Ergonomic filling adapter

Abstract

An adapter (1) for filling a container with a fluid to be filled, intended to simultaneously connect the container and a filling unit, the adapter (1) comprising a holding handle (7) of the adapter arranged at the top (3) of the adapter, characterized in that the adapter further comprises a load-bearing device (8), the adapter (1) is intended to be placed on the forearm of an operator when the operator operates the adapter (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling adapter for transferring one or more fluids from a filling unit to a container in a fluid circuit. It is particularly useful for transferring fluids such as coolant, brake fluid, or power steering fluid to corresponding fluid circuits in vehicles, for example on automobile assembly lines, or for filling containers with liquids in the energy sector. Background Art

[0002] The present invention will be described below using an automobile assembly line as an example, but the application of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0003] Automobile assembly lines feature stations for filling various vehicle circuits. A filling adapter is a special tool that connects to the fluid circuit in a sealed manner through an automated or manual temporary connection, ensuring fluid connectivity between the filling unit and the circuit to be filled. The filling adapter is connected to the fluid circuit via a flexible sleeve, which contains fluid and gas lines, as well as electrical lines. The operator manipulates the entire unit, formed by the adapter and connecting sleeve, by holding it with one hand. The equivalent weight of the entire unit, which the operator manipulates, is substantial, typically between 3 and 4 kg. The operator moves it from its idle position, where it is hung when not in use, to the filling position on the container to be filled, and vice versa. This operation requires arm movement, both from bottom to top and from top to bottom, over a potentially large range of heights (e.g., one meter). The operator may need to perform this operation multiple times during their workstation. This can lead to physical fatigue and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

[0004] An adapter with a handle for easy handling is known from patent document EP 3126284. This solution is not entirely satisfactory because it puts a lot of stress on the wrist joint when handling the adapter.

[0005] The present invention can provide new solutions to these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An adapter for filling a container with a fluid to be filled is proposed, which is intended to simultaneously connect the container and a filling unit. The adapter includes an adapter holding handle arranged on the top of the adapter, and is characterized in that the adapter also includes a weight-bearing device, which is intended to be placed on the operator's forearm when operating the adapter.

[0007] Bearing part of the weight of the adapter and the flexible sleeve connecting the filling unit on the operator's forearm allows the operator's wrist to be more relaxed when operating the adapter. This reduces physical fatigue and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the load-bearing device is connected to the gripping handle of the adapter.

[0009] This configuration frees up space for the operator to hold the adapter, allowing the operator to easily slide their hand under the load carrier to grasp the handle.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the invention, the adapter comprises a body, a head positioned at a first end of the body and intended to be connected to the container to be filled, and a connector positioned at the other end of the body and intended to be connected to the flexible sleeve of the filling unit, the load-bearing device being connected to the body of the adapter or to the connector.

[0011] This configuration can simplify the shape of the holding handle, reduce its volume and mechanical strength, and thus make the adapter lighter than a configuration in which the load-bearing device is connected to the holding handle.

[0012] Advantageously, the load-bearing means may be connected to the holding handle or the body of the adapter, or to said connection portion, by flexible means.

[0013] The flexible connection allows the operator's forearm some freedom of movement. This facilitates gripping the adapter as the operator slides their forearm under the weight carrier to grasp the adapter's handle. It also allows the operator to better position the weight carrier on their forearm as they move the adapter up and down. This avoids the weight carrier taking up a smaller area of ​​the body, which can cause discomfort to the operator.

[0014] Advantageously, the adapter may further comprise an adjustment assembly allowing adjustment of the position of the load bearing means relative to the operator's forearm.

[0015] The operator can thus adjust the position of the weight bearing device so that it is positioned at the most suitable position on the forearm. The operator can thus position it closer to the wrist or, conversely, further away from the wrist.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the adapter may further include a positioning assembly, which is configured to adjust the distance between the load-bearing device and the main body of the adapter and / or the distance between the load-bearing device and the connecting portion.

[0017] The operator can thus adjust the position of the weight support to their body size and the clothing covering their forearm, easily sliding their forearm between the adapter body and the weight support. The operator can also remove the weight support from the adapter body, or from the connection between the body and the flexible sleeve, place their forearm under the weight support, and then reposition the weight support to the working position.

[0018] Advantageously, the adjustment assembly and / or positioning assembly is adapted to be operated by the operator's other hand while the operator grips the gripping handle of the adapter with one hand.

[0019] The operator can thus adjust the position of the weight bearing device on his forearm after grasping the adjustment weight bearing device.

[0020] Advantageously, the load-bearing device can be removed from the adapter. Thus, an old load-bearing device can be replaced with a new one. The load-bearing device can also be replaced with another device of a different nature, to meet the specific needs of the user using the adapter or to allow the operator to choose a model that best suits him. The load-bearing device can also be removed, for example, when it cannot be used due to restrictions on the container shape.

[0021] According to one embodiment variant, the support device can be retracted while remaining on the adapter or, if necessary, can be detached.

[0022] Advantageously, according to the invention, the load-bearing means can be positioned on the adapter so as to be situated substantially above the centre of gravity of the whole formed by the adapter and a portion of the flexible sleeve (the weight of which is borne by the operator).

[0023] The adapter is thus positioned more stably on the operator's forearm. In fact, rotation of the adapter about the fulcrum of the weight bearing on the operator's forearm, which would be caused by the weight bearing being positioned too far forward or too far back with respect to the vertical position of the center of gravity, is thereby eliminated or limited.

[0024] Advantageously, the handle can be adjusted by rotating it about an axis connected to the top of the adapter. This allows the handle to be tilted relative to the body of the adapter and thus makes the tool ergonomic when in use, particularly in accordance with accessibility restrictions of the container / customer product. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described by reading the following detailed description. For ease of understanding, reference will be made to the following drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a filling adapter according to the prior art;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a filling adapter according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 From different perspectives, perpendicular to Figure 2 perspective, Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the filling adapter in;

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a filling adapter according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 From different perspectives, perpendicular to Figure 4 perspective, Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the filling adapter in;

[0031] Figure 6 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a filling adapter according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] like Figure 1 In the figure, an adapter 1 according to the prior art can be seen. It comprises a body 2 with a top 3, a head 4 intended to be connected to the container to be filled, and a connection 5 between the body 2 and a flexible sleeve 6 (connection to the filling unit). The adapter comprises a gripping handle 7 to be grasped by the operator using the adapter.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the adapter 1' according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be seen from a first viewing angle, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the same adapter can be seen from another viewing angle perpendicular to the first viewing angle. A handle 7 is positioned on the top 3 of the adapter, substantially centered on the longitudinal axis of the adapter.

[0034] The adapter 1' comprises a weight bearing means 8 comprising a support surface 9 intended to rest on the forearm of an operator when the operator is operating the adapter. The weight bearing means is also substantially centred on the longitudinal axis of the adapter.

[0035] When an operator operates an adapter according to the present invention, they grasp the adapter by handle 7, with their forearm generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the adapter. The weight of the adapter and part of the weight of the flexible sleeve are borne partly by the operator through the handle and partly by the weight-bearing device. When the operator opens their hand and no longer grasps the handle, the entire weight is borne by the weight-bearing device.

[0036] The load-bearing device may comprise two metal rods 10 through which the support surface 9 is connected to the gripping handle of the adapter. Due to their limited diameter, the two rods are flexible, allowing small relative displacements of the support surface 9 relative to the body 2 of the adapter.

[0037] Two metal rods 10 are connected to the handle by means 11 to allow adjustment of the distance of the support surface 9 relative to the body of the adapter body 2 or relative to the connection 5 between the body and the flexible sleeve 6. Thus, one end of each rod is placed inside a conduit 11 of the handle, the diameter and material of which allow the rod to slide into the conduit when the operator adjusts the position of the support surface 9 and to remain in the conduit while the operator uses the adapter. Fastening means may be present to lock the position of the rod relative to the handle after the position of the support surface 9 has been adjusted.

[0038] like Figure 4As shown, the adapter 11 according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be seen from the first perspective. Figure 5 As shown, the same adapter can be seen from another viewing angle perpendicular to the first viewing angle.

[0039] In this embodiment, the bearing 8a is connected to the connection 5 between the body 2 and the flexible sleeve 6 connected to the filling unit. The connection 5 comprises two protrusions 12 on which are fixed metal rods 10a holding the support surface 9a of the bearing 8a.

[0040] Each of the two raised portions 12 includes a groove 13 to allow the metal rod 10a to be moved along the length and height of the adapter. These grooves provide a mechanism for adjusting the position of the weight bearing device along the operator's forearm and adjusting the spacing of the support surfaces 9a of the connecting portion 5. The diameter and material of the grooves 13 allow the rod to slide into the grooves when the operator adjusts the position of the support surfaces 9a and remain in the grooves while the operator uses the adapter. A fastening mechanism may be present to lock the position of the rod after the position of the support surfaces 9a has been adjusted.

[0041] according to Figure 6 In the embodiment variant shown in , the load-bearing device 800 can be a single component 101 connected to the gripping handle 700 of the adapter 100 via a front portion 102. Such a component can comprise, for example, a round or rectangular rod. The component also comprises a support surface 900.

[0042] The adapter further comprises a body 200 and a head 400 positioned at a first end of the body 200. A second end is connected to a tube 600.

[0043] According to an optional feature that can be added to all the described embodiments, the handle 700 can be connected to the top 300 of the body 200 by a rotation connection around a connection axis 701, allowing to adjust the tilt angle of the handle 7 relative to the body 2 and thus improve ergonomics.

Claims

1. An adapter (1'; 1"; 100) for filling a container with a fluid to be filled, intended to simultaneously connect the container and a filling unit, the adapter (1'; 1"; 100) comprising a handle (7; 700) for holding the adapter arranged at the top (3) of the adapter, characterized in that The adapter also comprises a weight-bearing device (8; 8a; 800) intended to be placed on the operator's forearm when the operator operates the adapter (1'; 1"; 100).

2. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the load-bearing device (8; 800) is connected to the holding handle (7) of the adapter.

3. The adapter according to claim 1 comprises a main body (2), a head (4) positioned at a first end of the main body (2) and intended to be connected to the container to be filled, and a connector (5) positioned at the other end of the main body (2) and intended to be connected to the flexible sleeve (6) of the filling unit, the load-bearing device (8a) being connected to the main body (2) of the adapter or to the connector (5).

4. The adapter according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the load-bearing device is connected to the holding handle (7) or the main body (2) of the adapter, or to the connecting portion (5) through a flexible device.

5. An adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an adjustment assembly (13) allowing adjustment of the position of the load bearing means relative to the operator's forearm.

6. The adapter according to any one of the above claims further comprises a positioning assembly (11; 11a) configured to adjust the distance between the load-bearing device and the main body of the adapter and / or the distance between the load-bearing device and the connecting portion (5).

7. An adapter according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the adjustment assembly (13) and / or the positioning assembly (11; 11a) is adapted to be operated by an operator's other hand when the operator grips the gripping handle of the adapter with one hand.

8. An adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the load bearing means (8; 8a; 800) is removable from the adapter.

9. An adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the load-bearing means (8; 8a; 800) is adapted to be positioned on the adapter so as to be substantially above the centre of gravity of the whole formed by the adapter and a portion of the flexible sleeve (6) the weight of which is borne by the operator.

10. The adapter (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the handle (700) being adjustable by being rotated about an axis (701) connected to the top portion (300) of the adapter.

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