EP3289279B1 - Modular gas extraction system for pressurized gas bottles - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a compressed gas cylinder with an extraction fitting which has a shut-off element mounted on the compressed gas cylinder, at least one additional function module connected to the shut-off element and at least one fall protection device protecting at least the shut-off element against impermissible damage.

Statutory regulations on the fall safety of compressed gas cylinders stipulate that if the compressed gas cylinder falls from a height of 1.20 m, the shut-off device of the compressed gas cylinder remains closed and the gas contained in the compressed gas cylinder does not escape uncontrolled and, secondly, the compressed gas cylinder is opened safely after the fall and can be emptied. For this purpose, the compressed gas cylinder must be equipped with a correspondingly robust shut-off device, with a fall protection device or a suitable combination of both. The fall protection device is usually designed as a safety element mounted on the neck of the compressed gas cylinder in the form of a bracket, collar or cage made of metal or plastic, which at least partially encloses the shut-off device and in this way protects it against direct impact.

Statutory regulations for shut-off fittings for pressurized gas cylinders also require a comprehensive approval or approval process, which includes, among other things, service life tests, fire resistance tests and, in the case of oxygen, oxygen pressure surge tests.

In recent years, so-called "integrated valves" (VIPR) have been brought onto the market by various manufacturers. In the case of integrated valves, in addition to a shut-off element, other functional modules are arranged compactly within a housing, such as pressure regulators, flow regulators, display devices, one or more connections for removing gas and/or for filling the compressed gas cylinder. Examples of integrated valves can be found in U.S.A. 4,479,520 , the U.S. 8,322,569 B2 , the U.S. 6,732,996 B1 , the U.S. 8,534,312 B2 , the WO 2008/052022 A2 or the U.S. 2008/0095607 A1 . The statutory requirements must be fulfilled in this case for the entire arrangement with all the fittings integrated in it. However, this leads to considerable development costs, since separate tools have to be developed for the housing of each valve type and valve protection and, in addition, the requirements for fall protection can be very high for valves with a complicated structure. The required compactness of the integrated valves is also a cost driver.

A further aspect in this context is that for repairs to such valves, the gas bottle must generally be completely emptied, the entire valve then replaced with a new one and only then is the repair carried out on the dismantled valve. In addition to the expense of disassembly and assembly, this causes additional costs because the gas bottle cannot be used for a certain period of time.

The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a compressed gas cylinder with an extraction fitting which, on the one hand, meets the legal requirements for fall safety and shut-off fittings and, on the other hand, can be equipped with functionalities that are required for a compressed gas cylinder with an integrated valve with little effort.

This object is achieved with a compressed gas cylinder of the type and purpose mentioned at the outset in that the extraction fitting has a modular structure and a basic module that includes the shut-off element and a fall protection device that secures the shut-off element, as well as at least one additional module that is detachably connected to the basic module and contains at least one additional function module having.

In contrast to the fall-proof compressed gas cylinders according to the prior art, in particular in contrast to the known compressed gas cylinders with integrated valves, the compressed gas cylinder according to the invention is therefore equipped with a modular extraction fitting, the statutory requirements for fall protection and shut-off fitting of the compressed gas cylinder mentioned at the beginning being in the basic module the extraction fitting is realized. The additional module or modules that / the extraction fitting in addition to The basic module has/have functionalities that go beyond the pure shut-off function, such as additional fittings or carrying handles, has/have a connection connection for connecting to the gas outlet of the shut-off device and with suitable devices for releasably attaching the additional module to the basic module ( or, in the case of several additional modules, for the detachable attachment of the additional modules to one another). The at least one additional module is connected to the basic module in such a way that the safety against falling of the compressed gas cylinder, which is guaranteed by the basic module, is not impaired. This is achieved, for example, by designing all the connecting elements between the basic module and the additional module or modules in such a way that the force transmission to the shut-off device that occurs in the event of an impact against the additional module is kept so low that it is irrelevant to the fall safety of the compressed gas cylinder . For example, this is realized by providing predetermined breaking points, weak zones or flexible line connections. The at least one additional module can also be equipped with its own safety device, which protects the respective additional function modules integrated in the additional module. Although this safety device then meets the safety requirements required for the respective fitting, it does not have to meet the legal requirements for the pressure gas cylinder to be safe from falling as such, since the pressure gas cylinder is already sufficiently secured in this regard via the basic module.

The basic module itself is not changed when installing or replacing an additional module. If a change in the functionalities of the extraction fitting is desired, only the additional module needs to be exchanged or supplemented by additional additional modules. In this way, the compressed gas cylinder can be adapted to the individual wishes of a customer, or a set of compressed gas cylinder types, each with different integrated extraction fittings (ie with different functionalities), can be offered without each new type having to go through its own approval procedures with regard to fall safety or the shut-off fitting would have to be made or new parts would have to be constructed.

With the exception of the shut-off device that is directly connected to the compressed gas cylinder, all other fittings and devices (referred to here as "additional function modules") are integrated in the additional module or modules. All fittings and devices customary in integrated valves can be used as additional function modules in the additional module, such as pressure regulators, filling or extraction connections, electronic or analog display units, for example display units for pressure and/or filling level of the compressed gas cylinder. An additional function module or a combination of several additional function modules can be provided in an additional module. Furthermore, a number of additional modules connected to one another can also be provided, each of which contains one or more additional function modules.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that an operating element is integrated in the additional module, which is operatively connected to the shut-off element via a connecting part that extends through the additional module. When the additional module is attached, the shut-off element is actuated in this case by means of the operating element. This means that there is no need for an access opening in the base module for actuating the shut-off device, and the base module can be equipped with a fall protection device that is at least largely closed in the radial direction (however, such access openings can be provided in the wall of the fall protection device for maintenance reasons or to carry out leak tests). The operating element comprises an actuating element, for example a hand wheel, a lever, a handle part or a rotary knob, which is connected to the connecting part. The connecting part interacts with the valve spindle of the shut-off element, for example in a form-fitting manner, and is detachably connected to the valve spindle after the additional module has been installed. What is essential for the control element is that it is designed in such a way that an impact on the control element cannot impair the fall safety of the compressed gas cylinder, which is guaranteed by the basic module. For example, the connecting part is designed in the form of a flexible shaft, a cardan shaft or a plastically or elastically deformable piston or is equipped with predetermined breaking points or mechanical weak zones.

The additional module is preferably equipped with at least one safety device that protects the at least one additional function module against impact. This safety device is a device that protects the additional function modules contained in the additional module from external influences, but which, according to the legal requirements, are of no importance for the fall safety of the compressed gas cylinder. For example, the security device is a bracket, a cage or a housing that is equipped with suitable access openings for operating the additional function modules and for connecting the additional module to the basic module.

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the additional module is equipped with a carrying handle or a pivoting knob, which is fastened, for example, to the housing of the additional module. Moreover, the carrying handle or the swivel knob can also be integrated in a further additional module, which is connected to the first additional module, if necessary in addition to other additional function modules.

The fall protection device of the basic module is preferably screwed onto the neck ring thread of the compressed gas cylinder and can therefore be easily installed and removed again if necessary.

The fall protection device of the basic module is expediently equipped with a collar section supported by a shoulder of the compressed gas cylinder. The collar section can be formed in one piece with the fall protection device or can be firmly connected to it as an independent element or can also be screwed onto the neck ring thread of the compressed gas cylinder. On the one hand, the collar section ensures greater strength and rigidity of the fall protection device and thus greater safety. On the other hand, it is also suitable as a surface for markings. For example, the contents or the dangerous nature of the contents of the compressed gas bottle can be indicated by different colors of the collar section.

Advantageously, the modules have the appearance of a uniform, integrated extraction fitting. For example, the basic module and additional module(s) have outer walls with a uniform outer radius, which is preferably equal to the outer radius of the compressed gas bottle body. The basic module and additional module(s) are preferably firmly but detachably connected to one another and to the cylinder body of the compressed gas cylinder.

The compressed gas cylinders according to the invention are preferably used to store pressurized technical gases or gas mixtures, such as oxygen, nitrogen, noble gases, carbon dioxide or welding gas mixtures, medical gases or medical gas mixtures such as medical oxygen, medical air, N ₂ O and the like, or special gases or diving gas mixtures. The compressed gas cylinders according to the invention preferably have a filling volume of between 2 liters and 50 liters and a maximum filling pressure of preferably between 50 bar and 300 bar.

• Fig. 1: Eine erfindungsgemäße Druckgasflasche in einer ersten Ausführungsform in einer teilweise aufgeschnittenen Ansicht,
• Fig. 2: eine erfindungsgemäße Druckgasflasche in einer zweiten Ausführungsform in einer ebenfalls teilweise aufgeschnittenen Ansicht.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are to be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Show in schematic views:

• 1 : A compressed gas cylinder according to the invention in a first embodiment in a partially cutaway view,
• 2 : a compressed gas cylinder according to the invention in a second embodiment in a view that is also partially sectioned.

The compressed gas bottles 1, 1a shown in the drawings are containers with a filling volume between 2 l and 50 l, which are intended for holding a pressurized gas, for example nitrogen, oxygen, an inert gas or a medical gas or gas mixture and for a filling pressure of, for example, between 50 bar and 300 bar are designed. The embodiments according to 1 and 2 differ only in the functionalities of the extraction fitting mounted on the respective compressed gas cylinder 1, 1a; Apart from that, identically functioning elements are provided with the same reference symbols in both drawings.

The compressed gas cylinders 1, 1a shown in the drawings each have a cylinder body 2 made of metal or a composite material, for example, in a conventional manner that is not explained in more detail here. In a manner that is also known, the compressed gas cylinders 1, 1a have a shoulder section 4 and a neck ring thread 5, which is arranged around an outlet opening (not shown here).

The compressed gas cylinders 1, 1a are each equipped with a withdrawal fitting 7, 7a made up of modules. The extraction fittings 7, 7a each consist of a basic module 8, which in both embodiments 1 and 2 is constructed identically, and an additional module 9, 9a, which is each equipped with different functionalities.

The basic module 8 comprises a shut-off element 10 fastened to the outlet opening of the compressed gas cylinder 1 and a fall protection device 11. The shut-off element 10 is in particular a standard cylinder valve, as is often used in commercially available compressed gas cylinders and which meets all legal safety requirements. The shut-off element 10 has, in a manner known per se, a valve spindle 12, the rotation of which opens or closes a gas outlet 13 of the shut-off element. The fall protection device 11 is, for example, a half-shell, basket or cage structure made of metal or plastic and enclosing the shut-off element 10 . In the exemplary embodiments shown here, the fall protection device 11 comprises an essentially cylindrical valve protection cage which is open at the top but is otherwise closed, which extends with its side walls from the neck of the compressed gas cylinder 1, 1a to the height of the upper end of the valve spindle 12 and which with a bottom plate 15 is screwed onto the neck ring thread 5 of the compressed gas cylinder 1, 1a. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the fall protection device 11 is equipped with a collar section 14 with which the fall protection device 11 is supported by the shoulder section 4 of the compressed gas cylinder 1, 1a and which in this way ensures increased stability of the fall protection device 11. The fall protection device 11 is designed so that it meets the legally required requirements for fall protection of the respective Compressed gas cylinder 1, 1a is fully guaranteed, even if an additional module 9, 9a is mounted on the basic module 8 of the extraction fitting 7, 7a.

The additional module 9 of the compressed gas cylinder 1 in 1 comprises a housing 17 with cylindrical side walls which correspond in their extent to the extent of the side walls of the fall protection device 11 . The additional module 9 is fixed to its housing 17 with the fall protection device 11 of the basic module 8, but detachable, for example by a screw 18 connected. Inside the housing 17 several additional function modules 19, 20, 21 are added. In the embodiment after 1 These are a pressure regulator 19, an extraction connection 20 and a pressure indicator 21. Other additional function modules, such as a filling connection, additional extraction connections, control or reducing valves and the like can also be arranged inside the housing 17, but for reasons of Not shown here for clarity. The pressure regulator is connected to the gas outlet 13 of the shut-off device 10 via a flexible connecting line 22 . In the area of the additional function modules 19, 20, 21 (and possibly in the area of the other additional function modules not shown here), the housing 17 has access openings which allow access to the pressure regulator 19 and the extraction connection 20 as well as the reading of the display 21 even when the housing 17 enable. The housing 17 has a cover 23 on its end face opposite the neck.

In order to enable the shut-off element 10 to be actuated even when the additional module 9 is fitted, an operating element 24 extends through the housing 17 and engages with a connecting part 25 around the valve spindle 12 of the shut-off element 10 in a form-fitting manner. On its end face opposite from the valve spindle 12, the operating element 24 is equipped with a hand wheel 26 or a handle part. In the area of the hand wheel 26, the cover 23 is provided with an access opening which enables the operating element 24 and thus the shut-off element 10 to be actuated when the additional module 9 is fitted. The operating element 24 is designed in such a way that it does not impair the fall safety provided by the fall protection device 11; Impact on the operating element prevent transmission of the impact to the shut-off device. Furthermore, the extraction fitting 9 is equipped with a carrying handle 27, which serves to facilitate the transport of the compressed gas cylinder 1. The carrying handle 27 is firmly but detachably connected to the housing 17 and can be regarded as an independent additional module.

In the 2 shown removal fitting 7a of the compressed gas cylinder 1a differs from the removal fitting 7 of the compressed gas cylinder 1 1 by another additional module 9a, which is equipped with partly different additional function modules 30, 31, 32, namely a pressure regulator 30, a double removal connection 31 and an electronic display unit 32, which shows, for example, the fill level, the pressure in the compressed gas cylinder 1a and/or the quantity of sampled gas. Other additional function modules can also be present, but are not shown here. The additional function modules 30, 31, 32 are accommodated in a housing 33 of the additional module 9a, which, like the housing 17, is firmly but detachably connected to the fall protection device 11 of the basic module 8 and is equipped with corresponding access openings in the area of the additional function modules 30, 31, 32 . Instead of a flat cover, the housing 33 has a head section 34 which is conically shaped at least in sections and which makes it easier to read the display unit 32 . Similar to the additional module 9, a control element 35 for actuating the shut-off valve 10 when the additional module 9a is fitted is also provided here. The operating element 35 extends through the housing 33 and has a handwheel 36 protruding from the head section 34 and a connecting part 37 which is operatively connected to this and to the valve spindle 12 of the shut-off element 10 and which in the exemplary embodiment shown here is made at least in sections from a flexible material , Which is why in the event of a violent impact on the handwheel 36 no safety-endangering force on the obturator 10 takes place. A connection line 38 is used to connect the pressure regulator 30 to the shut-off device 10.

Like the housing 17, the housing 33 primarily serves to protect those accommodated within the respective housing 17, 33 additional function blocks 19, 20, 21; 30, 31, 32; the housings 17, 33, on the other hand, are of no importance for the fall safety of the compressed gas cylinder 1, 1a.

If necessary, the functionalities of the extraction fittings 7, 7a can be easily changed by removing the additional module 9, 9a from the basic module 8 and replacing it with another additional module having the desired functionalities, which is then connected to the basic module 8. In this case, only the housing 17, 33 must be detached from the fall protection device 11 and the connecting part 25, 37 from the valve spindle 12 and the connecting line 22, 38 must be separated from the gas outlet 13 of the shut-off element 10. Likewise, the additional module 9, 9a can be exchanged, for example, if an additional function block 19, 20, 21; 30, 31, 32 is irreparably damaged. Similarly, the extraction fitting 7 from 1 can be delivered with or without a carrying handle 27 or with a different carrying handle, depending on customer requirements. Despite the changes made in this way to the functionalities of the compressed gas cylinder 1, 1a, a renewed fall protection test is not necessary since the basic module 8 is not changed.

Reference List

1, 1a

compressed gas cylinder

2

bottle body

3

-

4

shoulder section

5

neck ring thread

6

-

7, 7a

extraction fitting

8th

basic module

9, 9a

add-on module

10

shut-off device

11

fall protection device

12

Valve stem

13

gas outlet

14

collar section

15

bottom plate

16

-

17

Housing

18

screw connection

19

pressure regulator

20

extraction connection

21

pressure gauge

22

connecting cable

23

lid

24

control element

25

connection part

26

handwheel

27

carrying handle

28

-

29

-

30

pressure regulator

31

extraction port

32

display unit

33

Housing

34

head section

35

control element

36

handwheel

37

connection part

38

connecting cable

Claims (8)

1. Pressurized gas bottle with an extraction fitting, which has a shut-off member (10) mounted on the pressurized gas bottle (1, la), at least one additional functional component (19, 20, 21, 30, 31, 32) attached to the shut-off member (10), and at least one fall protection device (11) securing at least the shut-off member (10) against inadmissible damage, wherein the extraction fitting (7, 7a) has a modular design and comprises a base module (8), comprising the shut-off member (10) and a fall protection device (11) securing the shut-off member (10), and at least one additional module (9, 9a) connected releasably to the base module (8) and having the at least one additional functional component (19, 20, 21, 30, 31, 32), and the at least one additional module (9, 9a) is equipped with a connector for connection to the gas outlet (13) of the shut-off member (10) and with devices for releasably securing the additional module on the base module (8) and is connected to the base module (8) in such a way that the fall safety of the pressurized gas bottle ensured by the base module is not impaired, characterized in that the additional module (9, 9a) is equipped with a safety device (17, 33) that secures the additional functional components (9, 9a) against impact, said securing device (17, 33) being designed such that it protects the additional functional components (19, 20, 21, 30, 31, 32) received in the additional module (9, 9a) from external influences but does not play any part in the fall safety of the pressurized gas bottle (1, 1a).
2. Pressurized gas bottle according to Claim 1, characterized in that the additional functional components (19, 20, 21, 30, 31, 32) in the additional module (9, 9a) are a pressure regulator (19, 30), a filling attachment, an extraction attachment (20, 31) or a display unit (21, 32) or a combination of several of these additional functional components (19, 20, 21, 30, 31, 32).
3. Pressurized gas bottle according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an operating element is integrated in the additional module (9, 9a) and is operatively connected to the shut-off member (10) via a connection part (25, 27) that extends through the additional module (9, 9a).
4. Pressurized gas bottle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional module (9, 9a) is equipped with a carrying handle (27) or a swivel knob.
5. Pressurized gas bottle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fall protection device (11) of the base module (8) is screwed onto a neck ring thread (5) of the pressurized gas bottle (1, 1a).
6. Pressurized gas bottle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fall protection device (11) of the base module (8) is equipped with a collar portion (14) that is supported by a shoulder (4) of the pressurized gas bottle (1, 1a).
7. Pressurized gas bottle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base module (8) and the additional module(s) (9, 9a) have cylindrical housings (17, 33), which each have the same outer circumference.
8. Pressurized gas bottle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that additional modules can be exchanged without the pressurized gas bottle having to be emptied or the base module (8, 10) having to be dismantled for this purpose.

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