Pressurized fluid container with functional structural elements

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressurized fluid container (1), particularly for pressurized gases, comprising a casing (2) whose internal surface defines a storage volume, said casing (2) comprising an end (21) having an orifice (211) communicating fluidly with said storage volume and configured to accommodate a valve (100), characterized in that the external surface of said casing (2) comprises at least one protrusion (5) formed integrally with said casing (2), said protrusion (5) forming a protective wall arranged around all or part of said orifice (211). The invention also relates to equipment fitted with this container and to the method for manufacturing this container. Abstract figure: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Pressure fluid container with functional structural elements

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for pressurized fluid, the fluid being for example an industrial gas typically stored at a pressure between 50 and 300 bar.

[0002] It is known from the prior art to use pressure vessels equipped with pressure reducing valves and protective caps. These caps are mounted on the pressure fluid vessel. They allow, for example, the carrying or slinging of the latter or, for example, the stacking of several vessels. These protective caps also protect the valve of the pressure equipment in the event of a fall.

[0003] Application EP2541119A1 discloses an example of a pressurized fluid container onto which a valve with an integrated pressure regulator is screwed. Document FR3109199A1 discloses a container equipped with a valve with an integrated pressure regulator, a cap protecting it and comprising a stabilizing structure. Document EP 0939875B1 discloses a protective cover for a compressed gas cylinder in which the gas cylinder is housed.

[0004] These devices impose on manufacturers expensive and complex assembly processes to implement. Furthermore, the protective caps must be designed specifically for a particular use, for example a protective cap for medical use during transport by ambulance is less bulky but slinging the container with this cap will be prohibited or limited. This type of cap in the medical field has the sole function of protecting the tap. Its geometry closest to the tap does not allow for a structure strong enough to support slinging, for example. A cap intended for industrial use has, for example, the function of allowing the bottle to be carried. Another cap has, for example, the function of allowing manual gripping by the user to facilitate the movement of the bottle. Therefore, the choice of functions available on a cap for the user is limited.

[0005] Protective caps and hoods are also designed specifically for a cylinder and / or a pressure reducing valve. The cap disclosed in document FR3109199A1 is designed specifically for a particular valve. This cap is therefore not adaptable to cylinders equipped with another integrated pressure reducing valve. This cap does not offer sufficient internal volume to allow the choice of using another valve.

[0006] Furthermore, another problem arises for large containers, for example For example, bottles over 50L. These containers can be equipped with caps that allow a user to grip them manually. However, this solution is not ergonomic. The bottles are sometimes too high to allow easy gripping of the cap.

[0007] Thus, this equipment does not allow us to offer solutions that are adaptable, ergonomic and functional.

[0008] Traditionally these containers are made by forging and / or welding. Other methods can be implemented, as in document US2016061381A1 which discloses a gas cylinder made by additive manufacturing with internal structures allowing the container to withstand higher pressures. No functionality is offered to the user, the valve is not protected and the cylinder has no cap.

[0009] The manufacture of caps and pressure reducing valves also involves other processes such as machining and inspection during their manufacture. Once the container, cap and valve have been manufactured, it is still necessary to assemble them together. However, depending on the design of the equipment, these assembly processes can be complex and require multiple steps and various tools.

[0010] The present invention aims to effectively remedy these drawbacks by proposing a pressurized fluid container making it possible to protect the tap and possibly allowing an arrangement of several functionalities that are both adaptable and ergonomic, while avoiding complex assembly and manufacturing processes.

[0011] A solution of the invention is then a container for pressurized fluid, in particular pressurized gas, comprising a casing whose internal surface defines a storage volume, the casing comprising an end comprising an orifice communicating fluidly with said storage volume and configured to accommodate a tap, characterized in that the external surface of the casing comprises at least one protuberance formed in one piece with the casing, the protuberance forming a protective wall arranged around all or part of said orifice.

[0012] Depending on the case, the invention may comprise one or more of the characteristics set out below.

[0013] Said envelope is produced by an additive manufacturing process, in particular of the Arc-Fil type.

[0014] Said protuberance forms a sleeve all around said orifice.

[0015] Said external surface of said envelope comprises a plurality of protrusions arranged around said orifice.

[0016] Said orifice comprises an internal face through which said orifice opens into said storage volume and an external face through which said orifice opens to the outside of said envelope, said orifice extending from said internal face towards said external face in a longitudinal direction Z, said protuberance extending from said external surface of said envelope to a vertex S, said vertex S being positioned at a distance D from said external face, said distance D being measured from the external face in the longitudinal direction Z.

[0017] Said vertex S is positioned at a distance D of more than 10 mm from said external face following the longitudinal direction Z.

[0018] Said protuberance comprises at least one recess configured to access a user outlet of said tap when said tap is assembled on said orifice and / or configured to allow the carrying of said container.

[0019] Said external surface of the casing comprises at least one boss or cavity being made in one piece with the casing and provided with a member for fixing at least one wheel.

[0020] Said external surface of the casing comprises a base, at least one boss and / or cavity being made in one piece with the casing, located on said end or said base and configured to allow nesting with respectively at least one other cavity and / or another boss having shapes complementary to those of said boss and / or cavity and located on a base or an end of another container.

[0021] Said external surface of the casing comprises a peripheral zone extending between the base and the end, at least one boss and / or cavity being made in one piece with the casing, located on said peripheral zone and configured to allow nesting with respectively at least one other cavity and / or another boss having shapes complementary to those of said boss and / or cavity and located on said peripheral zone of another container.

[0022] Said external surface of said envelope comprises at least one cavity provided with a protective element projecting outside the cavity, for example a protective element made of rubber or foam.

[0023] Said container is coated at least in part with a layer of a material comprising carbon fibers or fiberglass.

[0024] The invention also relates to pressure equipment, comprising a container according to the invention, a tap assembled with the orifice of the container, the at least one protuberance forming a protective wall arranged around all or part of said tap.

[0025] Depending on the case, said tap is composed of an internal part intended to be fixed to said orifice and an external part protruding from the orifice towards the outside and of height H, said apex S of said protuberance is positioned at a distance D greater than said height H of said external face, the distance D and the height H being measured in the longitudinal direction, so that said protuberance is configured to protect the end and said tap when said tap is assembled on said orifice.

[0026] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the container comprising a step of producing the envelope of the container by additive manufacturing, during which said envelope is formed by a successive superposition of layers, the formation of each layer using, under a gaseous atmosphere, a metal wire and an electric arc, said metal wire being melted by said electric arc so as to produce a deposit of molten metal forming a layer of the envelope.

[0027] Depending on the case, the method of manufacturing the container comprises at least one of the following steps:

[0028] a) A step of heat treatment of the container body

[0029] b) A finishing operation, for example a machining operation.

[0030] c) A step of placing by winding a coating based on carbon fibers or glass fibers, pre-impregnated.

[0031] The invention will now be better understood thanks to the description which follows, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended figures among which:

[0032] [Fig. 1] is a schematic and sectional representation of a first embodiment of the container according to the invention;

[0033] [Fig.2] is a schematic, sectional and close-up representation of the embodiment of [Fig.l];

[0034] [Fig.3] is a schematic, sectional and close-up representation of a second embodiment of the invention;

[0035] [Fig.4] is a schematic and sectional representation of a third embodiment of the container according to the invention;

[0036] [Fig.5] is a schematic and sectional representation of a fourth embodiment of the container according to the invention;

[0037] [Fig.6] is a schematic and sectional representation of a fifth embodiment of the container according to the invention;

[0038] With reference to [Fig.l], the container 1 of pressurized fluid according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises a casing 2 whose internal surface defines a storage volume. The storage volume contains the pressurized fluid, in particular a pressurized gas. The casing 2 comprises an end 21 comprising an orifice 211. This orifice 211 communicates fluidically with the storage volume. It is configured to accommodate a tap 100, which is fixed for example by means of a thread in or around the orifice. The tap 100 is for example a tap for opening or closing the storage volume or a tap 100 with integrated relaxation.

[0039] According to the invention, the external surface of the casing 2 comprises at least one protuberance 5 formed in a single piece with the casing 2. This protuberance 5 is configured so as to form a protective wall arranged around all or part of said orifice 211. The protuberance 5 can protect the orifice 211 in the event of an impact, a fall of the container 1 or against the penetration of surrounding dust. Depending on its size, the protuberance 5 can also protect all or part of the tap 100 mounted on the container. Thus, the orifice 211 is kept intact for any subsequent use of the container 1. The fact of manufacturing the casing 2 and the protuberance 5 in a single piece makes it possible to dispense with the addition of a cap on the container, the protuberance being able to fulfill at least the function of protecting the orifice and / or the tap 100.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the protuberance 5 may have the form of a wall partially surrounding the orifice 211. According to another embodiment, the protuberance 5 forms a sleeve all around said orifice 211. In particular, the sleeve is arranged so as to leave the space necessary to be able, for example, to fix a tap 100 on the orifice 211.

[0041] In another embodiment, the external surface of the casing 2 comprises a plurality of protrusions 5 around the orifice. These protrusions may be of different dimensions, for example for reasons of accessibility of the tap 100 or to allow the use of maintenance tools.

[0042] According to one embodiment and with reference to [Fig.2] the orifice 211 comprises an internal face 211a through which the orifice 211 opens into the storage volume and the orifice 211 comprises an external face 211b through which the orifice opens to the outside of the envelope. The orifice 211 extends in a longitudinal direction Z from the internal face 211a towards the external face 211b. The protuberance 5 is defined as extending from the external surface of the casing 2 to a vertex S, said vertex S being positioned at a level higher than that of said external face 211b following the longitudinal direction Z. With reference to [Fig.3] the vertex S is located at a distance D from the external face 211b of the orifice, the distance D being measured in the longitudinal direction Z. The distance D can be determined according to the congestion conditions in the user's environment.For example, the position of the top S can be limited in relation to a laboratory hood or even a storage drawer.

[0043] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the apex S is positioned at a distance D of more than 10 mm from said external face 211b following the longitudinal direction Z. Thus the protuberance 5 protects the orifice 211 and all or part of the tap 100.

[0044] With reference to [Fig.4], the protuberance 5 comprises at least one recess 51 configured to allow access to a user outlet of said tap 100 when said tap 100 is assembled on said orifice 211. The user outlet allows for example the connection of a draw-off pipe, a flow meter or even an electronic element for retrieving data. The recess 51 can also be configured to allow the carrying of said container. The recess 51 then allows the attachment of the carrying system like a shackle or a hook. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the recess 51 fulfills the two functions, namely access to a user outlet and the carrying of the container 1.

[0045] With reference to [Fig.5], the external surface of the casing 2 comprises at least one boss 7 or a cavity 8 made in one piece with the casing 2. This boss 7 or cavity 8 is provided with a member for fixing at least one wheel 6. This configuration allows the user to easily move the container when a wheel 6 is fixed on the fixing member. The production of a single piece makes it possible to avoid an additional machining step to produce the boss 7 or cavity 8.

[0046] With reference to [Fig.6], the external surface of the casing 2 comprises a base 22 and an end 21. At least one boss 7 is made in one piece with the casing 2. This boss 7 is located on said end 21 and configured to allow fitting with respectively at least one cavity 8 having a shape complementary to that of said boss located on a base 22 of another container.

[0047] According to another alternative or complementary possibility, at least one cavity 8 is made in one piece with the casing 2 on the base 22 and is configured to allow fitting with respectively at least one boss 7 located on one end 21 of yet another container and having a shape complementary to that of said cavity 8.

[0048] The end 21 of the external surface of the casing 2 may thus have at least one cavity 8 or at least one boss 7, or a combination of cavities 8 and bosses 7. The base 22 of the external surface of the casing 2 may also have at least one cavity 8 or at least one boss 7, or a combination of cavities 8 and bosses 7. These configurations of the container have the advantage of allowing the stacking of several containers, thus facilitating their storage and reducing the floor space occupied by the containers.

[0049] In another embodiment, the external surface of the casing 2 comprises a peripheral zone 23 extending between the base 22 and the end 21. At least one boss 7 and / or one cavity 8 is made in one piece with the casing 2. The boss 7 and / or the cavity 8 is located on said peripheral zone 23 and configured to allow nesting with respectively at least one other cavity 8 and / or another boss 7 having shapes complementary to those of said boss and / or cavity and located on said peripheral zone 23 of another container. This embodiment allows to nest the containers perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z, and to increase the stability of the containers placed on the ground.

[0050] The cross-section of the cavity 8 and the boss 7 may be, for example, rectangular, polygonal or circular. The cavity 8 and the boss 7 may also be, for example, dovetail-shaped.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the cavity 8 and / or boss 7 of the casing 2 of the peripheral zone comprises teeth shaped to allow manual gripping of the container. This configuration allows the user to have a more ergonomic manual gripping of the container. In particular when the bottles are tall, this configuration makes it possible to move the gripping usually carried out from the cap to a more accessible area of ​​the casing 2.

[0052] According to one possibility, the envelope 2 may comprise, at the peripheral zone 23, the end 21 and / or the base 22, several cavities and / or bosses having different shapes. For example, the cross-section of the cavity and / or boss is rectangular in shape on the base 22 and the end 21, but triangular in shape on the peripheral zone 23.

[0053] In another embodiment not shown, the external surface of the casing 2 comprises at least one cavity provided with a protective element projecting outside said cavity 8. For example, a protective element is made of elastic material, rubber or foam. This protective element makes it possible to absorb shocks and protect the container in the event of impact or falling.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the envelope 2 of the container 1 has a thickness which is between 2 and 8 mm, preferably between 3 and 5 mm.

[0055] In another embodiment, the container 1 is coated at least in part with a layer of a material comprising carbon fibers or glass fiber. This container thus coated forms a so-called composite container. The casing 2 of the container 1 is then produced with a thickness which is preferably between 1 and 5 mm, preferably between 2 and 4 mm. The container then coated is lighter than a conventional metal container.

[0056] The invention also relates to pressure equipment which comprises a container 1 according to the invention and a tap 100 assembled with the orifice 211. The protuberance 5 forms a protective wall arranged around all or part of said tap 100.

[0057] In one embodiment of the pressure equipment, the protrusion 5 protects the entire valve 100. Said valve 100 is then composed of an internal part intended to be fixed to the orifice 211 and an external part protruding from the orifice 211 towards the outside and of height H. To allow optimal protection of the valve 100, the top S of the protrusion 5 is positioned at a distance D greater than said height H, the distance D and the height H being measured in the longitudinal direction. tudinal Z. The height H is measured from the external face 211b to the top of the tap 100. Thus the protuberance 5 is configured to protect the end 21 and said tap 100 when said tap 100 is assembled on said orifice 211.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the casing 2 is produced by an additive manufacturing process, in particular of the Arc-Wire type. This additive manufacturing process has the advantage of allowing the container and the protrusions to be manufactured in a single piece. This manufacturing process also allows the recess 51 to be manufactured in a single piece. A first advantage of such a manufacturing process compared to a foundry process is first of all the obtaining of a material having higher mechanical resistance characteristics. This improves the resistance of the container obtained at high pressures can contain a pressurized fluid, for example between 50 and 300 bar. Furthermore, a foundry process would require numerous steps to obtain such configurations, as is the case for example with a lost wax casting process.A forging process would also be restrictive and expensive; to obtain the configurations presented in this application, numerous steps would be necessary. Additive manufacturing makes it possible to avoid several steps and complex and expensive tools.

[0059] Another advantage of manufacturing using additive manufacturing is that it meets the ISO 9809-1:2019, ISO 9809-2:2019, ISO 9809-3:2019 and ISO 9809-4:2019 standards, which require high-pressure type 1 containers to be seamless. Additive manufacturing makes it possible to meet this standard while adding the functionalities described in this application.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the recess 51 is produced with a drilling operation.

[0061] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the container 1. According to an advantageous embodiment, the method comprises a step of producing the casing 2 of the container 1 by additive manufacturing, during which the casing 2 is formed by a successive superposition of layers. The formation of each layer takes place under a gaseous atmosphere, and uses at least one metal wire and at least one electric arc. Different gases or mixtures of gases can be used, such as for example a mixture of argon and helium or a mixture of argon and CO2. In the case of a TIG type additive manufacturing process, acronym for "Tungsten Inert Gas" in English, the electric arc is formed either between a non-fusible electrode, typically made of tungsten, and the substrate which is the part to be manufactured layer by layer.In the case of an additive manufacturing process such as MIG / MAG, acronyms for "Metal Inert Gas" or "Metal Active Gas" in English, the electric arc is formed either between a fusible electrode serving as filler metal and the substrate which is the part to be manufactured layer by layer. The metal wire is thus melted by the electric arc so as to . carry out a deposit of molten metal forming a layer of the envelope. According to one embodiment, the rate of deposition of molten metal can range from 1 to 3 kilograms per hour. In particular, the wire diameters used can be between 0.5 and 1.2 mm. The material of the metal wire can be chosen from alloy steels, non-alloy steels, in particular stainless steels, carbon steels, aluminum, aluminum alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, manganese alloys.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the method for manufacturing the container 1 may comprise a heat treatment step which depends on the composition of the metal wire used. The manufacturing method may also comprise a finishing step, for example a machining operation. The machining operation may be carried out after the additive manufacturing step or simultaneously with it. The simultaneity of the two operations is made possible by the cooling of the lower layers as they are produced. Indeed, once a layer has cooled, a machining operation may take place while other layers are superimposed. The machining operation may, for example, consist of milling.

[0063] The manufacturing method may also comprise a step of placing by filament winding a coating based on carbon fibers or glass fibers around the container. According to one possible embodiment, to produce this filament winding, the container 1 is first impregnated with an epoxy resin, then the carbon or glass fiber is wound around the container. The filament winding finally comprises a drying step in a curing oven heated to a temperature possibly between 100 and 150°C for an epoxy resin. This drying temperature depends on the resin used.

[0064] Another technique can be used for the filament winding step. The carbon fiber can be pre-impregnated with resin, it is then wound around the container 1. Drying is then done simultaneously with the winding operation using an electrical resistance heating system for example. The carbon fiber can also be replaced by a drape of fibers which will be wound around the container.

[0065] The installation of a coating based on carbon fibers or glass fibers around the container makes it possible to obtain complex shapes while reducing the weight of the container. Furthermore, the surface condition of the container envelope produced by additive manufacturing is characterized by a greater roughness. For example, additive manufacturing makes it possible to obtain a greater roughness than that obtained by a foundry process. A surface roughness measurement defined by the ISO 1302 standard is the absolute roughness Ra. Additive manufacturing makes it possible to obtain a roughness Ra of between 2 and 40 micrometers, preferably between 3.2 and 20 micrometers. Such a surface condition allows better adhesion of the fibers to the container 1.

Claims

Claims

1. Container (1) for pressurized fluid, in particular pressurized gas, comprising a casing (2) whose internal surface defines a storage volume, said casing (2) comprising an end (21) comprising an orifice (211) fluidly communicating with said storage volume and configured to accommodate a tap (100), the external surface of said casing (2) comprising at least one protuberance (5) formed in one piece with said casing (2), said protuberance (5) forming a protective wall arranged around all or part of said orifice (211), the container being characterized in that said external surface of said casing (2) comprises a plurality of protuberances (5) arranged around said orifice (211).

2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that said envelope (2) is produced by an additive manufacturing process, in particular of the Arc-Wire type.

3. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said protuberance (5) forms a sleeve all around said orifice (211).

4. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said orifice (211) comprises an internal face (211a) through which said orifice (211) opens into said storage volume and an external face (211b) through which said orifice (211) opens to the outside of the casing, said orifice (211) extending from said internal face (211a) towards said external face (211b) in a longitudinal direction Z, the protuberance (5) extending from the external surface of the casing (2) to a vertex S, said vertex S being positioned at a distance D from said external face (211b), said distance D being measured from said external face (211b) in the longitudinal direction Z.

5. Container according to claim 4, characterized in that said vertex S is positioned at a distance D of more than 10 mm from said external face following the longitudinal direction Z.

6. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said protuberance (5) comprises at least one recess (51) configured to access a user outlet of said tap (100) when said tap (100) is assembled on said orifice (211) and / or configured to allow the carrying of said container.

7. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said external surface of the casing (2) comprises at least one boss (7) or a cavity (8) being made in one piece with said casing (2) and provided with a member for fixing at least one wheel (6).

8. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said external surface of the casing (2) comprises a base (22), at least one boss (7) and / or a cavity (8) being made in one piece with the casing (2), located on said end (21) or said base (22) and configured to allow nesting with respectively at least one other cavity (8) and / or another boss (7) having shapes complementary to those of said boss and / or cavity and located on a base (22) or an end (21) of another container.

9. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said external surface of the casing (2) comprises a peripheral zone (23) extending between the base (22) and the end (21), at least one boss (7) and / or one cavity (8) being made in one piece with the casing (2), located on said peripheral zone (23) and configured to allow nesting with respectively at least one other cavity (8) and / or another boss (7) having shapes complementary to those of said boss and / or cavity and located on said peripheral zone (23) of another container.

10. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said external surface of said envelope (2) comprises at least one cavity (8) provided with a protective element projecting outside said cavity (8), for example a protective element made of rubber or foam.

11. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said container (1) is coated at least in part with at least one layer of a material comprising carbon fibers or glass fiber.

12. Pressure equipment, characterized in that it comprises a container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a tap (100) assembled with the orifice (211), said at least one protuberance (5) forming a protective wall arranged around all or part of said tap (100).

13. Pressure equipment according to claim 12, characterized in that said valve (100) is composed of an internal part intended to be fixed to said orifice (211) and an external part protruding from the orifice towards the outside and of height H, said height H being measured in the longitudinal direction Z, said vertex S of said protuberance (5) being positioned at a distance D greater than said height H, so that said protuberance (5) is configured to protect the orifice (211) and said tap (100).

14. Method for manufacturing a container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a step of producing the casing (2) of the container by additive manufacturing, during which said casing (2) is formed by a successive superposition of layers of a filler metal, the formation of each layer using, under a gaseous atmosphere, a metal wire formed from said filler metal and an electric arc, said metal wire being melted by said electric arc so as to effect a deposit of molten metal forming a layer of the casing.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises at least one of the following steps: a) a step of heat treatment of the container body (1), b) a finishing operation, for example a machining operation, c) a step of placing by winding a coating based on carbon fibers or glass fibers, pre-impregnated.

Images