Gas cartridge and assembly comprising a connection device for gas appliance and a gas cartridge

Abstract

The present application relates to a gas cartridge (310) having a valve (314) comprising a seal (320) and a flapper (318) configured to be moved between a closed position and a maximum open position, wherein the flapper (318) comprises: a first contact portion arranged to be in contact with the seal (320) when the flapper (318) is in the closed position; a second contact portion arranged to be in contact with a push valve of a gas appliance connection device when the flapper (318) is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position; and a connecting portion linking the first contact portion and the second contact portion shaped such that a gas passage cross-section between the seal (320) and the connecting portion increases when the flapper (318) is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position.

Description

Domain

[0001] This application concerns a gas cartridge and an assembly comprising a gas appliance connection device and a gas cartridge. State of the art

[0002] Document FR2876776A1 describes a gas appliance connection device incorporating a push-valve mechanism. When the gas appliance connection device is mechanically connected and locked to a gas cartridge, a push-valve mechanism opens a valve on the gas cartridge. The gas appliance connection device is then fluidly connected to the gas cartridge.

[0003] While satisfactory, this type of gas appliance connection device can still be improved. In particular, mechanical connection, mechanical disconnection, locking, unlocking, fluid connection, fluid disconnection, and operation can all be facilitated. More specifically, the residual presence of gas in the gas appliance connection device during mechanical disconnection can be prevented. Gas flow control in the gas appliance connection device during use can also be improved. This application aims to achieve all or some of these objectives.

[0004] We also know of a gas cartridge comprising a seal and a valve configured to move between a closed position and a fully open position. When the valve is in the closed position, the gas flow rate is zero. When the valve is in the fully open position, the gas flow rate is at its maximum (full flow).

[0005] Initially, a gas appliance connection device and the gas cartridge can be disconnected mechanically and fluidly. A user can connect the gas appliance connection device to the gas cartridge mechanically and fluidly by bringing the connection device onto the gas cartridge. The valve is instantly moved between the closed position and the fully open position by a push valve. Therefore, this type of gas cartridge is called an "ON / OFF" type.

[0006] While satisfactory, this type of gas cartridge can still be improved. In particular, the gas flow control within the cartridge could be made more gradual. This application aims to achieve all or part of these objectives.

[0007] EP0298881A1 describes a valve and a container equipped with such a valve. WO2013 / 072372A1 describes a valve for a pressurized gas cylinder. GB2240612A describes a tap for a gas cylinder. Summary

[0008] The invention relates to a gas cartridge according to claim 1 and an assembly comprising a gas cartridge and a gas appliance connection device according to claim 12. It may be noted that aspects of the present application not falling within the scope of protection of the claims are not part of the invention but may be useful in understanding the invention.

[0009] One aspect of the present application relates to a gas cartridge comprising a valve including a seal and a flapper configured to be moved between a closed position and a maximum open position through a plurality of intermediate open positions, wherein the flapper comprises: a first contact portion arranged to be in contact with the seal when the flapper is in the closed position; a second contact portion arranged to be in contact with a push valve of a gas appliance connection device when the flapper is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position through the plurality of intermediate open positions;and a connecting portion linking the first contact portion and the second contact portion shaped so that a gas passage cross-section between the seal and the connecting portion increases when the valve is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position through the plurality of intermediate open positions.

[0010] Initially, the gas appliance connection device and the gas cartridge can be disconnected mechanically and fluidly.

[0011] A user can mechanically connect the gas appliance connection device to the gas cartridge by bringing the gas appliance connection device onto the gas cartridge or vice versa by bringing the gas cartridge under the gas appliance connection device.

[0012] The user can smoothly connect the gas appliance connection device to the gas cartridge. The valve pusher can be moved from a fully retracted position to a maximum forward position through a plurality of intermediate forward positions. Similarly, the valve can be moved between the closed position and the fully open position through a plurality of intermediate open positions.

[0013] When the valve is in the closed position, the gas flow rate has a value of zero.

[0014] When the valve is in the fully open position, the gas flow rate has a maximum value (full flow).

[0015] When the valve is in the intermediate open position, the gas flow rate has an intermediate value.

[0016] The linking portion of the valve is shaped so that the gas passage cross-section between the seal and the linking portion increases progressively (linearly or non-linearly) as the valve is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position through the plurality of intermediate open positions.

[0017] The gas passage cross-section between the seal and the connecting portion of the valve can be defined as the smallest cross-section between the seal and the connecting portion of the valve.

[0018] Thus, the connecting portion of the valve is shaped so that the gas flow can be adjusted progressively. The gas flow can have a plurality of intermediate values ​​in addition to a zero value and a maximum value (and no longer just a zero value and a maximum value as in some so-called "ON / OFF" gas cartridges).

[0019] The stroke of the valve between the closed position and the maximum open position, passing through the plurality of intermediate open positions, can be less than or equal to 5mm, 4mm, 3mm or 1mm.

[0020] The joint has a longitudinal 'T' cross-section.

[0021] The seal may comprise a head and a straight cylindrical body inside which the connecting portion of the valve is received; and the connecting portion of the valve (X) may be frustoconical.

[0022] The gas passage cross-section between the seal and the connecting portion of the valve can be defined as the smallest cross-section between the body of the seal and the connecting portion of the valve.

[0023] Conversely, the seal may have a frustoconical body and the connecting portion of the valve may be a straight cylindrical shape.

[0024] The body of the seal and the connecting portion of the valve can form an angle between 3 and 40 degrees, between 3 and 30 degrees, between 3 and 20 degrees or between 3 and 10 degrees.

[0025] The connecting portion of the valve can be straight cylindrical and have a plurality of longitudinal openings.

[0026] The plurality of longitudinal openings may be radially non-through.

[0027] In other words, the plurality of longitudinal openings can be radially blind.

[0028] The plurality of openings can be longitudinally through-opening.

[0029] The plurality of openings may have different lengths.

[0030] The plurality of longitudinal openings can include 4, 6, 8 or 10 longitudinal openings.

[0031] The plurality of longitudinal openings can be distributed equi-angularly (at regular angles) around the connecting portion of the valve.

[0032] The plurality of longitudinal openings may include a plurality of grooves.

[0033] The second contact portion may include a crossbar.

[0034] The second contact portion can have a male or female form.

[0035] When the second contact portion has a male shape, the second contact portion may have a projection intended to cooperate with the valve pusher of the gas appliance connection device.

[0036] When the second contact portion has a female shape, the second contact portion may have a recess intended to cooperate with the valve pusher of the gas appliance connection device.

[0037] The gas cartridge may contain gas (it may be full or partially full) or it may be empty (it may be empty). The gas may be petroleum-based. The gas may be a mixture of propane and / or butane.

[0038] One aspect of the present application relates to an assembly comprising: a gas cartridge as described above; and a gas appliance connection device comprising: a push valve configured to be moved between a retracted position and a maximum forward position through a plurality of intermediate forward positions; and a first control member configured to be moved between a closed position in which the first control member moves the push valve into the retracted position and a maximum open position in which the first control member moves the push valve into the maximum forward position through a plurality of intermediate open positions in which the first control member moves the push valve into the plurality of intermediate forward positions. Brief description of the drawings

[0039] Figure 1is a perspective view of a first gas appliance connection device when one control element is in the unlocked position and one control element is in the closed position; Figure 2 is a side view of the first gas appliance connection device when one control element is in the unlocked position and one control element is in the closed position; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first gas appliance connection device when one control element is in the unlocked position and one control element is in the closed position; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a first gas appliance connection device when one control element is in the locked position and one control element is in the closed position; Figure 5is a side view of the first gas appliance connection device when one control element is in the locked position and one control element is in the closed position; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the first gas appliance connection device when one control element is in the locked position and one control element is in the closed position; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a first gas appliance connection device when one control element is in the locked position and one control element is in the maximum open position; Figure 8 is a side view of the first gas appliance connection device when one control element is in the locked position and one control element is in the maximum open position; Figure 9is a cross-sectional view of the first gas appliance connection device when one control element is in the locked position and one control element is in the maximum open position; Figure 10 is an exploded view of the first gas appliance connection device; Figure 11 is a side view of a cam of the first gas appliance connection device when a control element is in the first intermediate opening position; Figure 12 is a side view of a cam of the first gas appliance connection device when a control element is in the closed position; Figure 13 is a front view of a cam of the first gas appliance connection device when a control element is in the closed position; Figure 14is a perspective view of the first gas appliance connection device and a gas cartridge when one control element is in the locked position and one control element is in the closed position; Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the first gas appliance connection device and a gas cartridge when one control element is in the locked position and one control element is in the closed position; Figure 16 is a perspective view of a second gas appliance connection device and a gas cartridge when one control element is in the locked position and one control element is in the closed position; Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the second gas appliance connection device and a gas cartridge when one control element is in the locked position and one control element is in the closed position; Figure 18is a perspective view of a third gas appliance connection device and a gas cartridge when one control element is in the unlocked position and one control element is in the closed position; Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the third gas appliance connection device and a gas cartridge when one control element is in the unlocked position and one control element is in the closed position; Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of a gas cartridge including a first valve; Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the first flap; Figure 22 is a top view of the first flap; Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of a second valve; Figure 24 is a top view of a second flap; Figure 25 is a perspective view of a third flap; Figure 26 is a top view of a third flap; Figure 27 is a perspective view of a fourth flap; Figure 28is a perspective view of a fifth flap; and Figure 29 is a perspective view of a sixth flap. Detailed description of the drawings

[0040] THE Figures 1 to 15 represent a first connection device 2 of a gas appliance (not shown). For example, the gas appliance could be a single burner stove or a lamp.

[0041] The connection device 2 comprises a body 4 and an injector 6. The injector 6 is configured to be mounted on the body 4 and alternately removed from the body 4. For example, the injector 6 is configured to be screwed onto the body 4 and alternately unscrewed from the body 4. The injector 6 is arranged to be fluidly connected to the gas appliance and alternately fluidly disconnected from the gas appliance. Here, the injector 6 opens upwards.

[0042] In a configuration not shown, the injector 6 is configured to be screwed onto the push valve 8 and alternately unscrewed from the push valve 8. In this configuration, the gas device is configured to be screwed onto the push valve 8 and alternately unscrewed from the push valve 8.

[0043] The gas appliance is configured to be mounted on the connection device 2 and alternately removed from the connection device 2. Here, the gas appliance is configured to be screwed onto the body 4 and alternately unscrewed from the body 4.

[0044] The connection device 2 includes a valve pusher 8 (or visible flap pusher at Figures 3 , 6 , 9 10 And 15 The valve pusher 8 is configured to be mounted on the body 4 and alternately detached from the body 4. The valve pusher 8 is configured to be moved between a retracted or raised position (visible in the Figures 3 , 6 And 15) in which the valve pusher 8 is retracted to allow the closure of a valve 10a of a gas cartridge 10 (visible at the Figure 15 ) and a maximum forward position or a low position (visible at the Figure 9 in which the valve pusher 8 is advanced to allow the opening of the valve 10a of the gas cartridge 10 through a plurality of intermediate advanced positions. The valve pusher 8 is configured to slide inside the body 4. The valve pusher 8 is tubular in shape. The valve pusher 8 comprises a first annular portion 8a and a second annular portion 8b, the function of which will become apparent later. In the retracted position, the valve pusher 8 is arranged to be fluidly disconnected from the gas cartridge 10. In the maximum advanced position or in the intermediate advanced position, the valve pusher 8 is arranged to be fluidly connected to the gas cartridge 10.

[0045] The 10 gas cartridge (visible at the Figure 15) includes a valve. The valve includes the poppet 10a, a seat 10b (or seal), and an elastic return element (not shown) that returns the poppet 10a to the seat 10b. The poppet 10a has a bottom wall 10c. The poppet 10a has a cross member 10d arranged on the bottom wall 10c to maintain a distance between the valve pusher 8 and the bottom wall 10c of the poppet 10a when the valve pusher 8 is in the advanced position (visible in the Figure 9 ). The 10 gas cartridge also includes a 10f collar.

[0046] When the valve pusher 8 is in the retracted position (visible to the Figures 3 , 6 And 15 ), the elastic return member pushes the valve 10a back towards the seat 10b. The valve 10a is in contact with the seat 10b and the gas contained by the gas cartridge 10 cannot flow between the valve 10a and the seat 10b and consequently cannot flow from the outside of the valve 10a into the inside of the valve 10a.

[0047] When the valve pusher 8 is in its maximum forward position (visible at the Figure 9 In the fully advanced or intermediate position, the valve pusher 8 pushes the valve 10a in the opposite direction to the seat 10b. The valve 10a is separated from the seat 10b, and the gas contained in the gas cartridge 10 can flow between the valve 10a and the seat 10b. The valve pusher 8 is in contact with the cross member 10d and is thus separated from the bottom wall 10c of the valve 10a. The valve pusher 8 is also separated from the side wall 10e of the valve 10a. Thus, when the valve pusher 8 is in the fully advanced or intermediate position, the gas contained in the gas cartridge 10 can flow from the inside of the valve 10a into the inside of the valve pusher 8.

[0048] The connection device 2 includes a control element 12. The control element 12 is configured to be mounted on the body 4 and alternately detached from the body 4. The control element 12 is configured to be moved between a closed position (visible to the Figures 1 to 6 And 12 à 15 ) and a maximum opening position (visible to Figures 7 to 9 ) by passing through a plurality of intermediate opening positions. In the closed position, the control member 12 moves the valve pusher 8 to a retracted position (visible at Figures 3 , 6 And 15 ). In the fully open position, the control member 12 moves the valve pusher 8 to its maximum forward position (visible at the Figure 9 ). In the intermediate open position, the control member 12 moves the valve pusher 8 to the intermediate advanced position.

[0049] The valve pusher 8 and the control member 12 are configured so that when the control member 12 is moved between the closed position (visible at Figures 1 to 6 And 12 à 15 ) and a first intermediate opening position (visible at the Figure 11 The valve pusher 8 remains in the retracted position. Thus, the connection device 2 compensates for industrial tolerances and ensures that fluid connection is not established between the valve pusher 8 and the gas cartridge 10 when the control member 12 is moved between the closed position (visible in the Figures 1 to 6 And 12 à 15 ) and the first intermediate opening position (visible at the Figure 11 ).

[0050] The valve pusher 8 and the control member 12 are configured so that when the control member 12 is moved between the first intermediate opening position (visible at the Figure 11) and a second intermediate opening position (not shown) with a fixed pitch; the valve pusher 8 is moved between the retracted position (visible in the Figures 3 , 6 And 15 ) and an intermediate forward position (not shown) with a variable pitch.

[0051] The valve pusher 8 and the control member 12 are configured so that when the control member 12 is moved between the second intermediate opening position (not shown) and the maximum opening position (visible at Figures 7 to 9 ) with a fixed pitch, the valve pusher 8 is moved between the intermediate forward position (not shown) and the maximum forward position (visible at the Figure 9 ) with a fixed or variable pitch.

[0052] When the control element is moved between the first intermediate opening position (visible at the Figure 11In the second intermediate opening position (not shown), the push valve 8 is fluidly connected to the gas cartridge 10. The opening of the valve 10a of the gas cartridge 10 increases (e.g., non-linearly or sinusoidally). The gas flow rate through the valve 10a of the gas cartridge 10 also increases (e.g., non-linearly or sinusoidally).

[0053] When the control element 12 is moved between the second intermediate opening position (not shown) and the maximum opening position (visible at Figures 7 to 9The push valve 8 is always fluidly connected to the gas cartridge. The opening of the valve 10a of the gas cartridge 10 increases (e.g., linearly or sinusoidally) until it reaches a maximum opening. The gas flow rate through the valve 10a of the gas cartridge 10 also increases (e.g., linearly or sinusoidally) until it reaches a maximum flow rate (full flow). This facilitates the adjustment of the gas flow rate between the gas cartridge 10 and the gas appliance.

[0054] Here, the control member 12 comprises a camshaft 12a, a cam 12b mounted at one end of the camshaft 12a, and an adjustment knob 12c (or handwheel) mounted at the other end of the camshaft 12a. The cam 12b is arranged to bear against the valve pusher 8. Here, the cam 12b is arranged to be received between the first annular portion 8a and the second annular portion 8b of the valve pusher 8. The cam 12b is arranged to bear against the second annular portion 8b when the control member 12 is moved from the closed position (visible in the Figures 1 to 6 And 12 à 15 ) to the maximum opening position (visible to Figures 7 to 9 ). The cam 12b is arranged to bear against the first annular portion 8a when the control member 12 is moved from the maximum opening position (visible in the Figures 7 to 9 ) in the closed position (visible to Figures 1 to 6 And 12 à 15The pitch of the valve pusher 8 is defined by the shape of the valve pusher 8 and / or the cam 12b. Here, the adjustment knob 12c is arranged to be rotated at least between 0 and 180 degrees. The first intermediate opening position (visible at the Figure 11 The first position is between 20 and 100 degrees. The second intermediate opening position (not shown) is between 105 and 180 degrees. It is understood that other ranges of values ​​are possible.

[0055] The control member 12 is mounted on the body 4, for example by a headless screw 13 received in a bore of the body 4 and a semi-circular groove of the cam 12b.

[0056] The stroke of the control member 12 between the first closed position and the maximum open position is long (typically 180 degrees). In contrast, the stroke of the valve pusher 8 between the retracted position and the maximum forward position is very short (typically on the order of 1 mm). Therefore, it can be difficult to convert the long stroke of the control member 12 to the short stroke of the valve pusher 8, and it can be difficult to fine-tune the position of the valve pusher 8, the opening of the valve 10a, and the gas flow rate of the gas cartridge.

[0057] One solution to this problem could be to fine-tune the shape of the 12b cam. However, the required industrial tolerances would be too small (typically on the order of a hundredth of a millimeter) and the associated costs would clearly be too high in view of the objective.

[0058] An alternative solution to this problem is described later with reference to Figures 20 to 29and proposes to modify the gas cartridge 10 rather than focusing on the shape of the cam 12b.

[0059] The connection device 2 includes a locking element 14 (visible at Figures 3 , 6 , 9 And 10 ) configured to be moved between an unlocked position (visible at the Figure 3 ) and a locked position (visible to Figures 6 , 9 And 15 ).

[0060] When the locking member 14 is in the locked position (visible to the Figures 6 , 9 And 15 ) the locking member 14 locks the connection device 2 to the gas cartridge 10. When the locking member 14 is in the unlocked position (visible at the Figure 3The locking member unlocks the connection device 2 to the gas cartridge. The locking member 14 is mounted on the body 4, for example by screws 15 received through holes in the locking member 14 and bores in the body 4.

[0061] Here, the locking member 14 comprises a ring with tabs. The tabs extend longitudinally (i.e., along an axis parallel to the axis of the valve pusher 8). The tabs are elastically deformable radially (i.e., they are elastically deformable or displaceable along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the valve pusher 8).

[0062] The connection device 2 includes a control element 16 configured to be moved between an unlocked position (visible at Figures 1 to 3 ) and a locking position (visible to the Figures 4 to 9 , 14 and 15 ). When the control element 16 is in the locked position (visible to the Figures 4 to 9 , 14 and 15 ) the control member 16 moves the locking member 14 into the locked position (visible to the Figures 6 , 9 And 15 ). When the control element 16 is in the unlocked position (visible at Figures 1 to 3 ) the control member 16 moves the locking member 14 into the unlocked position (visible at the Figure 3 ).

[0063] Here, the control member 16 has a ring with projections. The projections extend radially (i.e., extending along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the valve pusher 8) inwards.

[0064] The control member 16 is rotatably mounted on the locking member 14 so that when the control member 16 is in the locked position (visible to the Figures 4 to 9 , 14 and 15) the projections press against the legs and the legs are deformed or moved radially inwards to hook the collar 10f of the gas cartridge 10. When the control member 16 is in the unlocked position (visible at Figures 1 to 3 ) the projections release the legs and the legs are no longer deformed or displaced radially inwards to hook the collar 10f of the gas cartridge 10.

[0065] The control element 12 and the control element 16 are configured so that when the control element 16 is in the unlocked position (visible to the Figures 1 to 3 ) the control element 16 prohibits the movement of the control element 12 between the closed position and the maximum open position or between the closed position and an intermediate open position.

[0066] Conversely, the control element 12 and the control element 16 are configured so that when the control element 12 is in the maximum open position (visible to the Figures 7 to 9 ) or in an intermediate open position, the control member 12 prevents the control member 16 from moving between the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0067] Here, the control element 12 and the control element 16 are configured so that when the control element 16 is in the unlocked position (visible to the Figures 1 to 3 ) the control element 16 is directly above the control element 12.

[0068] For example, control element 12 and control element 16 are configured so that when control element 16 is in the unlocked position (visible to the Figures 1 to 3 ) a flat of the control member 12 is opposite a flat of the control member 16.

[0069] The control element 12 and the control element 16 are configured so that when the control element 16 is in the locked position (visible to the Figures 4 to 9 , 14 and 15 ) the control element 16 allows the movement of the control element 12 between the closed position and the maximum open position or between the closed position and an intermediate open position.

[0070] Conversely, the control element 12 and the control element 16 are configured so that when the control element 12 is in the closed position (visible to the Figures 1 to 6 And 12 à 15 ) the control member 12 allows the movement of the control member 16 between the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0071] Here, control element 12 and control element 16 are configured so that when the second control element is in the locked position (visible to the Figures 4 to 9 , 14 and 15) the control element 16 is not directly above the control element 12.

[0072] For example, control element 12 and control element 16 are configured so that when control element 16 is in the locked position (visible to Figures 4 to 9 , 14 and 15 ) a flat of the control member 12 is not opposite a flat of the control member 16.

[0073] It is understood that other mechanisms are possible. Instead of a mechanism using flats, it is possible, for example, to use a mechanism using a pin and a hole.

[0074] The connection device 2 includes a centering member 18 arranged to center the connection device 2 and the gas cartridge 10. Here, the centering member 18 and the locking member are formed as a single unit. The centering member 18 includes a ring arranged to be received inside the collar 10f of the gas cartridge 10.

[0075] The connecting device 2 comprises a plurality of magnets 20. The plurality of magnets 20 is arranged to extend above the collar 10f of the gas cartridge 10 when the ring is received inside the collar 10f of the gas cartridge 10. Here, the plurality of magnets is arranged in a circular fashion. The plurality of magnets is arranged along equiangular lines. The equiangular lines form angles of 120 degrees. The plurality of magnets is arranged in groups of magnets. Each group of magnets comprises two or three magnets. Each magnet extends longitudinally (i.e., extends along an axis parallel to the axis of the valve pusher 8). Each magnet is received in an orifice of the centering member 18 provided for this purpose.

[0076] Connection device 2 is now described in use.

[0077] Initially the connection device 2 and the gas cartridge 10 are disconnected mechanically and fluidly.

[0078] A user mounts the gas appliance onto the connection device 2.

[0079] The user returns the gas appliance and the connection device 2 to the gas cartridge 10. The connection device 2 is mechanically connected to the gas cartridge 10 (visible at Figures 1 to 3 ). The centering member 18 is received in the collar 10f of the gas cartridge 10. The plurality of magnets 20 retains the connection device 2 to the gas cartridge 10.

[0080] The user locks the connection device 2 to the gas cartridge 10. The user moves the control member 16 from the unlocked position to the locked position (visible in the Figures 4 to 6 ).

[0081] The user smoothly connects the connection device 2 to the gas cartridge 10. The user moves the control element 12 from the closed position to the maximum open position (visible at Figures 7 to 9 ) or to an intermediate opening position.

[0082] Connection device 2 is advantageous because the mechanical connection, locking, and fluidic connection steps are separate. The locking step cannot be performed until the mechanical connection step is complete. Similarly, the fluidic connection step cannot be performed until the locking step is complete. Therefore, the mechanical connection, locking, and fluidic connection steps can be performed more securely.

[0083] After use, the user smoothly disconnects the connection device 2 from the gas cartridge 10. The user moves the control element 12 from the fully open position or an intermediate open position to the closed position (visible in the Figures 4 to 6 ).

[0084] The user unlocks the connection device 2 to the gas cartridge 10. The user moves the control member 16 from the locked position to the unlocked position (visible in the Figures 1 to 3 ).

[0085] The user mechanically disconnects the connection device 2 from the gas cartridge 10. The centering element 18 is no longer received in the collar 10f of the gas cartridge 10. The plurality of magnets 20 no longer retains the connection device 2 to the gas cartridge 10.

[0086] The user removes the gas appliance from the connection device 2.

[0087] Connection device 2 is advantageous because the fluid disconnection, unlocking, and mechanical disconnection steps are separate. The unlocking step cannot be performed until the fluid disconnection step has been completed. Similarly, the mechanical disconnection step cannot be performed until the unlocking step has been completed. Therefore, the fluid disconnection, unlocking, and mechanical disconnection steps can be carried out more safely.

[0088] As the fluidic disconnection step is distinct from the unlocking and mechanical disconnection steps, during the unlocking and mechanical disconnection steps no gas escapes from the connection device 2 or the gas cartridge 10 and the "pschitt" effect is eliminated.

[0089] THE Figures 16 and 17represent a second gas appliance connection device 102 (not shown). As with connection device 2, connection device 102 is attached to the gas cartridge 10. However, the gas appliance is no longer mounted on the connection device 102. The gas appliance is located next to the connection device 102 and is mechanically and fluidly connected to it via a hose. The injector 6 is replaced by an outlet 106 opening to the side rather than upwards. For example, the gas appliance could be a multi-burner stove.

[0090] THE Figures 18 and 19represent a third gas appliance connection device 202 (not shown). As with connection device 2, the gas appliance is mounted on the connection device 202. However, the connection device 202 and the gas appliance are no longer attached to the gas cartridge 10. The connection device 202 and the gas appliance are placed on the floor, and the gas cartridge is attached beneath the connection device 202 and the gas appliance. The control element 16 is replaced by a control element 116 with a handle that facilitates operation of the control element 116 without accessing the area under the gas appliance. For example, the gas appliance could be a grill.

[0091] There Figure 20This is a cross-sectional view of a 310 gas cartridge. The 310 gas cartridge may contain gas (it may be full or partially full) or it may be empty (it may be empty). The gas may be a petroleum-based gas. The gas may contain a mixture of propane and / or butane.

[0092] The gas cartridge 310 has a collar 312 and a valve 314 arranged inside the collar 312. The valve 314 has a cage 316, a first flap 318 (more visible at Figures 21 and 22 ), a seat 320 (or seal), an elastic return member 322 returning the first valve 318 towards the seat 320.

[0093] The first valve 318 is configured to be moved between a closed position and a maximum open position through a plurality of intermediate open positions.

[0094] The first valve 318 includes a first contact portion 318a arranged to be in contact with the seal 320 when the valve 318 is in the closed position. The first contact portion 318a has longitudinal gas passages. The gas passages have grooves. The longitudinal gas passages open longitudinally at an upper end and a lower end. The longitudinal gas passages do not open radially. Here, the longitudinal gas passages comprise four longitudinal gas passages, but a different number of longitudinal gas passages can be used.

[0095] The first valve 318 includes a second contact portion 318b arranged to contact the push-button 8 of the gas appliance connection device 2, 102, or 202 when the first valve 318 is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position through the plurality of intermediate open positions. The second contact portion 318b has a cross-shaped cross. The second contact portion 318b has a male form. The second contact portion 318b has a projection for cooperating with the push-button 8 of the gas appliance connection device 2, 102, or 202.

[0096] The first valve 318 includes a connecting portion 318c linking the first contact portion 318a and the second contact portion 318b shaped so that a gas passage section between the seal 320 and the connecting portion 318c increases when the first valve 318 is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position through the plurality of intermediate open positions.

[0097] In the illustrated example, the seal 320 has a longitudinal 'T' cross-section. The seal 320 comprises a head and a straight cylindrical body inside which the connecting portion 318c of the first valve 318 is received. The connecting portion 318c of the first valve 318 is frustoconical. The gas passage cross-section between the seal 320 and the connecting portion 318c of the first valve 318 can be defined as the smaller cross-section between the body of the seal 320 and the connecting portion 318c of the first valve 318.

[0098] In another unillustrated example, the seal 320 may have a frustoconical body and the connecting portion 318c of the first valve 318 may be straight cylindrical.

[0099] The body 320b of the joint 320 and the connecting portion 318c of the first valve 318 form an angle between 3 and 40 degrees, between 3 and 30 degrees, between 3 and 20 degrees or between 3 and 10 degrees.

[0100] Initially, the connection device 2, 102 or 202 of the gas appliance and the gas cartridge 310 can be disconnected mechanically and fluidly.

[0101] A user can mechanically connect the gas appliance connection device 2, 102 or 202 to the gas cartridge 310 by bringing the gas appliance connection device 2, 102 or 202 onto the gas cartridge 310 or vice versa by bringing the gas cartridge 310 under the gas appliance connection device 2, 102 or 202.

[0102] The user can smoothly connect the gas appliance connection device 2, 102, or 202 to the gas cartridge 310. The valve pusher 8 can be moved from a retracted position to a maximum forward position through a plurality of intermediate forward positions. Thus, the first valve 318 can be moved between the closed position and the maximum open position through a plurality of intermediate open positions.

[0103] When the first valve 318 is in the closed position, the gas flow rate has a zero value.

[0104] When the first valve 318 is in the maximum open position, the gas flow rate has a maximum value (full flow).

[0105] When the first valve 318 is in the intermediate open position, the gas flow rate has an intermediate value.

[0106] The connecting portion 318b of the first valve 318 is shaped so that the gas passage cross-section between the seal 320 and the connecting portion 318b increases progressively (linearly or non-linearly) when the valve 318 is moved between the closed position and the maximum open position through the plurality of intermediate open positions.

[0107] The gas passage section between the seal and the connecting portion 318c of the valve can be defined as the smallest section between the seal 320 and the connecting portion of the first valve 318.

[0108] Thus, the 318c connecting portion of the valve is shaped so that the gas flow rate can be adjusted progressively. The gas flow rate can have a plurality of intermediate values ​​in addition to a zero value and a maximum value (and no longer just a zero value and a maximum value as in some so-called "ON / OFF" gas cartridges).

[0109] The stroke of the valve 318 between the closed position and the maximum open position, passing through the plurality of intermediate open positions, can be less than or equal to 5mm, 4mm, 3mm or 1mm.

[0110] THE Figures 23 and 24 illustrate a second valve 418 capable of replacing the first valve 318 in the gas cartridge 310. The second valve 418 differs from the first valve 318 in that it has a second contact portion 418b. The second contact portion 418b has a female shape. The second contact portion 418b has a recess designed to cooperate with the valve pusher 8 of the connection device 2, 102, or 202 of the gas appliance.

[0111] THE Figures 25 and 26illustrate a third valve 518 capable of replacing the first valve 318 in the gas cartridge 310. The third valve 518 differs from the second valve 418 in that it has a connecting portion 518c. The connecting portion 518c is straight cylindrical. The connecting portion 518c has a plurality of longitudinal openings 522. The plurality of longitudinal openings 522 has four longitudinal openings 522. The plurality of longitudinal openings 522 has a plurality of grooves.

[0112] The plurality of longitudinal openings 522 is radially closed. In other words, the plurality of longitudinal openings 522 is radially blind. The plurality of longitudinal openings 522 is longitudinally open at one upper end. The plurality of longitudinal openings 522 is longitudinally closed at one lower end.

[0113] The plurality of longitudinal openings 522 includes different lengths.

[0114] The plurality of longitudinal openings 522 is distributed equi-angularly (at regular angles) around the connecting portion 518c of the second flap 518.

[0115] There Figure 27 This illustrates a fourth valve 618 capable of replacing the first valve 318 in the gas cartridge 310. The fourth valve 618 differs from the third valve 518 in that it includes a connecting portion 618c. The connecting portion 618c has a plurality of longitudinal openings 622. The plurality of longitudinal openings 622 has six longitudinal openings 622.

[0116] There Figure 28Figure 718 illustrates a fifth valve that can replace the first valve 318 in the gas cartridge 310. The fifth valve 718 differs from the third valve 518 in that it has a connecting portion 718c. The connecting portion 718c has a plurality of longitudinal openings 722. The plurality of longitudinal openings 722 has eight longitudinal openings 722.

[0117] There Figure 29 This illustrates a sixth valve 818 capable of replacing the first valve 318 in the gas cartridge 310. The sixth valve 818 differs from the third valve 518 in that it includes a connecting portion 818c. The connecting portion 818c has a plurality of longitudinal openings 822. The plurality of longitudinal openings 822 has ten longitudinal openings 822.

[0118] It should be noted that the gas appliance connection device 2, 102, or 202, as such, does not fall within the scope of protection of the claims. However, the gas appliance connection device 2, 102, or 202, in combination with the gas cartridge 310, does fall within the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A gas cartridge (310) including a valve (314) comprising a seal (320) and a flap (318; 418; 518; 618; 718; 818) configured to be moved between a closed position and a fully open position through a plurality of intermediate open positions, wherein the flap (318; 418; 518; 618; 718; 818) comprises: a first contact portion arranged to be in contact with the seal (320) when the flap (318; 418; 518; 618; 718; 818) is in the closed position; a second contact portion arranged to be in contact with a valve pusher (8) of a connection device (2; 102; 202) for gas appliance when the flap (318; 418; 518; 618; 718; 818) is moved between the closed position and the fully open position through the plurality of intermediate open positions; and a connecting portion connecting the first contact portion and the second contact portion, the connecting portion being shaped such that a gas flow cross-section between the seal (320) and the connecting portion progressively increases when the flap (318; 418; 518; 618; 718; 818) is moved between the closed position and the fully open position through the plurality of intermediate open positions; characterised in that the seal (320) includes a head and a body, the body receiving the connecting portion connecting the first contact portion and the second contact portion such that the seal (320) has a T-shaped longitudinal cross-section, and in that: (i) the connecting portion connecting the first contact portion and the second contact portion is frustoconical, and the body of the seal (320) is cylindrical; or (ii) the connecting portion connecting the first contact portion and the second contact portion is cylindrical, and the body of the seal (320) is frustoconical; or (iii) the connecting portion connecting the first contact portion and the second contact portion is cylindrical and includes a plurality of longitudinal openings, and the body of the seal (320) is cylindrical, so as to progressively adjust a gas flow rate when the flap (318; 418; 518; 618; 718; 818) is moved between the closed position and the fully open position through the plurality of intermediate open positions.

2. The gas cartridge (310) according to claim 1, wherein the body of the seal (320) and the intermediate portion of the flap (318; 418; 518; 618; 718; 818) form an angle between 3 and 40 degrees, between 3 and 30 degrees, between 3 and 20 degrees, or between 3 and 10 degrees.

3. The gas cartridge (310) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of longitudinal openings are radially non-through.

4. The gas cartridge (310) according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the plurality of longitudinal openings are longitudinally through.

5. The gas cartridge (310) according to claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of longitudinal openings have different lengths.

6. The gas cartridge (310) according to claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of longitudinal openings include 4, 6, 8 or 10 longitudinal openings.

7. The gas cartridge (310) according to claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of longitudinal openings are evenly angularly distributed around the connecting portion of the flap (518; 618; 718; 818).

8. The gas cartridge (310) according to claims 1 to 7, wherein the second contact portion includes a crosspiece.

9. The gas cartridge (310) according to claim 8, wherein the second contact portion has a male or female shape.

10. The gas cartridge (310) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the stroke of the flap (318; 418; 518; 618; 718; 818) between the closed position and the fully open position through the plurality of intermediate open positions is less than or equal to 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm or 1 mm.

11. The gas cartridge (310) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the gas cartridge is full, partially full, or free of gas.

12. An assembly including: a gas cartridge (310) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and a connection device (2; 102; 202) for gas appliance, comprising: a valve pusher (8) configured to be moved between a retracted position and a fully advanced position through a plurality of intermediate advanced positions; and a first actuating member (12) configured to be moved between a closed position in which the first actuating member (12) moves the valve pusher (8) into the retracted position, and a fully open position in which the first actuating member (12) moves the valve pusher (8) into the fully advanced position, through a plurality of intermediate open positions in which the first actuating member (12) moves the valve pusher into the plurality of intermediate advanced positions.

Images