FR3054291A1 - DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING FLUID UNDER PRESSURE - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for supplying fluid under pressure, comprising a first valve (3) housing an internal fluid circuit (13) provided with an insulating member (4), the device (1) comprising a second valve (5) provided with a circuit (15) internal fluid and comprising a member (16) movable actuating the member (4) for isolating the first valve (3) to control the opening or closing thereof, the first (3) valve and the second (5) valve comprising members (6, 7) respectively forming a detachable male / female quick connection system of the second valve (5) on the first (3) valve, the first ( 3) valve comprising a cylindrical end extending along a longitudinal axis (A), the quick connection system comprising at least one groove or rib (7) formed on the cylindrical end of the first valve (3) and a system with claws (6) or fastening balls integral with the second valve (5) and cooperating with the at least one groove or rib (7) formed on the cylindrical end of the first valve (3), when the second valve (5) is in position connected to the first (3) valve via the quick connection system, the quick connection system ensures a blockage of the second valve (5) on the first (3) valve along the axis (A) longitudinal while allowing a rotation of the second valve (5) on the first (3) tap around this axis (A) longitudinal

Description

Holder (s): AIR LIQUIDE, ANONYMOUS COMPANY FOR THE STUDY AND EXPLOITATION OF GEORGES CLAUDE PROCESSES Société anonyme.

Extension request (s)

Agent (s): AIR LIQUIDE.

(54) DEVICE FOR PROVIDING PRESSURE FLUID.

FR 3 054 291 - A1 (57) Device for supplying pressurized fluid, comprising a first tap (3) housing an internal circuit (13) of fluid provided with an isolation member (4), the device (1) comprising a second valve (5) provided with an internal fluid circuit (15) and comprising a movable member (16) for actuating the member (4) for isolating the first valve (3) to control opening or closing the latter, the first (3) tap and the second (5) tap comprising respective hooking members (6, 7) forming a quick male / female connection system removable from the second tap (5) on the first (3) tap, the first (3) tap comprising a cylindrical end extending along a longitudinal axis (A), the quick connection system comprising at least one groove or rib (7) formed on the cylindrical end of the first tap (3) and a system of claws (6) or attachment balls integral with the second tap (5) and cooperated nt with the at least one groove or rib (7) formed on the cylindrical end of the first valve (3), when the second valve (5) is in position connected to the first (3) valve via the quick connection system, the quick connection system locks the second valve (5) on the first (3) valve along the longitudinal axis (A) while allowing rotation of the second valve (5) on the first (3) valve around this longitudinal axis (A)

The invention relates to a device for supplying pressurized fluid.

The invention relates more particularly to a device for supplying pressurized fluid, in particular pressurized gas, comprising a first valve housing an internal fluid circuit provided with an isolation member making it possible to open or close the internal circuit such a valve or a valve, the device comprising a second valve forming a physical entity distinct from the first valve, the second valve being provided with an internal fluid circuit, and comprising a movable member for actuating the member insulation of the first valve to control the opening or closing of the latter, the first valve and the second valve comprising respective hooking members forming a quick male / female connection system removable from the second valve on the first valve, the first valve comprising a cylindrical end extending along a longitudinal axis, the quick connection system comprising at least one g barley or rib formed on the cylindrical end of the first tap and a system of claws or hooking balls integral with the second tap and cooperating with the at least one groove or rib formed on the cylindrical end of the first tap.

The invention relates in particular to a fluid distribution device, in particular modular type pressurized gas. The invention relates in particular to the filling of high pressure gas cylinders (for example between 200 and 700 bar).

Examples of different modular fluid distribution devices are illustrated in the documents FR2892799A1, FR2979687A1, FR2970313A1 or FR3022972A1

An object of the present invention is to provide a fluid distribution device having good ergonomics of use.

An object of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

To this end, the device according to the invention, moreover conforms to the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that when the second tap is in the position connected to the first tap via the quick connection, the quick connection system ensures the blocking of the second valve on the first valve along the longitudinal axis while allowing rotation of the second valve on the first valve around this longitudinal axis.

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

- in the connected position of the second valve on the first valve, the quick connection system allows rotation of the second valve on the first valve around this longitudinal axis at a determined angle between 40 ° and 360 °,

- the internal circuit of the second valve includes a downstream end provided with an outlet connection opening onto the peripheral surface of the second valve,

- in the connected position of the second valve on the first valve, the downstream end of the internal circuit of the second valve is not located on the longitudinal axis of the first valve,

- in the connected position of the second valve on the first valve, the downstream end of the internal circuit of the second valve is located on a side face of the second valve,

- The device comprises a bottle of pressurized fluid to which the first valve is connected, the device further comprising a protective cap of the first valve rigidly fixed to the bottle, in the connected position of the second valve on the first valve, the system of quick connection allowing rotation of the second valve on the first valve around the longitudinal axis and relative to the cap,

- at least one of: the first tap, the cap and the bottle comprises at least a first electronic communication and data storage unit that can be interrogated remotely wirelessly by electromagnetic waves, the second tap comprising a second electronic communication body and data storage wirelessly interrogable by electromagnetic waves, the first and second electronic communication devices being configured to exchange information wirelessly via the same communication system,

- at least one of the first electronic communication member and the second electronic communication member comprises an annular antenna which is located concentrically around the longitudinal axis when the second tap is in the position connected to the first tap,

the first and second electronic communication devices use wireless communication technology of the same kind having a determined maximum range, said maximum range being greater than or equal to the distance separating said members when the second tap is in the position connected to the first tap,

- the first and second electronic communication devices are designed to communicate wirelessly using at least one of the following technologies: "Radio Frequency Identification" ("RFID"), "Near field communication" ("N FC"),

the first and second electronic communication devices are configured to have a wireless communication range of between one and five millimeters and forty centimeters, preferably between one centimeter and ten centimeters,

the first and second electronic communication devices comprise at least one of: a passive transponder without an electromagnetic wave generator device, an active transponder comprising a device for generating electromagnetic waves, the transponder comprising an electronic memory for reading data single or read and (re) write data, with or without battery,

the quick connection system comprises at least two grooves or ribs formed on the cylindrical end of the first tap, the two grooves or ribs having determined dimensions and / or shapes and / or being spaced apart by a determined distance so that quick connection is only possible with a geometrically conjugated claw or hooking system,

- in the mounted position of the second valve on the first valve, the actuating member is movable regardless of the angular position of the second valve on the first valve around the axis of rotation, and in that the member actuation is movable in translation in a parallel direction and preferably coincident with the axis of rotation of the second valve on the first valve.

The invention also relates to a bottle or a set of bottles (frame) of pressurized fluid comprising such a device.

The invention may also relate to any alternative device or process comprising any combination of the above or below characteristics.

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

- Figure 1 shows a sectional view, schematic and partial, illustrating an embodiment of a fluid supply device in a disconnected state,

- Figure 2 shows a schematic and partial, illustrating a possible detail of an attachment system of the fluid delivery device of Figure 1,

- Figures 3 and 4 show sectional, schematic and partial views, respectively illustrating two configurations of use of a fluid supply device in a connected state.

FIG. 1 represents a device for supplying pressurized fluid, in particular pressurized gas, comprising a first tap 3 mounted in the orifice of a tank 2 and surrounded by a protective cap 11.

The first tap 3 houses an internal fluid circuit 13 provided with at least one insulation member 4 making it possible to open or close the internal circuit 13.

The isolation member 4 is for example a valve or a valve.

The device 1 comprises a second tap 5 forming a physical entity distinct from the first tap 3 (and in the disconnected position in FIG. 1).

The second valve 5 is provided with an internal fluid circuit 15 comprising an upstream end intended to come to be fluidly connected to one end of the internal circuit 13 of the first 3 valve.

The internal circuit 13 of the second valve 5 comprises for example at least one member 9 for controlling the flow of fluid (for example a fixed or adjustable regulator and / or a flow regulator).

The second valve 5 preferably also includes a movable member 16 for actuating the member 4 for isolating the first valve 3 to control the opening or closing of the latter.

For example, the movable actuating member 16 is a valve pusher controlled by a manual actuating member 10 (lever, push button, steering wheel) carried by the second 5 tap. The manual actuation member 10 can control, if necessary, the fluid flow control member 9.

The first 3 tap and the second 5 tap comprising respective fasteners 6, 7 forming a removable male / female quick connection system of the second tap 5 on the first 3 tap.

The first 3 tap comprises a cylindrical terminal end extending along a central longitudinal axis A to which the second tap 5 is connected.

The quick connection system comprises at least one groove or rib 7 formed on the cylindrical end of the first tap 3 (cf. FIG. 2) and a system with claws 6, balls (or any appropriate equivalent hooking element) integral with the second tap 5.

The element (s) 6 for attaching the second tap 5 are preferably movable and can be locked / unlocked, for example, a member 12 for movable locking on the second tap 5.

The element (s) 6 for attaching the second tap 5 cooperate with the at least one groove or rib 7 formed on the cylindrical end of the first tap 3.

According to an advantageous characteristic, when the second tap 5 is in the position connected to the first 3 tap via the quick connection system, the quick connection system ensures that the second tap 5 is blocked on the first 3 tap along the longitudinal axis A while by authorizing a rotation of the second tap 5 on the first 3 tap around this longitudinal axis A.

This allows the user to orient the second valve 5 around a vertical axis as needed without having to turn the more massive bottle as is the case according to the prior art.

In the connected position of the second tap 5 on the first 3 tap, the quick connection system can allow a rotation of the second tap 5 on the first 3 tap around this longitudinal axis A at a limited determined angle (that is to say by example a mechanical stop system (s) makes it possible to limit the rotation of the second 5 valve relative to the first 3 valve) or not limited (that is to say, there is no system for mechanical stop limiting the rotation of the second valve 5 relative to the first valve). In the second case, the first tap 5 can perform several turns on itself around the longitudinal axis A.

The internal circuit 15 of the second tap 5 comprises a downstream end 25 preferably provided with an outlet fitting opening onto the peripheral surface of the second tap 5.

Preferably, in the connected position of the second valve 5 on the first valve 3, the downstream end 25 of the internal circuit 15 of the second valve 5 is not located on the longitudinal axis A of the first valve 3.

In this way, according to the angular position of the second tap 5 relative to the first 3 tap (around the longitudinal axis A), the outlet fitting 25 is located on one side or the other with respect to a user. (cf. figures 3 and 4).

Preferably, in the connected position of the second valve 5 on the first valve 3, the downstream end 25 of the internal circuit 15 of the second valve (5) is located on a side face of the second valve 5 (cf. FIGS. 3 and 4).

As can be seen in the figures, this configuration also allows rotation of the second valve 5 on the first valve 3 relative to the cap 11.

Preferably, at least one of: the first tap 3, the cap 11 and the bottle 2 comprises at least a first electronic member 8 for communication and storage of data that can be interrogated remotely wirelessly by electromagnetic waves. In addition, the second tap 5 also includes a second electronic communication and storage member 8 for data that can be interrogated remotely wirelessly by electromagnetic waves. The first 8 and second 10 electronic communication devices are configured to exchange information wirelessly via the same communication system.

Preferably, at least one of: the first 8 electronic communication member and the second 10 electronic communication member comprises an annular antenna which is located concentrically around the longitudinal axis A when the second tap 5 is in position connected to the first 3 tap. This geometry allows an exchange of data between the two electronic communication members 8, 10 whatever the relative angular position between the two taps 3, 5.

The first 8 and second 10 electronic communication devices use, for example, wireless communication technology of the same kind having a determined maximum range. The maximum range is preferably equal to or slightly greater (a few millimeters or centimeters) than the distance separating said members 8, 10 when the second tap 5 is in the connected position on the first 3 tap.

The first 8 and second 10 electronic communication devices are preferably configured to communicate wirelessly according to at least one of the following technologies: "Identification by Radio Frequency" ("RFID"), "Communication in near field" ("NFC") ).

The first 8 and second 10 electronic communication devices are preferably configured to have a wireless communication range of between one and five millimeters and forty centimeters, preferably between one centimeter and ten centimeters.

The first 8 and second 10 electronic communication devices comprise for example at least one of: a passive transponder without an electromagnetic wave generator device, an active transponder comprising a device for generating electromagnetic waves, the transponder comprising an electronic memory with read data only or read and (re) write data, with or without battery.

According to a possible particularity, when the fluid pressure in the circuits 13, 15 of the two taps 3, 5 connected exceeds a determined pressure level, the quick connection system 6, 7 undergoes a force which tends to limit or prevent relative rotation from the second tap 5 to the first 3 tap. This allows the user to ensure that the device is under pressure. For example, rotation is only allowed when the internal circuit 15 of the second valve 5 is not under pressure.

Claims (14)

1. Device for supplying pressurized fluid, in particular pressurized gas, comprising a first valve (3) housing an internal circuit (13) of fluid provided with an insulating member (4) making it possible to open or close the internal circuit (13) such as a flap or a valve, the device (1) comprising a second valve (5) forming a physical entity distinct from the first valve (3), the second valve (5) being provided with a internal fluid circuit (15), and comprising a movable member (16) for actuating the isolating member (4) of the first valve (3) to control the opening or closing of the latter, the first ( 3) tap and the second (5) tap comprising respective hooking members (6, 7) forming a quick male / female connection system removable from the second tap (5) on the first (3) tap, the first (3) ) tap comprising a cylindrical end extending along a longitudinal axis (A), the cone system fast xion comprising at least one groove or rib (7) formed on the cylindrical end of the first valve (3) and a system of claws (6) or attachment balls integral with the second valve (5) and cooperating with the at least a groove or rib (7) formed on the cylindrical end of the first tap (3), characterized in that, when the second tap (5) is in position connected to the first tap (3) via the quick connection system, the quick connection system locks the second valve (5) on the first (3) valve along the longitudinal axis (A) while allowing rotation of the second valve (5) on the first (3) valve around this longitudinal axis (A). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the connected position of the second valve (5) on the first (3) valve, the quick connection system allows rotation of the second valve (5) on the first (3) tap around this longitudinal axis (A) at a determined angle between 40 ° and 360 °. 3. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the circuit (15) internal of the second tap (5) comprises an end (25) downstream provided with an outlet connection opening onto the peripheral surface of the second tap (5). 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that, in the connected position of the second valve (5) on the first (3) valve, the end (25) downstream of the circuit (15) internal of the second valve (5) n 'is not located on the longitudinal axis (A) of the first valve (3). 5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that, in the connected position of the second valve (5) on the first (3) valve, the end (25) downstream of the circuit (15) internal of the second valve (5) is located on a side face of the second tap (5). 6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a bottle (2) of pressurized fluid to which is connected the first valve (3), the device (1) further comprising a protective cap (11) of the first valve rigidly fixed to the bottle (2), in the connected position of the second valve (5) on the first (3) valve, the quick connection system allowing rotation of the second valve (5) on the first (3) tap around the longitudinal axis (A) and relative to the cap (11). 7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one of: the first tap (3), the cap (11) and the bottle (2) comprises at least a first electronic communication member (8) and data storage wirelessly searchable remotely by electromagnetic waves and in that the second valve (5) comprises a second electronic communication member and data storage searchable remotely wirelessly by electromagnetic waves, the first (8 ) and second (10) electronic communication devices being configured to exchange information wirelessly via the same communication system. 8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one of the first (8) electronic communication member and the second (10) electronic communication member comprises an annular antenna which is located concentrically around the axis (A) longitudinal when the second valve (5) is in the connected position on the first (3) valve. 9. Device according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the first (8) and second (10) electronic communication devices use wireless communication technology of the same kind having determined maximum range, said maximum range being greater than or equal to the distance separating said members (8, 10) when the second valve (5) is in the connected position on the first (3) valve. 10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the first (8) and second (10) electronic communication devices are designed to communicate wirelessly according to at least one of the following technologies: "Identification by Radio Frequency" (" RFID ")," Near Field Communication "(" NFC "). 11. Device according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the first (8) and second (10) electronic communication members are configured to have a wireless communication range of between one and five millimeters and forty centimeters preferably between one centimeter and ten centimeters. 12. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the first (8) and second (10) electronic communication members comprise at least one of: a passive transponder without an electromagnetic wave generator device , an active transponder comprising an electromagnetic wave generator device, the transponder comprising an electronic memory for reading data only or for reading and (re) writing data, with or without battery. 13. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the quick connection system comprises at least two grooves or ribs (7) formed on the cylindrical end of the first valve (3), the two grooves or ribs (7) having determined dimensions and / or shapes and / or being spaced apart by a determined distance so that rapid connection is only possible with a system of claws (6) or geometrically conjugated hooking balls . 14.A device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, in the mounted position of the second valve (5) on the first (3) valve, the actuating member (16) is movable whatever the angular position of the second valve (5) on the first (3) valve around 5 the axis (A) of rotation, and in that the actuating member (16) is movable in translation in a parallel direction and preferably coincident with the axis (A) of rotation of the second valve (5) on the first (3) tap.