The present invention relates to a pressurized-gas filling nozzle, a unit comprising a connector and a filling nozzle, the use thereof and a corresponding filling method.
More specifically, the invention concerns a filling nozzle designed to engage with a filling connector of a faucet of a pressurized-fluid recipient, including at least one claw extending longitudinally about a longitudinal axis, the central space located between the claw or claws and the longitudinal axis forming an enclosure intended to receive a filling connector of cylindrical overall shape.
The invention concerns in particular the filling of high-pressure gas bottles (for example between 200 and 700 bar).
The present invention concerns in particular a mechanism for quickly connecting a filling nozzle (or clamp) to a connector of a gas bottle to enable said bottle to be filled.
Such devices usually have two functions:
To ensure the “fool proofing” function, most manufacturers use lugs on the profile of the filling connector.
However, these connection systems make connection operations more difficult, in particular automatic connection operations.
According to another known system, a jaw system of a filling nozzle engages the threads of a threaded connector to enable the unit to be locked. The drawback of such a system relates essentially to safety, since the operator is not able to properly check the quality of the lock. Furthermore, the threads of the threaded connector tend to become damaged, which affects the quality of the mechanical connection.
Document FR2570469 describes a filling nozzle comprising articulated pegs that selectively grip the body of the faucet such as to sealingly hold a gas inlet of the nozzle against the gas inlet of the faucet.
This type of engagement and seal is however difficult to implement by operators and does not provide a sufficient guarantee of safety, in particular for filling at industrial rates. The positioning of the filling nozzle in relation to the faucet is also difficult and hard to automate.
Documents U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,630 and DE 92 176 29 describe systems for delivering high-pressure fluid including engagement jaws that are longitudinally movable in relation to a fixed external sleeve.
The jaws and an internal piston can be moved longitudinally under the action of a connection incorporated into the delivery system.
Document EP 1 447 574 A1 describes a system for the mechanical connection of two shafts.
One objective of this invention is to mitigate some or all of the drawbacks of the prior art as set out above.
For this purpose, the filling nozzle according to the invention, which conforms to the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that the internal face of the at least one claw located facing the central space is of flat overall shape and has reliefs and/or recesses of set dimensions, the reliefs and/or recesses being spaced relative to one another in a set fashion so that they fit into the matching grooves and/or reliefs formed on the external face of a filling connector, the at least one claw being movable transversely in relation to the longitudinal axis between an “open” position to enable the insertion of a connector in the central space and a “closed” position to enable the internal face of the claws to fit the external face of a connector, said nozzle including a locking member movable between an active position locking the claws in closed position and an inactive position enabling the claws to move to the open position.
Using a simple and cheap mechanism, the invention performs the following functions:
Moreover, the embodiments of the invention may have one or more of the following features:
The invention also concerns a unit comprising a filling connector and a filling nozzle, the filling nozzle having any one of the features set out above or below, the filling connector comprising a body of cylindrical overall shape extending along a longitudinal axis, the external surface of which has transversal grooves and/or reliefs of set dimensions oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector, the grooves and/or reliefs being spaced in a set manner in the longitudinal direction of the connector, the reliefs and/or recesses of the at least one claw matching said grooves and/or reliefs of the connector to enable a selective engagement of the claws to the body of the connector.
According to other possible features:
Thus, the fool-proofing function (i.e. the correct geometric match between the filling nozzle and the connector) needs no angular indexing of one part in relation about the longitudinal axis. This facilitates the connection, in particular a potential automatic connection of the nozzle to the connector.
According to other possible features:
The invention also relates to a use of a filling nozzle according to any one of the features set out above or below or a unit according to any one of the features set out above or below for filling a pressurized fluid recipient, in particular a pressurized gas bottle.
The invention also concerns a method for filling a recipient with pressurized fluid, said recipient having a faucet with a filling connector provided with a body of cylindrical overall shape extending along a longitudinal axis, the external surface of which includes transversal grooves and/or reliefs of set dimensions oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector, the connector including at least one internal valve, the method comprising a step in which the connector is mechanically connected to a filling nozzle according to any one of the features set out above or below, the internal face of the at least one claw of the filling nozzle matching the external shape of the connector.
According to other possible features:
The invention may also relate to any alternative device or method comprising any combination of the features set out above and below.
For a further understanding of the nature and objects for the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are given the same or analogous reference numbers and wherein:
The filling nozzle shown in
In the example described, the filling nozzle includes three claws 2 arranged about the axis 2 but, naturally, a nozzle having one, two or more than three claws 2 would be possible.
The claws 2 are for example arranged symmetrically about the axis A (at 120° from each other).
The internal face of the claws 2 (i.e. the face of the claws 2 turned towards the central space and the axis A) is preferably flat and includes reliefs 12 and recesses 22 of set dimensions (dimensions determined transversely and perpendicularly to the axis A).
Furthermore, the reliefs 12 and recesses 22 are spaced longitudinally in relation to one another in a set manner to fit into the matching grooves 11 and reliefs 21 located on the external face of a filling connector 1 (see
Thus, the nozzle fits a given connector geometry, limiting the connection to a specific type of connector, to enable the mechanical connection for compatible applications only (to ensure for example compatibility of the gas type and filling pressure).
At least one and preferably all of the claws 2 are movable transversely in relation to the longitudinal axis A between an “open” position to enable the insertion of a connector 1 in the central space (see
For example, the claw or claws 2 can be moved between the open and closed positions by means of a pivoting movement about an axis 20 of articulation. As shown in
Naturally, the movement of the claws 2 between the open and closed positions by means of a bending and/or a translational movement of the claws 2 would be possible as a variant or combination.
The nozzle also includes a locking member 3 that is movable between an active position locking the claws 2 in closed position and an inactive position enabling the movement of the claws 2 to the open position.
As shown, the locking member 3 may include a sleeve 3 of tubular overall shape arranged about the claws 2. The sleeve 3 is selectively movable in translation in relation to the claws 2 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A between the inactive position (upstream, see
As shown in
In active position (towards the downstream extremity) the sleeve 3 grips the claws 2 in closed position, i.e. in downstream position, the sleeve 3 forms a mechanical stop preventing the claws 2 from opening. In inactive position (towards the upstream extremity of the nozzle, see
For example, the downstream extremity of the external face of the claws 2 includes a shoulder forming a stop 32 intended to engage the sleeve to define the active and inactive positions of the sleeve 3. Furthermore, these stops 32 can selectively prevent or enable movement of the sleeve 3 from the inactive position to the active position. In the closed position of the claws 2, the movement of the sleeve 3 from the inactive position to the active position (sliding in the downstream direction) is not prevented by the stop 32.
The sleeve 3 is preferably pushed by default towards the active position thereof (towards the downstream extremity) by a return member 60 such as a compression spring.
For example, the upstream extremity of the spring 60 bears against the base 15.
The nozzle may also preferably include a movable member 4 for selectively opening the claws 2. This opening member 4 has for example a tubular shape and is mounted in the base 15, about the movable valve actuator 111. The opening member 4 is preferably movable in translation along the longitudinal axis A. This opening member 4 is movable between a “working” position preventing movement of the claws 2 from the open position to the closed position and an “idle” position enabling the movement of the claws 2 from the open position to the closed position.
The opening member 4 includes an external surface forming a selective stop preventing or permitting the approach of the claws 2 as a function of the longitudinal position of the opening member 4 in relation to the claws 2.
For example, as shown in
The opening member 4 is preferably pushed by default towards the working position thereof (downstream) by a return member 5 such as a compression spring. The spring 5 of the opening member 4 is for example mounted about the valve actuator 111 and bears against this latter.
An example connection of such a filling nozzle to a filling connector 1 is described below.
When the filling nozzle is placed on the filling connector 1 along the longitudinal axis (from right to left in
The claws 2 pivot and close onto the connector 1. This engagement is only possible if there is a good geometric fit between the claws 2 and the external profile of the connector 1.
Preferably, the transversal grooves 11 and/or reliefs 21 are formed about the entire circumference of the body of the connector 1. Thus, the claws 2 can engage with the body of the connector 1 regardless of the angular position of the claws 2 (and of the filling nozzle) about the longitudinal axis of the connector 1.
The approach of the claws 2 enables the sleeve 3 to slide (by means of the spring 60 thereof) automatically downstream above the claws (see
Thus, unlocking is prevented and the nozzle remains engaged with the connector 1. To disconnect, the sleeve 3 must first be moved into inactive position (towards the upstream extremity) to enable the claws 2 to open. This movement of the sleeve into inactive position is done manually and/or automatically. Preferably, the filling nozzle may include an additional safety system (not shown) that makes it possible to prevent unlocking (movement of the sleeve 3 upstream) when the nozzle is under pressure (i.e. when it is supplying gas).
When the mechanical engagement is effected (see
Preferably, the (mechanical) engagement of the nozzle to the connector 1 is independent of the opening of the valves of the connector and of the passage of the gas.
For example, the filling nozzle includes a valve actuator 111 that is movable in translation by electromechanical and/or hydraulic and/or pneumatic means and/or by means of a manual or automatic control lever 204.
The lever 204 is for example pivoting and transforms for example a rotational movement into a selective movement of the valve actuator 111 along the longitudinal axis A (see
As shown in a non-limiting manner, the valve actuator 111 may be tubular (the pressurized filling gas passing through the internal channel thereof). The downstream extremity of the valve actuator 111 may include a sealing system to sealingly connect it in the orifice of the filling connector 1 (i.e. inside the connector).
In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment shown in
The connector 1 includes an isolating valve 7 that is movable in relation to a seat 8 between an upstream closed position of the circuit and a downstream open position of the circuit. The isolating valve 7 is pushed by default towards the upstream position thereof by a return member 9 such as a compression spring.
The connector 1 also includes a dust valve 10 placed upstream of the isolating valve 7. The dust valve 10 is movable in relation to the body 2 between an upstream closed position of the upstream extremity 3 of the circuit 6 and the downstream open position of the upstream circuit extremity 3.
The dust valve 10 is pushed towards the upstream position thereof by a return member 14 such as a compression spring.
Preferably, without being limitative, the dust valve 10 may include a filter 102 interposed on the route of at least some of the fluid passing between the upstream extremity 3 and the downstream extremity 4 of the circuit 6, the filter 102 being movable with the dust valve 10.
The filter (or filters where applicable) have for example a metal or other structure to retain solid particles, for example larger than 0.05 mm or larger than 0.1 mm or larger than 1 mm or larger than 2 mm (as required).
According to an advantageous feature, the dust valve 10 includes a downstream extremity and, when said dust valve 10 is in a given “contact” downstream position opening the upstream extremity 3 of the circuit 6, this downstream extremity of the dust valve 10 pushes an upstream extremity of the movable isolating valve 7 to move the isolating valve 7 towards the downstream open-circuit position thereof.
As shown, the dust valve 10 (and the filter 102 thereof) may be moved towards the downstream extremity by mechanical contact of the valve actuator 111 (alternatively, pressurized gas coming from the filling nozzle can move the valve 10 towards the downstream extremity).
Thus, the upstream dust valve 10 can act as an actuator for the downstream isolating valve 7, i.e. the dust valve 10 can indirectly transmit the force generated by the filling nozzle to the downstream isolating valve 7. Naturally, alternatively this downstream isolating valve 7 may also be moved by the pressure of gas delivered by the filling nozzle.
Alternatively, the isolating valve 7 may include a non-return valve preventing the isolating valve 7 from opening except through mechanical contact (by means of the dust valve 10).
As shown above, while having a simple structure, the invention proposes a highly safe system for connecting a filling nozzle to the connector thereof.
The system for geometrically matching the filling nozzle and the connector (the groove(s) and relief(s) of the connector and the claws 2 of the nozzle) make it possible to prevent the filling nozzle from being erroneously connected to a connector of a recipient unsuitable for the filling nozzle (unsuitable filling conditions or fluid).
This exclusive connection system covers a plurality of geometric filling-nozzle/connector pairings that are similar but different.
For example, by providing two grooves 11 and two reliefs 21 on the connector 1 in different longitudinally offset positions, it is possible to provide a plurality of different contact areas (for example more than thirty).
This system also makes it possible to increase safety when filling the corresponding bottles (for example by preventing a bottle containing oxidant from being connected to a filling nozzle supplying fuel).
The structure according to the invention also makes it possible to implement filling procedures that are particularly efficient in terms of safety for operators in charge of the filling and end users of the faucet and of the gas bottle fitted with such a connector.
Thus, for example, with reference to
In a first sealed position, the dust valve 10 is moved towards the downstream extremity and opens the upstream inlet 300 of the connector without the isolating valve 7 being open (see
In another sealed position (see
On completion of the fill, the isolating valve 7 can be re-closed and the dust valve 10 can be kept open (see
Whether or not there is a movable filter on a dust valve 10 (the filter may be omitted), the filling method according to the invention thus helps to improve filling safety by means of the use of the double serial valve mechanism described above.
The filling connector may also be the gas extraction connector, where necessary.
The mechanism described above in particular enables filling to be automated, in particular if the connection does not require angular indexing between the filling connector and the filling nozzle.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. The present invention may suitably comprise, consist or consist essentially of the elements disclosed and may be practiced in the absence of an element not disclosed. Furthermore, if there is language referring to order, such as first and second, it should be understood in an exemplary sense and not in a limiting sense. For example, it can be recognized by those skilled in the art that certain steps can be combined into a single step.
The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
“Comprising” in a claim is an open transitional term which means the subsequently identified claim elements are a nonexclusive listing i.e. anything else may be additionally included and remain within the scope of “comprising.” “Comprising” is defined herein as necessarily encompassing the more limited transitional terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of”; “comprising” may therefore be replaced by “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of” and remain within the expressly defined scope of “comprising”.
“Providing” in a claim is defined to mean furnishing, supplying, making available, or preparing something. The step may be performed by any actor in the absence of express language in the claim to the contrary.
Optional or optionally means that the subsequently described event or circumstances may or may not occur. The description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not occur.
Ranges may be expressed herein as from about one particular value, and/or to about another particular value. When such a range is expressed, it is to be understood that another embodiment is from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value, along with all combinations within said range.
All references identified herein are each hereby incorporated by reference into this application in their entireties, as well as for the specific information for which each is cited.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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1055606 | Jul 2010 | FR | national |
This application is a 371 of International PCT Application PCT/FR2011/051132, filed May 19, 2011, which claims priority to French Application 1055606 filed Jul. 9, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/FR2011/051132 | 5/19/2011 | WO | 00 | 1/4/2013 |