Conditioning device for a pressurized fluid

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging device configured to cooperate with a connector (1) for filling or withdrawing fluid from a container (18) of pressurized fluid, said packaging device comprising a structure (40) extending along a longitudinal axis A, a valve pusher (11), the valve pusher (11) comprising a body (11a) and at least one protective element (11b) arranged on said body, said at least one protective element (11b) being intended to come into contact at least in part with a valve (19, 19a, 19b) of the connector (1) for filling or withdrawing when the opening of said valve (19, 19a, 19b) is actuated, said body (11a) of the valve pusher (11) being formed of a first material and said at least one protective element (11b) being formed at least in part of a second material, said second material having a lower hardness to the hardness of the said first material. Abstract figure: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Conditioning device for a pressurized fluid

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging device for a pressurized fluid, a packaging system comprising such a device and a container, and the use of said device or said system.

[0002] It is known from the prior art to use packaging devices to withdraw fluid from a container or to fill it.

[0003] Thus, from application FR3101125A1, a packaging device is known which is designed to cooperate with a filling and / or withdrawal connection of a pressurized fluid container tap, the packaging device comprising a valve pusher which can move in a gas transfer pipe along a longitudinal axis to actuate the opening of at least one valve of the filling connection.

[0004] This type of device makes it possible to fill the container or to withdraw fluid maintained under pressure in a container. This type of device requires pushing the valve of a filling and / or withdrawal connection, thus making it possible to put a filling channel of the device into fluidic connection with the container. The movement of the valve can cause shocks or friction in the filling channel.

[0005] In another configuration disclosed in WO13076263A1 the removable pressurized fluid tap comprises a valve. This valve is a concentric double-valve valve. A first channel and a second channel distinct from the first channel are respectively closed by the outer valve and by the inner valve. The first channel allows the container to be filled and the second channel allows the fluid to be withdrawn from the container.

[0006] In this configuration, when the valve pusher is actuated to move the outer valve, a fluid connection is then made between the first channel and the channel of the packaging device. During this fluid connection, the filling flow exerts a force on the inner valve. The force exerted on the inner valve can cause the inner valve to open and apply forces to the elements of the withdrawal channel. Vibrations of the inner valve, and / or friction in this second channel can also be induced. The vibrations can generate premature wear of certain components, such as springs, but also friction producing particles which risk contaminating the fluid or damaging the sealing zones.

[0007] In addition, the force applied to push the valve will cause shocks on the surface of the valve(s).

[0008] The present invention aims to effectively remedy these drawbacks by proposing a packaging device which makes it possible to limit or even eliminate the damage caused by the use of such a device.

[0009] A solution of the invention is a packaging device configured to cooperate with a fluid filling or withdrawal connection of a pressurized fluid container, the packaging device comprising a structure extending along a longitudinal axis A, the packaging device comprising a valve pusher movable along the longitudinal axis A in a fluid transfer pipe of the structure to actuate the opening of at least one valve of an internal circuit of the fluid filling or withdrawal connection when the structure is brought into contact with the connection, so as to put the fluid transfer pipe into fluid communication with the internal circuit of the fluid filling or withdrawal connection, characterized in that the valve pusher comprises a body and at least one protective element arranged on the body,the at least one protective element being intended to come into contact at least in part with the valve when the opening of said valve is actuated, the body of the valve pusher being formed from a first material and the at least one protective element being formed at least in part from a second material, the second material having a hardness lower than the hardness of said first material.

[0010] Depending on the case, the invention may comprise one or more of the characteristics set out below.

[0011] The body comprises at least one downstream surface extending generally orthogonally to the longitudinal axis A, and the at least one protective element is arranged at the downstream surface.

[0012] The body comprises at least one lateral surface extending along the longitudinal axis A, and the at least one protective element is arranged at the lateral surface.

[0013] The body comprises a protuberance extending along the longitudinal axis A, at least a portion of the protuberance projects into an internal recess of the valve when the valve is opened, and the at least one protective element is arranged at a surface of said protuberance.

[0014] The at least one protective element is arranged in at least one groove provided on an external surface of the body.

[0015] The at least one protective element is a surface coating deposited on at least a portion of an external surface of the body.

[0016] The at least one protective element forms a sleeve around said body, at least partially covering an external surface of the body.

[0017] The at least one protective element is composed of a discontinuous set of elements arranged on the body, for example the elements are crimped onto the body.

[0018] The second material has a hardness of between 25 Hv and 90 Hv according to the Shore A scale or between 30 Hv and 70 Hv according to the Shore D scale.

[0019] The second material is chosen from: a polytetrafluoroethylene, a polyoxymethylene, a rubber or a polyurethane.

[0020] The at least one protective element is formed in part from a third material, the third material having a hardness less than the hardness of the first material.

[0021] The at least one protective element comprises at least one O-ring, for example overmolded or vulcanized.

[0022] The invention also relates to a packaging system for a pressurized fluid container comprising: • a packaging device according to the invention, • a connection for filling or withdrawing fluid from a pressurized fluid container, said connection comprising: • a first end configured to be connected to the conditioning device and comprising a valve, the opening of the valve being actuable by moving the valve pusher on the valve. • a second end configured to be connected to a pressurized fluid container, • a fluid circuit arranged between said first end and said second end.

[0023] The invention also relates to the use of the packaging device according to the invention or of the system according to the invention for drawing off and / or filling a container of pressurized fluid, in particular a pressurized gas bottle.

[0024] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. These figures are given only for illustrative purposes but in no way limit the invention.

[0025] [Fig-1] is a schematic and sectional representation of an embodiment of a device according to the prior art;

[0026] [Fig.2] is a schematic and sectional representation of a first embodiment of the device of the invention;

[0027] [Fig.3] is a schematic and sectional representation of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0028] With reference to [Fig.2] and [Fig.l], the conditioning device comprises a structure 40 extending along a longitudinal axis A. Depending on the case, the conditioning device can perform an interface function between a source of fluid and a container 18 in order to introduce the fluid into the conditioning device. In another case, the conditioning device is connected only to the container 18 and can then perform the function of a tool for withdrawing the fluid from the container 18. fluid is for example a cryogenic gas, for example carbon dioxide between 0 and -40°C. In another case, the conditioning device can perform an interface function between a fluid receiver and a container 18. Thus, when withdrawing the fluid from the container 18, the fluid is recovered in the receiver. This may be the case, for example, to avoid releases into the atmosphere of gases such as, for example, the release of carbon dioxide. The conditioning device comprises, for this purpose, a valve pusher 11 movable along the longitudinal axis A in a fluid transfer pipe 7 of a structure 40. The valve pusher 11 actuates the opening of at least one valve 19, 19a, 19b of a fluid filling and / or withdrawal connector 1. The connector 1 comprises a first end 122 configured to be connected to the conditioning device.The filling or withdrawal connector 1 is mounted at its second end on a container 18 for storing pressurized fluid, for example a gas bottle. The connector 1 comprises a first internal circuit 20 housing at least one valve 19, 19a, 19b for closing the internal circuit, it is the first internal circuit 20 which is placed in fluidic connection with the container 18 and the fluid transfer pipe 7. When the structure 40 is placed in contact at a first end 122 of the connector 1, a user can actuate the valve pusher 11 such that the valve pusher 11 applies a force to at least one valve 19, 19a, 19b in order to open it. It is understood that this actuation can be carried out manually or automatically. For example, according to the embodiment of [Fig.l], when the valve 19 is opened, the fluid transfer pipe 7 communicates fluidically with the first internal circuit 20 of the fluid filling or withdrawal connector 1. The user can then withdraw the fluid from the container 18 via the first internal circuit 20 of the connector 1. When the structure 40 is connected by another end to a source of fluid, the user can then fill the container 18 by introducing fluid into the first internal circuit 20 of the connector.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the structure 40 comprises on the surface of the first end intended to be in contact with the connector 1, a sealing joint 24 arranged around the longitudinal axis A.

[0030] In one embodiment, the seal 24 is an O-ring for providing external sealing between the body of the filling connector 40 and the body of the connector 1. In one embodiment, this seal 24 is a seal made by overmolding or by vulcanization. Thus, when the packaging device is intended to be used at low temperatures, for example from 0°C to -20°C, the seal 24 remains bonded to the body 40 and does not remain stuck to the surface of the connector 1 when the valve pusher 11 rises, for example.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the filling connection comprises a second internal circuit 30 housing at least one valve 19b for closing the internal circuit 30, the internal circuit 30 can be put into fluidic connection with the container 18 and the fluid transfer pipe 7. This can be the case for example when two valves are concentric. The filling or withdrawal connection 1 then comprises a closing valve 19 which is a double valve with two concentric closing elements. The valve 19 then comprises for example a valve 19a for filling and a valve 19b for example for withdrawal. The valve 19a thus allows the first internal circuit 20 to be closed and the valve 19b allows the second internal circuit 30 to be closed. In one embodiment, each of the valves 19a and 19b allows withdrawal and / or filling, for example at different flow rates.

[0032] The valve pusher 11 comprises a body 11a and at least one protective element 11b arranged on the body 11a. The body 11b is intended to be in contact with at least a portion of the surface of the valve 19, 19a, 19b to enable the opening of the valve 19, 19a, 19b to be actuated.

[0033] The body 11a of the valve pusher 11 is formed from a first material, for example brass or stainless steel. The protective element 11b is formed at least in part from a second material. The second material has a hardness lower than the hardness of the first material. This second material then makes it possible to absorb shocks in order to protect the valve 19, 19a, 19b, the connector 1 and / or the walls forming the first internal circuit 20 and second internal circuit 30. Depending on the embodiment, this second material also makes it possible to create a seal between the valve pusher and the internal circuit 20, 30.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the second material has a hardness of between 25 shore A and 90 shore A or between 30 shore D and 70 shore D, the hardness being measured for example according to the ISO 48:2010 standard, for elastomers.

[0035] The second material is for example a plastic such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyoxymethylene, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber, or even polyurethane. In one embodiment, the second material is more particularly a rubber. A rubber allows greater elastic deformation and therefore increased impact resistance, thus the wear of the valve pusher 11 and / or the connector 1 is further reduced.

[0036] In one embodiment, the protective element 11b makes it possible in particular to ensure the seal between the internal circuit 30 and the fluid transfer pipe 7. Thus, when the user actuates the valve 19, 19a, the protective element 11b makes it possible to prevent the withdrawal or filling flow from exerting too great a force on the valve 19b. In one embodiment, the protective element 11b makes it possible to absorb the shocks of the valve pusher 11 against the valve 19, 19a. In one embodiment, the protective element 11b makes it possible to ensure the seal between the internal circuit 30 and the fluid transfer pipe 7 and makes it possible to absorb the shocks of the valve pusher 11 against the valve 19, 19a.

[0037] According to one embodiment, said body 11a of the valve pusher 11 comprises at least one lateral surface which extends along the longitudinal axis A. At least one protective element 11b is arranged at the level of said lateral surface. Thus when the valve pusher 11 penetrates into the filling connection to actuate the valve 19, 19a, 19b, the protective element 11b will limit the friction in the filling connection and absorb the shocks of the valve pusher 11 against the valve 19, 19a, 19b. In one embodiment, the protective element 11b will provide sealing between the internal circuit 30 and the fluid transfer pipe 7.

[0038] With reference to [Fig. 3], the body 11a comprises a protrusion extending along the longitudinal axis A. At least a portion of the protrusion projects into an internal recess of said valve 19, 19a, 19b when the opening of said valve 19, 19a, 19b is actuated. This may also be the case, for example, when two valves are concentric. The filling connector 1 then comprises a closing valve 19 which is a double valve with two concentric closing elements. The valve 19 then comprises a valve 19a and a valve 19b.

[0039] Thus, depending on the configuration of the valve pusher 11, the user can choose to actuate one of the valves 19, 19a, 19b or all of the valves 19, 19a, 19b by means of a single valve pusher 11. At least one protective element 11b is arranged at a lateral surface of said protuberance. In one embodiment, when the valve 19a is actuated, this protection element 11b makes it possible to prevent the withdrawal or filling flow from exerting too great a force on the valve 19b by ensuring a seal between the internal channel 30 and the fluid transfer pipe 7. In fact, the fluid coming from the filling coming from the transfer pipe 7 cannot exert any force in the withdrawal channel 30. The positioning of the protection element 11b at the lateral surface allows better maintenance of the protection element 11b.

[0040] When the protrusion penetrates into the filling connection to actuate a valve 19, 19a, 19b, the protective element 11b will also limit friction and shocks in the filling or withdrawal connection. There is thus no damage to the surfaces, for example the sealing surfaces. The seal between the surfaces of the valve 19, 19a, 19b and the valve pusher 11 is protected.

[0041] In another embodiment, the valves 19a and 19b can be actuated in series. For example, the valve pusher 11 actuates the valve 19b, which makes it possible, for example, to draw fluid at a certain flow rate. If the user requires, for example, a higher flow rate, he then actuates the valve pusher 11 so that the valve 19a is open. In this embodiment, the protective element 11b makes it possible to avoid shocks and friction between the valve pusher 11 and the valve 19a, 19b.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the protective element 11b is arranged in at least one groove provided on an external surface of the body 11a. Thus, the mounting of the protective element 11b is easy. The user can replace only the protective element 11b in the event of wear thereof.

[0043] According to another embodiment, the protective element 11b is a compression seal mounted in a groove on an external surface of the body 11a.

[0044] In one embodiment, the protective element 11b is a seal made by overmolding. In one embodiment, the protective element 11b is a vulcanized seal. Thus, when the packaging device is intended to be used at low temperatures, for example from 0°C to -20°C, the protective element 11b will not adhere to the surface of the valve 19a.

[0045] According to another embodiment, the protective element 11b is a surface coating deposited on at least a portion of an external surface of the body. This coating may comprise a powder deposit, for example a polymethyl methacrylate powder or a thermosetting coating produced by bonding or spraying. The advantage is that the coating can be used temporarily, for example for carrying out tests.

[0046] According to another embodiment, the protective element 11b may be in the form of a sleeve which surrounds the body 11a. Advantageously, this sleeve covers at least part of the external surface of the body 11a. The protective element 11b is then a wear part which is easily replaced and easily mounted around the body 11a without the need for special tools.

[0047] According to another embodiment, the protective element 11b is composed of a discontinuous set of elements arranged on said body 11a, for example the elements are crimped onto said body 11a. This set of discontinuous elements allows the absorption of shocks and friction at precise locations. This may be the case when the filling connection has a complex shape. These locations are predetermined during the design of the connection 1 and the filling device.

[0048] According to another embodiment, the protective element 11b is formed in part from a third material, the third material having a hardness lower than the hardness of the first material. For example, the protective element 11b is formed from a first part made of rubber and a second part made of polyetheretherketone. The first part of the protective element 11b makes it possible to absorb the shock of the downstream surface of the valve pusher 11 on the filling or withdrawal connection 1. The second part of the protective element 11b makes it possible to reduce, or even eliminate, the friction of the protuberance with the internal surface of the connection 1.

[0049] With reference to [Fig.l], the illustrated packaging device is intended for cooperate with a connection 1 for filling (and / or withdrawing) a container 18 of pressurized fluid. The fluid can be conditioned at a pressure of between 50 and 300 bars.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the packaging device comprises at least one attachment member 2 arranged around a longitudinal axis A. The packaging device may comprise several attachment members 2. The surface of the attachment members 2 facing the central space intended to accommodate a filling connector 1 may be provided with relief(s) and / or hollows of determined dimensions. These relief(s) and / or hollows are spaced relatively apart from each other in a determined manner to fit into one or more matching grooves and / or reliefs formed on the outer face of a filling connector 1. The central space located between the attachment members 2 and the longitudinal axis A forms a housing intended to accommodate a filling connector 1 of generally cylindrical shape.The attachment members 2 are movable between a spaced apart position to allow the introduction of a connector 1 into the central space or the exit of a connector 1 from the central space and a close position to ensure attachment of the attachment members 2 with the filling connector 1.

[0051] In particular, the packaging device may further comprise a locking member 3 movable relative to the structure 40 and relative to the hooking member 2 between a first active position blocking the at least one hooking member 2 in the close position (for example) and a second inactive position allowing the hooking members 2 to move towards the separated position.

[0052] The locking member 3 can be movable in translation (in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A) between the first active position and the second inactive position. In addition, preferably, the locking member 3 is urged towards its active position by a return member 15 such as a spring. In addition, when the hooking members 2 are in the spaced apart position, a stop 32 can prevent the locking member 3 from moving from the inactive position to the active position. On the other hand, when the hooking members 2 are in the close position, the locking member 3 from moving from the inactive position to the active position is no longer hindered by the stop 32. As illustrated, this stop can be formed by or on one or more members 2.

[0053] For example, the locking member 3 comprises or consists of a sleeve 3 of generally tubular shape arranged around the hooking claws 2.

[0054] In one embodiment, the valve pusher 11 is actuated by an actuating device 16, 17 which may comprise a switch 17 consisting of a push button or a pivoting lever and a mechanism 16 for transmitting force between the switch 17 and the valve pusher 11. For example, a pivoting lever 17 may control the position of the valve pusher 11 via a cam 16.

[0055] The structure 40 may further comprise a locking member 4 for the members 2. The locking member 4 is for example mounted on the structure 40 around the terminal end (upstream) of the fluid transfer pipe 7. The locking member 4 is movable in translation in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A between a first upstream position preventing the movement of the attachment members 2 from the spaced apart position to the close position, for example by ensuring their separation, and a second downstream position allowing the movement of the attachment members 2 from the spaced apart position to the close position, for example where the separation is not maintained.

[0056] The locking member 4 can therefore form, depending on its position, a mechanical or non-mechanical stop ensuring a separation or not of the attachment members 2 to prevent or not the mechanical connection of the packaging device to a connector 1.

[0057] The locking member 4 is biased by default towards its working position by a return member 6, for example a spring.

[0058] The locking member 4 is movable from its working position to its rest position during a pushing force of the filling connection 1 on its upstream face. That is to say that when the packaging device is pressed on the terminal end of a connection 1, the filling connection 1 enters the central space of the packaging device and pushes this locking member 4 downstream. The locking member 4 then comes into contact with the filling or withdrawal connection 1.

[0059] According to an advantageous feature, the upstream face of the blocking member 4 of the structure 40 comprises the sealing joint 24 arranged around the longitudinal axis A to form a seal between the gas transfer pipe 7 and an internal circuit 20 of a filling connector 1.

[0060] Thus, this blocking member 4 provides a dual function: a role in the locking mechanism of the quick connection between the packaging device and the filling connector 1 and a sealing role in this connection. As explained in more detail below, the blocking member 4 makes it possible in particular to ensure sealing of the connection from the start of actuation of the quick connection and in particular during its retraction downstream to release the attachment members 2. In this respect, the blocking member 4 can be considered as a part of the locking mechanism of the quick connection with the connector 1. The blocking member 4 therefore participates both in the condition of connection of a packaging device with the connector 1 and in their sealing.

[0061] Preferably, the locking of the attachment of the packaging device to the filling connection 1 can be carried out automatically. For example, an operator or a machine pushes the packaging device onto the filling connection 1. During this connection there is contact between the locking member 4 and the face of said filling connection 1 in which the seal 24 of the locking member 4 of the structure 40 ensures a seal between the pipe 7 of the conditioning device and the internal circuit 20 of the filling connection 1. During this depression, the locking member 4 is pushed back towards its rest position by relative approximation between the conditioning device and the filling connection 1. This releases the movement of the locking members 2 which can be forced to move from the spaced position to the close position by the force of the locking member 3 pushed by its spring 5.When the locking members 2 are brought together (hooked onto the body of the filling connector 1) they no longer hinder the movement of the locking member 3 which can then move from its active position to its active locking position under the action of the return member 15.

[0062] As illustrated, preferably the packaging device comprises a member 8 for pushing the blocking member 4, making it possible in particular to increase the bearing force of the blocking member 4 on the filling connector 1 (and therefore the sealing of the seal 24). The blocking member 4 can therefore provide an additional function of maintaining the seal under increased pressure.

[0063] This thrust member 8 is a part having the general shape, for example, of a disc or a cup or a cap. This thrust member 8 is mounted to move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A between a first downstream position and a second upstream position. These two positions generate forces of different intensity on the blocking member 4 in the upstream direction. The conditioning device further comprises a device 9, 10 for actuating the thrust member 8 configured to control the movement of the thrust member 8 between its first and second position. For example, this actuating device 9, 10 is of the mechanical and / or pneumatic and / or magnetic and / or hydraulic type and comprises a switch 10 that can be actuated manually and / or automatically.Preferably, this device 9, 10 for actuating the thrust member 8 comprises a switch 10 consisting of a push button or a pivoting lever and a mechanism 9 for transmitting force between the switch 10 and the thrust member 8.

[0064] In a possible embodiment, the movement of the thrust member 8 could be controlled automatically, for example as a function of the state of mechanical connection between the packaging device and the connector 1 (attachment member 2 and locking member 3).

[0065] The invention also relates to a conditioning system for a container of fluid under pressure, typically between 50 and 300 bars. The conditioning system comprises the conditioning device of the invention. The conditioning system operation comprises a connector 1 for filling or withdrawing fluid from a container 18 of pressurized fluid. The connector 1 comprises a first end 122 configured to be connected to the packaging device, for example by means of a hooking member 2. The connector 1 comprises a valve 19, 19a, 19b, and the opening of the valve can be actuated by the movement of the valve pusher 11 bearing on the valve 19, 19a, 19b. The valve pusher 11 pushes the valve 19, 19a, 19b according to a force which can be predefined. The connector 1 comprises a second end configured to be connected to a container 18 of pressurized fluid, for example by means of a thread. The connector 1 comprises a fluid circuit 20 arranged between said first end 122 and said second end. The fluid circuit 20 allows the fluid to pass through the connector 1 in order to fill the container 18 with the fluid or in order to withdraw the fluid from the container 18.

[0066] The invention also relates to the use of the packaging device according to the invention or of the system of the invention for drawing off and / or filling a container 18 with pressurized fluid, in particular a pressurized gas cylinder. The user places the structure 40 on the filling or drawing-off connector 1. Then he actuates the valve pusher 11 which actuates the opening of the valve 19, 19a, 19b. The first internal circuit 20 is then placed in fluidic connection with the fluid transfer pipe 7. Thus the gas transfer can take place. As described above, the packaging device of the invention allows either the filling of the container 18 or it allows the fluid to be drawn off from the container 18. The seal 24 ensures the seal between the fluid transfer pipe 7 and the first internal circuit 20.The at least one protective element 11b protects the surface of the valve pusher 11 and / or the surface of the tap 1 from impacts and / or friction.

[0067] With reference to [Fig.l], the mechanical and fluidic connection can in particular be carried out according to the following sequence:

[0068] The packaging device is threaded onto the filling connector 1 which ensures a sealed contact between the blocking member 4 and the inlet of the internal circuit 20 of the connector 1, the recoil of the blocking member 4 downstream releases the hooking members 2 which can hook against the body of the connector 1, this automatically releases the movement of the member 3 which secures and locks the mechanical connection, the sealing joint 24 of the blocking member 4 is put under increased pressure via the actuation of the switch 10 of the device for actuating the position of the pushing member 8 (for example via a lever and cam(s) and the spring 6), if necessary, the sealing of the connection can be checked by putting the assembly under vacuum,the isolation valve(s) 19 of the connection 1 can then be opened via the valve pusher 11 controlled by a switch 10 (a second lever for example acting via a cam on the valve pusher housed in the transfer pipe 7), the gas transfer, can then be carried out between the two connected entities.

[0069] After gas transfer, disconnection can be carried out in particular according to the following sequence:

[0070] The valve(s) 19, 19a, 19b for closing the connection 1 can be closed by moving the valve pusher 11 in the opposite direction (downstream) via the switch 10, the internal circuit 20, 30 can be purged, the crushing force of the seal 24 of the blocking member 4 is reduced by actuating the switch 10 of the device (moving the pushing member 8 in the opposite direction), the mechanical connection between the conditioning device and the connection 1 can be unlocked by moving the locking member 3 and separating the hooking members 2.

[0071] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Thus, for example, a mechanism or device for locking / unlocking the switch 17 for controlling the valve pusher 11 may be provided which prevents its actuation (and therefore prevents the opening of the valves 19, 19a, 19b) as long as the sealing joint 24 of the blocking part is not pressurized (via the actuator 10). This may be provided via a mechanical and / or hydraulic and / or pneumatic and / or magnetic system. For example, the actuation of the two actuators 10 17 may be coupled and in particular the actuator 17 is only accessible or movable if the other actuator 10 is in the required position. Alternatively, the two operations (pressurizing the joint 24 and opening the valves 19) may be sequential and ensured by the same switch (lever or other).

[0072] Similarly, a mechanism or device may be provided for locking / unlocking the pressurization of the seal 24 (and possibly of the locking member 3) as a function of the pressure in the circuit(s) 7, 20. That is to say, for example, that the member 8 cannot return to its first downstream position if the system detects a pressure above a determined threshold in the circuit (signifying, for example, that the valve 19, 19a, 19b is not closed). Likewise, for the locking member 3, which could be blocked in its first active position as long as the pressure in the circuits 7, 20, 30 is above a determined threshold.

Claims

Claims

1. Packaging device configured to cooperate with a connector (1) for filling or withdrawing fluid from a pressurized fluid container, said packaging device comprising a structure (40) extending along a longitudinal axis A, the packaging device comprising a valve pusher (11) movable along the longitudinal axis A in a fluid transfer pipe (7) of said structure (40) to actuate the opening of at least one valve (19, 19a, 19b) of an internal circuit (20, 30) of the connector (1) for filling or withdrawing fluid when the structure (40) is brought into contact with the connector (1), so as to put the fluid transfer pipe (7) into fluid communication with the internal circuit (20, 30) of the connector (1) for filling or withdrawing fluid, characterized in that the valve pusher (11) comprises a body (11a) and at least one protective element (11b) arranged on said body (11a),said at least one protective element (11b) being intended to come into contact at least in part with said valve (19, 19a, 19b) when the opening of said valve (19, 19a, 19b) is actuated, said body (11a) of the valve pusher (11) being formed of a first material and said at least one protective element (11b) being formed at least in part of a second material, said second material having a hardness lower than the hardness of said first material.,

2. Packaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that said body (11a) comprises at least one downstream surface extending generally orthogonally to the longitudinal axis A, said at least one protective element (11b) being arranged at the level of said downstream surface.

3. Packaging device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said body (11a) comprises at least one lateral surface extending along the longitudinal axis A, said at least one protective element (11b) being arranged at the level of said lateral surface.

4. Packaging device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said body (11a) comprises a protuberance extending along the longitudinal axis A, at least a portion of said protuberance projecting into an internal recess of said valve (19, 19a, 19b) when the opening of said valve is actuated. valve (19, 19a, 19b), said at least one protective element (11b) being arranged at a surface of said protuberance.

5. Packaging device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one protective element (11b) is arranged in at least one groove provided on an external surface of the body.

6. Packaging device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one protective element (11b) is a surface coating deposited on at least a part of an external surface of the body.

7. Packaging device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one protective element (11b) forms a sleeve around said body (11a), at least partly covering an external surface of the body (11a).

8. Packaging device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one protective element (11b) is composed of a discontinuous set of elements arranged on said body (11a), for example the elements are crimped on said body (11a).

9. Packaging device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second material has a hardness of between 25 Hv and 90 Hv according to the Shore A scale or between 30 Hv and 70 Hv according to the Shore D scale.

10. Packaging device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second material is chosen from: a polytetrafluoroethylene, a polyoxymethylene, a rubber or a polyurethane.

11. Packaging device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one protective element (11b) is formed in part from a third material, said third material having a hardness lower than the hardness of said first material.

12. Packaging device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one protective element (11b) comprises at least one O-ring, for example overmolded or vulcanized.

13. Packaging system for a pressurized fluid container characterized in that it comprises: • a packaging device according to any one of the preceding claims, • a connection (1) for filling or withdrawing fluid from a pressurized fluid container, said connection comprising: • a first end (122) configured to be connected to the packaging device and comprising a valve (19, 19a, 19b), the opening of the valve being actuable by the movement of the valve pusher (11) on the valve (19, 19a, 19b). • a second end configured to be connected to a container (18) of pressurized fluid, • a fluid circuit arranged between said first end and said second end.

14. Use of the packaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or of the system according to claim 13 for drawing off and / or filling a container of pressurized fluid, in particular a pressurized gas bottle.

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