FR3056278A1 - PRESSURE FLUID VALVE - Google Patents

Abstract

Valve comprising a body (2) housing a fluid circuit (3) having an upstream end (4) and a downstream end (5) provided with an outlet connection (8), the circuit (3) comprising a body (6) ) for controlling the flow rate in the circuit (3) controlled by a control mechanism (7, 14) comprising a manually operable control member (7) movably mounted on the body (2) of the valve (1) between a position of rest and an active position, the valve (1) comprising a connection detector (9) located at the outlet connector (8) and configured to detect a mechanical connection, the valve (1) further comprising a device (12) 13, 15) of the control mechanism (7, 14) until the connection detection element (9) detects a mechanical connection at the outlet connection (8), the neutralization device comprising at least a disengaging member (12, 15) biasing the control member (7) or an integral piece (14) the control mechanism (7, 14) in a neutralized position preventing the control of the passage of the flow control member (6) from its first to its second state.

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.

(04) TAP FOR PRESSURE FLUID.

FR 3 056 278 - A1 yY) Tap comprising a body (2) housing a fluid circuit (3) having an upstream end (4) and a downstream end (5) provided with an outlet fitting (8), the circuit (3) comprising a member (6) for controlling the flow in the circuit (3) controlled by a control mechanism (7, 14) comprising a manually operable control member (7) movably mounted on the body (2) of the valve (1) between a rest position and an active position, the valve (1) comprising a connection detector member (9) located at the outlet connector (8) and configured to detect a mechanical connection, the valve (1 ) further comprising a device (12, 13, 15) for neutralizing the control mechanism (7, 14) as long as the connection detection member (9) does not detect a mechanical connection at the outlet connection (8) , the neutralization device comprising at least one disengaging part (12, 15) urging the control member (7) o u an intermediate part (14) of the control mechanism (7,14) in a neutralized position preventing the control of the passage of the flow control member (6) from its first to its second state.

The invention relates to a valve for pressurized fluid.

The invention relates more particularly to a tap for pressurized fluid, with or without an integrated pressure relief valve, comprising a body housing a fluid circuit having an upstream end intended to be put in contact with a reserve of pressurized fluid and a downstream end intended to be linked to a user device at an outlet connection, the circuit comprising a flow control member in the circuit such as a valve or valve, the flow control member being controlled by a control mechanism comprising a manually operable control member movably mounted on the valve body between a rest position in which the flow control member is maintained in a first state corresponding to a first flow value in the circuit and a second active position in which the control member moves the flow control member into a second state corresponding to a second flow value in the circuit.

The invention relates in particular to a bottle of pressurized fluid (for example pressurized gas) or a set of bottles of pressurized fluid (for example bottle frame) connected to such a valve.

The tap can also be a pipe tap.

Lever taps for pressurized fluids have a major ergonomic advantage by the speed and convenience of opening-closing (see for example documents EP747796A1 or EP1421305A1).

However, this practicality increases the risk of exposure of the user to the pressurized fluid either by accidental opening, or by voluntary opening without installation connected at the outlet connection.

To solve this problem, the document FR279329A1 describes a double action lever valve structure which makes it possible to limit the risk of inadvertent or inadvertent opening.

However, this solution does not completely solve the problems of risk situations.

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

To this end, the valve according to the invention, moreover conforms to the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that it comprises a connection detection member located at the outlet connection or adjacent to the outlet fitting and configured to detect a mechanical connection of a user member at the outlet fitting, the valve further comprising a device for neutralizing the control mechanism as long as the connection detecting member does not detect a mechanical connection at the outlet connector, the neutralization device being connected to the connection detection member and comprising at least one declutching part urging the control member or an intermediate part of the control mechanism in a neutralized position preventing the control of the passage of the flow control member from its first to its second state.

This structure makes it possible to prevent the manual opening of the valve in the absence of installation at the outlet of the tap and therefore to limit the risks of exposure of the user to high pressures.

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

- the control member is movable on the body relative to the rest of the control mechanism according to a switching movement which is distinct from the movement of the control member between its rest and active position, the control member being movable according to the switching movement between the neutralized position and a so-called "functional" position allowing the control of the passage of the flow control member from its first to its second state,

- the connection detection member cooperates with the control member to move the latter from its neutralized position to its functional position when a connection is detected at the outlet connection,

- in its neutralized position, the control member is hindered by a stop formed by the valve body or by an insert on the body to prevent movement of the control member between its rest and active position while in its functional position, the control member is no longer hindered by the stop to allow movement of the control member between its rest and active positions,

- the switching movement of the control member is a translation, that is to say that the control member is mounted movable in translation on the body between its neutralized position and its functional position,

- the at least one declutching part comprises an elastic return member such as a spring,

- in the neutralized position of the control member, the mechanical connection between the control member and the flow control member is interrupted while in the functional position of the control member, a mechanical connection is ensured between the control member and the flow control member,

the connection detector member cooperates with at least one intermediate piece of the control mechanism located between the control member and the flow control member, the connection detector member being configured to move this intermediate piece and prevent or inactivate the transmission of movement or force between the control member and the flow control member as long as a connection is not detected at the outlet connection,

- the control member comprises a lever pivotally mounted on the body,

the lever is connected to a cam intended to cooperate with a first end of a transmission axis movable in translation in the body and the other end of which transmits a displacement or a force to the flow control member, and in this that the declutching part urges the control lever and / or the cam in a neutralized position which is offset with respect to the first end of the transmission axis, in the event of a connection being detected at the outlet connection, the connection detection member actuating the movement of the control lever and / or the cam in a functional position mechanically connected to the first end of the transmission axis,

- The lever is pivotally mounted on an axis of rotation, the lever being integral in rotation and in translation with the axis of rotation, the axis of rotation being movable in translation in the body and forming at least part of the neutralization device , the axis of rotation being movable between two extreme positions corresponding respectively to the neutralized and functional positions of the lever switching movement,

- The lever is pivotally mounted on an axis of rotation, the lever being integral in rotation with the axis of rotation and movable in translation on the axis of rotation between two extreme positions corresponding respectively to the neutralized and functional positions of the switching movement lever,

- The valve has a switching axis mounted movable in the body and comprising a first end projecting into the outlet fitting or adjacent to said fitting, to be pushed by a user device coming to be connected at the outlet fitting, the switching axis comprising a second end connected to the control member or an intermediate part of the control mechanism located between the control member and the flow control member, for moving this control member and / or the intermediate piece from its neutralized position to its functional position,

- the switching axis comprises or consists of at least part of the axis of rotation of the lever,

- the tap has an anti-theft device or a frangible guarantee seal located on the control mechanism,

- the outlet connector is a female or male type connector, the connection detecting member being located inside the connector or on the outer periphery of the connector,

- the anti-theft device is located on at least one movable intermediate piece of motion transmission,

- the anti-theft device is located on the axis of rotation of the lever.

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:

- Figures 1 to 4 show side views, schematic and partial, respectively illustrating four examples of structure and operation of a valve according to the invention,

FIGS. 5 to 7 represent perspective, schematic and partial views, respectively illustrating three configurations of use of another exemplary embodiment of a valve according to the invention,

FIGS. 8 and 9 show sectional, schematic and partial views, of a detail of another embodiment of a valve according to the invention and illustrating two configurations of use,

FIGS. 10 and 11 represent perspective, schematic and partial views, of a detail of another example of embodiment of a tap in a neutralized configuration,

FIGS. 12 and 13 represent analogs respectively to views 10 and 11 in a functional configuration,

FIGS. 14 and 15 show side views, schematic and partial, of a detail of another embodiment of a valve according to two configurations of use,

FIG. 16 represents a perspective, schematic and partial illustration of a detail of another embodiment of a tap according to the invention,

FIGS. 17 and 18 represent perspective, schematic and partial views, illustrating a detail of the device of FIG. 16 according to two configurations of use,

- Figure 19 shows a sectional, schematic and partial view illustrating a structural detail of an exemplary embodiment of a valve according to the invention.

Figures 1 to 4 illustrate schematically and simplified a valve 1 for pressurized fluid, with or without integrated pressure relief valve, comprising a body 2 housing a fluid circuit 3 having an upstream end 4 intended to be put in relation with a reserve of pressurized fluid.

The upstream end of the valve body 2 is for example threaded to be connected to an orifice of a bottle 20 of pressurized fluid (see FIG. 4) or a gas circuit of a gas bottle assembly (frame).

The tap 1 comprises a downstream end 5 intended to be put in contact with a user device 21 at the level of an outlet connector 8 (cf. FIGS. 6 and

7). The 21 user device can be connected to the outlet connector 8 via a hose, a pressure reducer, a flow regulator or any other suitable device.

The outlet connector 8 can be of the male or female type, threaded, tapped or can comprise any type of appropriate mechanical and fluidic connector (for example a quick connection link).

The circuit 3 includes a flow control member 6 in the circuit 3 such as a valve or valve, in particular an isolation valve (for example self-closing).

The flow control member 6 is controlled by a control mechanism comprising a mobile control member 7 operable manually and / or automatically remotely.

The control member 7 is mounted movably on the body 2 of the valve 1 (rotation and / or translation for example) between a rest position in which the flow control member 6 is maintained in a first state corresponding to a first flow value in circuit 3 (for example a zero flow corresponding to a closed circuit) and a second active position in which the control member 7 moves the flow control member 6 to a second state corresponding to a second value flow in circuit 3 (for example maximum flow corresponding to an open circuit 3). Of course, intermediate positions of the control member corresponding to intermediate flow rates or degrees of opening of the circuit could be provided.

According to an advantageous feature, the tap 1 comprises a connection detector member 9 located at the outlet connector 8 or adjacent to the outlet connector 8 and configured to detect a mechanical connection at the outlet connector 8. The tap 1 further comprises a device 10 for neutralizing the control mechanism 7, 14 connected to the connection detection member 9 and configured to prevent the passage of the flow control member 6 from its first to its second state as long as that the connection detector member 9 does not detect a mechanical connection at the outlet connector 8.

This means that opening of the valve 6 is automatically prohibited if a connection is not detected at the outlet connector 8.

Similarly, the opening of the valve 6 is automatically authorized if a connection is detected at the outlet connector 8.

Thus, in the absence of connection to the outlet connector 8, the system is in a stable position preventing the valve 6 from opening. The connection of an installation at the outlet connector 8 of the valve 1 unblocks or makes operational the tap 1 to allow the release of pressurized fluid. The position allowing the opening of the gas flow may or may not be stable.

The connection detector member 9 can comprise at least one of: a mechanical detector, a magnetic detector (RFID, NFC or other), a pneumatic detector, an electronic detector.

Similarly, the neutralization device 10 can be of the mechanical and / or magnetic and / or pneumatic and / electronic type.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the neutralization device 10 can act directly or indirectly on the control member 7.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the neutralization device 10 can act directly or indirectly on the control mechanism 14, that is to say on at least one part interposed between the control member 7 and the valve 6 .

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the neutralization device 10 can act directly or indirectly on the valve 6.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the connection detector member 9 is located on the periphery of the outlet connector 8.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the connection detector member 9 is located in the outlet connector 8, for example outside or in the circuit in which the fluid circulates (and. FIG. 19).

In the embodiment of Figures 5 to 7 the control member is a lever 7 articulated on the body 2 and movable between a first position (for example lowered along the body 2 (and. Figures 5 and 6) and a second position (for example raised and separated from the body 2, and. FIG. 7).

According to an advantageous characteristic, the neutralization device is connected to the connection detection member 9 and comprises at least one disengaging part 12, 15 urging the control member 7 or an intermediate part 14 of the control mechanism in a neutralized position preventing the control of the passage of the flow control member 6 from its first to its second state.

In the example of Figures 5 to 7, the lever 7 is movable on the body 2 relative to the rest of the control mechanism according to a switching movement distinct from its pivoting movement between its rest and active positions. In this nonlimiting example, the switching movement of the lever 7 is a translational movement, for example a translation parallel to the axis 12 of rotation of the lever 7. The switching movement makes it possible to move the lever 7 between the neutralized position and a so-called “functional” position allowing the control of the passage of the flow control member 6 from its first to its second state.

The member 9 connection detector cooperates with the lever 7 directly or indirectly to move the latter from its neutralized position to its functional position when a connection is detected at the outlet connector 8 (see Figures 6 and 7).

In the embodiment of Figures 5 to 7, in the neutralized position (Figure 5), the control lever 7 is hampered by a stop 13 formed by the body 2 of the valve 1 or an insert on the body 2 to prevent its pivoting between its rest and active position. For example, a portion of the bent lever 7 is blocked under a wall 13 of the body 2 (and / or a shell which covers the body 2) which prevents the lever 7 from being raised. On the other hand, in its functional position offset transversely on the body 2 of the tap 1 (Figures 6 and 7), the lever 7 is no longer hindered by the stop 13 to allow its movement between its rest position and active. For example, in the functional position the lever 7 is placed in an opening in the body 2 which does not hamper its pivoting.

As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5, the tap 1 preferably comprises a return member 15 urging the lever 7 towards its first neutralized position.

In the neutralized position of the lever 7 (Figure 5), the mechanical connection between the lever 7 and the valve 6 is interrupted while in the functional position (Figures 6 and 7), mechanical connection between the control lever 7 and the member 6 flow control is ensured.

As shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 8 and 9, the lever 7 may include a cam intended to cooperate with a mechanism comprising a movement transmission axis 14 actuating the valve 6 directly or indirectly. That is to say that the movement of rotation of the lever 7 is transformed into a translational movement of the transmission axis 14.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the switching movement of the lever 7 can consist in placing the cam of the lever 7 at the end of the transmission axis 14 (functional position of FIG. 9) or in moving away (separate ) the cam of the lever 7 of the transmission axis 14.

The neutralization device can thus include a shoulder of the body 2 of the tap without link with the detection member 9. On the other hand, an activation member can be connected to the detector member 9.

This is also illustrated in Figures 10 to 13. In Figures 10 and 11 the lever 7 is in the neutralized position away from the axis 14 of transmission. The pivoting movement of the lever 7 has no effect on the transmission axis 14 and therefore on the valve 6 (and. Figure 11).

On the other hand, in the functional position (lever cam 7 cooperating with the transmission axis 14), the pivoting of the lever 7 moves the transmission axis 14 to actuate the valve 6 (and. FIG. 13).

That is to say that in its basic state, the movement of the sink 7 (or other) has no effect on the opening of the valve 6. The mechanism 10 comes to make this system active. In other words, if a connection is detected at the outlet connection 8, the mechanism 10 enables the connection between the lever 7 and the valve to be activated (the movement of the lever 7 or other becomes effective).

For example, the lever 7 is integral in rotation and in translation with an axis 12 of rotation. This axis 12 of rotation of the lever 7 can form at least part of the neutralization device. For example, the axis 12 of rotation is mounted movable in translation in the body between two extreme positions corresponding respectively to the neutralized and functional positions of the switching movement of the lever 7. This movement of the axis 12 of rotation is for example controlled by the detection member 9.

In one embodiment, the valve comprises a switching axis 12 movably mounted in the body 2 and comprising a first end 9 projecting into the outlet fitting 8 or adjacent to said fitting 8. This first end is designed to be pushed by a device 21 user coming to be connected level of the outlet connector 8. The switching axis 12 includes a second end which actuates the movement of the lever 7 or of an intermediate part 14 of the control mechanism from its neutralized position to its functional position.

In the embodiment of Figures 5 to 7, the axis 12 of rotation may constitute all or part of the switching axis.

As a variant, the lever 7 (or the cam) can be mounted integral in rotation and movable in translation on the axis 12 of rotation between two extreme positions corresponding respectively to the neutralized and functional positions of the switching movement of the lever 7. In this case the 'axis 12 of rotation remains fixed while it is the lever 7 which is moved by a switching axis.

In the variant of FIGS. 14 and 15, the connection detector member 9 cooperates (via an axis or a switching part 12) with an intermediate part 14 of the control mechanism located between the lever 7 and the valve 6. that is to say that the connection detector member 9 controls (via the switching axis 12) the movement of an intermediate piece 14 instead of moving the lever or its cam. This intermediate piece can in particular be the axis 14 of transmission.

Of course, other variant embodiments can be provided. For example, the switching axis 12 can be replaced by a pusher or the like which would actuate an intermediate wheelhouse (in particular with spring).

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the tap 1 may include an anti-theft device 16 or a frangible guarantee seal located on the control mechanism (in combination or alternatively to the characteristics above).

For example, the anti-theft device 16 comprises a movable bolt lock 19 actuated by a key 18 or the like (cf. FIGS. 17 and 18). For example, depending on the position of the key 18, the bolt 19 may or may not cooperate with a housing of the switching axis 12 to lock its movement.

Claims (15)

1. Tap for pressurized fluid, with or without integrated pressure reducer, comprising a body (2) housing a fluid circuit (3) having an upstream end (4) intended to be put in contact with a reserve of pressurized fluid and a downstream end (5) intended to be put in contact with a user device at an outlet fitting (8), the circuit (3) comprising a member (6) for controlling the flow rate in the circuit (3) such as a valve or valve, the flow control member (6) being controlled by a control mechanism (7, 14) comprising a manually operable control member (7) movably mounted on the body (2) of the valve (1) between a rest position in which the flow control member (6) is maintained in a first state corresponding to a first flow value in the circuit (3) and an active position in which the member ( 7) control moves the flow control member (6) dan s a second state corresponding to a second flow value in the circuit (3), the tap (1) comprising a connection detection member (9) located at the outlet fitting (8) or adjacent to the fitting (8 ) outlet and configured to detect a mechanical connection of a user member at the outlet fitting (8), the tap (1) further comprising a device (12, 13, 15) for neutralizing the mechanism (7, 14 ) control as long as the connection detector member (9) does not detect a mechanical connection at the outlet connector (8), the neutralization device being connected to the connection detector member (9) and comprising at least a disengaging part (12, 15) urging the control member (7) or an intermediate part (14) of the control mechanism (7, 14) in a neutralized position preventing the passage of the member (6) from being controlled flow control from its first to its second state. 2. Tap according to claim 1, characterized in that the control member (7) is movable on the body (2) relative to the rest of the control mechanism (7, 14) according to a switching movement which is distinct from the movement of the control member (7) between its rest and active position, the control member (7) being movable according to the switching movement between the neutralized position and a so-called "functional" position allowing the passage of the flow control member (6) from its first to its second state. 3. Tap according to claim 2, characterized in that the connection detector member (9) cooperates with the control member (7) to move the latter from its neutralized position to its functional position when a connection is detected at level of the outlet fitting (8). 4. Tap according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, in its neutralized position, the control member (7) is hampered by a stop (13) formed by the valve body (2) or an insert on the body (2) to prevent movement of the control member (7) between its rest and active position while in its functional position, the control member (7) is no longer hindered by the stop (13 ) to allow movement of the control member (7) between its rest and active positions. 5. Tap according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the switching movement of the control member (7) is a translation, that is to say that the member (7) of control is mounted movable in translation on the body (2) between its neutralized position and its functional position. 6. Tap according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one declutching part comprises a member (15) for elastic return such as a spring. 7. Tap according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, in the neutralized position of the control member (7), the mechanical connection between the control member (7) and the member ( 6) flow control is interrupted while in the functional position of the control member (7), a mechanical connection is provided between the control member (7) and the flow control member (6). 8. Tap according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the member (9) connection detector cooperates with at least one part (14) intermediate of the control mechanism (7, 14) located between the control member (7) and flow control member (6), the connection detector member (9) being configured to move this intermediate piece (14) and prevent or inactivate the transmission of movement or force between the control member (7) and the flow control member (6) as long as a connection is not detected at the outlet fitting (8). 9. Tap according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the control member comprises a lever (7) pivotally mounted on the body (2). 10. Tap according to claim 9, characterized in that the lever (7) is connected to a cam (27) intended to cooperate with a first end of an axis (14) of mobile transmission in translation in the body (2) and the other end of which transmits a movement or a force to the flow control member (6), and in that the disengaging part (12, 15) urges the control lever (7) and / or the cam ( 27) in a neutralized position which is offset with respect to the first end of the transmission axis (14), and in that, in the event of detection of a connection at the outlet connection, the member (9 ) connection detector actuates the movement of the control lever (7) and / or the cam (27) in a functional position mechanically connected to the first end of the transmission axis (14). 11. Tap according to any one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the lever (7) is pivotally mounted on an axis (12) of rotation, the lever (7) being integral in rotation and in translation with the axis (12) of rotation, the axis (12) of rotation being movable in translation in the body (2) and forming at least part of the neutralization device, the axis (12) of rotation being movable between two extreme positions corresponding respectively to the neutralized and functional positions of the switching movement of the lever (7). 12. Tap according to any one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the lever (7) is pivotally mounted on an axis (12) of rotation, the lever (7) being integral in rotation with the axis ( 12) of rotation and movable in translation on the axis (12) of rotation between two extreme positions corresponding respectively to the neutralized and functional positions of the switching movement of the lever (7). 13. Tap according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a pivot axis (12) mounted movably in the body (2) and comprising a first end (9) projecting in the connector ( 8) outlet or adjacent to said fitting (8), to 5 be pushed by a user device coming to be connected at the level of the outlet fitting (8), the switching axis (12) comprising a second end connected to the control member (7) or an intermediate part (14) of the mechanism control (7, 14) located between the control member (7) and the flow control member (6), to move this member (7) from 10 control and / or the intermediate part (14) from its neutralized position to its functional position. 14. Tap according to claim 13 combined with any one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the switching axis (12) comprises or consists of at least part of the axis (12) 15 of rotation of the lever (7). 15. Tap according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises an anti-theft device (16) or a frangible guarantee seal located on the control mechanism (7, 14). 1/3 I