ASSEMBLY OF MEMBERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A GAS SPRING AND ITS RESPECTIVE SAFETY SYSTEM

Abstract

A gas spring (100) comprising a first fixed element (1) equipped with a side wall (11) and an abutment surface (12), a second hollow movable element (2), equipped with a side wall (21) and an upper closure element (22) delimiting a concavity and configured to slide outward from the side wall of the first element (1) to allow the spring (100) to pass from an extended configuration to a compressed configuration, a gasket (4) adapted to increase the tightness of said gas spring (100). The side wall (21) and the upper closure element (22) are two distinct elements, and the upper closure element (22) presents a shaped profile configured to go into abutment with the side wall (21) and to ensure the housing of the gasket (4) interposed between the side wall (21) and the upper closure element (22).

Description

1 / 14 ASSEMBLY OF MEMBERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A GAS SPRING AND ITS RESPECTIVE SAFETY SYSTEM

[001] The present invention relates to a set of members for the construction of a gas spring and its respective safety system. Field of invention

[002] The invention falls within the technical field of industrial springs, in particular within the technical field of systems and members that constitute a gas spring with a safety function. Previous Technique

[003] Gas springs typically include: - a fixed body, called, for example, a cylinder; - a movable component, also called a rod; - possibly guide means for the rod; - one or more sealing members; - a component for introducing gas into the cylinder, also called a charging valve.

[004] Currently, among the most important aspects in this field are those related to the ease of production and the safety of these mechanical devices.

[005] In particular, an aspect of considerable importance is due to the quality of the processing and the thickness of the inner walls of the gas springs, because the smoother and more homogeneous the walls are, the better the performance of the gas spring will be.

[006] Furthermore, if it is possible to reduce the thickness of the walls of the gas springs mentioned, it is possible to limit the amount of material used in the manufacture of the gas springs themselves.

[007] It is not uncommon for springs, once placed in continuous operation, to suffer damage and deteriorate as a result of normal wear and tear or use under unsuitable service conditions or Petition 870250080931, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 10 / 31 2 / 14 not considered in the design phase, but also due to completely fortuitous events.

[008] An example of improper use is subjecting the spring to an extra stroke. By extra stroke is meant a stroke greater than the maximum calculated in the design phase. In this case, impacts are created between the fixed and moving parts of the spring. These impacts cause damage to both the spring and the equipment in which it is installed or used.

[009] As is known, improvements in the efficiency of thrust members in general have, over time, led to an increase in the maximum loads that gas springs can withstand. This is almost always achieved thanks to an increase in the gas pressure within the springs themselves.

[0010] The pressures that modern gas springs can withstand reach initial values ​​up to 180-200 bar and must be duly taken into consideration by designers, the production and / or maintenance team, and the user who uses them in their activities.

[0011] Therefore, it is necessary to avoid damage or deterioration of the springs themselves, and special attention should be paid to the categories of damage that frequently affect a component without, however, causing its immediate breakage.

[0012] For example, minor and / or undetectable damage through immediate visual inspection does not allow the user to recognize a compromised gas spring, nor at least implement precautionary measures, such as replacing the damaged part or discarding it.

[0013] If it is also considered that gas springs generally withstand cyclic loads, the definitive breakage of the compromised spring causes unpredictable and sudden accidents, in which employees Petition 870250080931, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 11 / 31 3 / 14 and operators near the broken spring are at serious risk. The consequences of such accidents can be very serious, causing injuries of varying degrees and even resulting in death.

[0014] As the evolution of these phenomena is difficult to assess, there is a strong need in this field to ensure adequate safety conditions, regardless of the technologies available for operators in this field to carry out checks of various types.

[0015] In the case of a spring that has been subjected to an extra stroke condition, the collision between the moving and fixed parts of the spring does not guarantee the complete release of the gas.

[0016] For example, it is possible for a gas spring packing to wear out or break without the operator noticing externally.

[0017] In known solutions, when the spring is subjected to an extra stroke condition, the packing, even if damaged, would remain very close to its seat, inside the spring, with the possibility of re-engaging. This would allow only a partial discharge of gas, which would allow the spring to continue operating despite the break, representing considerably high risks.

[0018] Therefore, it is of crucial importance to equip gas springs with a secondary safety mechanism that can act in case of malfunction of the primary safety mechanisms, which can prevent the breakage of a component. Objective of the invention

[0019] The objective of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a set of members for the construction of a gas spring and a respective safety system capable of solving the disadvantages and critical problems mentioned above.

[0020] Specifically, a first objective of the present invention is to construct a gas spring with a corresponding safety system that intervenes in case the maximum limit is exceeded. Petition 870250080931, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 12 / 31 4 / 14 of the expected travel for the gas spring itself.

[0021] Furthermore, another objective of the present invention is to ensure the release of gas from the spring in the event of a collision between its components and, therefore, in the event of extra travel.

[0022] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a gas spring with a corresponding safety system that is more easily produced and assembled.

[0023] Another objective of the present invention is to construct a gas spring that allows the gasket to come out and prevents it from being re-engaged.

[0024] These and other objectives are achieved by a group of members for the construction of a gas spring and a respective safety system, according to the attached independent claim.

[0025] More detailed technical characteristics are mentioned in the attached dependent claims. Object of the invention

[0026] The object of the invention is, therefore, a gas spring comprising a first fixed member fitted with a first side wall and a backing surface, a second hollow movable member fitted with a second side wall and an upper closing member which delimits a concavity and is configured to slide out of the first side wall of the first member to allow said spring to pass from an extended configuration to a compressed configuration, a gasket adapted to increase the tightness of said gas spring, wherein the second side wall and the upper closing member of the second member are two distinct members and the upper closing member has a molded profile configured to fit into the second side wall, ensuring the housing of the gasket interposed between the second side wall and the upper closing member. Petition 870250080931, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 13 / 31 5 / 14

[0027] This advantageously allows access to the inner surface of the base wall and the second side wall, even in the case of very deep springs, facilitating all necessary processing.

[0028] According to the invention, the molded profile of the upper closing member of the second member includes: a first portion equipped with a first diameter and a first surface facing outwards from the spring and situated in a first horizontal plane, a second portion equipped with a second diameter and a second surface facing outwards from the spring and situated in a second horizontal plane wherein this second diameter is larger than the first diameter, a third portion equipped with a third diameter and a third surface facing outwards from the spring and situated in a third horizontal plane wherein this third diameter is larger than the first diameter and smaller than the second diameter and wherein the third surface is adapted to receive the second end of the side wall of the second member as an abutment.

[0029] This configuration advantageously allows for the avoidance of a thread between the two members, since the pressure alone holds the upper closing member in place.

[0030] In a preferred configuration, the upper closing member of the second member has a fourth portion equipped with a fourth diameter and a fourth surface facing outwards from the spring and situated in a fourth horizontal plane, this fourth diameter being smaller than the third diameter of the base wall itself. This embodiment allows for improved contact between the upper closing member and the side wall of the second member.

[0031] Also according to the invention, the side wall of the second member includes a first end intended to abut the abutment surface of the first member and a second end intended to abut the upper closing member of the second member. Petition 870250080931, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 14 / 31 6 / 14 second member; the second end of the side wall of the second member is angled at approximately 90° relative to the side wall and projects into the spring. This second end is adapted to hold the upper closing member in place.

[0032] In this configuration, advantageously, the second side wall can be made easily and quickly, as it can be obtained from a tube.

[0033] Again according to the invention, in the second member there is, defined by the second end, a through hole having an internal diameter greater than or equal to the first diameter of the upper closing member, so that the first portion of the upper closing member is able to pass through the through hole of the second member. This feature, associated with the fact that the second end of the second side wall defines this through hole, makes it possible to facilitate the detachment between the upper closing member and the side wall of the second member, if necessary.

[0034] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the through hole of the second member is smaller than the third diameter of the third portion of the upper closing member of the second member, so as to create a space between the second end of the side wall and the second portion of the upper closing member in which the gasket can be housed.

[0035] This advantageously allows the seal to be obtained at a strategic point on the spring, since the packing would be in a position close to the gas outlet point under dangerous conditions; from this position, once the seal is lost after exceeding a maximum stroke limit, the packing would be sucked in by the outgoing gas flow itself and expelled by the spring. Furthermore, according to the invention, the second end of the side wall of the Petition 870250080931, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 15 / 31 7 / 14 The second member has a thickness smaller than the distance between the first surface and the third surface of the upper closing member of the second member itself, so that – when the spring is completely filled with gas – the first portion of the upper closing member projects at least partially from the second end of the second side wall. In this way, once the second side wall comes into contact with the contact surface of the first member, in case of exceeding the maximum stroke limit, the upper closing member moves relative to the second side wall and continues to descend, so that the outermost surface of the upper closing member and the outermost surface of the second end are coplanar. Under such conditions, the seal is advantageously lost, promoting the release of gas and preventing very dangerous accidents for operators and for the equipment in which the springs themselves are installed. Brief description of the figures

[0036] The present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, according to some of its preferred embodiments, and with the aid of the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a gas spring including the safety system according to the invention; Figures 2A-2C show a detail of the gas spring as the sealing member extends from the gas spring in Figure 1A. Detailed description

[0037] Reference is made to a gas spring described as an example in patent document WO2022054116A1.

[0038] This does not mean that the invention cannot be applied to other types of gas springs with simpler or, in any case, different configurations. Petition 870250080931, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 16 / 31 8 / 14

[0039] With reference to the figures mentioned, a preferred embodiment of a set of members for constructing a gas spring and a corresponding safety system according to the invention is presented.

[0040] With reference to Figure 1, the gas spring according to the invention, generically indicated by 100, includes a fixed hollow body 1 or cylinder and a movable hollow body 2 or rod, with a concavity opposite to said cylinder 1.

[0041] Rod 2 is configured to slide out of cylinder 1, always remaining in contact, from an extended or open configuration to a compressed or closed configuration.

[0042] Advantageously, cylinder 1 and rod 2 include respective side walls and respective base walls or closing members, as will be better seen below.

[0043] In particular, cylinder 1 includes a side wall 11 and an end-of-stroke or stop surface 12 perpendicular to the side wall 11; rod 2 includes a respective side wall 21 and an upper closing member 22.

[0044] Advantageously, according to the present invention, the upper closing member 22 and the side wall 21 of the rod 2 are two distinct components, so as to facilitate production, as well as to provide an additional safety system for the spring 100, as will be described more clearly below.

[0045] The upper closing member 22 is made to have a molded profile configured to rest against the side wall 21 and ensure the housing of a gasket between them.

[0046] In particular, the upper closing member 22 presents: - a first portion 221 equipped with a first diameter and a first surface facing outwards from the spring and arranged Petition 870250080931, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 17 / 31 9 / 14 in a horizontal foreground; - a second portion 222 equipped with a second diameter and a second surface facing outwards from the spring and situated in a second horizontal plane, the second diameter of the second portion 222 being larger than the first diameter; - a third portion 223 equipped with a third diameter and a third surface facing outwards from the spring and situated in a third horizontal plane, the third diameter of the third portion 223 being larger than the first diameter and smaller than the second diameter; - a fourth portion 224 equipped with a fourth diameter and a fourth surface facing outwards from the spring and situated in a fourth horizontal plane, the fourth diameter of the fourth portion 224 being smaller than the third diameter of the third portion 223.

[0047] The second portion 222 is positioned lower than the other portions 221, 223 and 224 and is adapted to accommodate at least one gasket on the second surface.

[0048] In a second embodiment, the upper closing member 22 includes only a first, a second, and a third portion.

[0049] The upper closing member 22 is held in place, ensuring proper sealing, thanks to the gas pressure inside the spring 100 exerted on the inner surface of the upper closing member 22 itself, and in such a way as to prevent said upper closing member 22 from becoming detached from said side surface 21.

[0050] In particular, this coupling is ensured by the gas pressure exerting an upward force on the inner surface of the upper closing member 22 and a downward force exerted on the upper surface of a gasket fixed to the side wall 21 and Petition 870250080931, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 18 / 31 10 / 14 placed in contact with the side surface 11, and which is then transferred to the side wall 21 itself. The two forces have opposite directions and ensure coupling and tightness between the side wall 21 and the upper closing member 22.

[0051] The side wall 21 is perpendicular to the upper closing member 22 and includes a first end 211 intended to rest against a support surface 12 of the cylinder 1 and a second end 212 intended to rest against the upper closing member 22 of the rod 2 itself.

[0052] In more detail, the second end 212 is inclined at approximately 90° relative to the side wall 21 and projects inward to hold the upper closing member 22 in place when gas is inside the spring 100.

[0053] In more detail, when the upper closing member 22 is correctly positioned and resting against the side wall 21, the third portion 223 of the upper closing member 22 is in contact with the second end 212 of the rod 2 by means of the gasket 4.

[0054] This gasket 4 ensures the correct sealing of the spring 100, preventing the gas inside it from escaping through the contact portion between the upper closing member 22 and the side wall 21 of the rod 2.

[0055] The inner diameter of the second end 212 is smaller than the third diameter of the third portion 223 of the upper closing member 22, so that the gasket 4 is positioned between the second portion 222 of the upper closing member 22 and the second end 212 of the side wall 21 of the rod 2.

[0056] In particular, the gasket 4 is in lower contact with the second portion 222 of the upper closing member 22, in upper contact with the second end 212 of the side wall 21 and Petition 870250080931, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 19 / 31 11 / 14 in lateral contact with the fourth portion 224 of the upper closing member 22.

[0057] Advantageously, this construction with two distinct members allows the operator to perform assembly operations more conveniently and quickly.

[0058] Furthermore, the two-member construction also offers advantages in the spring processing and production phase, as it allows easier access to the inner surface of the side wall 21 and the upper closing member 22, to perform the processing necessary for the proper functioning of the spring 100, such as calibration or threading.

[0059] Preferably, as can be seen in Figure 1, the side wall 11 and the base wall of the cylinder 1 can also be two distinct components fixed together.

[0060] Cylinder 1 and rod 2 are made in such a way that the inner surface of the side wall 21 of rod 2 can slide out, but in contact with the outer surface of the side wall 11 of cylinder 1.

[0061] Operationally, when spring 100 goes from the extended configuration to the compressed configuration, rod 2 slides down, reducing the internal volume of spring 100 and consequently increasing the internal gas pressure within spring 100 itself.

[0062] When rod 2 completes its stroke, reaching the end-of-stroke condition, the first end 211 of the side wall 21 touches the support surface 12 of cylinder 1, so as to prevent further downward movements of rod 2.

[0063] In this situation, as shown in Figure 2A, the upper surface of the closing member 22, facing outwards from the spring, is at a greater height than the fifth horizontal plane defined by the second end 212 of the side wall 21. Petition 870250080931, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 20 / 31 12 / 14

[0064] In other words, the upper surface of the first portion 221 of the upper closing member 22, facing outwards from the spring, is maintained, thanks to the impulse of the gas inside the spring itself, at a greater height than the second end 212 of the side wall 21.

[0065] During the spring's service life, it goes from an extended position to a compressed position, in which, respectively, the first end 211 of the side wall 21 is away from the cylinder's support surface 12, and the first end 211 of the side wall 21 is close to the cylinder's support surface 12.

[0066] If the spring is erroneously brought to an extra travel position, in which the first end 211 of the side wall 21 collides with the support surface 12 of the cylinder 1, the side wall 21 will stop, while the upper closing member, limited to this side wall only by the presence of gas inside the spring 100, will be free to continue its downward travel in opposition to the impulse exerted by the gas itself.

[0067] As shown in Figure 2B, when the fourth portion 224 of the upper closing member 22 is at a height equal to or less than the inner surface of the second end 212 of the side wall 21, the gasket 4 is no longer compressed between the two components 21 and 22 of the rod 2 and detaches from the respective surfaces, allowing a partial release of the spring gas 100.

[0068] Finally, when the upper surface of the first portion 221 of the upper closing member 22 is coplanar with the second end 212 of the side wall 21, that is, it is at the same height as the outer surface of the second end 212 of the side wall 21, as shown in Figure 2C, the upper closing member 22 is not at any point in contact with the side wall 21 of the rod 2. Petition 870250080931, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 21 / 31 13 / 14

[0069] In this situation, gasket 4, which had already lost its tightness in the previous phase, thanks to the pressure of the gas inside spring 100, is pushed upwards by its flow and expelled by spring 100 itself following the arrow indicated in Figure 2C.

[0070] After the gasket 4 comes out, the tightness of spring 100 is irreversibly and completely lost, allowing the complete release of gas, preventing the reuse of spring 100 and the occurrence of potential accidents.

[0071] In this way, the operator can immediately perceive the breakage of spring 100, preventing the spring from being subjected to additional processing and avoiding risky inspection operations that could lead to accidents or even serious injuries if the spring were compromised and still contained pressurized gas inside. In fact, in the absence of internal pressure in spring 100, the upper closing member 22 would be visibly decoupled from the side wall 21.

[0072] Advantageously, the present invention allows the production of gas springs 100 of any size and greater ease of production, for example, with the possibility of weight reduction and consequent material savings.

[0073] In particular, manufacturing the rod 2 with two distinct components allows the side wall 21 to be produced directly from a tube, unlike current methods, which involve drilling a solid cylinder, with the consequent waste of material and risk of breakage of the components processed inside.

[0074] In fact, as in the embodiment shown in the figures rod 2 is substantially similar to a hollow cylinder, a lathe can easily operate and shape both ends and the central portion of rod 2. Petition 870250080931, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pages 22 / 31 14 / 14

[0075] Furthermore, it is possible to manufacture a standard top closing member 22 that can be used for a wide variety of springs 100, in combination with different lengths of the side wall 21.

[0076] From the description above, the characteristics of the set of members for the construction of a gas spring and the respective safety system, object of the invention, as well as its advantages, become clear.

[0077] Finally, it is clear that numerous other variations can be made to the device in question, without departing from the principles of novelty inherent in the inventive idea, just as it is clear that, in the practical implementation of the invention, the materials, shapes and dimensions of the illustrated details can be any, according to the requirements, and can be replaced by other equivalents.

[0078] Where features and techniques mentioned in any claim are accompanied by reference signs, such reference signs are included for the sole purpose of enhancing the intelligibility of the claims and, therefore, such reference signs have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each member identified by way of example by such reference signs. Petition 870250080931, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pages 23 / 31

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Gas spring (100) including a first fixed member (1) fitted with a first side wall (11); a second hollow movable member (2), fitted with a second side wall (21) and an upper closing member (22) delimiting a concavity and configured to slide out of the first side wall (11) to allow said spring (100) to pass from an extended configuration to a compressed configuration;a gasket (4) adapted to increase the tightness of said gas spring (100), wherein said second side wall (21) and said upper closing member (22) of the second member (2) are two distinct members and said upper closing member (22) has a shaped profile configured to abut said second side wall (21) and to receive said gasket (4) in a housing interposed between said second side wall (21) and said upper closing member (22), said gas spring (100) being characterized in that said shaped profile includes a first portion (221) equipped with a first diameter and a first surface facing outwards from the spring and situated in a first horizontal plane; a second portion (222) equipped with a second diameter and a second surface facing outwards from the spring and situated in a second horizontal plane, the second diameter being larger than said first diameter;a third portion (223) fitted with a third diameter and a third surface facing outwards from the spring and situated in a third horizontal plane, the third diameter being larger than the first diameter and smaller than the second diameter, the third surface being adapted to receive as a support the second end (212) of the second side wall (21).; 2. Gas spring (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that said upper closing member (22) has a fourth portion (224) equipped with a fourth diameter and a fourth surface facing outwards from the spring and situated in a fourth horizontal plane, the fourth diameter being smaller than said third diameter.

3. Gas spring (100), according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said second side wall (21) of the second member (2) includes a first end (211) intended to come into contact with a backing surface (12) associated with the first member (1) and a second end (212) intended to come into contact with the upper closing member (22) of the second member (2) and wherein the second end (212) is inclined approximately 90° relative to the side wall (21) and projects towards the interior of the spring, being adapted to hold the upper closing member (22) in place.

4. Gas spring (100), according to claim 3, characterized in that said second member (2) has a through hole having a fifth internal diameter greater than or equal to the first diameter of the upper closing member (22), such that the first portion (221) of the base wall is able to pass through said through hole, the through hole being defined by said second end (212).

5. Gas spring (100), according to claim 4, characterized in that said fifth inner diameter is smaller than the third diameter, so as to create a space between the second Petition 870250080931, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 25 / 31 3 / 3 end (212) and the second portion (222) of the upper closing member (22), adapted to house said gasket (4).

6. Gas spring (100), according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that said second end (212) has a thickness smaller than the distance between the first surface and the third surface of the upper closing member (22). Petition 870250080931, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 26 / 31

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