WO2021165883A1

WO2021165883A1 - Safety device for pipes to dispense a fluid

Info

Publication number: WO2021165883A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/051397
Authority: WO
Inventors: Piero Fiumi
Original assignee: LPG Group S.r.l.
Priority date: 2020-02-18
Filing date: 2021-02-18
Publication date: 2021-08-26
Also published as: IT202000003299A1

Abstract

A safety device (6; 100) for pipes (3; A) to dispense a fluid through a gun (1; 52) to dispense a fluid equipped with at least one handle (3) connected to a main body (2), provided in turn with a head (5) for dispensing the fluid and a lever (4), associated with said main body (2), for controlling the delivery of the fluid through said head (5), said gun (1; 52) being insertable in a column (50) for dispensing the fluid, said safety device (6; 100) comprising at least one first portion (6a; 100a) and at least one second portion (6b; 100b) mutually coupled by means of reversible engagement and disengagement means (7; 102), said first portion (6a; 100a) and said second portion (6b; 100b) being disengageable when a predetermined traction limit value applied from the outside is exceeded, said engagement and disengagement means (7; 102) being configured to bring, in a reversible manner, said first portion (6a; 100a) and second portion (6b; 100b) from an operating configuration, wherein said first portion (6a; 100a) and second portion (6b; 100b) are coupled and the flow of fluid is allowed, to a safety configuration, wherein said first portion (6a; 100a) and second portion (6b; 100b) are separated and the dispensing of fluid is cut off by automatic cut-off means (8), the reversible engagement and disengagement means (7) can be housed in said handle (3) of said gun (1) to dispense a fluid, or said reversible engagement and disengagement means (102) are located along the pipe (A) and comprise adjustment means (104) for adjusting said predetermined traction limit value between a higher value to allow the removal of said gun (52) from said column (50) and the displacement of said pipe (A) without risk of detachment, and a lower value to allow the separation of said first portion (100a) and second portion (100b) safely without causing damage to the pipe (A) and/or other property and people in the vicinity.

Description

“SAFETY DEVICE FOR PIPES TO DISPENSE A FLUID”

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a safety device for pipes to dispense a fluid, for example a liquid or gaseous fuel such as petrol, diesel oil, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), methane or natural gas, hydrogen, etc.

The safety device according to the present invention allows the cutting off of the pipe in order to dispense the fluid without damaging the same pipe, also preventing the fluid from flowing out following the aforementioned accidental cut-off of the pipe.

The safety device according to the present invention also allows the cut-off parts to be reassembled without tools or without having to disassemble the device itself.

PRIOR ART

Especially in so-called self-service refuelling stations, i.e. gas stations where a user can refuel by themselves by without any action from an operator, the pipe connected to the column may become damaged in the event that the user drives off during or after refuelling, without having removed the fuel dispensing gun from the vehicle tank.

This occurrence almost always implies tearing at the pipe which causes fuel to leak out of the piping connected to the column, and possibly also to leak fuel from the vehicle tank, or from the fuel dispensing column.

Therefore, so-called anti-tear devices have been introduced, consisting of two sleeves which allow a reversible connection of two sections of the fuel supply pipe.

The reversible connection is cut off when an axial traction force exceeding a given value is applied to the pipe, such force being for example due to the movement of a motor vehicle with the gun to dispense the fuel still attached to the fuel tank.

In these situations, the anti-tear device allows the detachment of one sleeve with respect to the other, so that the pipe is not damaged; to avoid fuel leaks, valves are provided inside the sleeves, which cut off the flow of fluid when the two parts are detached.

In order to allow the dispenser to be detached from the pipe under the aforementioned conditions, the known anti-tear devices are equipped with locking means which, in normal operating conditions, allow the two sleeves to be constrained, and which are released when a predetermined axial traction force is exceeded in the direction of detachment of one sleeve with respect to the other.

Generally, the locking means consist of a set of balls, arranged annularly and housed in suitable seats, obtained on one of the two connecting sleeves; to implement the locking between the two sleeves, the balls of one sleeve are inserted into a corresponding annular groove which is located in the other sleeve.

Following the accidental detachment of the safety device, the two sleeves that make up the anti-tear device must therefore be put back together.

Examples of these safety devices are shown in patents US4,865,077A and EP1236948B1.

Patent EP064781 IB 1 illustrates a device for connecting pipes for fluids to respective dispensing elements comprising, at one end, a ball joint and, at the other end, a fluid- tight housing sleeve for a tubular shank of a second connecting body: together the sleeve and the shank constitute a collapsible traction safety device.

The second connecting body is equipped, internally, with a shutter capable of sealing, in a fluid-tight manner, the second connecting body, following its removal from the respective sleeve.

Due to the amount of traction to which the pipe is subjected, before the safety device separates the two parts, eliminating the traction, damage to the gun and/or the fuel filler union of the vehicle, or in any case, situations of potential danger for the people who are nearby may still occur.

On the other hand, if the safety device were calibrated for too low traction values, accidental detachment of the device might occur due to the removal of the gun from the fluid dispensing column and the consequent displacement of the pipe, for example for refuelling a vehicle.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The technical task of the present invention is to improve the state of the art in the field of safety devices for pipes to dispense a fluid, for example a liquid or gaseous fuel. Within this technical scope, it is an object of the present invention to provide a safety device for pipes to deliver a fluid which guarantees safe and reliable operation. Another object of the present invention is to make available a safety device for pipes to dispense a fluid that allows damage or situations of danger for the vehicle that carries out the refuelling, or for the people or property that are in the surrounding environment, to be avoided.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a safety device for pipes to dispense a fluid which is of simple and low-cost construction.

According to an aspect of the invention, a safety device for pipes for dispensing a fluid is provided according to claim 1.

According to an aspect of the invention, the reversible engagement and disengagement means are located in the fluid dispensing gun, housed inside the handle, and are configured to separate the handle from the main body when a predetermined traction limit value is exceeded, applied from the outside through the supply pipe.

According to another aspect of the invention, the reversible engagement and disengagement means are located along the pipe and comprise means for adjusting the traction limit value between a higher value to allow the removal of the gun from the column and the displacement of the pipe without risk of detachment, and a lower value to allow the safe separation of the means of engagement and disengagement without causing damage to the pipe and/or other property and people in the vicinity. The dependent claims refer for example to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a non-exclusive embodiment of a safety device for pipes to dispense a fluid, according to the present invention, given by way of non-limiting example in the attached drawings, wherein: figure l is a side view of a gun, equipped with a safety device for pipes to dispense a fluid according to the present invention, connected by means of a filler union to a motor vehicle, in operating configuration and with the dispensing control lever in the rest position; figure 2 is a side view of the gun of figure 1, in operating configuration, with the lever in the dispensing position, and in a phase in which the fluid supply pipe is subjected to traction; figure 3 is a side view of the gun of figure 1 in a safe configuration, wherein, following the exceeding of a predetermined traction limit value, to which the pipe has been subjected, the handle is detached from the main body of the gun and the fluid flow is cut off; figure 4 is a side view of the gun with the handle turned in a possible phase in which the supply pipe is subjected to traction in an oblique direction; figure 5 is a rear view of the gun of figure 4; figure 6 is a detailed enlargement, in perspective, of the articulated coupling provided between the handle and the main body of the gun; figure 7 is a detailed enlargement, in perspective, of the spherical head of the coupling of figure 6; figures 8-12 are detailed side views, in section, of the handle and of the main body of the gun, equipped with the safety device according to the invention, in successive phases, from the operating configuration to the safety configuration of the gun; figure 13 is a detailed side view, and in section, of the handle and of the connection portion of the main body of the gun, in a phase immediately preceding the reconnection between the handle and the main body of the gun; figure 14 is a side view of another version of a safety device for pipes to dispense a fluid according to the present invention, in a fluid dispensing configuration; figure 15 is a side view of the safety device for pipes of figure 14 in a safe configuration, in which, following the exceeding of a predetermined traction limit value, to which the pipe has been subjected, the portions of the safety device have become detached and the fluid flow is cut off; figure 16 is a side view of a further version of a safety device for pipes to dispense a fluid according to the present invention, in a fluid dispensing configuration; figure 17 is a side view of the safety device for pipes of figure 16 in a safe configuration, in which, following the exceeding of a predetermined traction limit value, to which the pipe has been subjected, the portions of the safety device have become detached and the fluid flow is cut off; figures 18-20 show other versions of the safety device for pipes according to the present invention, installed next to the supply column or in the fluid dispensing pipe.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION The description which follows makes reference to a safety device for pipes and a gun to dispense a fluid, in regard to a liquid or gaseous fuel, in particular LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) into a pressurised tank of a motor vehicle; however the present invention can be used for any type of pressurised fluid, even with a flammable type of fluid and with maximum operating pressures around 2.5 MPa, or 25 bar, and 25 MPa, or 250, bar for example.

With reference to figures 1-13, 1 is used to globally indicate a gun equipped with a safety device for pipes to dispense a fluid, according to the present invention.

The gun 1 includes a main body 2, provided with a fluid delivery head 5.

The gun 1 also includes a lever 4, associated with said main body 2, for controlling the dispensing of the fluid through said head 5.

The gun 1 also comprises a handle 3, connected to the main body 2, defining a flow path of the fluid towards the head 5; the handle 3 can be associated with at least one fluid supply pipe A, coming from a dispensing device (not shown).

The head 5 can be connected, by means of a filler union B, to a motor vehicle C, more in detail to a pipe supplying fluid to a tank of the motor vehicle C.

According to an aspect of the invention, the gun 1 comprises a safety device 6, configured to separate the handle 3 from the main body 2 when a predetermined traction limit value is exceeded, applied from the outside through the pipe A; the safety device 6 is also configured to cut off the flow of fluid through the pipe A following the separation of the handle 3 from the main body 2.

More specifically, the safety device 6 is housed, at least in part, inside the handle 3. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the safety device 6 is completely housed inside the handle 3.

In this way, in the case of possible separation of the gun 1 from the pipe A due to exceeding the traction limit value, there are no overhanging parts constrained to the main body 2 of the gun 1, and therefore to the vehicle C, which could cause damage to the latter or even to people or property that may be in the surrounding areas.

More in detail, the safety device 6 comprises a first portion 6a connected to the main body 2, and a second portion 6b housed inside said handle 3, said first portion 6a and second portion 6b being mutually coupled by means of reversible engagement and disengagement means 7.

The safety device 6 also comprises automatic means 8 for cutting off the flow of the fluid.

The engagement and disengagement means 7 are configured to bring, in a reversible way, the gun 1 from an operating configuration, wherein the fluid is dispensed through the handle 3 and then towards the head 5, to a safety configuration, wherein the dispensing of the fluid is cut off by the automatic cut-off means 8.

In the operating configuration to dispense the fluid, the first portion 6a and the second portion 6b are coupled, and the flow of the pressurised fluid through the handle 3 towards the head 5 is allowed.

The safety configuration is obtained when a predetermined traction value, applied from the outside, by the pipe A on the safety device 6, is exceeded; in this safety configuration, the first portion 6a and the second portion 6b are separated, and the automatic cut-off means 8 instantaneously stop the flow of fluid.

Therefore, thanks to the safety device 6, damage to the pipe A and to other components of the gun 1 is avoided, and it is also possible to return to an operating configuration for dispensing the fluid simply by reconnecting the first portion 6a to the second portion 6b of the device 6.

A protective bellows element 3a is fitted between the handle 3 and the connecting portion 2a.

According to an aspect of the invention, the gun 1 comprises an articulated coupling R, configured to orient the handle 3, connected to the pipe A, with respect to the main body 2, according to a plurality of positions.

The articulated coupling R is also able to allow the flow of the fluid, coming from the pipe A, towards the delivery head 5.

More in detail, the articulated coupling R is connected to the first portion 6a of the safety device 6, which is associated, in turn, to the connecting portion 2a of the main body 2; as said, the first portion 6a is removably coupled, at the other end, to the second portion 6b, and the latter is internally associated with the handle 3.

Therefore, when the gun 1 is in the operating configuration, the handle 3 is connected to the main body 2, as can be seen for example in figures 1 and 2; when, on the other hand, the gun 1 is in the safety configuration, the handle 3 is detached from the main body 2, as can be seen for example in figure 3.

According to the invention, and as will be better clarified hereinafter, the function of the articulated coupling R is to allow the handle 3 to change its orientation, with respect to the main body 2, following traction applied from the outside, through the pipe A, in an oblique or transverse direction with respect to the normal position of use of the handle 3 itself, when the gun 1 is inserted in the filler union B of the motor vehicle C; in this way, also the safety device 6 is submitted exclusively to traction stress, and any risks of damage are thus eliminated.

The first portion 6a and the second portion 6b are both tubular, so as to allow the flow of the fluid through them.

The second portion 6b comprises a tubular extension 9, arranged inside the handle 3. The reversible engagement and disengagement means 7 are housed inside the handle 3; they comprise a tubular element 10, fixed inside a jacket 11 of the handle 3.

The second portion 6b and the tubular extension 9 are both sliding, for a predefined stroke, inside the tubular element 10.

The reversible engagement and disengagement means 7 further comprise a first elastic part 12, interposed between the tubular element 10 and the second portion 6b. The first elastic part 12 is configured to operate against the traction applied from the outside through the pipe A, and to keep the tubular element 10 in the position corresponding to the aforementioned operating configuration of the gun 1. The tubular extension 9 defines a coupling tube 9b, which can be inserted into a seat of the first portion 6a; the seal between the coupling tube 9b and the first portion 6a is ensured by a gasket 9c, located on the coupling tube 9b itself; however, the sealing gasket could also be arranged in the seat of the first portion 6a.

The reversible engagement and disengagement means 7 additionally comprise a terminal element 13 of the tubular element 10 (for example consisting of a bushing) sliding, for a predefined stroke, on the second portion 6b.

Furthermore, the reversible engagement and disengagement means 7 comprise at least one peripheral locking element 14, movably housed in a respective seat 15 (for example a hole, or a shaped hole) provided radially in the second portion 6b, and selectively engageable in the first portion 6a.

More in detail, the terminal element 13 slides along the second portion 6b from a position in which it is disengaged from the at least one peripheral locking element 14, and the latter is engaged in the first portion 6a (in the aforementioned operating configuration for the gun 1), to a position where it is engaged with the at least one peripheral locking element 14; the latter disengages, in this way, from the first portion 6a, so as to decouple it from the second portion 6b, and to allow the subsequent detachment of the handle 3 from the main body 2, in the aforementioned safety configuration.

When a certain amount of traction is applied on pipe A, for example in the case in which the motor vehicle C has been inadvertently started with the gun 1 still inserted in the filler union B, the pipe A itself drags the tubular element 10 (and the jacket 11) of the handle 3, in contrast to the action of the first elastic part 12; the tubular element 10 drags, in turn, the terminal element 13, associated with it, along the second portion 6b.

Instead, the tubular extension 9, and the second portion 6b itself, remain constrained to the first portion 6a until the aforementioned predetermined traction limit value is exceeded, upon the occurrence of which the terminal element 13 is dragged by the tubular element 10, in such a way that the at least one locking element 14 engages in the terminal element 13 itself, and disengages from the first portion 6a. In this way, the first portion 6a is decoupled from the second portion 6b, and the safety configuration is obtained in which the handle 3 detaches from the main body 2, and the automatic cut-off means 8 cut off the flow of the fluid.

More in detail, the tubular element 10 comprises a tooth 16, and the terminal element 13 comprises at least one lateral slot 17; such tooth 16 can be engaged in said respective lateral slot 17, so as to drag the terminal element 13 following a traction applied to the pipe A.

The terminal element 13 is associated with the tubular element 10 and with a second elastic part 18; in particular, the second elastic part 18 abuts between the terminal element 13 and a stop 10a defined by the tubular element 10.

Following the detachment of the handle 3 from the main body 2, the terminal element 13 is pushed by the action of the second elastic part 18, so as to disengage from the at least one locking element 14.

When the gun 1 is in the safety configuration, in which the handle 3 is detached from the main body 2, the terminal element 13 can be operated by sliding manually (for example by means of a dedicated tool, or even a screwdriver, or the like) against the action of the second elastic part 18, so as to be brought to engage with the at least one locking element 14: in this way, it is possible to reinsert the first portion 6a into the second portion 6b, and thus restore the operating configuration for the gun 1, in which the locking element 14 engages by interlocking with the first portion 6a (the terminal element 13, under the action of the second elastic part 18, is disengaged at this point from the at least one locking element 14).

In particular, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the figures, which is of particular practical interest, the reversible engagement and disengagement means 7 comprise a plurality of peripheral locking elements 14, consisting of balls, movably housed in the respective seats 15 (holes, or shaped holes) provided radially in the second portion 6b, and selectively engageable in a first recess 19 (consisting for example of an external annular groove) of the first portion 6a, and in a second recess 20 (consisting for example of an internal annular slot) of the end element 13.

Each seat 15 (shaped hole) has a tapering 15a towards the inside of the handle 3, which allows the partial release of the peripheral locking element 14 housed therein, for engagement with the first portion 6a.

In particular, in the operating configuration, the peripheral locking elements 14 protrude from the seats 15, being pushed towards the inside of the handle 3, into engagement in the first recess 19 of the first portion 6a, abutting, on the other side, against an internal wall of the end element 13.

As said, the terminal element 13 slides along the second portion 6b from a first position, wherein the second recess 20 is offset with respect to the seats 15, and the peripheral locking elements 14 are engaged in the first recess 19 of the first portion 6a, to a second position wherein the second recess 20 is positioned at the seats 15, so that the peripheral locking elements 14 disengage from the first recess 19 and re enter the second recess 20, so as to allow the detachment of handle 3 in a safety configuration.

When the gun 1 is in the safety configuration, in which the handle 3 is detached from the main body 2, the terminal element 13 is operable, sliding manually (for example by means of a dedicated tool, or even a screwdriver, or the like) against the action of the second elastic part 18, so as to position the second recess 20 at the seats 15, for the engagement of the peripheral locking elements 14: in this way, it is possible to reinsert the first portion 6a into the second portion 6b, causing the peripheral locking elements 14 to engage in the first recess 19.

After the coupling of the first portion 6a with the second portion 6b, in the operating configuration, the terminal element 13 is pushed by the second elastic part 18 with the second recess 20 in an offset position with respect to the seats 15.

The automatic cut-off means 8 comprise a first shutter 21, housed within the first portion 6a, and a second shutter 22, housed within the internal tubular extension 9. The first shutter 21 comprises a first stem 21a, provided with a first bulge 21b, for fluid-tight abutment on a first shoulder 23 obtained inside the first portion 6a; the first stem 21a is associated with first elastic means 24, able to push it against the first shoulder 23 in a flow cut-off direction.

In particular, the first stem 21a is inserted in a first hollow block D (figure 10), housed within the first portion 6a.

The first elastic means 24 can comprise a spring housed in a first cavity 21c of the first stem 21a, and which abuts inside the first hollow block D.

The second shutter 22 comprises a second stem 22a, provided with a second bulge 22b, for fluid-tight abutment on a second shoulder 25, obtained inside the tubular extension 9.

The second stem 22a is associated with second elastic means 26, able to push it against the second shoulder 25 in a flow cut-off direction.

In particular, the second stem 22a is inserted in a second hollow block D (figure 10), housed within the tubular extension 9.

The second elastic means 24 can comprise a spring housed in a second cavity 22c of the second stem 22a, and which abuts inside the second hollow block E.

When the gun 1 is in the operating configuration, the first shutter 21 and the second shutter 22 abut on each other with the respective ends of the first stem 21a and the second stem 22a (i.e. they are in mutual contact), so that the respective first bulge 21b and second bulge 22b are spaced apart from the respective first shoulder 23 and second shoulder 25, to allow fluid flow.

When the gun 1 is, on the other hand, in the safety configuration, the first shutter 21 and the second shutter 22 are spaced apart from each other (i.e. they are not in mutual contact), and the respective first bulge 21b and second bulge 22b abut in a fluid-tight manner on the respective first shoulder 23 and second shoulder 25, pushed under the action of the respective first elastic means 24 and second elastic means 26, so as to cut off the flow of fluid.

Any residual fluid is also prevented from being dropped into the main body 2 of gun 1

The first bulge 21b comprises a first annular recess 2 Id, for the insertion of a sealing gasket F (figure 10) on the first shoulder 23.

The second bulge 22b equally comprises a second annular recess 22d, for the insertion of a sealing gasket F on the second shoulder 25.

The articulated coupling R is of the ball joint type and comprises a spherical head 27 fixed to the first portion 6a, and a spherical seat 28, wherein the spherical head 27, provided in the connection portion 2a of the main body 2, engages in a fluid-tight manner.

The spherical head 27 comprises a stem 27a screw tightened, in a fluid-tight manner, within the first portion 6a, by means of a gasket F.

The seal between the spherical head 27 and the seat 28 is made by two sealing rings H and two gaskets F, inserted in respective housings obtained in the seat 28.

The spherical head 27 presents a central passage 29, from which channels 30 depart for the flow of fluid.

The spherical head 27 is constrained in the seat 28 by means of a respective closing ring 31, associated with the connection portion 2a.

According to an aspect of the invention, the gun 1 comprises an abutment element 32 for the spherical head 27, able to block the inclination of the handle 3, with respect to the lever 4, by a predetermined angle a, chosen in such a way as to allow the easy compression of the lever 4 by the user to dispense the fluid from the head 5.

In particular, the abutment element 32 is fixed to the closing ring nut 31; correspondingly, in the stem 27a of the spherical head 27 a surface 27b is provided, configured for contact with the aforementioned abutment element 32.

The gun 1 also comprises holding means 33, able to keep the handle 3 inclined, with respect to the main body 2, by the aforementioned predetermined angle a.

More in detail, these holding parts 33 comprise a pin 34 housed in a hole 36 made inside the spherical seat 28.

The pin 34 is provided with a rounded end 34a, removably engageable in an opening 29a provided on the external surface of the spherical head 27 (i.e., in particular, the opening 29a of the central passage 29), through the action of a third elastic part 35, housed inside the hole 36; at least the rounded end 34a of the pin 34 protrudes from the hole 36.

When the pin 34 is engaged in the opening 29a, the handle 3 is inclined, by this predetermined angle a, with respect to the lever 4.

The gun 1 also comprises guide parts 37 for the mutual coupling of the first portion 6a with the second portion 6b.

In particular, these guiding parts 37 comprise at least one grub screw 38 (or a pin) fixed to the terminal element 13, and protruding, with its ends, from the internal and external surfaces of the latter.

More in detail, one of the ends of the grub screw 38 can be engaged in a respective first guide slot 39 provided on the second portion 6b, while the other end can be engaged in a respective second guide slot 40, provided on the outer jacket 11 of the handle 3.

The handle 3 and the pipe A for supplying fluids are connected via a swivel joint 41. More in detail, the handle 3 comprises a ring nut 42 for coupling to the swivel joint 41.

This coupling ring 42 is coupled to the tubular element 10; the outer jacket 11 is constrained between the coupling ring 42 and the tubular element 10.

The swivel joint 41 comprises at least one first section 41a, which can slide in a fluid- tight manner within one end of the tubular extension 9.

In particular, the tubular extension 9 defines, at said end, two annular seats 9c for respective sealing gaskets F on the first section 41a.

The swivel joint 41 also defines a second section 41b, comprising an external annular groove 43, in which locking balls 44 housed in respective shaped radial holes 45, obtained in the coupling ring 42, can be engaged.

Figures 14-20 show other versions of the safety device for pipes to dispense a fluid according to the present invention.

Figures 14 and 15 show two enlarged views of a version of the safety device 100 for pipes to dispense a fluid, able to be applied near a column 50 for dispensing the fluid (figures 18 and 19) or in an intermediate position on a pipe Al, A2 (figure 20) to dispense the fluid.

Figures 16 and 17 show two enlarged views of another version of the safety device 100 for pipes to dispense a fluid, able to be applied, like the previous version, near a column 50 to dispense the fluid (figures 18 and 19) or in an intermediate position on a pipe Al, A2 (figure 20) to dispense the fluid. Figure 18 shows the safety device 100 mounted near or adjacent to the column 50, a dispensing gun 52 in the rest position within a housing of column 50, and a winding coil 125 which controls a control cable 124.

Figure 19 shows the safety device 100 mounted near or adjacent to the column 50 and equipped with a swivel joint 51.

The swivel joint 51 is entirely similar to the articulated coupling R illustrated for the previous version and is a ball type joint configured to orient the pipe A, with respect to the fixed coupling 53 of the column 50, according to a plurality of positions.

The swivel joint 51 comprises a spherical head 27, provided with a central passage 29 and fixed to the first portion 100a, and a spherical seat 28, wherein the spherical head 27, provided in the fixed coupling 53, is engaged in a fluid-tight manner. Figure 20 shows the safety device 100 mounted in an intermediate position on a pipe Al, A2 to dispense fluid, as can be observed the safety device 100 is fixed to the ground or to the column 50 itself by means of anchor means 127.

The device 100 of figure 14 comprises a first portion 100a and a second portion 100b mutually coupled by means of reversible engagement and disengagement means 102, the first portion 100a and the second portion 100b can be disengaged when a predetermined traction limit value applied from the outside is exceeded, the engagement and disengagement means 102 are configured to bring, in a reversible way, the first portion 100a and the second portion 100b from an operating configuration, wherein the portions are coupled and the flow of the fluid is allowed, to a safety configuration, wherein they are separated and the dispensing of fluid is cut off by automatic cut-off means 8.

The reversible means of engagement and disengagement 102 are located near the column 50 for dispensing the fluid or along the pipe Al, Al and comprise adjustment means 104 for adjusting the predetermined traction limit value at which the portions 100a, 100b detach between two values: a higher value, approximately around 900- 1000 N, and a lower value, approximately around 400 N.

The higher traction value allows the removal of said gun 52 from the column 50 and the displacement of the pipe A without any risk of detachment. The lower traction value allows the safe separation of portions 100a, 100b without causing damage to the pipe A itself and/or to other property and people in the vicinity. The lower traction value is activated if, within a first predetermined time, for example 2-3 minutes, from the end of fluid dispensing, the gun 52 is not replaced in the seat of the column 50.

An alarm signal can also be provided in a second predetermined time, for example 1 minute, from the end of fluid dispensing, to draw the user's attention so that the gun 52 is returned to the seat of the column 50.

It should be observed that, in the case of the version of the safety device 6 installed in the handle 3 of the gun 1, only the alarm signal can be provided as the safety device 6 can always be calibrated to the lower traction value, because the gun is held upstream of the safety device and there is no danger of accidental detachment of the portions.

In the version of the safety device 100 shown in figures 14 and 15, the first portion 100a is internally coupled, via a ring nut 126, to an external tubular body 105 with which it defines at least one interspace 106 for the sliding housing of a first shaped ring 107 and a first elastic element 108 for the reversible engagement and disengagement means 102.

The first elastic element 108 is interposed between the first shaped ring 107 and an abutment surface 109 made on the ring nut 126 of the first portion 100a, the latter defining at least one through opening 110 for the mobile housing of a respective peripheral locking part 111 of the reversible engagement and disengagement means 102.

The first shaped ring 107 defines an internal inclined annular surface 107a for abutment on the peripheral locking member 111, on which it is pushed under the action of the first elastic element 108.

The second portion 100b comprises a recess 112 for engaging the locking part 111 in the operating configuration, so as to keep the first portion 100a engaged with the second portion 100b, and from which it disengages due to the traction applied from the outside against the action of the first elastic element 108, upon reaching said higher traction limit value, to allow the removal of said gun 52 from said column 50 and the displacement of said pipe A without any risk of detachment.

The adjustment means 104 comprise at least one second elastic element 113 housed in the interspace 106, it should be noted that the second elastic element 113 is more flexible than the first elastic element 108 and is arranged in series with the latter.

The adjustment means 104 are controlled from an inactive configuration, wherein the second elastic element 113 has no effect on the predetermined traction limit value, to an active configuration wherein the second elastic element 113 replaces the action of the first elastic element 108 - being arranged in series with the latter - in a safety configuration, decreasing the predetermined traction limit value necessary for the disengagement of the first portion 100a and of the second portion 100b.

The adjustment means 104 comprise the second elastic element 113 and a second ring 114 which are housed and controlled slidingly in the interspace 106. The second ring 114 abuts on the one hand, on the first elastic element 108 and on the other hand, on the second elastic element 113, the second elastic element 113 being interposed between the second ring 114 and the abutment surface 109, which is in turn obtained on the ring 126 of the first portion 100a.

The second ring 114 is selectively lockable in a predetermined position along the first portion 100a so as to provide the aforementioned active configuration or inactive configuration for the second elastic element 113.

The second ring 114 defines at least one groove 115 for the engagement of at least one locking member 116 which is movably housed in a lateral passage 117, which places the interspace 106 in communication with a respective internal chamber 118 defined in said outer tubular body 105 to provide a controlled sliding housing of at least one slider 119.

The slider 119 comprises at least one first flattening 119a and at least one second flattening 119b connected by an inclined portion 119c, the first flattening 119a keeps the locking member 116 pushed through the lateral passage 117 into engagement within the groove 115 in the inactive configuration for the second elastic element 113, the second flattening 119b allows the profile of the locking member 116 to return into the lateral passage 117, disengaging it from the groove 115 and placing it in the active configuration for the second elastic element 113.

The inclined portion 119c is used to guide, by sliding the slider 119, the locking member 116 within the lateral passage 117 for engagement in the groove 115 and to restore the second elastic element 113 to the inactive configuration.

In the version of figures 16 and 17, the adjustment means 104 comprise the second elastic element 113 and at least one third ring 120 housed in a controlled sliding manner in said interspace 106.

The third ring 120 is coaxially housed around the first ring 107, and the second elastic element 113 is housed around the first elastic element 108, acting in parallel with the latter, and is interposed between said third ring 120 and the abutment surface 109 obtained on the ring nut 126 of the first portion 100a, the third ring 120 being selectively constrainable to the first ring 107 so as to implement the active configuration or said inactive configuration for the second elastic element 113.

It should be observed that, in this version illustrated in Figures 16 and 17, the elastic elements 108 and 113 act in parallel and therefore, the forces that they develop add up.

The third ring 120 defines at least one lateral hole 121 for slidingly housing at least one locking rod 122, which rod 122 comprises a first rounded end 122a, engaged in sliding contact on a respective external inclined annular surface 107b provided on the first shaped ring 107, and a second rounded end 122b passing through an elongated lateral slot 123 which places the interspace 106 in communication with at least one respective internal chamber 118 defined in the external tubular body 105 for the controlled sliding housing of at least one slider 119, the slider 119 comprising at least one first flattening 119a and at least one second flattening 119b connected by an inclined portion 119c.

The first flattening 119a is used to keep the locking rod 122 pushed through the lateral hole 121 into engagement against the external inclined annular surface 107b, so as to constrain the third ring 120 with the first shaped ring 107 in the active configuration for the second elastic element 113, the second flattening 119b is used to allow the return of the profile of the first rounded end 122a of the locking rod 122 into the lateral hole 121 disengaged from the external inclined annular surface 107b, so as to release the first shaped ring 107 from the third ring 120 in the inactive configuration for the second elastic element 113, the inclined portion 119c being able to guide, by sliding the slider 119, the locking rod 122 into the lateral hole 121, so as to engage the external inclined annular surface 107b and restore the active configuration of the second elastic element 113.

In both versions of figures 14-17, the slider 119 is movably controlled by means of a control cable 124 associated with a winding reel 125 operated by suitable control means.

It has thus been seen how the present invention achieves the intended purposes. Various modifications and variations can be made in the invention thus conceived, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Moreover, all the elements can be replaced with other technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions can vary greatly according to needs, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

1. Safety device (6; 100) for pipes (3; A) to dispense a fluid through a gun (1; 52) to dispense a fluid equipped with at least one handle (3) connected to a main body (2), provided in turn with a head (5) for dispensing the fluid and a lever (4), associated with said main body (2), for controlling the delivery of the fluid through said head (5), said gun (1; 52) being insertable in a column (50) for dispensing the fluid, said safety device (6; 100) comprising at least one first portion (6a; 100a) and at least one second portion (6b; 100b) mutually coupled by means of reversible engagement and disengagement means (7; 102), said first portion (6a; 100a) and said second portion (6b; 100b) being disengageable when a predetermined traction limit value applied from the outside is exceeded, said engagement and disengagement means (7; 102) being configured to bring, in a reversible manner, said first portion (6a; 100a) and second portion (6b; 100b) from an operational configuration, wherein said first portion (6a; 100a) and second portion (6b; 100b) are coupled and the flow of fluid is allowed, to a safety configuration, in which said first portion (6a; 100a) and second portion (6b; 100b) are separated and the dispensing of fluid is cut off by automatic cut-off means (8), characterised in that said reversible engagement and disengagement means (7) are housed in said handle (3) of said gun (1) to dispense a fluid, or said reversible engagement and disengagement means (102) are located along the pipe (A) and comprise adjustment means (104) for adjusting said predetermined traction limit value between a higher value to allow the removal of said gun (52) from said column (50) and the displacement of said pipe (A) without risk of detachment, and a lower value to allow the separation of said first portion (100a) and second portion (100b) safely without causing damage to the pipe (A) and/or other property and people in the vicinity.

2. Safety device (6) according to claim 1, comprising an articulated coupling (R), connected to said safety device (6), configured to position said handle (3), connected to the pipe (A), with respect to said main body (2), according to a plurality of positions, said articulated coupling (R) being further able to allow the flow of the fluid, coming from said pipe (A), towards said dispensing head

(5)·

3. Safety device (6) according to the preceding claim, wherein said articulated coupling (R) comprises a spherical head (27), connected to said first portion (6a), engaged in a fluid-tight manner in a respective spherical seat (28) provided in said main body (2).

4. Safety device (6) according to the preceding claim, wherein said articulated coupling (R) comprises holding elements (33) for keeping said handle (3) inclined to a predetermined angle (a) with respect to said main body (2), in said operating configuration.

5. Safety device (6) according to the preceding claim, wherein said holding elements (33) comprise a pin (34), housed in a perforation (36) made inside said spherical seat (28), removably engageable in an opening (29a) provided on the external surface of said spherical head (27), through the action of a third elastic part (35) housed inside said perforation (36).

6. Safety device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said reversible engagement and disengagement means (7) comprise at least one peripheral locking element (14), engaged movably in a respective seat (15) of said second portion (6b), and at least one first recess (19) of said first portion (6a), wherein said locking element (14) is engaged, in said operating configuration, so as to keep said first portion (6a) constrained to said second portion (6b), and from which it disengages, in said safety configuration, under the effect of the pulling action applied from the outside through said pipe (A), so as to release said first portion (6a) with respect to said second portion (6b).

7. Safety device (6) according to the preceding claim, wherein said reversible engagement and disengagement means (7) comprise a tubular element (10), fixed to a coupling (41) for connection to said pipe (A), sliding externally along said second portion (6b), said tubular element (10) comprising a terminal element (13) provided with at least one second recess (20) wherein said peripheral locking element (14) is inserted in the passage from said operating configuration to said safety configuration, under the effect of the pulling action applied from the outside through said pipe (A), so as to release said first portion (6a) which can be separated from said second portion (6b).

8. Safety device (6) according to the preceding claim, wherein between said tubular element (10) and said second portion (6b) a first elastic part (12) is interposed, configured to operate so as to counter the pulling stress applied from the outside through said pipe (A), and to keep said tubular element (10) in the position corresponding to said operating configuration of the gun (1).

9. Safety device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said reversible engagement and disengagement means (7) comprise at least one peripheral locking element (14), engaged movably in a respective seat (15) of said second portion (6b), and at least one first recess (19) of said first portion (6a), wherein said locking element (14) is engaged, in said operating configuration, so as to keep said first portion (6a) constrained to said second portion (6b), and from which it disengages, in said safety configuration, under the effect of the pulling action applied from the outside through said pipe (A), so as to release said first portion (6a) with respect to said second portion (6b).

10. Safety device (100) according to claim 1, wherein said first portion (100a) is internally coupled to at least one external tubular body (105) with which it defines at least one interspace (106) for slidingly housing at least one first shaped ring (107) and of at least one first elastic element (108) of said reversible engagement and disengagement means (102), said first elastic element (108) being interposed between said first shaped ring (107) and at least one abutment surface (109) made on said first portion (100a), said first portion (100a) defining at least one opening (110) through the mobile housing of at least one respective peripheral locking member (111) of said reversible engagement and disengagement means (102), said first shaped ring (107) defining an internal inclined annular surface (107a) for abutment on said at least one peripheral locking member (111) on which it is pushed under the action of at least said first elastic element (108), said second portion (100b) comprising at least one recess (112) for engaging said at least one locking member (111) in said operating configuration, so as to retain said first portion (100a) engaged with said second portion (100b), and from which it disengages, under the effect of the traction applied from the outside against the action of at least said first elastic element (108) upon reaching said higher traction limit value, to allow the removal of said gun (52) from said column (50) and the displacement of said pipe (A) without any risk of detachment.

11. Safety device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said adjustment means (104) comprise at least one second elastic element (113), more flexible than said first elastic element (108) and housed in said interspace (106) in series with said first elastic element (108), said adjustment means (104) being controlled from an inactive configuration, wherein said second elastic element

(113) has no effect on said predetermined traction limit value, to an active configuration, wherein said second elastic element (113) replaces the action of said first elastic element (108), in said safety configuration, so as to decrease said predetermined traction limit value necessary for the disengagement of said first portion (100a) and second portion (100b).

12. Safety device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said adjustment means (104) comprise said second elastic element (113) and at least one second ring (114) housed and controlled slidingly in said interspace (106), said second ring (114) abutting on one side on said first elastic element (108) and on the other side on said second elastic element (113), said second elastic element (113) being interposed between said second ring (114) and said abutment surface (109) made on said first portion (100a), said second ring (114) being selectively lockable in a predetermined position along said first portion (100a) so as to implement said active configuration or said inactive configuration for said second elastic element (113).

13. Safety device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said second ring

(114) defines at least one groove (115) for the engagement of at least one locking member (116) housed movably in at least one lateral passage (117) which puts in communication said interspace (106) with at least one respective internal chamber (118) defined in said external tubular body (105) for the controlled sliding housing of at least one slider (119), said slider (119) comprising at least one first flattening (119a) and at least one second flattening (119b) connected by an inclined portion (119c), said first flattening (119a) being able to keep said locking member (116) pushed through said lateral passage (117) in engagement within said groove (115) in said inactive configuration for said second elastic element (113), said second flattening (119b) being able to allow the return of the profile of said locking member (116) within said lateral passage (117) disengaged from said groove (115) in said active configuration for said second elastic element (113), said inclined portion (119c) being able to guide by sliding of said slider (119) said locking member (116) within said lateral passage (117) for engagement in said groove (115) and to restore said inactive configuration of said second elastic element (113).

14. Safety device (100) according to one of claims 11-13, wherein said adjustment means (104) comprise said second elastic element (113) and at least one third ring (120) housed and controlled slidingly in said interspace (106), said third ring (120) being coaxially housed around said first ring (107), said second elastic element (113) being housed around said first elastic element (108), acting in parallel with said first elastic element (108) and being interposed between said third ring (120) and said abutment surface (109) made on said first portion (100a), said third ring (120) being selectively connectable to said first ring (107) so as to implement said active configuration or said inactive configuration for said second elastic element (113).

15. Safety device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said third ring (120) defines at least one lateral hole (121) for slidingly housing at least one locking rod (122), said rod (122) comprising a first rounded end (122a), engaged in sliding contact on a respective external inclined annular surface (107b) provided on said first shaped ring (107), and a second rounded end (122b) passing through an elongated lateral slot (123) which places said interspace (106) in communication with at least one respective internal chamber (118) defined in said outer tubular body (105) for the controlled sliding housing of at least one slider (119), said slider (119) comprising at least one first flattening (119a) and at least one second flattening (119b) connected by a inclined section (119c), said first flattening (119a) being able to keep said locking rod (122) pushed through said lateral hole (121) into engagement against said external inclined annular surface (107b), so as to constrain said third ring (120) with said first shaped ring (107) in said active configuration for said second elastic element (113), said second flattening (119b) being able to allow the return of the profile of said first rounded end (122a) of said locking rod (122) within said lateral hole (121) disengaged from said external inclined annular surface (107b), so as to release said first shaped ring (107) from said third ring (120) in said inactive configuration for said second elastic element (113), said inclined portion (119c) being able to guide by sliding of said slider (119) said locking rod (122) into said lateral hole (121) for engagement on said external inclined annular surface (107b) and restoring said active configuration of said second elastic element (113).

16. Safety device (100) according to one of claims 13-15, wherein said slider (119) is movably controlled by means of a control cable (124) associated with a winding reel (125) operated by suitable control means.

17. Safety device (100) according to one of claims 10-16, comprising a connecting ring nut (126) coupled to said external tubular element (105) and to said first portion (100a), and defining said abutment surface (109).

18. Safety device (100) according to one of claims 10-17, wherein said first portion (100a) is associated with a swivel joint (51) connected to said column (50).

19. Safety device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said swivel joint (51) comprises a spherical head (27), connected to said first portion (100a), engaged in a fluid-tight manner in a respective spherical seat (28) provided in a fixed coupling (53) of said column (50).

20. Safety device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said swivel joint (51) comprises holding elements (33) for keeping said device (100) inclined to a predetermined angle (a) with respect to said fixed coupling (53), in said operating configuration.

21. Safety device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said holding elements (33) comprise a pin (34), housed in a perforation (36) made inside said spherical seat (28), removably engageable in an opening (29a) provided on the external surface of said spherical head (27), through the action of a third elastic part (35) housed inside said perforation (36).

22. Safety device (6; 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said automatic cut-off parts (8) comprise a first shutter (21), configured to block the fluid flow path through said first portion (6a; 100a) and a second shutter (22), configured to block the fluid flow path through said second portion (6b; 100b), when said safety device (6; 100) is in said safety configuration.

23. Safety device (6; 100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first shutter (21) comprises a first stem (21a), configured to abut, in a fluid-tight manner, on a first shoulder (23), provided along the flow path of the fluid inside said first portion (6a; 100a), under the action of first elastic means (24), and said second shutter (22) comprises a second stem (22a), configured to abut, in a fluid-tight manner, on a second shoulder (25) provided along the flow path inside said second portion (6b; 100b), under the action of second elastic means (26), in said operating configuration said first stem (21a) and second stem (22a) abutting on each other so that both spaced apart from said first shoulder (23) and said second shoulder (25), respectively.