Modular device for controlling a flow of gas on a gas cylinder with exchangeable head part

Abstract

The invention is directed to a head of a device (2) for controlling a flow of gas on a gas cylinder, comprising: a head body (4.3) with a gas entry, a gas outlet (8) and a gas passage interconnecting the gas entry with the gas outlet; a fixation mechanism (4.2) for fixing the head body (4.3) to the device (2); a longitudinal pin (22) carried by the head body (4.3), for operating a shut-off valve (12) of the device; a spindle (24) extending longitudinally through the head body (4.3) and configured for, upon rotation, move in translation the longitudinal pin (22) wherein the longitudinal pin (22) comprises a distal end portion protruding out and from the head body (4.3).

Description

MODULAR DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A FLOW OF GAS ON A GAS CYLINDER WITH EXCHANGEABLE HEAD PART

[0001] The invention is directed to the field of pressure and / or flow regulators for compressed gas in gas cylinders.

[0002] Prior art patent document published WO 2020 / 074330 A1 discloses a gas pressure reducer for gas cylinder. The gas pressure reducer comprises a pressure reducer and a shut-off valve upstream thereof and aligned therewith. The gas pressure reducer further comprises an actuation assembly with a spindle aligned with the pressure reducer and the shut-off valve and with a cam mechanism made of a cam spigot and a counter-cam spigot, both housed in the spindle. Rotation of the spindle by the hand-wheel causes rotation of the cam spigot relative with the counter-cam spigot, thereby causing a translation movement of the counter-cam spigot. The shutter of the shut-off valve comprises a stem extending through the pressure reducer until the counter-cam spigot. Rotation of the spindle by the hand-wheel causes also rotation of a disk provided with calibrated holes for selecting a flow rate, downstream of the pressure reducer. The head part of the gas pressure reducer is fixed to the main body by means of a large nut. The distal end of the stem of the shutter is in engagement with the disk-shaped wall into which the counter-cam spigot engages in rotation. During assembly of the head part onto the main body, insertion of the distal end of the stem of the shutter can lead to difficulties. This gas pressure reducer is particularly interesting by its compactness and ease of use. However, its assembly and modularity can be improved.Technical Problem

[0003] The invention has for technical problem to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the above cited prior art. More particularly, the invention has for technical problem to provide a device for controlling a flow of gas with an improved ease of assembly and modularity.Technical solution

[0004] The invention is directed to a head of a device for controlling a flow of gas on a gas cylinder, comprising: a head body with a gas entry, a gas outlet and a gas passage interconnecting the gas entry with the gas outlet; a fixation mechanism for fixing the head body to the device; a longitudinal pin carried by the head body, for operating a shut-off valve of the device; a spindle extending longitudinally through the head body and configured for, upon rotation, move in translation the longitudinal pin; wherein the longitudinal pin comprises a distal end portion protruding out and from the head body.

[0005] According to a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal pin comprises a proximal end portion in engagement in the spindle and circular ramp around a main axis of said longitudinal pin, cooperating with a contact surface outside of the spindle, designed for converting the rotation of the spindle into a translation of the said longitudinal pin.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal pin is in rotation engagement with the spindle and the contact surface is formed on the head body.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment, the head body comprises a main part supporting the spindle and a disk-shaped part intended to be inside the device when the head is mounted on said device, the contact surface being formed on an outer surface of said disk-shaped part.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the head body comprises a main part supporting the spindle and a disk-shaped part intended to be inside the device when the head is mounted on said device, the contact surface being formed by a radial support pin extending through the disk-shaped part and the main part.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the contact surface is formed on the spindle and the longitudinal pin in held fixed in rotation.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal pin is held fixed in rotation by a radial guiding pin rigidly extending from the longitudinal pin and in longitudinal sliding engagement with the body.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal pin comprises a radial ring portion between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, said radial ring portion comprising the circular ramp.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the radial ring portion is located between the disk-shaped part and the main part of the body.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the radial guiding pin is rigidly inserted into the radial ring portion.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the fixation mechanism comprises a nut surrounding and rotatably resting on the disk-shaped portion.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the spindle is a first spindle and the head further comprises a gas flow or pressure regulator located in the head body and adjustable by rotation of a second spindle.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the gas flow or pressure regulator comprises a housing attached to the main part of the head body and supporting the second spindle.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the main part of the head body comprises a cavity extended by the housing attached to said main part, wherein said cavity houses the gas flow or pressure regulator.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the second spindle is transversal, preferably perpendicular, to the first spindle.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the gas flow or pressure regulator is a needle flow restrictor comprising a needle restrictor seat and a needle engaging through said needle restrictor seat and movable in translation by rotation of the second spindle.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the gas flow or pressure regulator is a secondary pressure regulator comprising a secondary regulator seat, a secondary regulator shutter configured for cooperating with said secondary regulator seat, a pressure sensor downstream of said secondary regulator seat, configured for moving the secondary regulator shutter dependent on the pressure downstream of said secondary regulator seat, and a spring acting on the pressure sensor and on an opposed element movable in translation by rotation of the second spindle.

[0021] The invention is also directed to a device for controlling a flow of gas on a gas cylinder, comprising: a device body with a first end forming a gas inlet, and a second end that is opposed to the first end and with a bore opening out at said second end; a primary pressure regulator housed in the bore; a shut-off valve located in the device body upstream of the primary pressure regulator; a head fixed to the second end and comprising a gas outlet; wherein the head-part is according to the invention.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the primary pressure regulator comprises a primary regulator seat, a primary regulator shutter downstream of said primary regulator seat, and a piston with a sleeve extending longitudinally towards the primary regulator seat and carrying the primary regulator shutter; the shut-off valve comprises a shut-off seat and a shut-off shutter for cooperating with said shut-off seat, said shut-off shutter comprising a poppet upstream of the shut-off seat and a stem extending from said poppet through the shut-off seat, the primary regulator seat and the sleeve, said stem contacting in said sleeve the longitudinal pin of the head.Advantages of the invention

[0023] The invention is particularly interesting in that it facilitates assembly of the head on the rest of the device, essentially by virtue of the longitudinal pin protruding out and from the head body, serving as guiding member during assembly. It also reduces the manufacturing costs in that it reduces the length of the stem of the shutter of the shut-off valve. The mechanisms for converting rotation of the spindle into a translation of the longitudinal pin is advantageous with regard to construction simplicity, reduced manufacturing costs and ease of assembly.

[0024] Further the device can be provided with different interchangeable heads, each head being provide with specific function(s) like a needle flow restrictor and a secondary pressure regulator. The device according to the invention shows therefore a high degree of modularity and versatility.Brief description of the drawings

[0025] is a perspective view of a device for controlling a flow of gas, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0026] is a sectional view of the device of.

[0027] is a head of a device for controlling a flow of gas, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0028] is a vertical sectional view of the head of.

[0029] is a horizontal sectional view of the head of.

[0030] is a horizontal sectional view of a head of a device for controlling a flow of gas, according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0031] is a vertical section view of a device for controlling a flow of gas, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0032] is a vertical section view of a device for controlling a flow of gas, according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.Description of an embodiment

[0033] shows in perspective a device 2 for controlling a flow of gas on a gas cylinder, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0034] The device 2 comprises a body 4 with a gas inlet 6, a gas outlet 8 and a gas passage (not visible) controlling a flow of gas on a gas cylinder fluidly interconnecting said gas inlet and gas outlet. The body 4 comprises a device body 4.1 with a male threaded portion 4.1.1 at the gas inlet 6, for engaging with the female thread of a neck of a gas cylinder, as this is customary. That male threaded portion 4.1.1 is for instance integrally formed with the device body 4.1, being however understood that this is not mandatory. The body 4 further comprises a nut 4.2 and a head body 4.3 that is secured to the device body 4.1 by said nut 4.2. This construction of the body 4 is a preferred embodiment, being understood that variations in the construction of body 4 can be considered. For example, the nut 4.2 can be replaced by the flange provided with holes receiving fastening screws engaging with the device body 4.1.

[0035] The device 2 further comprises a pressure gauge 10 mounted on the body 4, for instance on the main body 4.1 and directly fluidly connected with the inlet 6.

[0036] The device 2 further comprises a shut-off valve 12 that is not visible. The shut-off valve 12 is operable by the hand-wheel at the top of the device 2.

[0037] The device 2 further comprises a gas refill port 14 and a pressure regulator 16 (not visible). The gas refill port 14 can fluidly connect downstream or upstream of the shut-off valve 12. The device 2 can further comprise a digital pressure gauge 15 which can be used in addition to and / or in place of the analogic pressure gauge 10.

[0038] The device 2 can further comprise an auxiliary gas outlet 18, as well as a flow selector 20 (not visible) upstream of the gas outlet 8. The auxiliary gas outlet 18 is fluidly upstream of the flow selector 20, meaning that its gas flow cannot be adjusted contrary to the gas flow of the gas outlet 8. The flow selector is operated by the hand-wheel at the top of the device 2.

[0039] In the above device 2, the shut-off valve 12 and the pressure regulator 16 are aligned with a longitudinal axis of said device 2, this axis being vertical when the device is in a normal operating position as illustrated in. Further, the shut-off valve 12 is operable from a top portion of the device 2, for instance by the hand-wheel. To that end, a push rod assembly (not visible in) extends longitudinally through the pressure regulator between the shut-off valve and the hand-wheel. Also, the gas refill port 14 is fluidly connected to the gas passage between the shut-off valve 12 and the pressure regulator 16. The gas refill port 14 can then be arranged along the longitudinal axis between the shut-off valve 12 and the pressure regulator 16 and be fluidly connected to the gas passage by a mainly horizonal channel.

[0040] The above construction is particularly interesting in that it is highly compact while providing many functions, including a shut-off valve, a pressure regulator downstream of the shut-off valve and a gas refill port fluidly connected to the gas passage directly between the shut-off valve and the pressure regulator.

[0041] is a longitudinal sectional view of the device of.

[0042] The gas passage 9 fluidly interconnecting the gas inlet 6 with the gas outlet 8 is formed by in the main body 4.1 by a central and longitudinal drill hole or bore showing different portions with different diameters. The upper portion of the device body 4.1 comprises a main bore opening out upwardly and closed by the head body 4.3. The head body 4.3 is for instance comprised essentially of a main part 4.3.1 pressed by the nut 4.2 against the device body 4.1 in a gas tight fashion, and a disk-shaped part 4.3.2 delimiting the gas passage. The main part 4.3.1 supports the hand-wheel and forms an inner cavity housing the flow selector 20 and closed by the disk-shaped part 4.3.2. The main bore of the device body 4.1 houses the pressure regulator 16. The latter comprises essentially a regulator seat 16.1, a regulator shutter 16.2 cooperating with the regulator seat 16.1, a mobile element 16.3 received in the main bore and carrying the regulator shutter 16.2, and a regulator spring 16.4 resting on the device body and acting on the mobile element 16.3. The mobile element 16.3 delimits in the main bore a regulating chamber 16.5 into which the pressure-reduced gas flows and exerts against the mobile element 16.3, acting as a pressure sensor, a regulating force opposite the resilient force of the regulator spring 16.4. The functioning principle of the pressure regulator is a such well-known from the skilled person and therefore does not need to be further detailed.

[0043] The shut-off valve 12 comprises a shut-off seat 12.1, a shut-off shutter 12.2 and a shut-off spring 12.3 urging the shut-off shutter 12.2 against the shut-off seat 12.1. The shut-off shutter 12.2 comprises a poppet 12.2.1 located on an upstream side of the shut-off seat 12.1 and urged by the shut-off spring 12.3 towards said shut-off seat 12.1, and a stem 12.2.2 extending from said poppet 12.2.1 through the shut-off seat 12.1 towards and through the pressure regulator 16. The latter comprises indeed a longitudinally extending hole receiving the end of the stem 12.2.2 and through which a longitudinal pin 22 extends for operating the shut-off valve 12 by moving the shut-off shutter 12.2. The longitudinal pin 22 is configured to move in translation along the longitudinal axis of device 2 and of said longitudinal pin when the hand-wheel 26 is actuated in rotation by virtue of a circular ramp 22.1 on said longitudinal pin 22. The latter comprises for instance a radial ring portion 22.2 on which the circular ramp 22.1 is formed. The circular ramp 22.1 is configured to cooperate with a contact surface which is fixed and for instance formed on the disk-shaped part 4.3.2 of the head body 4.3, such that upon relative rotation around the longitudinal axis, the actuation pin 30 moves in translation. The actuation pin 22 comprises a proximal end portion extending through the disk-shaped part 4.3.2, and engaging, in rotation but not in translation, with a spindle 24 rotatably supported by the main part 4.3.1 of the head body 4.3 and carrying the hand-wheel 26. This means that rotation of the hand-wheel 26 will be transmitted to the spindle 24 and the longitudinal pin 22, whereas the latter will move in translation by virtue of the cam mechanism detailed here above.

[0044] The mobile element 16.3 of the pressure regulator 16 comprises a piston in gas-tight contact with the main bore of the device body 4.1, a sleeve extending longitudinally from the piston, towards the regulator seat 16.1, and a shaft mounted into the sleeve and forming at this distal end the regulator shutter 16.2 that is for instance a conical surface. The distal end of the stem 12.2.2 of the shut-off shutter 12.2 extends partially through the central longitudinally extending hole formed in the shaft of the mobile element. The above detailed construction and functioning principle of the device is detailed in the patent application published WO 2020 / 074325 A1 and the corresponding patent application published US 2021382506 A1 which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0045] The longitudinal pin 22 comprises a distal end portion protruding out and from the head body 4.3. When the head of the device is mounted on the device body 4.1, e.g. secured thereto by the nut 4.2, the distal end portion of the longitudinal pin 22 extends through the shaft and sleeve of the mobile element 16.3 of the pressure regulator 16, detailed here above. The distal end portion of the longitudinal pin 22 comprises a distal end intended to contact a corresponding distal end of the stem 12.2.2 of the shut-off shutter 12.2. The distal end portion of the longitudinal pin 22 can therefore extend therefore deep into the shaft and sleeve of the mobile element 16.3 of the pressure regulator 16, e.g. at least over 10mm, preferably at least 20mm. The distal end portion of the longitudinal pin 22 is also generally cylindrical with a first proximal diameter and a distal reduced diameter. This provides the longitudinal pin 22 mechanical stability and ease of insertion into the shaft and sleeve of the mobile element 16.3 of the pressure regulator 16.

[0046] The distal end portion of the longitudinal pin 22, protruding out and from the head body 4.3 allows also the stem 12.2.2 of the shut-off shutter 12.2 to have a limited length, thereby simplifying its manufacturing and manipulation during assembly. Its reduced diameter renders indeed its manufacturing and manipulation difficult when extending over a longer length.

[0047] As this is apparent in, the mobile element 16.3 of the pressure regulator 16 forms a recess or cavity in vis-à-vis of the radial ring portion 22.1 of the longitudinal pin 22 so as to accommodate said radial ring portion 22.1 over the stroke of the mobile element 16.3 as well as the stroke of the longitudinal pin 22, in particular of the radial ring portion 22.1 thereof.

[0048] As this is apparent in, the spindle 24 can comprise a disk portion housed between the main part 4.3.1 and the disk-shaped part 4.3.2 of the head body 4.3, forming the flow selector 20, being as such well-known in the art. The resulting assembly of the head forms thereby a compact, simple and cheap construction, consisting essentially of four main parts, namely the spindle 24 inserted into the main part 4.3.1 to which the disk-shaped part 4.3.2 and the longitudinal pin 22 are thereafter successively assembled. The disk-shaped part 4.3.2 of the head body 4.3 can form on its inner side a raised central portion engaging with a corresponding bore formed in the disk portion of the spindle 24, thereby serving as bearing for the spindle 24.

[0049] Once assembled the head can be very easily mounted on the rest of the device 2, for instance on the device body 4.1 in that the head can be moved longitudinally and centred relative to the device body 4.1 by inserting the protruding longitudinal pin 22 into the shaft and sleeve of the mobile element 16.3 of the pressure regulator 16. Once the longitudinal pin 22 is inserted into the mobile element 16.3, the head can be easily moved further longitudinally until the head body 4.3 contacts the device body 4.1 and thereafter be secured thereto by engaging the nut 4.2.

[0050] During operation, for delivering gas with the device 2, the hand-wheel 26 is manipulated in rotation so as to rotate and translate downwardly the longitudinal pin 22 so that it moves the shut-off shutter 12.2 off the shut-off seat 12.1 and opens the shut-off valve 12. The gas can then flow until the regulator seat 16.1 and regulator shutter 16.2. The regulator 16 is normally open by virtue of the regulator spring 16.4 urging the mobile element 16.3 and the regulator shutter 16.2 carried thereby, away from the regulator seat 16.1. The gas can then flow through the regulator until the regulating chamber between the piston of the mobile element 16.3 and the disk-shaped part 4.3.2 of the head body 4.3. The pressure in that chamber acts against the regulator spring 16.4 and thereby regulates the position of the mobile element 16.3 and of the regulator shutter 16.2 carried thereby. This regulation principle is a such well-known in the art. The disk-shaped part 4.3.2 of the head body 4.3 comprise a gas passage (not visible) from the regulating chamber to the flow selector between said disk-shaped part 4.3.2 and main part 4.3.1 of the head body 4.3. The disk portion of the spindle 24 comprises calibrated holes that can be selectively positioned in correspondence with a passage formed in the main part 4.3.1 of the head body 4.3, directly connecting to the outlet 8. This principle of flow selection is a such well-known in the art.

[0051] It is to be noted that the device 2 comprises a pressure relief device formed by the plate located between the regulator spring 16.4 and the part locked at the bottom of the bore receiving the regulator 16. In case the pressure downstream of the regulator seat 16.1 and shutter 16.2 exceeds a predetermined value, the plate will be moved slightly away from the part locked at the bottom of the bore receiving the regulator 16 and allow gas to escape through the vent passage formed in the wall of the device body 4.1, for instance at the left thereof. The device 2 comprises also a residual pressure device formed by the gasket on the upper face of the piston of the mobile element 16.3 of the regulator 16. In the absence of pressure in the regulating chamber, the regulator spring 16.4 urges the mobile element 16.3 towards the head so that the gasket on the upper face thereof, in said regulating chamber, contacts in a gas tight manner the disk-shaped part 4.3.2 of head body 4.3 and forms a barrier preventing the gas from flowing further. A minimum pressure, e.g. of a few bar, is necessary for opening that gas barrier. The general principle of a residual pressure device is as such well known in the art. In the present case, it shows however a particular construction. It is also to be noted that the gasket provided between the raised portion on the inner side of the disk-shaped part 4.3.2 of the head body 4.3 and the corresponding bore in the disk portion of the spindle 24 prevents the gas from flowing away when the residual pressure device as detailed here above is in a closed position.

[0052] Figures 3 to 5 illustrate an alternative head for the device detailed in figures 1 and 2, according to a second embodiment of the invention. In that second embodiment, the reference numbers of the first embodiment are used for designating the same or corresponding elements, these numbers being however incremented by 100. It is also referred to the description of these elements in relation with the first embodiment.

[0053] is a plane view of the alternative head according to the second embodiment,is a longitudinal sectional view of the head ofandis a transversal section view of the head of.

[0054] The device head illustrated in figures 3-5, differs from the device head in figures 1 and 2 in that it comprises a needle flow restrictor 132 instead of the flow selector 20. For instance, the spindle 124 is a first spindle that operates only the shut-off valve 12 () of the device, the head comprising a second spindle 128, transversal to the first spindle 124, and operating the needle flow restrictor 132.

[0055] The main part 104.3.1 of the head body 104.3 comprises a longitudinal extension 104.3.3 forming a cavity closed by a housing 104.3.4 mounted on said longitudinal extension. The housing 104.3.4 supports the second spindle 128 to which a second hand-wheel 130 is attached. The cavity formed in the longitudinal extension 104.3.3 houses a needle valve comprising a needle seat 132.1 and a needle shutter 132.2 cooperating with the needle seat 132.1. The needle shutter 132.2 comprises a conical needle portion extending through the needle seat 132.1 and configured to provide a progressively and finely adjustable flow section.

[0056] As this is apparent in, the hand-wheel of the first embodiment is replaced by a lever 126, for instance with a curved profile. With reference to, the first spindle 124 serves only for operating the shut-off valve via the longitudinal pin 122, meaning that the first spindle is only rotated over a large angular sector, e.g. between 90° and 180° for opening or closing the shut-off valve, contrary to the first embodiment where the spindle 24 () is further finely rotated for selecting an appropriate flow rate. The first spindle 124 is therefore very similar to the spindle 24 of the first embodiment, without however the disk portion for the flow selector. The disk-shaped part 104.3.2 of the head body 104.3 is identical to the one 4.3.2 of the first embodiment. Similarly, the longitudinal pin 124 is identical to the longitudinal pin 24 of the first embodiment.

[0057] is a transversal sectional view of a further alternative head for the device detailed in figures 1 and 2, according to a third embodiment of the invention. In that third embodiment, the reference numbers of the second embodiment are used for designating the same or corresponding elements, these numbers being however incremented by 100. It is also referred to the description of these elements in relation with the second embodiment as well as in the first embodiment.

[0058] The device head of the third embodiment, as illustrated in, differs from the device head of the second embodiment illustrated in figures 3 to 5 essentially in that the needle flow restrictor is replaced by a pressure regulator 232, i.e. forming a second stage or secondary pressure regulator, the regulator 16 of the device () forming then a first stage upstream of said second stage.

[0059] The secondary pressure regulator 232 comprises a secondary regulator seat 232.1, a secondary regulator shutter 232.2 configured for cooperating with said secondary regulator seat 232.1, a secondary mobile element 232.3 supporting or fixed to the secondary regulator shutter 232.2.

[0060] is a longitudinal sectional view of a further alternative head for the device detailed in figures 1 and 2, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. In that fourth embodiment, the reference numbers of the first embodiment are used for designating the same or corresponding elements, these numbers being however incremented by 300. It is also referred to the description of these elements in relation with the first embodiment.

[0061] In, the device body 304.1 is different from the device body 4.1 in figures 1 and 2. However, the pressure regulator 316 is similar to the one inand 2. The shut-off valve is not represented but similar or identical to the shut-off valve 12 in figures 1 and 2. As this is apparent, the body 304 does not comprise a nut as in the first, second and third embodiment, for connecting the head body 304.3 to the device body 304.1. Rather, the main part 304.3.1 of the head body 304.3 comprises a flange that extends radially and connects to the device body 304.1 being here substantially more massive.

[0062] The device head ofdiffers from the one of the first embodiment essentially in the construction of the longitudinal pin 322. The latter, contrary to the first embodiment (and also the second and third embodiments) does not turn with the spindle 324, rather is held fixed in rotation by a radial guiding pin 304.3.2 rigidly extending from the longitudinal pin 322 and in longitudinal sliding engagement with the main part 304.3.1 of the head body 304.3. For instance, the radial guiding pin 304.3.2 is rigidly inserted into the radial ring portion 322.2 of the longitudinal pin 322. The circular ramp 322.1 cooperates here with a contact surface that is formed on the spindle 324, for instance on the disk portion forming the flow selector 320. As this is apparent, the disk-shape part present in the first embodiment (and also the second and third embodiments) is not present, thereby simplifying the construction of the head and of the device.

[0063] is a longitudinal sectional view of a further alternative head for the device detailed in, according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. In that fifth embodiment, the reference numbers of the first embodiment are used for designating the same or corresponding elements, these numbers being however incremented by 400. It is also referred to the description of these elements in relation with the first embodiment.

[0064] The device head ofdiffers from the one of the first embodiment essentially in the construction of the longitudinal pin 422. The radial ring portion 422.2 of the longitudinal pin is here located between the disk-shaped part 404.3.2 and the main part 404.3.1 of the head body 404.3. Further the contact surface the circular ramp 422.1 cooperates with is now formed by a radial support pin 404.3.3 extending through the disk-shaped part 404.3.2 and the main part 404.3.1 of the head body 404.3. This means that the longitudinal pin 422 rotates with the spindle 424 as in the first embodiment (and also the second and third embodiments).

[0065] Generally, it is clear that the technical construction of the above fourth and fifth embodiments can be applied to the second and third embodiments.

Claims

A head of a device (2; 102; 302; 402) for controlling a flow of gas on a gas cylinder, comprising:a head body (4.3; 104.3; 204.3; 304.3; 404.3) with a gas entry, a gas outlet (8; 108; 208; 308; 408) and a gas passage interconnecting the gas entry with the gas outlet;a fixation mechanism (4.2; 104.2; 204.2; 304.2; 404.2) for fixing the head body (4.3; 104.3; 204.3; 304.3; 404.3) to the device (2; 102; 302; 402);a longitudinal pin (22; 122; 222; 322; 422) carried by the head body (4.3; 104.3; 204.3; 304.3; 404.3), for operating a shut-off valve (12; 412) of the device (2; 102; 302; 402);a spindle (24; 124; 224; 324; 424) extending longitudinally through the head body (4.3; 104.3; 204.3; 304.3; 404.3) and configured for, upon rotation, move in translation the longitudinal pin (22; 122; 222; 322; 422);characterized in thatthe longitudinal pin (22; 122; 222; 322; 422) comprises a distal end portion protruding out and from the head body (4.3; 104.3; 204.3; 304.3; 404.3).The head according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal pin (22; 122; 222; 322; 422) comprises a proximal end portion in engagement in the spindle (24; 124; 224; 324; 424) and circular ramp (22.1; 122.1; 22.1; 322.1; 422.1) around a main axis of said longitudinal pin, cooperating with a contact surface outside of the spindle, designed for converting the rotation of the spindle (24; 124; 224; 324; 424) into a translation of the said longitudinal pin (22; 122; 222; 322; 422).The head according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal pin (22; 122; 222; 422) is in rotation engagement with the spindle (24; 124; 224; 424) and the contact surface is formed on the head body (4.3; 104.3; 204.3; 304.3; 404.3).The head according to claim 3, wherein the head body (4.3; 104.3; 204.3) comprises a main part (4.3.1; 104.3.1; 204.3.1) supporting the spindle (24; 124; 224) and a disk-shaped part (4.3.2; 104.3.2; 204.3.2) intended to be inside the device (2; 102; 202) when the head is mounted on said device, the contact surface being formed on an outer surface of said disk-shaped part (4.3.2; 104.3.2; 204.3.2).The head according to claim 3, wherein the head body (403.3) comprises a main part (404.3.1) supporting the spindle (424) and a disk-shaped part (404.3.2) intended to be inside the device (402) when the head is mounted on said device, the contact surface being formed by a radial support pin (404.3.3) extending through the disk-shaped part (404.3.2) and the main part (404.3.1).The head according to claim 2, wherein the contact surface is formed on the spindle (324) and the longitudinal pin (322) in held fixed in rotation.The head according to claim 6, wherein the longitudinal pin (322) is held fixed in rotation by a radial guiding pin (304.3.2) rigidly extending from the longitudinal pin (322) and in longitudinal sliding engagement with the head body (304.3).The head according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the longitudinal pin (22; 122; 222; 322; 422) comprises a radial ring portion (22.2; 122.2; 222.2; 322.2; 422.2) between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, said radial ring portion comprising the circular ramp (22.1; 122.1; 22.1; 322.1; 422.1).The head according to claims 2 and 8, wherein the radial ring portion (422.2) is located between the disk-shaped part (404.3.2) and the main part (404.3.1) of the head body (404.3).The head according to claims 7 and 8, wherein the radial guiding pin (304.3.2) is rigidly inserted into the radial ring portion (322.2).The head according to one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the fixation mechanism comprises a nut (4.2; 104.2; 204.2) surrounding and rotatably resting on the main part (4.3.1; 104.3.1; 204.3.1) of the head body (4.3; 104.3; 204.3).The head according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the spindle (124; 224) is a first spindle and the head further comprises a gas flow or pressure regulator (120; 220) located in the head body (104.3; 204.3) and adjustable by rotation of a second spindle (128; 228).The head according to any one claims 2 to 11, and according to claim 12, wherein the gas flow or pressure regulator (120; 220) comprises a housing (104.3.4; 204.3.4) attached to the main part (104.3.1; 204.3.1) of the head body (104.3; 204.3) and supporting the second spindle (128; 228).The head according to claim 13, wherein the main part (104.3.1; 204.3.1) of the head body (104.3; 204.3) comprises a cavity extended by the housing (104.3.4; 204.3.4) attached to said main part, wherein said cavity houses the gas flow or pressure regulator (120; 220).The head according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the second spindle (128; 228) is transversal, preferably perpendicular, to the first spindle (124; 224).The head according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the gas flow or pressure regulator is a needle flow restrictor (120) comprising a needle restrictor seat (120.1) and a needle (120.2) engaging through said needle restrictor seat and movable in translation by rotation of the second spindle (128).The head according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the gas flow or pressure regulator is a secondary pressure regulator (220) comprising a secondary regulator seat (220.1), a secondary regulator shutter (220.2) configured for cooperating with said secondary regulator seat (220.1), a pressure sensor (220.3) downstream of said secondary regulator seat (220.1), configured for moving the secondary regulator shutter (220.2) dependent on the pressure downstream of said secondary regulator seat (220.1), and a spring acting on the pressure sensor (220.3) and on an opposed element movable in translation by rotation of the second spindle (228).A device (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) for controlling a flow of gas on a gas cylinder, comprising:a device body (4.1; 304.1; 404.1) with a first end forming a gas inlet (6), and a second end that is opposed to the first end and with a bore opening out at said second end;a primary pressure regulator (16; 316; 416) housed in the bore;a shut-off valve (12; 412) located in the device body (4.1; 304.1; 404.1) upstream of the primary pressure regulator (16; 316; 416);a headpart fixed to the second end and comprising a gas outlet;characterized in that the head-part is according to any one of claims 1 to 17.The device (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) according to claim 18, wherein the primary pressure regulator (16; 316; 416) comprises a primary regulator seat (16.1), a primary regulator shutter (16.2) downstream of said primary regulator seat, and a piston (16.3) with a sleeve extending longitudinally towards the primary regulator seat (16.1) and carrying the primary regulator shutter (16.2); the shut-off valve (12) comprises a shut-off seat (12.1) and a shut-off shutter (12.2) for cooperating with said shut-off seat (12.1), said shut-off shutter (12.2) comprising a poppet (12.2.1) upstream of the shut-off seat (12.1) and a stem (12.2.2) extending from said poppet (12.2.1) through the shut-off seat (12.1), the primary regulator seat (16.1) and the sleeve, said stem contacting in said sleeve the longitudinal pin (22; 122; 222; 322; 422) of the head.

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