WO2019155153A2

WO2019155153A2 - Protection cap, reservoir comprising such a cap and mounting method

Info

Publication number: WO2019155153A2
Application number: PCT/FR2019/050251
Authority: WO
Inventors: Renaud Ligonesche
Original assignee: L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
Priority date: 2018-02-08
Filing date: 2019-02-05
Publication date: 2019-08-15
Also published as: CA3089487A1; EP3749890B1; FR3077616A1; WO2019155153A3; PL3749890T3; DK3749890T3; WO2019155153A4; EP3749890A2; FR3077616B1

Abstract

A protection cap for a reservoir tap comprises two half-shells (2, 3) assembled together so as to define a lower base (4), the two half-shells (2, 3) being assembled along a plane perpendicular to the base (4) and defining an inner protection volume for a tap, the two half-shells (2, 3) being assembled by systems of fastening pins (5) that cooperate with recesses (6) formed in the two half-shells (2, 3), the two half-shells (2, 3) defining when in the assembled position at least one access opening (7, 8) to the inner protection volume, the cap further comprising at a top end of the cap a connection piece (9) comprising two ends clipped onto the two half-shells (2, 3), the connection piece (9) having a circular shape and comprising two diametrically opposite portions clipped to the top ends of the two half-shells (2, 3).

Description

and

mounting process

The invention relates to a protective cap, a reservoir comprising such a cap and its mounting method.

1 / invention relates more particularly to a protective cap for fluid reservoir valve (s) under pressure comprising two half-shells assembled to each other, the two half-shells defining a lower base to be mounted at the level an orifice of a reservoir, in particular around a reservoir neck, the two half-shells being assembled in a plane perpendicular to the base and defining an internal protective volume for a valve, the two half-shells being assembled by fastening pin systems cooperating with housings formed in the half-shells, the two half-shells defining in assembled position at least one opening for access to the inner protective volume, the cap further comprising, at the level of an upper end of the cap, a connecting piece comprising two ends hooked respectively on the two half-shells snap.

A pressurized fluid cylinder valve protection cap must meet several technical constraints. The protective cap must provide effective mechanical protection of the valve while having a reduced mass, good ergonomics of access to the tap as well as ease of handling and easy assembly.

Documents EP939875A1 and WO 2007/125240 for example each describe such a protective cap. However, this type of hat offers a limited number of features. Moreover, this type of hat can present security problems if the hat had to be disassembled by users indelicate. In addition, some shocks can damage the behavior of this hat in two parts assembled.

EP2715209A1 discloses a cap whose two parts are assembled by a connecting beam forming a gripping handle. The mounting of such a cap is however difficult for an operator who must assemble the various parts and mount the assembly on a tank already equipped with a tap. In addition the structure of such a cap requires a large number of parts and may be incompatible with some forms of faucet.

An object of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art noted above.

To this end, the cap according to the invention, moreover in accordance with the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that the connecting piece has a circular shape and comprises two diametrically opposite portions hooked by snap respectively at the upper ends of the two half-shells.

Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features:

the connecting piece comprises two bosses received in housings formed respectively on the two half-shells,

the cap comprises at least one and preferably two locking systems between the connecting piece and each half-shell,

the upper ends of the two half-shells connected to the connecting piece are curved and enclose said connecting piece, - The connecting piece has the general shape of a ring whose central portion forms an access opening to the inner protective volume,

the cap comprises fastening pin systems cooperating with housings formed in the half-shells at the upper levels and at the lower level of the cap, that is to say that the two half-shells are secured together by means of fixing axle systems located at the upper and lower part of the half-shells,

the two half-shells are identical and the connecting piece has a symmetrical shape in a plane perpendicular to the base,

the lower ends of the two half-shells are curved and enclose a ring or thread located on the neck of a tank,

The invention also relates to a pressurized fluid reservoir, especially a bottle, comprising a valve and a valve protection cap, the cap being in accordance with any of the above characteristics or below.

The invention also relates to a method of mounting a protective cap in accordance with any of the above or below features to a fluid reservoir under pressure, comprising:

a step of securing by snapping a first half-shell with the connecting piece, a step of mounting the lower end of the cap around a tank neck,

a step of securing by snapping of the second half-shell with the connecting piece, a step of fixing the two half-shells together via fastening pin systems cooperating with housings formed in the half-shells, the fixing step ensuring a clamping of the two half-shells between them and around the lower end of the cap.

According to other possible features:

the securing step by snap-fitting of the second half-shell with the connecting piece is carried out after or before the step of mounting the lower end of the cap around a neck of a tank,

the step of mounting the lower end of the cap around the neck of a reservoir is preceded by at least one of: a step of mounting a valve in a hole in the neck of the reservoir, a step of mounting a snap ring around the neck of the tank.

The invention may also relate to any alternative device or method comprising any combination of the above or below features within the scope of the claims.

Other particularities and advantages will appear on reading the following description, made with reference to the figures in which:

FIG. 1 represents a schematic and partial perspective view illustrating an exploded configuration of an example of a fluid reservoir under pressure, FIG. 2 represents a schematic and partial perspective view illustrating a portion of the cap of the Figure 1 in exploded position,

FIG. 3 represents a schematic and partial perspective view illustrating a portion of the hat of FIG. 2 in the assembled position;

FIG. 4 represents an enlarged view of a detail of FIG. 3,

FIGS. 5 and 6 represent perspective, schematic and partial views illustrating two steps assembly and possible mounting of the cap on a tank.

The hat illustrated in Figure 1 comprises two half-shells 2, 3 which are assembled to one another in a vertical plane (when the cap is in the vertical position).

The two half-shells 2, 3 defining a lower base 4 intended to be mounted at an orifice of a tank, in particular around a tank neck 11 (a bottle for example). For example, the two half-shells each have at their lower end a shape that hooks onto a fastener ring and / or a cavity formed on the neck of the bottle 11.

Thus, the lower ends of the two half-shells 2, 3 can be curved to grip a ring 10 or a thread located on the neck of a tank 11.

The two half-shells 2, 3 and are assembled in a plane perpendicular to the base 4 and define an interior protective volume for a valve.

The two half-shells 2, 3 are rigidly assembled by means of fastening axes 5 cooperating with housings 6 formed in the half-shells 2, 3 (for example the pins 5 may comprise screws, dowels or other cooperating with stops and / or threads and / or nuts and / or washers in the orifices 6).

In the nonlimiting example two axes 5 solidarize the two half-shells in the upper part (in particular transversely to the joint plane of the two half-shells 2, 3). Similarly, two axes 5 join the two half-shells in the lower part (in particular transversely to the joint plane of the two half-shells 2, 3).

The two half-shells 2, 3 defining in the assembled position at least one opening 7, 8 for access to the volume protective interior (for example an upper opening 7 and at least one lateral opening 8).

The cap further comprising, at an upper end of the cap, a connecting piece 9 comprising two ends hooked respectively on the two half-shells 2, 3 by snapping. By snapping is meant in particular elastic deformation of at least one piece relative to the other. The latching can be definitive (not removable without breaking one of the parts) or not definitive (that is to say, removable and can be reassembled if necessary).

According to an advantageous feature, the connecting piece 9 has a circular shape and in particular forms a ring and comprises two diametrically opposite portions hooked respectively by latching at the upper ends of the two half-shells 2, 3.

For example, at least one and preferably two locking systems 13 between the connecting piece 9 and each half-shell 2, 3.

Each latching system may comprise a claw or elastic piece on the connecting piece 9 cooperating with a housing or a stop on the adjacent piece.

As illustrated, the connecting piece 9 may comprise two bosses 19 or protuberances received in conjugate housings 29 formed respectively on the two half-shells 2, 3. This ensures positioning of the parts and a recovery of effort for the cap.

In addition, at least a portion of the half-shells 2, 3 may have, in cross section, a non-planar and enveloping shape of the periphery of the connecting piece 5 that it accommodates.

As illustrated in Figure 2, a part of the latching system (hook or other) may be located at each boss end 19 (according to the circumference of piece 1) ·

As shown, the upper ends of the two half-shells 2, 3 connected to the connecting piece 9 are preferably curved and enclose said connecting piece 9 in the assembled position.

In the case where the connecting piece 9 has the general shape of an inner ring of protection of the hat 1.

The connecting piece 9 may advantageously integrate an electronic communication element, for example an antenna or a communication device of the NFC or RFID type, for example.

This simple structure ensures a pre-assembly of the two half-shells 2, 3 as detailed below. In addition, this structure ensures an effective and solid cohesion of the cap and in particular a good distribution and absorption of the forces in case of shock.

In addition, as illustrated in the figures, this architecture makes it possible to use two identical half-shells 2, 3 and a connecting piece 9 having a symmetrical shape along a median plane perpendicular to the base. This optimizes manufacturing costs (plastic or metal molding for example).

Different materials of manufacture can be provided for the shells and the connecting piece: for example metal shells to give a high mechanical strength to the cap, and a plastic connecting piece. In this configuration passive or non-passive electronic communication devices may be located in the plastic part for optimal operation (no disturbance of the metal parts.

The cap can be assembled or mounted for example as follows. In a first step an operator (or a machine) can snap-fasten a first half-shell 3 with the connecting piece 5 (see Figures 2, 3 and 4).

The half-shell 3 secured to the connecting piece 9 can be mounted around the neck of the tap (Figure 5).

At this stage the tank 11 may already be provided with a valve 12 (for example screwed into a threaded orifice). In addition, the neck of the tank 11 is provided with a hooking portion for the cap 1, in particular an insert ring 10 which can be split (any other attachment system, such as a thread may be envisaged).

The second half-shell 2 can, in turn, be snapped onto the other end of the connecting piece 9 while being mounted around the neck of the tank 11.

Thus, an operator can easily provide a pre-assembly of the hat 1 with two hands. Screwing the pins 5 can then be easily achieved.

This structure gives a great ergonomics to the assembly.

Of course, this mounting example is not limiting.

Thus, for example, the two half-shells 2, 3 can be preassembled to the connecting piece 9. The assembly can then be mounted on the tank 1. For example, the spacing of the two half-shells can allow mounting on the neck (for example via a slight relative movement).

Although simple and inexpensive structure, the invention provides a high reliability and strength to the hat obtained.

Claims

1. Protective cap for pressurized fluid reservoir valve comprising two half-shells (2, 3) assembled to each other, the two half-shells (2, 3) defining a lower base (4) for to be mounted at an orifice of a reservoir, in particular around a reservoir neck, the two half-shells (2, 3) being assembled in a plane perpendicular to the base (4) and defining an interior volume protection device for a valve, the two half-shells (2, 3) being assembled by fixing axle systems (5) cooperating with housings (6) formed in the half-shells (2, 3), the two half-shells (2, 3) defining in the assembled position at least one opening (7, 8) for access to the protective inner volume, the cap further comprising, at an upper end of the cap, a piece ( 9) comprising two ends hooked respectively on the two half-shells (2, 3) by snap-fastening, characterized in that the connecting piece (9) has a circular shape and comprises two diametrically opposed portions hooked respectively by snapping on the upper ends of the two half-shells (2, 3), and in that the upper ends of the two half-shells (2, 3) connected to the connecting piece (9) are curved and enclose said connecting piece (9).

2. Hat according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting piece (9) comprises two bosses (19) received in housings (29) respectively formed on the two half-shells (2, 3).

Hat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one and preferably two latching systems between the connecting piece (9) and each half-shells (2, 3).

4. Hat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the upper ends of the two half-shells (2,3) connected to the part (9) of the connection are curved.

5. Hat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connecting piece (9) has the general shape of a ring whose central portion forms an opening (7) for access to the inner volume of protection.

6. Hat according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises fixing axle systems (5) cooperating with housings (6) formed in the half-shells (2, 3) to upper and lower levels of the cap, that is to say that the two half-shells (2, 3) are secured to each other by fixing axis systems (5) located in the upper part and in the lower part half-shells (2, 3).

7. Hat according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the two half-shells (2, 3) are identical and the connecting piece (9) has a symmetrical shape in a plane perpendicular to the base.

8. Hat according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the lower ends of the two half-shells (2, 3) are curved and enclose a ring (10) or a thread located on the neck of a tank (11) ·

9. Pressurized fluid reservoir, particularly a bottle, comprising a valve (12) and a cap (1) for protecting the valve, characterized in that the cap is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Hat according to any one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that the two half shells are made of a metal material and in that the connecting piece is made of plastic.

11. Hat according to any one of claims 1 to 10 characterized in that the connecting piece incorporates an electrical communication element such as an anterne.

12. A method of mounting a protective cap on a reservoir (11) of fluid under pressure, the cap comprising two half-shells (2, 3) assembled to one another, the two half-shells (2 3) defining a lower base (4) intended to be mounted at an orifice of a reservoir, in particular around a reservoir neck, the two half-shells (2, 3) being assembled in a perpendicular plane at the base (4) and defining an internal protective volume for a valve, the two half-shells (2, 3) being assembled by fastening axle systems (5) cooperating with housings (6) formed in the half-shells (2, 3), the two half-shells (2, 3) defining in the assembled position at least one opening (7, 8) for access to the inner protective volume, the cap further comprising, at the level of an upper end of the cap, a connecting piece (9) comprising two ends hooked respectively on the two half-shells (2, 3) snap-fastening, characterized in that the connecting piece (9) has a circular shape and comprises two diametrically opposite portions hooked respectively by snapping on the upper ends of the two half-shells (2, 3 ), the method comprising: a securing step of snapping a first half-shell (2, 3) with the connecting piece (9),

a step of mounting the lower end of the hat around a tank neck,

a securing step by snap-fitting of the second half-shell (3) with the connecting piece (9), a step of fixing the two half-shells together via fastening axle systems (5) cooperating with housings (6) formed in the half-shells (2, 3), the fixing step ensuring a clamping of the two half-shells between them and around the lower end of the cap.

13. The method of claim 9, characterized in that the securing step of snapping the second half-shell (3) with the connecting piece (9) is performed after or before the assembly step of the bottom end of the hat around a tank neck.

14. Method according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the step of mounting the lower end of the cap around the neck of a reservoir (11) is preceded by at least one of : a step of mounting a valve (12) in a hole of the neck of the tank (11), a step of mounting a ring (10) for hooking around the neck of the tank (11).

15. Method according to any one of claims 10 to 13 characterized in that the upper ends of the two half-shells (2, 3) connected to the connecting piece (9) are curved and enclose said connecting piece (9). .