, the "end of the bottle" always intervenes during a cooking or other use (such as taking a bath, ... etc.) And regularly leaves the user out of gas . In many cases, this failure can result in the loss of food in preparation, or risks of getting cold in uses for heating sanitary water. In the industrial field, it is clear that many processes can not support this interruption without damage to the operations or materials being processed. The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages. It aims to significantly increase the availability of gas cylinders, and to allow unskilled people without special tools to safely change cylinders by means of a gradual maneuver that does not entail any risk of uncontrolled leaks. Indeed, the present invention uses the principle of a progressive manual connection, which avoids - or to overcome - any leakage due to the possible forgetting of the open tap. The new connection, with double seal, can be comfortably reinforced by means of a progressive manual tightening, which makes it possible to fully judge its efficiency before any firing. In addition, in case of gas leaks due to other reasons, the bottle valve remains fully accessible to the user, so that the device of the present invention has the effect of enhancing the safety of bottles, contrary to what could happen to valve-type bottles in the event that the valve is malfunctioning. Indeed, the system formed by a gas valve and the device of the invention in function remains entirely manual, and as such perfectly and immediately controllable by the user itself.

The invention as specified in the claims, consists in the establishment of a metal frame, generally rectangular, elongated, recessed, provided on the short sides, respectively, on one side, a pressure means progressive, typically a long pressure screw acting in the longitudinal direction, and, on the opposite side, an inner boss materialized by a cylindrical nozzle with concentric orifice for the passage of gas, sized to fit with sufficient clearance in the orifice of the gas valve of the bottle, so as to strongly press the hollow cylindrical seal usually set by the manufacturers at the entrance of the valve of the bottle, and to ensure a first degree of sealing for the gas; the penetrating cylindrical tip, further comprising a recessed shoulder sufficient to come into contact with the annular outer surface of the valve connection, provides an exactly corresponding annular surface which houses a seal of the same shape, which will constitute the second degree ^' gas tightness after tightening; opposite and concentric with this nozzle, a second nozzle with orifice is disposed outside and in the axis of the frame of the apparatus, provided with a thread for the coaxial connection of a pressure regulator by means of its usual nut; the pressure screw, once the inner tip attached to the outlet of the gas valve with this double safety joint, is gradually tightened on the neck of the tap, not directly, but by the interposition of a pusher wedge this neck, and thus by means of a semi-circular hollow shape, which pusher is arranged free to rotate relative to the pressure screw; in a complementary manner, this pusher is immobilized in rotation by the internal arrangement, along the long sides of the frame, of longitudinal guides, so that the translational movement of this pusher finally ensures the clamping, accurately and irreversibly, the inner end of the device against the outlet of the valve, simultaneously pressing the two joints: the clamping is done simply by hand, the outer end of the pressure screw being provided with a handle for this purpose.

In order to better understand the provisions of the invention, we illustrate by non-limiting figures that follow the main configurations of the invention and its components - all ribs mentioned in a non-exhaustive manner being indicative only:

Figure 1, Plate I, is a general view of the device of the invention, with its essential parts.

Figure 2, Plate I, is a view of the device of the invention, in mounting situation, closed position. Figures 3, (a) and (b), Plate II, are respectively plan and side views of the device of the invention.

Figures 4, (c) and (d), Plate II, are views with cross sections of the frame of the device of the invention. Figure 5, Plate III, is a schematic view of the device with double gas outlet. Figure 6, Plate III, is a schematic view of the device with triple gas outlet.

It goes without saying that these illustrations do not limit in any way the possibilities of achievements according to the invention, nor the applications and practical variants that can be envisaged. Furthermore, the market itself is liable to be segmented, especially into products, according to the invention, intended for the general public - or current applications - and professional products, such as those intended in particular for industry and commercial uses. .

Thus, the characteristics and dimensions of the components may vary, as may the materials themselves:

• for common applications, the device of the invention can be designed lighter, including the frame, the stirrup-push and the screw-in more ordinary materials such as: common steels with surface treatments, ... etc. ; the handle may be plastic such as bakelite, or more simply steel with a protective treatment. In such a case, a light frame may be one where the sliding parts are simple integrated half-moons. • For more professional applications, the device of the invention can be designed more robust, and more precise in terms of machining and operation, including the frame, the stirrup-pusher, the handle and the screw-in more noble materials such as: brass, stainless steel, ... etc. In this case, a robust frame may be, according to the invention, that provided with protruding rails with a rectangular section, with a pusher where the sliding parts are embedded slot notches.

A complementary feature according to the invention is that of providing the handle small enough so that it can not be easily manipulated inadvertently or by little responsible persons such as children. In this way, too, the tightening by an adult will not be excessive, but just adapted if necessary, without the seals are excessively crushed: this measure is likely to strengthen the safety of the system while ensuring longevity .

Production, assembly and operation of the system:

Although we have implicitly suggested by the foregoing the multiplicity of modes of obtaining the components of the invention, it is undoubtedly interesting to consider now preferred modes of production of the main components, as well as the possibilities of assembly of these components. It should be noted first of all that the device of the invention is normally put in place over the handle of the valve of the gas cylinder, with pressure screw and slide in the retracted position: therefore, from the drawing of the device, the passage of said handle - ie "width of the handle X axial dimension of the valve" - must be reserved in the frame of the device, in addition to the space in thickness taken by the slide in the rear position (withdrawal) . In the tight position, it is the length of the screw, provided sufficiently large, which ensures the full closure of the slide on the neck of the tap.

As for the frame itself, a preferential mode of production is that of stamping. Indeed, this industrial means allows the production of high density parts, without porosity, robust, and therefore of smaller dimensions and weight than by other means. In this case, it is preferable to manufacture brass, with rough slides, or even near-finished or finished according to the precision of the dies and presses used, given the little precision required on this function. This process also allows high productivity and the best costs. Obtaining casting casting foundry shell is also possible, especially for small productions.

A third method of obtaining for the frame of the device of the invention is that of the mechano-welding. However, it requires either machining the frame in the raw material or using existing standard components such as profiles, threaded rods, etc. A combination of these two means is of course possible and desirable, and especially for obtaining a low-cost device or entry-level. Once finished parts of this type of device, and mainly for those of ferrous materials, it is recommended according to the invention the application of surface treatments for the purpose of protecting parts, such as zinc coating, bi-chromate, .. .etc.

With regard to the tightening handle of the pressure screw, two essential forms are recommended, according to the desired presentation: the simplest is simply cruciform, and the easiest to handle will be comparable to the handles of the gas cylinders themselves .

The boss with the gas outlet nozzle can be obtained in two different ways: first, it can be obtained directly with the previous frame and by the same operation. Simply, the hole will be the subject of a subsequent drilling, as well as the thread used to carry the regulator.

Another way of obtaining this connecting function between the valve of the bottle and the regulator / regulator is to bring a part décolletée on the frame of the device of the invention. This piece can be simply held by a circlip after insertion into the end of this frame, in a suitable and adjusted housing. However, this attachment must be able to be held in rotation for the purpose of its first assembly with the regulator nut, an elegant way to do this is that it can have internally notches specially machined for the insertion of a full key six-sided, square, or other.

Caliper-Pusher: This piece, which serves to press the outlet of the valve against the aforementioned endpiece mounted with the gas regulator, has several roles including the maintaining the alignment of the valve outlet shaft with that of the nozzle, both in the vertical plane and in the horizontal plane, so as to guarantee a perfect seal by avoiding the asymmetrical deformation of the joints. It follows that, according to the invention, it must have in particular a shape fitted at the back of the valve neck, and consequently, the latter will be that of a hollow half-cylinder with a vertical axis, which will allow the perfect lateral support of the device of the invention as a whole, without risk of inadvertent rotation risk of squeezing the joints on their horizontal edges. In addition, in the vertical plane, the stirrup-push once tightened, will allow the device of the invention, by means of blocking firmly by the push-screw, a robust positioning of the device, helped in this by the maintenance of the caliper on the slides of the frame of the device.

Note: this last provision is all the more important as the safety induced by a rigid assembly of this type (particularly sparing the joints) is likely to permanently affect the risk of handling and subsequent movements of the connected bottle. Indeed, in the absence of appropriate handles, the user usually uses the valve of the bottle as a handle to grasp the latter and also to wear it. In the case where the device of the invention is mounted, the user has only the choice to enter the bottle by this device, that this way of doing is recommended or not: it is therefore the manufacturers of the device of the invention to optimize the dimensions and the materials so that any future risk is avoided "by construction ^" . According to the invention, the slideways of the frame and the internal cylindrical shape of the stirrup-pusher, plus the provision above- after described of the push rod have in particular role to ensure the overall rigidity - and therefore any gas leakage or deterioration of parts - and this even in case of taking a full bottle by means of this device.

Push-screw: As mentioned above, this piece has for primary role the maintenance of the device in place, mainly manually. However, this important piece will be designed as rigid, with a low pitch thread, thus irreversible, and turning without play both behind the device of the invention making fixed nut, as in the stirrup-push. In this way, in a tight position, this screw will in practice be anchored at both ends and will participate in the rigidity and thus in the safety of the assembly and operations. Handle: it has been discussed above role, possible shapes and relative dimensions of the handle for advancing the push-screw and ensure the tightness of the valve outlet against the tip of the device of the invention. In a preferred arrangement, this pusher will be equipped with a handle in the form of a simple short transverse rod passing through the end of the screw and symmetrically fixed or not. ASSEMBLIES: From the foregoing, the person skilled in the art will easily deduce that the device of the invention must have both dimensions that allow optimized rigidity of the assembly, that a mounting ensuring the long-term features and the operational safety. Without being exhaustive, special attention will be paid to the quality of the threads, especially at the "nut", as well as the mounting of the end of the screw in the stirrup: knowing that a high pressure will be exerted between these two parts, the contact surfaces will be the widest possible, while also providing a good lubrication between these two parts, an antifriction washer of good quality material, such as brass, ... etc.

VARIANTS: We have mentioned above some non-limiting variants of the device of the invention, resulting in particular from the possible modes of production. One of these modes according to the invention, but not preferred under the safety recommendations of the invention mentioned above, is that where the pusher yoke is devoid of guidance on the frame of the device. This simplified arrangement makes it possible to reduce the overall costs by reducing the materials used as well as any machining and finishing operations. However, a simplified apparatus of this kind will preferably be reserved for stationary bottles and protected from excessive handling, such as 35 kg bottles, and for the reasons already mentioned. However, it will usefully retain the cylindrical shape of the semicircular pusher caliper, and this in order to ensure perfect coaxiality between the device of the invention and the valve, because of the securities mentioned.

In conclusion, the invention now allows users of gas cylinders to have equipment, as a new product, ensuring high speed, safety and ease of connection of equipment and end uses of natural gas, butane, propane, LPG. , ... etc, and at a reduced price. It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the modes presented or suggested in the present description, although it may seem that the primary importance can be given to the particular or preferential modes of obtaining the set and its components. It goes without saying that the invention extends, without limitation, to specific tools for obtaining its various components, as well as systems or assemblies capable of specifically integrating this invention for specific purposes. Finally, it relates to other applications for all fluids delivered, in fixed or mobile mode, by faucets.

Claims

claims

1. Expansion valve for gas cylinder, typically consisting of a metal frame, generally rectangular, recessed, provided on the small 'sides, respectively, on one side, a progressive pressure means, such as a screw pressure acting in the longitudinal direction, and, on the opposite side, a boss having internally a cylindrical nozzle with a concentric orifice for the passage of gas, sized to fit with a sufficient clearance in the orifice of the gas valve of the bottle, so as to strongly press the hollow cylindrical seal usually placed by the manufacturers at the entrance of the valve of the bottle, and to ensure a first degree of sealing for the gas; the penetrating cylindrical tip, further comprising a recessed shoulder sufficient to come into contact with the annular outer surface of the valve connection, provides a substantially corresponding annular surface which houses an annular seal, which will constitute the second degree of sealing gas after tightening; opposite and concentric with this nozzle, a second nozzle with orifice is disposed outside and in the axis of the frame of the apparatus, provided with a thread for the coaxial connection of a pressure regulator by means of its usual nut; the pressure screw, once the inner tip attached to the outlet of the gas valve with the safety seals, is gradually tightened on the neck of the tap, via a pushing wedge this neck, or a hollow form semicircular, which pusher - or also called pusher-stirrup - is arranged free to rotate relative to the pressure screw; in a complementary manner, this pusher is immobilized in rotation by the internal arrangement, along the long sides of the frame, of longitudinal guides so that the translational movement of this pusher finally ensures the clamping, accurately and irreversibly, of the the inner end of the device against the outlet of the tap, by pressing the two seals: the clamping is done simply by hand, the outer end of the pressure screw being provided with a handle for this purpose. (Fig 1, Fig 2, Fig 3).

2. Expansion valve for a gas cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, as part of the metal frame, a piece of a single block, obtained by stamping, casting, or similar processes, is used so that the solidity and overall rigidity is ensured, as well as the precise functioning of the elements that come together in this framework.

3. Expansion valve for a gas cylinder, according to Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the slideways used for guiding the pusher are finished with the production process, so as to have high resistance characteristics to the stresses and to minimize the operations posterior machining. (Fig. 3 and Fig. 4).

Gas cylinder expansion valve according to Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, to simplify the shapes of the long sides of the frame and the corresponding openings for sliding of the stirrup ring, these shapes are formed, for the frame, slides with at least half-circular cross-section at the inner sides, and for the pusher, horizontal U-shaped openings with longer or shorter branches, so as to ensure sufficient guidance with minimal clearance and easy assembly of the whole during the production.

Gas-tank expansion valve according to Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, for the sake of the safe assembly and disassembly, as well as for the operation, including the occasional raising and moving of the cylinder , the movement of the screw of the pusher is constituted by a small screw pitch, deemed irreversible, a reinforced section of said screw, games generally minimized, and a handle of the pusher medium or low to avoid any actuation inadvertent or by unauthorized persons.

6. Expansion valve for a gas bottle, according to Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, to satisfy several uses - at least two or three outlet nozzles for at least two or three regulators are arranged and shaped to suit the direct mounting of these regulators on the same apparatus according to the present invention. (Fig. 5 and Fig. 6).

7. Expansion valve for a gas cylinder, according to Claims 1, 2 and 6, characterized in that, for application to fixed cylinders, heavy, or not raised or moved manually, it is possible to use a simplified pusher system. , comprising a simple U-shaped bracket applied behind the collar of the cylinder valve, which pusher is devoid of lateral guidance by the frame of the expansion valve holder.

8. Expansion valve for a gas cylinder, according to Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, to simplify manufacture, a simple cruciform handle is used, preferably consisting of the pressure screw of the device, through which a cylindrical rod passes. of smaller section, fixed symmetrically or frankly asymmetrical to provide a suitable lever arm.

Abdellah EL YABOURI