Conditioning device for a fluid under pressure

Abstract

The invention relates to a conditioning device configured to cooperate with a fluid filling or withdrawal fitting (1) of a pressurized fluid container (18), said conditioning 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 partially, with a valve (19, 19a, 19b) of the filling or withdrawal fitting (1) 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 partially, of a second material, said second material having a hardness less than the hardness of the aforementioned first material. Abbreviated figure: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Conditioning device for a fluid under pressure

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

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

[0003] From application FR3101125A1, a conditioning device intended to cooperate with a filling and / or withdrawal fitting of a valve of a pressurized fluid container is known, the conditioning device comprising a movable push-valve in a gas transfer line along a longitudinal axis to actuate the opening of at least one valve of the filling fitting.

[0004] This type of device allows the container to be filled or fluid maintained under pressure to be withdrawn from a container. This type of device requires pushing the valve of a filling and / or withdrawal fitting, thus establishing a fluidic connection between a filling channel of the device and the container. The movement of the valve can generate shocks or friction in the filling channel.

[0005] In another configuration disclosed in WO13076263A1, the removable pressurized fluid valve includes a valve. This valve is a concentric double-seat valve. A first channel and a second channel, separate from the first channel, are closed respectively by the outer and inner valves. 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 established between the first channel and the channel of the conditioning device. During this fluid connection, the filling flow exerts a force on the inner valve. The force exerted on the inner valve can cause it to open and apply forces to the elements of the dispensing channel. Vibrations of the inner valve and / or friction in this second channel can also be induced. Vibrations can generate premature wear of certain components, such as springs, and friction can produce particles that may contaminate the fluid or damage the sealing areas.

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

[0008] The present invention aims to effectively remedy these drawbacks by proposing a conditioning device that 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 conditioning device configured to cooperate with a fluid filling or withdrawal fitting of a pressurized fluid container, the conditioning device comprising a structure extending along a longitudinal axis A, the conditioning device comprising a push-valve movable along the longitudinal axis A in a fluid transfer line of the structure to actuate the opening of at least one valve of an internal circuit of the fluid filling or withdrawal fitting when the structure is brought into contact with the fitting, so as to establish fluid communication between the fluid transfer line and the internal circuit of the fluid filling or withdrawal fitting, characterized in that the push-valve comprises a body and at least one protective element arranged on the body,at least one protective element being intended to come into contact, at least partially, with the valve when the valve is opened, the valve pusher body being formed of a first material and at least one protective element being formed, at least partially, of a second material, the second material having a lower hardness than the first material.

[0010] Depending on the case, the invention may include one or more of the features set forth below.

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

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

[0013] The body includes a protrusion extending along the longitudinal axis A, at least a part of the protrusion protrudes into an internal recess of the valve when the valve opening is actuated, and at least one protective element is arranged at a surface of said protrusion.

[0014] At least one protective element is disposed 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 part of an external surface of the body.

[0016] The at least one protective element forms a sleeve around said body, covering at least part of 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 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 of a third material, the third material having a lower hardness than the hardness of the first material.

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

[0022] The invention also relates to a conditioning system for a pressurized fluid container comprising: • a conditioning device according to the invention, • a fluid filling or withdrawal fitting for a pressurized fluid container, said fitting comprising: • a first end configured to be connected to the conditioning device and comprising a valve, the opening of the valve being operable by the movement of 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 conditioning device according to the invention or the system according to the invention for the withdrawal and / or filling of a container of pressurized fluid, in particular a pressurized gas cylinder.

[0024] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. These figures are given only by way of illustration and in no way limit the invention.

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

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

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

[0028] With reference to [Fig. 2] and [Fig. 1], 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 fluid source 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 function as a tool for withdrawing the fluid from the container 18. The The fluid is, for example, a cryogenic gas, such as carbon dioxide, between 0 and -40°C. In another case, the conditioning device can act as an interface between a fluid receiver and a container 18. Thus, when the fluid is withdrawn from the container 18, the fluid is recovered in the receiver. This might be the case, for example, to prevent the release of gases into the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide. For this purpose, the conditioning device includes a push-valve 11 movable along the longitudinal axis A in a fluid transfer line 7 of a structure 40. The push-valve 11 actuates the opening of at least one valve 19, 19a, 19b of a fluid filling and / or withdrawal fitting 1. The fitting 1 includes a first end 122 configured to be connected to the conditioning device.The filling or emptying fitting 1 is mounted at its second end on a pressurized fluid storage container 18, for example, a gas cylinder. The fitting 1 includes a first internal circuit 20 housing at least one valve 19, 19a, 19b for closing the internal circuit; it is this first internal circuit 20 that is connected fluidically to the container 18 and the fluid transfer line 7. When the structure 40 is brought into contact at a first end 122 of the fitting 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 line 7 communicates smoothly with the first internal circuit 20 of the fluid filling or withdrawal fitting 1. The user can then withdraw fluid from the container 18 via the first internal circuit 20 of the fitting 1. When the structure 40 is connected at another end to a fluid source, the user can then fill the container 18 by introducing fluid into the first internal circuit 20 of the fitting.

[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 fitting 1, a sealing gasket 24 arranged around the longitudinal axis A.

[0030] In one embodiment, the sealing ring 24 is an O-ring for providing external sealing between the body of the filling fitting 40 and the body of the fitting 1. In one embodiment, this sealing ring 24 is a seal produced by overmolding or vulcanization. Thus, when the conditioning device is intended for use at low temperatures, for example from 0 °C to -20 °C, the sealing ring 24 remains bonded to the body 40 and does not stick to the surface of the fitting 1 when the push-button 11 is raised, 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 The internal circuit 30 can be connected via fluid flow to the container 18 and the fluid transfer line 7. This can be the case, for example, when two valves are concentric. The filling or draining connection 1 then includes a shut-off valve 19, which is a double valve with two concentric closing elements. The valve 19 then includes, for example, a valve 19a for filling and a valve 19b for draining. The valve 19a thus allows the closure of the first internal circuit 20, and the valve 19b allows the closure of the second internal circuit 30. In one embodiment, each of the valves 19a and 19b allows draining and / or filling, for example, at different flow rates.

[0032] The flap pusher 11 comprises a body 1la and at least one protective element 11b arranged on the body 1la. The body 11b is intended to be in contact with at least a part of the surface of the flap 19, 19a, 19b to enable the opening of the flap 19, 19a, 19b to be actuated.

[0033] The body 1 of the push-button 11 is made of a first material, for example, brass or stainless steel. The protective element 11b is made at least partially of a second material. The second material has a lower hardness than the first material. This second material then serves to absorb shocks in order to protect the valve 19, 19a, 19b, the fitting 1, and / or the walls forming the first internal circuit 20 and the second internal circuit 30. Depending on the embodiment, this second material also provides a seal between the push-button and the internal circuit 20, 30.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the second material has a hardness 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 ISO 48:2010, for elastomers.

[0035] The second material is, for example, a plastic such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyoxymethylene, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber, or polyurethane. In one embodiment, the second material is more specifically a rubber. Rubber allows for greater elastic deformation and therefore increased impact resistance, thus further reducing wear on the push-tab 11 and / or the fitting 1.

[0036] In one embodiment, the protective element 11b ensures, in particular, a seal between the internal circuit 30 and the fluid transfer line 7. Thus, when the user actuates the valve 19, 19a, the protective element 11b prevents the withdrawal or filling flow from exerting excessive force on the valve 19b. In one embodiment, the protective element 11b absorbs shocks from the valve pusher 11 against the valve 19, 19a. In one embodiment, the protective element 11b ensures a seal between the internal circuit 30 and the fluid transfer line 7 and absorbs shocks of the push-flap 11 against the flap 19, 19a.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the body 1 of the push-valve 11 comprises at least one lateral surface extending along the longitudinal axis A. At least one protective element 11b is arranged on said lateral surface. Thus, when the push-valve 11 enters the filling connection to actuate the valve 19, 19a, 19b, the protective element 11b will limit friction within the filling connection and absorb the impacts of the push-valve 11 against the valve 19, 19a, 19b. In one embodiment, the protective element 11b will provide a seal between the internal circuit 30 and the fluid transfer line 7.

[0038] With reference to [Fig. 3], the body 1 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 can also be the case, for example, when two valves are concentric. The filling connection 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 push-button 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 push-button 11. At least one protective element 11b is arranged at a lateral surface of said protrusion. In one embodiment, when the valve 19a is actuation, this protective element 11b prevents the withdrawal or filling flow from exerting excessive force on the valve 19b by ensuring a seal between the internal channel 30 and the fluid transfer line 7. Indeed, the fluid from the filling process in the transfer line 7 cannot exert any force in the withdrawal channel 30. The positioning of the protective element 11b at the lateral surface allows for better retention of the protective element 11b.

[0040] When the protrusion enters the filling connection to actuate a valve 19, 19a, 19b, the protective element 11b also limits friction and impacts within the filling or dispensing connection. This prevents damage to surfaces, such as 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 are actuated in series. For example, the valve pusher 11 actuates the valve 19b, which allows, for example, the withdrawal of fluid at a certain flow rate. If the user needs, for example, a higher flow rate, they then actuate the valve pusher 11 so that the valve 19a is open. In this embodiment, the protective element 11b prevents impacts and friction between the valve pusher 11 and the valves 19a, 19b.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the protective element 11b is disposed in at least one groove formed on an external surface of the body lia. This makes mounting the protective element 11b easy. The user can replace only the protective element 11b if it becomes worn.

[0043] According to another embodiment, the protective element 11b is a compression seal mounted in a groove on an external surface of the body 1la.

[0044] In one embodiment, the protective element 11b is a gasket produced by overmolding. In another embodiment, the protective element 11b is a vulcanized gasket. Thus, when the conditioning device is intended for use 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 part of an external surface of the body. This coating may comprise a powder deposit, for example, a polymethyl methacrylate powder, or a thermosetting coating applied by bonding or spraying. The advantage is that the coating can be used temporarily, for example, for testing purposes.

[0046] According to another embodiment, the protective element 11b can be in the form of a sleeve that surrounds the body 1a. Advantageously, this sleeve covers at least part of the external surface of the body 1a. The protective element 11b is then a wear part that is easily replaced and easily mounted around the body 1a without the need for any special tools.

[0047] According to another embodiment, the protective element 11b is composed of a discontinuous set of elements arranged on said body 1a, for example, the elements are crimped onto said body 1a. This set of discontinuous elements allows for the absorption of shocks and friction at specific 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 partly of a third material, the third material having a lower hardness than the first material. For example, the protective element 11b is formed of a first part made of rubber and a second part made of polyetheretherketone. The first part of the protective element 11b absorbs the impact of the downstream surface of the push-valve 11 on the filling or dispensing connection 1. The second part of the protective element 11b reduces, or even eliminates, the friction of the protrusion with the internal surface of the connection 1.

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

[0050] According to one embodiment, the packaging device comprises at least one hanging member 2 arranged around a longitudinal axis A. The packaging device may comprise several hanging members 2. The surface of the hanging members 2, facing the central space intended to receive a filling fitting 1, may be provided with ridges and / or recesses of determined dimensions. These ridges and / or recesses are spaced relatively far apart to fit into one or more corresponding grooves and / or ridges formed on the outer face of a filling fitting 1. The central space located between the hanging members 2 and the longitudinal axis A forms a housing intended to receive a filling fitting 1, which is generally cylindrical in shape.The latching members 2 are movable between a spread-out position to allow the insertion of a fitting 1 into the central space or the exit of a fitting 1 from the central space and a close-up position to ensure latching of the latching members 2 with the filling fitting 1.

[0051] In particular, the conditioning device may further include a locking member 3 movable relative to the structure 40 and relative to the hooking member 2 between a first active position blocking at least one hooking member 2 in the close position (for example) and a second inactive position allowing the movement of the hooking members 2 towards the spread-out position.

[0052] The locking member 3 can be translationally movable (along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A) between the first active position and the second inactive position. Preferably, the locking member 3 is actuated towards its active position by a return member 15, such as a spring. Furthermore, when the latching members 2 are in the spread position, a stop 32 can prevent the locking member 3 from moving from the inactive position to the active position. Conversely, when the latching members 2 are in the close position, the movement of the locking member 3 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 push-valve 11 is actuated by an actuation device 16, 17 which may include a switch 17 consisting of a push button or a pivoting lever and a force transmission mechanism 16 between the switch 17 and the push-valve 11. For example, a pivoting lever 17 may control the position of the push-valve 11 via a cam 16.

[0055] The structure 40 may further include a locking element 4 for the locking elements 2. The locking element 4 is, for example, mounted on the structure 40 around the terminal (upstream) end of the fluid transfer conduit 7. The locking element 4 is movable in translation along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A between a first upstream position preventing the movement of the locking elements 2 from the extended position to the extended position, for example by maintaining their separation, and a second downstream position allowing the movement of the locking elements 2 from the extended position to the extended position, for example where the separation is not maintained.

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

[0057] The locking member 4 is forced 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 when the filling connection 1 is pushed against its upstream face. That is to say, when the conditioning device is pressed against the end of a connection 1, the filling connection 1 enters the central space of the conditioning device and pushes this locking member 4 downstream. The locking member 4 then comes into contact with the filling or dispensing connection 1.

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

[0060] Thus, this locking element 4 performs a dual function: a role in the locking mechanism of the quick-connect fitting between the conditioning device and the filling connection 1, and a sealing role in this connection. As explained in more detail below, the locking element 4 ensures a seal of the connection from the very beginning of the quick-connect operation, particularly during its downstream retraction to release the latching elements 2. In this respect, the locking element 4 can be considered a component of the locking mechanism of the quick-connect fitting with the connection 1. The locking element 4 therefore contributes both to the connection of a conditioning device with the connection 1 and to their sealing.

[0061] Preferably, the locking of the conditioning device's attachment to the filling connection 1 can be performed automatically. For example, an operator or a machine pushes the conditioning device onto the filling connection 1. During this connection, the locking element 4 makes contact with the face of said filling connection 1, where the sealing gasket 24 of the locking element 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 insertion, the locking element 4 is pushed back towards its rest position by the relative proximity between the conditioning device and the filling connection 1. This releases the movement of the locking elements 2, which can be forced from the extended position to the extended position by the force of the locking element 3 pushed by its spring 5.When the locking members 2 are brought together (hooked onto the body of the filling fitting 1) they no longer impede 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 conditioning device includes a thrust member 8 for the locking member 4, which in particular increases the bearing force of the locking member 4 on the filling connection 1 (and thus improves the sealing of the gasket 24). The locking member 4 can therefore perform 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, a cup, or a cap. This thrust member 8 is mounted to move along 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 magnitudes on the locking member 4 in the upstream direction. The conditioning device further includes an actuating device 9, 10 for the thrust member 8, configured to control the movement of the thrust member 8 between its first and second positions. For example, this actuating device 9, 10 is of the mechanical and / or pneumatic and / or magnetic and / or hydraulic type and includes a switch 10 that can be operated manually and / or automatically.Preferably, this device 9, 10 for actuation of the thrust member 8 comprises a switch 10 consisting of a push button or a pivoting lever and a force transmission mechanism 9 between the switch 10 and the thrust member 8.

[0064] In one possible embodiment the movement of the thrust member 8 could be controlled automatically, for example according to the state of mechanical connection between the conditioning device and the fitting 1 (hook member 2 and locking member 3).

[0065] The invention also relates to a conditioning system for a pressurized fluid container, typically between 50 and 300 bar. The conditioning system comprises the conditioning device of the invention. The conditioning system The assembly includes a fitting 1 for filling or withdrawing fluid from a pressurized fluid container 18. The fitting 1 includes a first end 122 configured for connection to the conditioning device, for example, by means of a latching member 2. The fitting 1 includes a valve 19, 19a, 19b, and the valve opening is actuated by the movement of the valve pusher 11 against the valve 19, 19a, 19b. The valve pusher 11 pushes the valve 19, 19a, 19b with a force that can be predefined. The fitting 1 includes a second end configured for connection to a pressurized fluid container 18, for example, by means of a thread. The fitting 1 includes 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 fitting 1 in order to fill the container 18 with the fluid or to withdraw the fluid from the container 18.

[0066] The invention also relates to the use of the conditioning device according to the invention or the system of the invention for withdrawing and / or filling a container 18 of pressurized fluid, in particular a pressurized gas cylinder. The user places the structure 40 on the filling or withdrawal fitting 1. Then, they actuate the push-button 11, which opens the valve 19, 19a, 19b. The first internal circuit 20 is then connected to the fluid transfer line 7. Thus, the gas transfer can take place. As described above, the conditioning device of the invention allows either the filling of the container 18 or the withdrawal of fluid from the container 18. The sealing gasket 24 ensures a seal between the fluid transfer line 7 and the first internal circuit 20.At least one protective element 11b protects the surface of the push-valve 11 and / or the surface of the tap 1 from shocks and / or friction.

[0067] With reference to [Fig. 1], the mechanical and fluidic connection can in particular be achieved according to the following sequence:

[0068] The conditioning device is threaded onto the filling fitting 1, which ensures a tight seal between the locking member 4 and the inlet of the internal circuit 20 of the fitting 1. The recoil of the locking member 4 downstream releases the latching members 2, which can then latch against the body of the fitting 1. This automatically releases the movement of the member 3, which secures and locks the mechanical connection. The sealing gasket 24 of the locking member 4 is placed under increased pressure via the actuation of the switch 10 of the actuation device for the position of the thrust member 8 (for example, via a lever and cam(s) and the spring 6). If necessary, the tightness of the connection can be checked by evacuating the assembly.The isolation valve(s) 19 of the fitting 1 can then be opened via the push-valve 11 controlled by a switch 10 (a second lever, for example, acting via a cam on the push-valve 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 of the fitting 1 can be closed by moving the push valve 11 in the opposite direction (downstream) via the switch 10, the internal circuit 20, 30 can be purged, the crushing force of the sealing gasket 24 of the locking member 4 is reduced by actuation of the switch 10 of the device (movement of the push member 8 in the opposite direction), the mechanical link between the conditioning device and the fitting 1 can be unlocked by moving the locking member 3 and separating the latching members 2.

[0071] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Thus, for example, a locking / unlocking mechanism or device for the control switch 17 of the push-button valve 11 may be provided, preventing its actuation (and therefore preventing the opening of the valves 19, 19a, 19b) until the sealing gasket 24 of the locking piece is pressurized (via the actuator 10). This may be achieved via a mechanical and / or hydraulic and / or pneumatic and / or magnetic system. For example, the actuation of the two actuators 10 and 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 gasket 24 and opening the valves 19) may be sequential and controlled by the same switch (lever or other).

[0072] Similarly, a locking / unlocking mechanism or device for pressurizing the sealing gasket 24 (and possibly the locking member 3) may be provided, depending on the pressure in circuit(s) 7, 20. For example, member 8 may not return to its initial downstream position if the system detects a pressure above a predetermined threshold in the circuit(s) (meaning, for example, that valve 19, 19a, 19b is not closed). Likewise, the locking member 3 could be locked in its initial active position as long as the pressure in circuits 7, 20, 30 remains above a predetermined threshold.

Claims

Demands

1. A conditioning device configured to cooperate with a fluid filling or withdrawal fitting (1) of a pressurized fluid container, said conditioning device comprising a structure (40) extending along a longitudinal axis A, the conditioning device comprising a push-valve (11) movable along the longitudinal axis A in a fluid transfer line (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 fluid filling or withdrawal fitting (1) when the structure (40) is brought into contact with the fitting (1), so as to establish fluid communication between the fluid transfer line (7) and the internal circuit (20, 30) of the fluid filling or withdrawal fitting (1), characterized in that the push-valve (11) comprises a body (1a) and at least one protective element (11b) arranged on said body (lia),said at least one protective element (11b) being intended to come into contact at least partially with said valve (19, 19a, 19b) during the actuation of the opening of said valve (19, 19a, 19b), said body (1a) of the valve pusher (11) being formed of a first material and said at least one protective element (11b) being formed at least partially 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 (1a) comprises at least one downstream surface extending globally 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 (1a) 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. A conditioning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said body (1a) comprises a protrusion extending along the longitudinal axis A, at least a portion of said protrusion projecting into an internal recess of said valve (19, 19a, 19b) when the opening of said valve is actuated. flap (19, 19a, 19b), said at least one protective element (11b) being arranged at a surface of said protrusion.

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

6. A conditioning 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 (lia), covering at least in part an external surface of the body (lia).

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 (lia), for example the elements are crimped onto said body (lia).

9. Conditioning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second material has a hardness 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 selected from: a polytetrafluoroethylene, a polyoxymethylene, a rubber or a polyurethane.

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

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

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

Images