WO2017036862A1 - A gas cylinder fabricated of two parts with an integrated valve - Google Patents

A gas cylinder fabricated of two parts with an integrated valve Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017036862A1
WO2017036862A1 PCT/EP2016/069911 EP2016069911W WO2017036862A1 WO 2017036862 A1 WO2017036862 A1 WO 2017036862A1 EP 2016069911 W EP2016069911 W EP 2016069911W WO 2017036862 A1 WO2017036862 A1 WO 2017036862A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cylinder
wall
shell
valve
valve stem
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/EP2016/069911
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Thomas Bickford Holbeche
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Linde GmbH
Original Assignee
Linde GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Linde GmbH filed Critical Linde GmbH
Publication of WO2017036862A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017036862A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C1/00—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge
    • F17C1/14—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge constructed of aluminium; constructed of non-magnetic steel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F17C2201/0109—Shape cylindrical with exteriorly curved end-piece
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/058—Size portable (<30 l)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0612—Wall structures
    • F17C2203/0614—Single wall
    • F17C2203/0617—Single wall with one layer
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0636—Metals
    • F17C2203/0639—Steels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0636—Metals
    • F17C2203/0646—Aluminium
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2209/00—Vessel construction, in particular methods of manufacturing
    • F17C2209/21—Shaping processes
    • F17C2209/2181—Metal working processes, e.g. deep drawing, stamping or cutting
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2209/00—Vessel construction, in particular methods of manufacturing
    • F17C2209/22—Assembling processes
    • F17C2209/221—Welding
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2209/00—Vessel construction, in particular methods of manufacturing
    • F17C2209/23—Manufacturing of particular parts or at special locations
    • F17C2209/232—Manufacturing of particular parts or at special locations of walls
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/035—High pressure (>10 bar)

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to gas cylinders
  • Gas cylinders are well known and are widely used in a variety of different applications.
  • the present application is directed to making such cylinders safer to store and use.
  • a cylinder for pressurised gas the cylinder being defined by a wall and being closed at one end and having an access valve at the opposite end, the access valve comprising a valve stem which is biased closed onto a seat by a biasing member and is openable by being displaced against the biasing member; wherein the cylinder at the opposite end has an inturned portion surrounding the valve stem; a biasing member connected to the inturned portion of the cylinder; and at least one resilient prong which engages against the valve stem to bias it on to the seat.
  • the biasing member may be a deep drawn component.
  • the inturned portion may be integral with the cylinder wall .
  • the cylinder wall may be formed as a cylindrical main body closed at one end by an end cap including the access valve.
  • the cylinder wall is formed from first and second shells, which may be deep drawn, the first shell comprising the one end and one part of a cylindrical side wall which terminates at an open end, and the second shell receiving the access valve, and forming the opposite end and the second part of the cylindrical side wall which terminates at an open end; wherein the first and second shells are joined at their open ends to form the complete cylinder .
  • a cylinder for pressurised gas the cylinder being defined by a wall and being closed at one end and having an access valve at the opposite end, the access valve comprising a valve stem which is biased closed onto a seat by a biasing member and is openable by being displaced against the biasing member; wherein the cylinder wall is formed from first and second shells, the first shell comprising the one end and one part of a cylindrical side wall which terminates at an open end, and the second shell receiving the access valve, and forming the opposite end and the second part of the cylindrical side wall which
  • the cylinder terminates at an open end; wherein the first and second shells are joined at their open ends to form the complete cylinder; wherein the biasing member, the valve stem, the first shell and the second shell are each a deep drawn component.
  • the wall of the cylinder at the opposite end may have an inturned portion defining a recess surrounding the valve stem.
  • the biasing member may be connected to the inturned portion of the wall of the cylinder.
  • the biasing member may comprise at least one resilient prong which engages against the valve stem.
  • the at least one resilient prong may comprise a
  • the at least one resilient prong may extend radially inwardly .
  • valve stem never projects outwardly beyond the recess. In this way, the valve stem is protected by the cylinder from knocks, accidental actuation, and/or damage .
  • the cylinder wall may be formed as a cylindrical main body closed at one end by an end cap including the access valve.
  • the cylinder wall is formed from first and second shells,
  • the first shell comprising the one end and one part of a cylindrical side wall which terminates at an open end
  • the second shell receiving the access valve, and forming the opposite end and a second part of the
  • the open end of one of the shells has a folded wall portion that is folded back on itself to create a double wall thickness in the vicinity of the open end, the open end of the other shell overlapping with the folded wall portion and the two shells being welded in the region of the folded wall portion to create a triple wall thickness in this region.
  • the triple thickness portion provides the portion of the shells that are welded with improved
  • the wall may define an opening to receive a valve stem, and the valve stem seats directly onto the part of the cylinder wall which surrounds the access valve.
  • the first and second shells may be joined at their open ends by welding, or particularly laser welding. By laser welding the two shells together, the size of the heat affected zone around the area of the weld is reduced.
  • the cylinder can contain a gas at a pressure up to 300 bar.
  • the cylinder may have a water capacity less than or equal to 500ml, or more preferably less than or equal to 200ml, or even more preferably less than or equal to 100ml.
  • the valve stem may be arranged to be open in a direction which is outward of the cylinder, but is preferably openable by being depressed into the cylinder. This makes it easier to access. Also, by opening it in an inwards direction, the pressurised gas in the cylinder will tend to close the valve when the external force to open the valve is withdrawn, thereby providing a "fail safe" closure.
  • Figure 1A shows a side view of a cylinder formed of first and second shells
  • Figure IB shows a section view of the cylinder taken about the section A-A from Figure 1A;
  • Figure 1C shows an enlarged section view of the valve portion of the cylinder shown in Figure IB.
  • Figure 2A shows a side view of the first shell from the cylinder shown in Figure 1A;
  • Figure 2B shows a section view of the first shell taken about the section D-D from Figure 2A.
  • Figure 3A shows a side view of the second shell from the cylinder shown in Figure 1A;
  • Figure 3B shows a section view of the second shell taken about the section C-C from Figure 3A.
  • Figure 4A shows a side view of the valve assembly used in the cylinder shown in Figure 1A.
  • Figure 4B shows a section view of the valve assembly taken about the section E-E from Figure 4A.
  • Figures 5A-5C show various view of a first embodiment biasing member used in the cylinder shown in the Figures.
  • Figures 6A and 6B show an alternative biasing member for use in the cylinder.
  • Figures 7A and 7B show another alternative biasing member for use in the cylinder.
  • FIG. 1A Shown in Figure 1A is a container in the form of a cylinder 10 for storing a pressurised gas.
  • the cylinder is formed of a first shell 12 and a second shell 14.
  • Each of the first and second shells 12; 14 has a generally
  • cylindrical side wall 12C;14C comprising a first
  • each shell is approximately 1mm thick .
  • the size, and thus the water capacity, of the cylinder 10 can be varied depending on the intended application of the cylinder.
  • the cylinder therein shown has a water capacity of approximately 50ml.
  • the portion of the cylindrical side wall towards the open end 12B of the first shell 12 is folded back on itself to create a double wall thickness 18 in the vicinity of the open end 12B.
  • the portion of the cylindrical wall at the open end 14B of the second shell 14 is then overlapped with the folded wall portion 18 and the two shells 12; 14 are then welded in the region of the folded wall portion 18 to create a triple wall thickness in this region.
  • the triple thickness portion 19 provides the welded area with improved structural rigidity and mitigates the effects of any stress concentrations occurring at the interface of the two shells 12; 14.
  • the weld is a laser weld to reduce the size of the heat affected zone around the area of the weld.
  • the folded portion could equally be provided on the second shell 14 with the first shell 12 having the overlapping portion.
  • an access valve 16 for controlling the amount of pressurised gas inside the cylinder 10 is located within an opening 19 in the hemispherical end 14A of the second shell 14.
  • the access valve 16 is a deep drawn component formed generally of a cylindrical valve stem 20 which has a bulbous head 22 at its first end and a radially outwardly extending annular skirt 24 at its other end which extends back towards the head 22.
  • the radially extending skirt contains an annular seal 26 that acts as a valve seat which is engageable against the second shell 14 to plug the opening 19 in the second shell 14.
  • the access valve 16 is biased into sealing engagement with the second shell 14 by a biasing member 28 in the form of a conical compression spring as shown in Figures 5A-5C which acts between the bulbous head 22 of the valve 16 and the wall of the shell 14. From this closed position, the valve 16 is openable by exerting an inward force on the valve stem 20 which overcomes the opposing biasing force from the biasing member 28.
  • a biasing member 28 in the form of a conical compression spring as shown in Figures 5A-5C which acts between the bulbous head 22 of the valve 16 and the wall of the shell 14. From this closed position, the valve 16 is openable by exerting an inward force on the valve stem 20 which overcomes the opposing biasing force from the biasing member 28.
  • biasing member 28 shown in Figures 1C, 3A- 3B and 4A-4B is located outside of the first and second shells 12; 14, the biasing member 28 could alternatively be located within the space defined by the first and second shells 12; 14, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B .
  • the biasing member 28, shown as a conical compression spring is supported at one end on the inturned portion 18 of the cylindrical wall of the first shell 12. The other end of the spring is connected to the underside of the valve stem 20 to force the seal 26 into engagement with the second shell 14.
  • the hemispherical end 14A of the second shell 14 has an inturned portion 30 defining a recess within which the access valve 16 is located.
  • the recess is narrow enough and deep enough such that the valve stem 20 is only actuatable by a correspondingly narrow actuator (not shown), and such that the valve stem never projects
  • FIGS 7A and 7B show another variant of biasing member 28' located within the space defined by the first and second shells 12; 14.
  • the biasing member 28' is made up of a series of resilient prongs 50 which are each connected to, and inwardly protrude from, a cylindrical sleeve 52 which is located inside the cylinder 10.
  • the sleeve 52 is connected to the interior surface of the inturned portion 30 of the second shell 14.
  • a number of holes 54 extend through the thickness of the sleeve 52. Each of these holes 54 is located at the portion of the sleeve 52 adjacent to the interface of the seal 26 and the second shell 14. In this way, the holes 54 allow gas to escape the cylinder 10 when the valve 16 is open.
  • the resilient prongs 50 each engage the underside of the valve stem 20 and bias the seal 26 into engagement with the second shell 14. From a closed position, the valve 16 is openable by exerting an inward force on the valve stem 20 which causes the prongs 50 to resiliently deflect inwardly, thus removing the biasing force allowing the valve 16 to open and gas to pass through the holes 54.
  • the sleeve 52 and the resilient prongs 50 form a single deep drawn component which is easy to manufacture.
  • the cylinder 10 can be made of any suitable material capable of withstanding the
  • the cylinder 10 should be able to supports gases contained at a pressure of up to 300 bar.
  • Possible materials for the cylinder 10 include, but are not limited to, aluminium and steel (preferably stainless steel) .
  • the access valve could be located on the first shell 12, rather than the second shell 14. Whilst the two shells 12; 14 have been described as cylindrical, the shape of each shell 12; 14 could be modified depending on the intended overall shape of the cylinder 10.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

A pressurised gas cylinder defined by a wall, closed at one end, and having an access valve at the opposite end. The access valve comprises a valve stem which is biased closed onto a seat. The access end has an inturned portion which surrounds the valve stem. A biasing member is connected to the inturned part of the cylinder, and at least one resilient prong engages against the valve stem to bias it on to the seat.

Description

A GAS CYLINDER FABRICATED OF TWO PARTS WITH AN INTEGRATED VALVE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to gas cylinders,
modifications, and improvements thereto.
Gas cylinders are well known and are widely used in a variety of different applications. The present application is directed to making such cylinders safer to store and use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a cylinder for pressurised gas, the cylinder being defined by a wall and being closed at one end and having an access valve at the opposite end, the access valve comprising a valve stem which is biased closed onto a seat by a biasing member and is openable by being displaced against the biasing member; wherein the cylinder at the opposite end has an inturned portion surrounding the valve stem; a biasing member connected to the inturned portion of the cylinder; and at least one resilient prong which engages against the valve stem to bias it on to the seat.
The biasing member may be a deep drawn component.
The inturned portion may be integral with the cylinder wall .
The cylinder wall may be formed as a cylindrical main body closed at one end by an end cap including the access valve. However, preferably the cylinder wall is formed from first and second shells, which may be deep drawn, the first shell comprising the one end and one part of a cylindrical side wall which terminates at an open end, and the second shell receiving the access valve, and forming the opposite end and the second part of the cylindrical side wall which terminates at an open end; wherein the first and second shells are joined at their open ends to form the complete cylinder .
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a cylinder for pressurised gas, the cylinder being defined by a wall and being closed at one end and having an access valve at the opposite end, the access valve comprising a valve stem which is biased closed onto a seat by a biasing member and is openable by being displaced against the biasing member; wherein the cylinder wall is formed from first and second shells, the first shell comprising the one end and one part of a cylindrical side wall which terminates at an open end, and the second shell receiving the access valve, and forming the opposite end and the second part of the cylindrical side wall which
terminates at an open end; wherein the first and second shells are joined at their open ends to form the complete cylinder; wherein the biasing member, the valve stem, the first shell and the second shell are each a deep drawn component. By having components from the cylinder formed by deep drawing, the cylinder is cheaper to manufacture. The wall of the cylinder at the opposite end may have an inturned portion defining a recess surrounding the valve stem. In this case, the biasing member may be connected to the inturned portion of the wall of the cylinder.
The biasing member may comprise at least one resilient prong which engages against the valve stem.
The at least one resilient prong may comprise a
plurality of resilient prongs. The at least one resilient prong may extend radially inwardly .
Preferably, the valve stem never projects outwardly beyond the recess. In this way, the valve stem is protected by the cylinder from knocks, accidental actuation, and/or damage .
The cylinder wall may be formed as a cylindrical main body closed at one end by an end cap including the access valve. However, preferably the cylinder wall is formed from first and second shells,
the first shell comprising the one end and one part of a cylindrical side wall which terminates at an open end, and the second shell receiving the access valve, and forming the opposite end and a second part of the
cylindrical side wall which terminates at an open end;
wherein the open end of one of the shells has a folded wall portion that is folded back on itself to create a double wall thickness in the vicinity of the open end, the open end of the other shell overlapping with the folded wall portion and the two shells being welded in the region of the folded wall portion to create a triple wall thickness in this region. The triple thickness portion provides the portion of the shells that are welded with improved
structural rigidity and mitigates the effects of any stress concentrations occurring at the interface of the two shells.
The wall may define an opening to receive a valve stem, and the valve stem seats directly onto the part of the cylinder wall which surrounds the access valve. By seating the access valve directly on the cylinder wall, rather than on an intermediary component located on the cylinder, this reduces the number of components needed in the valve, making the cylinder cheaper to manufacture.
The first and second shells may be joined at their open ends by welding, or particularly laser welding. By laser welding the two shells together, the size of the heat affected zone around the area of the weld is reduced.
Preferably, the cylinder can contain a gas at a pressure up to 300 bar.
The cylinder may have a water capacity less than or equal to 500ml, or more preferably less than or equal to 200ml, or even more preferably less than or equal to 100ml.
The valve stem may be arranged to be open in a direction which is outward of the cylinder, but is preferably openable by being depressed into the cylinder. This makes it easier to access. Also, by opening it in an inwards direction, the pressurised gas in the cylinder will tend to close the valve when the external force to open the valve is withdrawn, thereby providing a "fail safe" closure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:
Figure 1A shows a side view of a cylinder formed of first and second shells;
Figure IB shows a section view of the cylinder taken about the section A-A from Figure 1A; and
Figure 1C shows an enlarged section view of the valve portion of the cylinder shown in Figure IB.
Figure 2A shows a side view of the first shell from the cylinder shown in Figure 1A; and
Figure 2B shows a section view of the first shell taken about the section D-D from Figure 2A.
Figure 3A shows a side view of the second shell from the cylinder shown in Figure 1A; and
Figure 3B shows a section view of the second shell taken about the section C-C from Figure 3A.
Figure 4A shows a side view of the valve assembly used in the cylinder shown in Figure 1A; and
Figure 4B shows a section view of the valve assembly taken about the section E-E from Figure 4A.
Figures 5A-5C show various view of a first embodiment biasing member used in the cylinder shown in the Figures. Figures 6A and 6B show an alternative biasing member for use in the cylinder.
Figures 7A and 7B show another alternative biasing member for use in the cylinder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Shown in Figure 1A is a container in the form of a cylinder 10 for storing a pressurised gas. The cylinder is formed of a first shell 12 and a second shell 14. Each of the first and second shells 12; 14 has a generally
cylindrical side wall 12C;14C comprising a first
hemispherical end 12A;14B and a second open end 12B;14B. The cylindrical side wall of each shell is approximately 1mm thick .
The size, and thus the water capacity, of the cylinder 10 can be varied depending on the intended application of the cylinder. In this example, the cylinder therein shown has a water capacity of approximately 50ml.
To join the first and second shells 12; 14, the portion of the cylindrical side wall towards the open end 12B of the first shell 12 is folded back on itself to create a double wall thickness 18 in the vicinity of the open end 12B. The portion of the cylindrical wall at the open end 14B of the second shell 14 is then overlapped with the folded wall portion 18 and the two shells 12; 14 are then welded in the region of the folded wall portion 18 to create a triple wall thickness in this region. The triple thickness portion 19 provides the welded area with improved structural rigidity and mitigates the effects of any stress concentrations occurring at the interface of the two shells 12; 14.
Preferably, the weld is a laser weld to reduce the size of the heat affected zone around the area of the weld. The folded portion could equally be provided on the second shell 14 with the first shell 12 having the overlapping portion.
With reference to Figure 1C, 3A-3B and 4A-4B, an access valve 16 for controlling the amount of pressurised gas inside the cylinder 10 is located within an opening 19 in the hemispherical end 14A of the second shell 14. The access valve 16 is a deep drawn component formed generally of a cylindrical valve stem 20 which has a bulbous head 22 at its first end and a radially outwardly extending annular skirt 24 at its other end which extends back towards the head 22. The radially extending skirt contains an annular seal 26 that acts as a valve seat which is engageable against the second shell 14 to plug the opening 19 in the second shell 14. The access valve 16 is biased into sealing engagement with the second shell 14 by a biasing member 28 in the form of a conical compression spring as shown in Figures 5A-5C which acts between the bulbous head 22 of the valve 16 and the wall of the shell 14. From this closed position, the valve 16 is openable by exerting an inward force on the valve stem 20 which overcomes the opposing biasing force from the biasing member 28.
Although the biasing member 28 shown in Figures 1C, 3A- 3B and 4A-4B is located outside of the first and second shells 12; 14, the biasing member 28 could alternatively be located within the space defined by the first and second shells 12; 14, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B . In this arrangement the biasing member 28, shown as a conical compression spring, is supported at one end on the inturned portion 18 of the cylindrical wall of the first shell 12. The other end of the spring is connected to the underside of the valve stem 20 to force the seal 26 into engagement with the second shell 14.
To prevent accidental damage or actuation of the valve 16, and to minimise the overall length of the cylinder 10, the hemispherical end 14A of the second shell 14 has an inturned portion 30 defining a recess within which the access valve 16 is located. Particularly, the recess is narrow enough and deep enough such that the valve stem 20 is only actuatable by a correspondingly narrow actuator (not shown), and such that the valve stem never projects
outwardly beyond the recess.
Figures 7A and 7B show another variant of biasing member 28' located within the space defined by the first and second shells 12; 14. The biasing member 28' is made up of a series of resilient prongs 50 which are each connected to, and inwardly protrude from, a cylindrical sleeve 52 which is located inside the cylinder 10. The sleeve 52 is connected to the interior surface of the inturned portion 30 of the second shell 14.
A number of holes 54 extend through the thickness of the sleeve 52. Each of these holes 54 is located at the portion of the sleeve 52 adjacent to the interface of the seal 26 and the second shell 14. In this way, the holes 54 allow gas to escape the cylinder 10 when the valve 16 is open. When the cylinder 10 is not in use, the resilient prongs 50 each engage the underside of the valve stem 20 and bias the seal 26 into engagement with the second shell 14. From a closed position, the valve 16 is openable by exerting an inward force on the valve stem 20 which causes the prongs 50 to resiliently deflect inwardly, thus removing the biasing force allowing the valve 16 to open and gas to pass through the holes 54.
As gas passes through each of the holes 54, the gas travels in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the movement of the valve stem 20 and the resilient prongs 50. By redirecting the flow of gas in this
perpendicular direction, in situations when the cylinder 10 is being filled with gas, the thrust force applied to the prongs 50 from the incoming gas is reduced, which reduces the likelihood of the prongs 50 being accidently deflected beyond their yield point.
The sleeve 52 and the resilient prongs 50 form a single deep drawn component which is easy to manufacture.
It will be appreciated that the cylinder 10 can be made of any suitable material capable of withstanding the
pressures from the gas contained within the cylinder 10. Preferably the cylinder 10 should be able to supports gases contained at a pressure of up to 300 bar. Possible materials for the cylinder 10 include, but are not limited to, aluminium and steel (preferably stainless steel) . It will also be appreciated that the access valve could be located on the first shell 12, rather than the second shell 14. Whilst the two shells 12; 14 have been described as cylindrical, the shape of each shell 12; 14 could be modified depending on the intended overall shape of the cylinder 10.

Claims

1. A cylinder for pressurised gas, the cylinder being defined by a wall and being closed at one end and having an access valve at the opposite end, the access valve
comprising a valve stem which is biased closed onto a seat; wherein the cylinder at the opposite end has an inturned portion surrounding the valve stem;
a biasing member connected to the inturned portion of the cylinder; and
at least one resilient prong which engages against the valve stem to bias it on to the seat.
2. A cylinder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the biasing member is a deep drawn component.
3. A cylinder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the inturned portion is integral with the cylinder wall.
4. A cylinder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the cylinder wall is formed from first and second deep drawn shells ,
the first shell comprising the one end and one part of a cylindrical side wall which terminates at an open end, and the second shell receiving the access valve, and forming the opposite end and the second part of the
cylindrical side wall which terminates at an open end;
wherein the first and second shells are joined at their open ends to form the complete cylinder.
5. A cylinder for pressurised gas, the cylinder being defined by a wall and being closed at one end and having an access valve at the opposite end, the access valve
comprising a valve stem which is biased closed onto a seat by a biasing member and is openable by being displaced against the biasing member;
wherein the cylinder wall is formed from first and second shells,
the first shell comprising the one end and one part of a cylindrical side wall which terminates at an open end, and the second shell receiving the access valve, and forming the opposite end and the second part of the
cylindrical side wall which terminates at an open end;
wherein the first and second shells are joined at their open ends to form the complete cylinder;
wherein the biasing member, the valve stem, the first shell and the second shell are each a deep drawn component.
6. A cylinder according to claim 5 wherein the wall of the cylinder at the opposite end has an inturned portion
defining a recess surrounding the valve stem.
7. A cylinder according to claim 6 wherein the biasing member is connected to the inturned portion of the wall of the cylinder.
8. A cylinder according to claims 5-7 wherein the biasing member comprises at least one resilient prong which engages against the valve stem.
9. A cylinder according to claims 1-4 or 8 wherein the at least one resilient prong comprises a plurality of resilient prongs .
10. A cylinder according to claims 1-4 or 8-9 wherein the at least one resilient prong extends radially inwardly.
11. A cylinder according to claims 1-4 or 6-7 wherein the valve stem never projects outwardly beyond the recess.
12. A cylinder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the cylinder wall is formed from first and second shells, the first shell comprising the one end and one part of a cylindrical side wall which terminates at an open end, and the second shell receiving the access valve, and forming the opposite end and a second part of the
cylindrical side wall which terminates at an open end;
wherein the open end of one of the shells has a folded wall portion that is folded back on itself to create a double wall thickness in the vicinity of the open end, the open end of the other shell overlapping with the folded wall portion and the two shells being welded in the region of the folded wall portion to create a triple wall thickness in this region.
13. A cylinder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the wall defines an opening to receive a valve stem, and the valve stem seats directly onto the part of the cylinder wall which surrounds the access valve.
14. A cylinder as claimed in claim 4, 5 or 12 wherein the first and second shells are joined at their open ends by laser welding.
15. A cylinder as claimed in any preceding claim for containing gas at a pressure of up to 300 bar.
16. A cylinder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the cylinder has a water capacity less than or equal to 500ml .
17. A cylinder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the cylinder has a water capacity less than or equal to 200ml .
18. A cylinder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the cylinder has a water capacity less than or equal to 100ml .
19. A cylinder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the access valve is openable by being depressed into the cylinder .
20. A cylinder as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
PCT/EP2016/069911 2015-08-28 2016-08-23 A gas cylinder fabricated of two parts with an integrated valve Ceased WO2017036862A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1515300.0 2015-08-28
GBGB1515300.0A GB201515300D0 (en) 2015-08-28 2015-08-28 A gas cylinder

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017036862A1 true WO2017036862A1 (en) 2017-03-09

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GB (1) GB201515300D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2017036862A1 (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1256366A (en) * 1959-05-28 1961-03-17 Otto Bernz Co Inc Pressurized fluid container
US4006838A (en) * 1974-11-25 1977-02-08 Western Industries, Inc. Brazing alloy and brazing paste for gas container joints
FR2559567A1 (en) * 1984-02-10 1985-08-16 Valois Sa DOSING VALVE FOR CONTAINER CONTAINING A PRESSURIZED PRODUCT
CN101988598A (en) * 2010-09-19 2011-03-23 王青 Pressure reducing valve for aerosol can
US20140261745A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Charles Thomas HAYES Projection welded pressure relief valve assembly
WO2016066832A1 (en) * 2014-10-31 2016-05-06 Linde Aktiengesellschaft A gas cylinder

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1256366A (en) * 1959-05-28 1961-03-17 Otto Bernz Co Inc Pressurized fluid container
US4006838A (en) * 1974-11-25 1977-02-08 Western Industries, Inc. Brazing alloy and brazing paste for gas container joints
FR2559567A1 (en) * 1984-02-10 1985-08-16 Valois Sa DOSING VALVE FOR CONTAINER CONTAINING A PRESSURIZED PRODUCT
CN101988598A (en) * 2010-09-19 2011-03-23 王青 Pressure reducing valve for aerosol can
US20140261745A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Charles Thomas HAYES Projection welded pressure relief valve assembly
WO2016066832A1 (en) * 2014-10-31 2016-05-06 Linde Aktiengesellschaft A gas cylinder

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