Valve for compressed gas cylinder with a gas outlet formed by a circumferential groove

Abstract

The invention is directed to a valve (2) for a compressed gas cylinder, comprising a body (4) with a longitudinal axis, a gas inlet (6), a lateral gas outlet (8) and a gas passage (14) interconnecting the gas inlet (6) and the lateral gas outlet (8); a shut-off device (16) in the gas passage (14); wherein the lateral gas outlet (8) is formed by a circumferential groove (10) formed in the body (4) and opening out transversely on said body (4).

Description

VALVE FOR COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDER WITH A GAS OUTLET FORMED BY A CIRCUMFERENTIAL GROOVE

[0001] The invention is directed to the field of valves for compressed gas cylinder, more particular for compressed gas cartridges, notably compressed CO2cartridges used in beverage carbonation machines used as household appliances.

[0002] Water carbonation machines are widely used notably in homes since now many years. Their working principles consists essentially in pouring a volume of still water, usually tap water, into a sealed container, and to inject compressed CO2into the container by dissolving the CO2into water, resulting in sparking water. To that end, the container is fluidly connected to a source of compressed CO2, being for instance a cartridge of compressed CO2. Such cartridges can be easily fluidly and mechanically coupled to the carbonation machine for carbonating water or any other beverages and, once emptied, uncoupled, and replaced by a new filled one. The cartridges are therefore subject to regular coupling and uncoupling operations, in particular by consumers being for instance not particularly trained for such operations. This means that the coupling and uncoupling of such compressed CO2cartridges must be as easy and safe as possible.

[0003] These CO2cartridges usually comprise a valve mounted on the neck thereof, normally closed for maintaining the compressed CO2in the cartridges and able to open once the cartridge is coupled to the carbonation machine. The gas outlet of these valves is classically on the top face thereof so that the gas tight coupling with the carbonation machine classically occurs axially with a bore formed in the top face of the valve. The mechanical coupling classically occurs by means of an outer thread on the valve, commonly named Acme® thread, that engages with a corresponding female thread on the carbonation machine. The engagement and rotation movements of the cartridge relative to the carbonation machine require also skills whereby the coupling can be felt cumbersome for some customers.

[0004] The patent application published WO 2020 / 230115 A1 proposes a new type of coupling between a CO2cartridge and a carbonation machine, whereby essentially the mechanical coupling is achieved by a lifting mechanism engaging with a collar on the cartridge and the gas coupling occurs not on the axial front face anymore but with a lateral surface of the valve. To that end, the valve shows an axial upper end portion with a cylindrical outer surface provided with a groove, the valve comprising several lateral or radial ports opening out on said groove on said cylindrical outer surface. The coupling part on the carbonation machine comprises a cavity or bore with two sealing rings that engage in a gas tight fashion with the cylindrical outer surface. While this solution facilitates the coupling and uncoupling operations, the compressed gas release when the groove passes the lower sealing ring during uncoupling can be loud and felt unpleasant.

[0005] Prior art patent document published EP 4 384 749 B1 discloses a valve for a compressed gas cylinder, comprising a body with a longitudinal axis, a gas inlet, a lateral gas outlet and a gas passage interconnecting the gas inlet and the lateral gas outlet; a shut-off device the gas passage; wherein the lateral gas outlet extends circumferentially around the body and is formed by a circumferential groove on the body that opens out in the longitudinal direction. While this solution provides technical advances, it requires the presence of a housing sleeve fitted in gas tight fashion around the body and requiring narrow manufacturing tolerances and special care during assembly. Further the circumferential groove on the body, opening out in the longitudinal direction forms a thin shoulder on the external circumferential surface of the valve that requires to be passed by the gasket of a corresponding coupling, leading over a certain number of engagements to potential damages to the gasket and also increasing the longitudinal effort required during engagement with the coupling.

[0006] The invention has for technical problem to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the above-mentioned prior art. More specifically, the invention has for technical problem to provide a valve for a compressed gas cylinder, that facilitates its manual engagement with and disengagement from a corresponding coupling head, notably on a beverage carbonation machine, while remaining of simple and cost-effective construction.Technical solution

[0007] The invention is directed to a valve for a compressed gas cylinder, comprising: a body with a longitudinal axis, a gas inlet, a lateral gas outlet and a gas passage interconnecting the gas inlet and the lateral gas outlet; a shut-off device in the gas passage; wherein the lateral gas outlet is formed by a circumferential groove formed in the body and opening out transversely on said body.

[0008] Advantageously, the circumferential groove extends over at least 270°, preferably over 360° around the longitudinal axis.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the circumferential groove opens out in a radial direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or that is inclined relative to the radial direction by not more than 20°.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the valve further comprises an inner distribution groove upstream, in a normal flow direction from the gas inlet to the lateral gas outlet, of the circumferential groove and configured for promoting an even distribution of the gas around a whole periphery of the valve before reaching the circumferential groove.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the inner distribution groove has a heightH,in a direction of the longitudinal axis, that is greater than a heighthof the circumferential groove in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the circumferential groove has a heighth, in a direction of the longitudinal axis, that is greater than 0.1mm and / or less than 0.5mm. Advantageously, the heighthis less than 0.4mm, preferably less than 0.3mm. The heighthof the circumferential groove is preferably constant over at least 50% of the circumferential groove.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the body comprises an axial upper end portion with a cylindrical outer surface comprising the lateral gas outlet and the circumferential groove.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the circumferential groove opens out on the cylindrical outer surface.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the body comprises a main body and a cover attached to the main body and forming, with the main body, the circumferential groove.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the circumferential groove comprises a distal side wall formed by the cover and a proximal side wall, opposed to the distal side wall, formed by the main body.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the main body and the cover form the inner distribution groove. Advantageously, the inner distribution groove comprises a radially inner side wall formed by the cover and a radially outer side wall, opposed to the radially inner side wall, formed by the main body.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the main body comprises, at an axial end opposed to the gas inlet, a bore engaging with the cover.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the bore comprises a female thread engaging with a male thread on the cover.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the bore comprises a shoulder onto which a corresponding shoulder of the cover rests.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, a gasket is provided between the bore and the cover, forming a gas tight barrier.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the gas passage comprises, downstream of the shut-off device, in a normal flow direction from the gas inlet to the lateral gas outlet, an annular portion and at least one longitudinal portion downstream of the annular portion in the normal flow direction.

[0023] Advantageously, the annular portion of the gas passage surrounds a longitudinal axis of the valve.

[0024] Advantageously, the annular portion of the gas passage comprises a series of radial passages distributed, preferably evenly, about a longitudinal axis of the valve.

[0025] Advantageously, the at least one longitudinal portion of the gas passage is offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the valve.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the annular portion of the gas passage is located between the cover and the main body.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the annular portion of the gas passage is formed by a spacer, such as a serrated washer, sandwiched between the cover and the main body.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the annular portion of the gas passage is formed by at least one radial slot formed on an internal end face of the cover and / or on a face of the main body in vis-à-vis of the cover.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one longitudinal portion of the gas passage is formed by at least one longitudinal slot formed on a lateral face of the cover and / or on a face of the main body in vis-à-vis of the lateral face of the cover.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the shut-off valve comprises a seat and a shutter resiliently urged against the seat in a normal flow direction from the gas inlet to the lateral gas outlet.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the seat is formed on an intermediate part of the body that is housed between the main body and the cover.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the shutter comprises a shut-off portion configured for cooperating in a gas tight manner with the seat and a stem extending from the shut-off portion through the seat to the exterior of the valve.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the shutter comprises on the shut-off portion a gasket that is configured for cooperating in a gas tight manner with the seat.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the shutter comprises a sleeve forming the shut-off portion and a pin inserted into a blind hole of the sleeve and forming the stem, the gasket being fitted into a groove around the pin adjacent the sleeve.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the stem is slidable in a gas tight manner in a longitudinal bore that opens to the exterior of the valve.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the gas passage comprises a radial portion interconnecting the circumferential groove and the longitudinal bore.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the stem comprises a gasket fitted into a groove at a distal end of said stem, the longitudinal bore showing a diameter that increases past said gasket when the shut-off valve is closed, towards the seat, so that upon pushing said stem into the longitudinal bore for opening the shut-off device, the gasket loses contact with the longitudinal bore for allowing a gas refill flow through said longitudinal bore.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the body comprises an axial lower end portion with the gas inlet and provided with an outer thread for engaging with an inner thread of a neck of the compressed gas cylinder.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the body comprises an intermediate portion between the axial upper end portion and the axial lower end portion, said intermediate portion being wider than said axial upper end portion and axial lower end portion, and preferably provided with a gas pressure relief device.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the valve further comprises a collar adjacent the intermediate portion of the body, integrally formed with or in axial abutment against said intermediate portion, said collar forming a radial engagement surface for a lifting mechanism designed for axially engaging the lateral gas outlet with a corresponding coupling head.Advantages of the invention

[0041] The above invention is advantageous in that the construction of valve is particularly simple. Notably, the great majority of the functional surfaces can be made by turning on a lathe, the only functional surfaces not being surfaces of revolution around the longitudinal axis are the radial portion of the gas passage, the bore in the intermediate portion of the body receiving the pressure relief device and the radial drill hole in the axial lower end portion of the body.

[0042] The invention is also particularly interesting in that it provides a smooth and nearly continuous cylindrical outer surface for engaging by an axial sliding movement with a bore or cavity of a corresponding coupling head, where said bore or cavity is provided with at least two gaskets, or a gasket with two longitudinally distant lips, along which the cylindrical outer surface slides during engagement. This smooth and nearly continuous cylindrical outer surface prevents damages to the gaskets and reduces the engagement force. The circumferential groove and the optional internal groove serve as distribution means of the gas along the whole circumference of the valve body. The valve is therefore intrinsically safe in generating no resulting jet force in case of accidental opening of the shut-off valve while the valve in not engaged with a corresponding coupling head.Brief description of the drawings

[0043] is a perspective view of a valve for a compressed gas cylinder, according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0044] is a front view of the valve of;

[0045] is a sectional view of the valve of Figs. 1 and 2;

[0046] is a sectional view of a valve for a compressed gas cylinder, according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0047] is a combined perspective view and side view of the washer of the valve of;

[0048] is a perspective view of the cover of the valve of;

[0049] is a sectional view of a valve for a compressed gas cylinder, according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0050] is a perspective view of the cover of the valve of;

[0051] is a sectional view of a valve for a compressed gas cylinder, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0052] is a sectional view of a valve for a compressed gas cylinder, according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.Description of an embodiment

[0053] Figs. 1-3 are views of a valve for a compressed gas cylinder, such as a CO2cartridge for carbonation machines, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0054] is a perspective of the valve of the first embodiment. The valve 2 comprises a body 4, a gas inlet 6, a lateral gas outlet 8, a gas passage (not visible) interconnecting the gas inlet and the lateral gas outlet, and a shut-off device (not visible) for shut-off the gas passage.

[0055] The body 4 extends along a longitudinal axis which is for instance vertical in the normal or standard orientation of the valve 2 when mounted on a vertically standing gas cylinder. The body 4 comprises an axial upper end portion 4.1 provided with the lateral gas outlet 8 and intended to engage with a corresponding cavity or bore on a carbonation machine. The body 4 further comprises an axial lower end portion 4.2 with an outer thread intended to engage with a corresponding inner thread of a neck of the gas cylinder. The body 4 can further comprise an intermediate portion 4.3, between the axial upper end portion 4.1 and the axial lower end portion 4.2. The intermediate portion is advantageously wider than the axial upper and lower portions 4.1 and 4.2, for instance can have a non-circular outer surface e.g., hexagonal, for engaging in rotation with a tool for tightening the engagement of the axial lower portion 4.2 with the neck of the gas cylinder. As this is apparent, the intermediate portion 4.3 can also comprise a collar extending radially and circumferentially for serving as engagement surface for a lifting mechanism on a carbonation machine.

[0056] The lateral gas outlet 8 is formed by a circumferential groove 10 formed in the axial upper portion 4.1 of the body 4.

[0057] The valve 2 can be equipped with a pressure relief valve 12 which is for instance radially engaged in the intermediate portion 4.3 of the body 2.

[0058] is a plan view of the valve of, where the outer thread on the axial lower portion 4.2 of the body 4 is visible. As this is apparent, the optional collar 4.3.2 is formed as a washer slipped onto the axial lower portion 4.2 of the body 4, abutting against the intermediate portion 4.3. Alternatively, the collar can be integrally formed with the body 4, for instance with the intermediate portion 4.3 thereof. The non-circular outer surface 4.3.1 thereof is adjacent the collar 4.3.2.

[0059] is a sectional view of the valve of Figs. 1 and 2.

[0060] The valve 2 comprises a gas passage 14 formed in the body 4 and interconnecting the gas inlet 6 with the lateral gas outlet 8. The valve 2 further comprises a shut-off device 16 housed in the body 4 and more particularly in the gas passage 14. The shut-off device 16 comprises a seat 16.1 which surrounds the gas passage 14. The seat 16.1 is for instance directly formed in the body 4, whereas it could be formed by one or several parts attached or mounted to the body 4. The shut-off device 16 further comprises a shutter 16.2 which is movable, preferably longitudinally, in the gas passage 14 and configured for cooperating with the seat 16.1. The shutter 16.2 comprises a shut-off portion 16.2.1 which is located on an upstream side of the seat 16.1 (considering the normal gas flow direction from the gas inlet 6 to the lateral gas outlet 8) and urged by a spring 16.3 of the shut-off device 16 towards the seat 16.1. The shutter 16.2 further comprises a stem 16.2.2 extending from the shut-off portion 16.2.1 through the seat 16.1 and along a longitudinal bore 18 formed in the body 4 to an exterior of the valve 2, for instance an axial front face thereof. A portion of the longitudinal bore 18 forms a portion of the gas passage 14. The shutter 16.2 further comprises a gasket 16.2.3 which is fitted onto the stem 16.2.2 directly adjacent the shut-off portion 16.2.1.

[0061] The shut-off portion 16.2.1 is for instance formed by a sleeve with a blind hole, and the stem 16.2.2 is formed by a pin press fitted into the blind hole of the sleeve, being however understood that other constructions can be considered. For example, both the shut-off portion and the stem can be made of a single piece e.g., by machining and / or turning. Also, the engagement between the pin and the sleeve can be by means of threads. The hole in the sleeve must also not necessarily be blind.

[0062] The lateral gas outlet 8 is formed by the circumferential groove 10 formed in the body 4 and opening out radially on said body 4. The gas passage 14 comprises a radial or at least lateral portion 14.2 that interconnects the circumferential groove 10 and the longitudinal bore 18 receiving the stem 16.2.2 of the shutter 16.2 of the shut-off device 16.

[0063] At rest, the spring 16.3 urges the shutter 16.2 against the seat 16.1, thereby shutting-off the gas passage 14. The gas pressure at the gas inlet 6 present on an upstream side of the shutter 16.2, for instance of the shut-off portion 16.2.1 of the shutter 16.2, urges also the shut-off portion 16.2.1 of the shutter 16.2 against the seat 16.1. Upon actuation of the shut-off valve by pushing on the distal end of the stem 16.2.2 of the shutter 16.2, the latter moves down (according to the normal orientation of the valve as illustrated in) against the forces of the spring 16.3 and of the gas pressure at the gas inlet 6, if any, and opens the gas passage 14, allowing the gas to flow through the seat 16.1 and the radial or lateral portion 14.2 of the gas passage 14 towards the circumferential groove 10 where the gas flows then circumferentially and thereafter radially. The circumferential groove 10 plays the role of a gas distributor along the whole circumference of the axial upper portion 4.1 of the body 4.

[0064] The stem 16.2.2 of the shutter 16.2 comprises a gasket 16.2.4 fitted around a groove at a distal portion thereof, where that gasket 16.2.4 forms a gas tight barrier with the longitudinal bore 18 over a normal stroke of the shutter corresponding to an opening of the shut-off device for delivering gas to the lateral gas outlet 8, during normal gas delivery. As this is apparent, the longitudinal bore 18 shows a diameter that widens at distance from the gasket 16.2.4 towards the seat 16.1, so that when the shutter is moved over a refill stroke that is larger than the above mentioned normal stroke, the gasket 16.2.4 reaches the diametrically widened area of the longitudinal bore 18 and allows the refill gas fed from the axial front end face of the body 4, where the longitudinal bore 18 opens out to the exterior, to reach gas inlet 6, provided of course that the lateral gas outlet 8 is artificially closed. The refill process will be detailed further below.

[0065] It is to be mentioned that the longitudinal bore 18 with the diametrically widened area can be machined using special cutting tools that have the capacity upon actuation to increase their outer diameter and reduce it thereafter for extraction of the tool.

[0066] As illustrated, the body 4 can comprise a main body 4.4 and a cover 4.5 engaged with an upper or distal end of the main body 4.4. The main body 4.4 comprises an engagement bore, that is preferably stepped with one or even for instance two shoulders, with a female thread engaging with a male thread of the cover 4.5. The cover can similarly to the engagement bore show a stepped front end configured for precisely engaging with the engagement bore. The latter can show a first shoulder receiving a gasket 22 forming a gas tight barrier and can show a second shoulder forming an axial abutment with the cover 4.5. The abutment is advantageous in that it provides the circumferential groove 10 around the cover 4.5, with a heighth, in the longitudinal direction, delimited by said cover 4.5 and the main body 4.4. As this is apparent, the axial upper end portion 4.1 forms an outer cylindrical surface 24 that is formed at its proximal portion by the main body 4.4, at its distal portion by the cover 4.5 and at its intermediate portion between the proximal and distal portions, by the circumferential groove 10. The heighthof the circumferential groove 10 is limited, preferably less than 0.5mm and preferably greater than 0.1mm. Thanks to the diameter of the outer cylindrical surface 24, the cross-section of the circumferential groove 10 at the outer cylindrical surface 24 is sufficient despite the limited heighthof the circumferential groove 10. For a diameter of about 20mm, the cross-section of the circumferential groove 10 at the outer cylindrical surface 24 ranges indeed from 6.28 mm2to 31.4 mm2for the above range of limited heighthof the circumferential groove 10. Also, such a limited heighthfails to form a cavity into which a gasket of a corresponding cavity or bore of a carbonation machine could fall and deteriorate during engagement and / or disengagement. In other words, these three elements have the same outer diameter for forming the outer cylindrical surface 24, being a nearly continuous and smooth surface, intended to engage with the corresponding cavity or bore of a machine to which the gas cylinder is intended to be coupled like a carbonation machine.

[0067] In the enlarged view of the circumferential groove 10 in, we can observe that the circumferential groove 10 comprises a distal side wall 10.1 formed by the cover 4.5 and a proximal side wall 10.2, opposed to the distal side wall 10.1, formed by the main body 4.4. The heighthof the circumferential groove 10 is thereby determined by the above-mentioned second shoulder of the bore of the main body 4.4, forming the axial abutment for the cover 4.5.

[0068] An inner distribution groove 20 can be located fluidly between the circumferential groove 10 and the radial or lateral portion 14.2 of the gas passage 14, for promoting an even distribution of the gas around the whole periphery of the valve before reaching the circumferential groove 10 at the gas outlet 8. That inner distribution groove 20 is for instance formed between the main body 4.4 and the cover 4.5 e.g., by a groove formed in an outer surface of the cover 4.5 of the body 4 and delimited by a corresponding distal portion of the bore of the main body 4.4, radially opposed to said groove. More specifically, the inner distribution groove 20 comprises a radially inner side wall formed by the cover 4.5 and a radially outer side wall, opposed to the radially inner side wall, formed by the main body 4.4. As this is apparent in the enlarged view in, the inner distribution groove 20 has a heightHin the longitudinal direction and a widthWin the radial direction. The heightHis advantageously greater than the heighth, preferably greater than 2∙h. The width W is preferably greater than 1mm.

[0069] As this is apparent in, the circumferential groove 10 opens out in a radial direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. It is however understood that the direction into which the circumferential groove 10 opens out can be inclined relative to radial direction, for instance by not more than 20°.

[0070] The above-described valve can be used as follows:

[0071] As previously mentioned, the axial lower end portion 4.2 of the body 4 of the valve 2 is intended to be engaged in a neck of a gas cylinder such as a CO2cartridge of a beverage carbonation machine, being however understood that the valve can be used on other types of gas cylinders and also on gas cylinders containing other gases than CO2.

[0072] The gas cylinder equipped with the above valve can be filled with compressed gas by engaging the axial upper end portion 4.1 of the body 4 of the valve 2 with a corresponding refill head, whereby an upper portion of the cylindrical outer surface 24 and / or the front face of the axial upper end portion 4.1 of the body 4 is gas tightly sealed with the refill head, so that refill gas can flow axially via the refill head through the longitudinal bore 18 of the body 4 and through the shut-off device 16 for reaching the gas cylinder (not represented). More specifically, the refill head comprises a movable pin that cooperates with the stem 16.2.2 of the shutter 16.2 of the shut-off device 16, for moving down said stem 16.2.2 over the above briefly mentioned refill stroke whereby the gasket 16.2.4 reaches the widened area of the longitudinal bore 18 for forming a passage for the flow of refill gas towards the opened shut-off valve. The lateral or radial portion 14.2 of the gas passage 14 is closed by forming a gas tight barrier around the circumferential groove 10. Such a barrier can be formed by a cylindrical wall (not represented) provided with two gaskets on its inner surface, engaging with the cylindrical outer surface 24 on each axial side of the circumferential groove 10. When the gas cylinder is totally filled and the refill flow is terminated, the movable pin of the refill head is moved back so as to allow the shutter 16.2 to move to a closed position of the shut-off valve 16. The refill head can be provided with a venting means for releasing the refill pressure remaining between the front face of the axial upper end portion 4.1 of the body 4 and a corresponding wall of the refill head. This also releases the pressure on the sealing means of the refill head on the axial upper end portion 4.1 of the body 4, in particular on the cylindrical outer surface 24, and thereby facilitates a disengagement or uncoupling between the refill head and the axial upper end portion 4.1 of the body 4.

[0073] A filled gas cylinder with the above valve can be coupled to a carbonation machine by axially engaging the axial upper end portion 4.1 of the body 4 into a corresponding coupling head of the carbonation machine. Such a coupling head is provided with a bore into which the axial upper end portion 4.1 of the body 4 fits, said bore being provided with one or two gaskets engaging with the cylindrical outer surface 24 on each axial side of the ring of porous material 10. The coupling head is also provided with a movable axial pin that can cooperate with the distal end of the stem 16.2.2 of the shutter 16.2 of the shut-off valve 16, by moving down said shutter 16.2 over the above briefly mentioned normal stroke, being shorter than the refill stroke, so as to open the shut-off valve while keeping the gasket 16.2.4 distant from the widened area of the longitudinal bore 18. In that configuration, the gas under pressure located in the gas cylinder can flow through the gas passage 14 until the inner distribution groove 20 and essentially radially through the circumferential groove 10 to a corresponding channel or passage in the coupling head and then to the carbonation machine.

[0074] Figs. 4-6 are views of a valve for a compressed gas cylinder, such as a CO2cartridge for carbonation machines, according to a second embodiment of the invention. The reference numbers of the first embodiment are used in the second embodiment for designating the same or corresponding elements, these numbers being however incremented by 100. It is referred to the description of these elements in connection with the first embodiment.

[0075] With reference to, the valve 102 of this second embodiment differs from the valve 2 () of the first embodiment essentially in that the radial or at least lateral portion 14.2 () of the gas passage is replaced by an annular portion 114.2 followed (in the normal flow direction when outputting gas) by at least one longitudinal portion 114.3.

[0076] The annular portion 114.2 of the gas passage 114 is formed by a spacer being for instance a serrated washer 126 arranged around the stem 116.2.2 of the shutter 116.2 of the shut-off device 116 and pressed between the main body 104.4 and the cover 104.5. The serrated washer 126 can be a fan-shaped washer. It can be according to the German norm DIN 6798 A, whereas other designs can be considered. The serrated washer 126 is designed to, once sandwiched between the main body 104.4 and the lower face of the cover 104.5, form a nearly continuous radial passage around the longitudinal axis of the serrated washer 126 and of the valve 102, for instance 360° about that longitudinal axis, being understood that the radial passage does not necessarily need to extend over a complete turn about the longitudinal axis.

[0077] is a combined perspective and side view of the serrated washer 126, for instance according to the German norm DIN 6798 A. As this is visible, the undulated shape of the washer, formed for instance by twisted cut portions of the washer distributed about its axis, forms a series of directly adjacent radial passages that result in a nearly continuous radial passage around the axis.

[0078] Back to, the at least one longitudinal portion 114.3 of the gas passage 114 is formed for instance by a longitudinal slot on the cover 104.5.

[0079] is a perspective view of the cover 104.5, oriented upside down compared toThe cover 104.5 comprises an outer thread 104.5.1 that engages with a corresponding female thread in the engagement bore of the main body 104.4 (). The cover 104.5 further comprises the above-mentioned longitudinal slot 104.5.2 formed in the outer thread. In the embodiment illustrated in, the cover 104.5 comprises three longitudinal slots 104.5.2 distributed evenly about the longitudinal axis, e.g. distanced each other by 120°. It is however understood that the number of longitudinal slots can be selected among 1, 2, 3 or even more and that in case of several longitudinal slots, they do not necessarily need to be evenly distributed about the longitudinal axis.

[0080] Each of the above-mentioned longitudinal slots 104.5.2 extends fluidly from the radial portion 114.2 of the gas passage 114 to the inner distribution groove 120. To that end, each of the above-mentioned longitudinal slots 104.5.2 extends from the end face of the cover 104.5 that contacts the serrated washer 126. The cover 104.5 comprises a shoulder portion 104.5.3 located between the inner end portion with the outer thread 104.5.1 and the outer end portion 104.5.5 forming the cylindrical outer surface 124 of the valve 102 (). The shoulder portion 104.5.3 has an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the inner end portion with the outer thread 104.5.1 and that is less than the outer diameter of the outer end portion 104.5.5 forming the cylindrical outer surface 124 of the valve 102 (). As this is apparent, the inner distribution groove 120 is formed in the shoulder portion 104.5.3, adjacent the outer end portion 104.5.5 forming the cylindrical outer surface 124 of the valve 102 (). As this is also apparent, the shoulder portion 104.5.3 can be truncated resulting in flat surfaces 104.5.4 in correspondence with the longitudinal slots 104.5.2 respectively, facilitating the fluidic connection between the longitudinal slots 104.5.2 and the inner distribution groove 120. The shoulder portion 104.5.3 forms a bearing surface that abuts against a corresponding shoulder on the main body 104.4 (), adjacent the female thread in the engagement bore of the main body 104.4 (). This bearing surface is advantageous in that, during tightening of the cover 104.5, it limits its axial movement into the engagement bore of the main body 104.4 () and thereby also limits the deformation of the serrated washer 126.

[0081] As this is apparent inand similarly to the first embodiment, the circumferential groove 110 comprises a distal side wall 110.1 directly formed by the cover 104.5 and a proximal side wall 110.2, opposed to the distal side wall 110.1, directly formed by the main body 104.4. The heighthof the circumferential groove 110 is thereby determined by the above-mentioned shoulder of the bore of the main body 104.4, forming the axial abutment for the cover 104.5.

[0082] As this is apparent inand similarly to the first embodiment, the stem 116.2.2 of the shutter 116.2 comprises a gasket 116.2.4 fitted around a groove at a distal portion thereof, where that gasket 116.2.4 forms a gas tight barrier with the longitudinal bore 118 over a normal stroke of the shutter corresponding to an opening of the shut-off device for delivering gas to the lateral gas outlet 8, during normal gas delivery. As this is apparent in, the longitudinal bore 118 shows a diameter that widens at distance from the gasket 116.2.4 towards the seat 116.1, so that when the shutter is moved over a refill stroke that is larger than the above mentioned normal stroke, the gasket 116.2.4 reaches the diametrically widened area of the longitudinal bore 118 and allows the refill gas fed from the axial front end face of the body 4, where the longitudinal bore 118 opens out to the exterior, to reach gas inlet 106, provided of course that the lateral gas outlet 108 is artificially closed.

[0083] As this is apparent in, the valve 102 of the second embodiment further differs from the valve 2 () of the first embodiment in that the seat 116.1 of the shut-off device 116 is not integrally formed with the main body 104.4 but rather formed on an intermediate part 104.6 of the body that is sandwiched between the bottom of the bore of the main body 104.4 and the serrated washer 126 urged towards said bottom by the cover 104.5. The intermediate part 104.6 is provided with sealing means with the bore, for instance a gasket 122 housed in a circular external groove, contacting in a gas tight manner said bore. The intermediate part 104.6 of the body 104 provides similar advantages as the construction of the first embodiment, namely that all components of the shut-off device 116 can be put in place in the main body 104.4 from the top of said body 104 i.e. from the side of the cover 104.5. It is however understood that the seat of the shut-off device can be made integrally with the main body 104.4, whereby the remaining components of the shut-off device 116 can then be put in place from the opposite and lower side, i.e. through the gas inlet 106. The gas passage 114 in the gas inlet 106 needs then to be wider and the spring 116.3 can be conical and have its base, larger than its top contacting the shutter 116.2, resting in and longitudinally abutting against an internal groove made in the gas passage 114 at the gas inlet 106.

[0084] Still with reference to, the valve 102 of the second embodiment further differs from the valve 2 () of the first embodiment in that the stem 116.2.2 of the shutter 116.2 of the shut-off device 116 is made of two portions engaging with each other, instead of being made of a single piece.

[0085] Still further with reference to, the valve 102 of the second embodiment further differs from the valve 2 () of the first embodiment in that the collar 104.3.2 is integrally formed with the main body 104.4, between the axial lower portion 104.2 and the intermediate portion 104.3. This avoids possible a gas leakage between the collar 104.3.2 and the axial lower portion 104.2, as this can be the case when the collar is slipped onto the axial lower portion of the body, abutting against the intermediate portion.

[0086] Figs. 7-8 are views of a valve for a compressed gas cylinder, such as a CO2cartridge for carbonation machines, according to a third embodiment of the invention. The reference numbers of the second embodiment are used in the third embodiment for designating the same or corresponding elements, these numbers being however incremented by 100. It is referred to the description of these elements in connection with the first and second embodiments.

[0087] With reference to, the valve 202 of this third embodiment differs from the valve 102 () of the second embodiment essentially in that the annular portion 214.2 of the gas passage is formed by radial slots in the end face of the cover 204.5, instead of by the serrated washer 126 ().

[0088] is a perspective view of the cover 204.5, oriented upside down compared toThe cover 204.5 is very similar to the cover 104.5 of the second embodiment () but differs therefrom in that three evenly distributed radial slots 204.5.6 are formed on the internal end face of the cover 204.5. That internal end face is designed for contacting the intermediate part 204.6 of the body 204, so as to hold it in position in the main body 204.4. It is to be understood that the number of radial slots 204.6 can be different e.g. one, two, four or even more. Also, the radial slots 204.6 do not necessarily need to be evenly distributed around the longitudinal axis. It is also to be noted that the radial slots can be provided on the intermediate part 204.6 of the body 204, on the end face of the intermediate part 204.6 that is in vis-à-vis of the cover 204.5. The radial slots can be provided on the intermediate part 204.6 of the body 204 only, or on both the intermediate part 204.6 of the body 204 and the internal end face of the cover 204.5.

[0089] As this is apparent in, the radial slots 304.5.6 are in correspondence with the longitudinal slots 304.5.2, in order to form continuous fluidic paths. It is however understood that the radial and longitudinal slots do not necessarily need to be in correspondence, in view of the machined edge between the outer thread 304.5.1 and the internal end face of the cover 304.5, which forms an annular distribution chamber.

[0090] is a sectional view of a valve for a compressed gas cylinder, such as a CO2cartridge for carbonation machines, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The reference numbers of the third embodiment are used in the fourth embodiment for designating the same or corresponding elements, these numbers being however incremented by 100. It is referred to the description of these elements in connection with the first, second and third embodiments.

[0091] The valve 302 of this fourth embodiment differs from the valve 102 () of the second embodiment essentially in that the longitudinal bore 318 shows a constant diameter over the whole stroke of the shutter 316.2, so that the gasket 316.2.4 forms with the longitudinal bore 318 a gas tight barrier over its whole stroke. This means that the refill of gas occurs through the gas outlet 308, the circumferential groove 310, the distribution groove 320 and the gas passage 314, in particular the longitudinal portion 314.3 the radial portion 314.2 thereof.

[0092] The valve 302 of this fourth embodiment also differs from the valve 102 () of the second embodiment in that the stem 316.2.2 of the shutter 316.2 is made of two parts engaged with each other at an intermediate position of the stem along its longitudinal axis.

[0093] is a sectional view of a valve for a compressed gas cylinder, such as a CO2cartridge for carbonation machines, according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. The reference numbers of the fourth embodiment are used in the fifth embodiment for designating the same or corresponding elements, these numbers being however incremented by 100. It is referred to the description of these elements in connection with the first, second, third and fourth embodiments.

[0094] The valve 402 of this fifth embodiment differs from the valve 202 () of the third embodiment essentially in that the longitudinal bore 418 shows a constant diameter over the whole stroke of the shutter 416.2, so that the gasket 416.2.4 forms with the longitudinal bore 418 a gas tight barrier over its whole stroke. This means that the refill of gas occurs through the gas outlet 408, the circumferential groove 410, the distribution groove 420 and the gas passage 414, in particular the longitudinal portion 414.3 the radial portion 414.2 thereof, as in the fourth embodiment in

[0095] The above detailed valves are particularly advantageous in that their engagement with a coupling head is axial and does not require rotating the gas cylinder as with classical valves provided with an Acme® thread. Also, the valve once in engagement with the coupling head is not subject to axial forces by the gas under pressure because the latter contacts solely the cylindrical outer surface 24, 124, 224, 324 or 424. In other words, the radial forces resulting of the gas under pressure on the cylindrical outer surface 24 compensate, so that a forced or uncontrolled disengagement of the valve from the coupling head will not result in the valve being ejected from the coupling head.

[0096] The above detailed valves are particularly advantageous in that the cylindrical outer surface 24, 124, 224, 324 or 424 is nearly continuous axially along circumferential groove, thereby providing a smooth surface along which the gaskets or sealing means of the above-mentioned coupling head can nicely slide without any risk of getting damaged and / or causing forces resisting the axial engagement. The prior art valve of WO 2020 / 230115 A1, provided with at least two exterior ports that open laterally to the longitudinal axis and equally spaced about the longitudinal axis, and more particularly the external circumferential groove to which these exterior ports open out, form irregularities in the generally cylindrical outer surface of the valve, which are not desirable. The same applies to the prior art valve of EP 4 384 749 B1, provided with a longitudinal sleeve around the body and forming with said body an annular space opening out longitudinally.

[0097] The above detailed valves are further particularly advantageous in that the flow of gas is evenly distributed around the whole circumference of the valve, thanks to the circumferential groove and also thanks to the inner distribution groove upstream, in a normal flow direction from the gas inlet to the lateral gas outlet, of the circumferential groove. This means that in case of accidental opening, even partial, of the shut-off device of the valve while the valve is not engaged at least properly with a corresponding coupling head, the resulting jet forces of the flow will equilibrate and result in no lateral force which could otherwise lead to uncontrolled and potentially dangerous movements of the gas cylinder.

Claims

A valve (2; 102, 202; 302; 402) for a compressed gas cylinder, comprising:a body (4; 104; 204; 304; 404) with a longitudinal axis, a gas inlet (6; 106; 206; 306, 406), a lateral gas outlet (8; 108; 208; 308; 408) and a gas passage (14; 114; 214; 314, 414) interconnecting the gas inlet (6; 106; 206; 306; 406) and the lateral gas outlet (8; 108; 208; 308; 408);a shut-off device (16, 116; 216; 316; 416) in the gas passage (14; 114; 214; 314; 414);wherein the lateral gas outlet (8; 108; 208, 308; 408) is formed by a circumferential groove (10; 110, 210, 310; 410) formed in the body (4, 104; 204, 304; 404) and opening out transversely on said body (4; 104; 204; 304; 404);characterized in thatthe circumferential groove (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) has a heighth, in a direction of the longitudinal axis, that is greater than 0.1mm and less than 0.5mm.The valve (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) of claim 1, wherein the circumferential groove (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) opens out in a radial direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or that is inclined relative to the radial direction by not more than 20°.The valve (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) of one of claims 1 and 2, further comprising an inner distribution groove (20; 120; 220; 320; 420) upstream, in a normal flow direction from the gas inlet (6; 106; 206, 306; 406) to the lateral gas outlet (8; 108; 208; 308; 408), of the circumferential groove (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) and configured for promoting an even distribution of the gas around a whole periphery of the valve before reaching the circumferential groove (10; 110; 210; 310; 410).The valve (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) of claim 3, wherein the inner distribution groove (20) has a heightH,in a direction of the longitudinal axis, that is greater than the heighthof the circumferential groove (10; 110; 210; 310; 410).The valve (2; 102; 202, 302; 402) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body (4; 104; 204; 304; 404) comprises an axial upper end portion (4.1; 104.1; 204.1; 304.1; 404.1) with a cylindrical outer surface (24; 124; 224; 324; 424) comprising the lateral gas outlet (8; 108; 208; 308; 408) and the circumferential groove (10; 110; 210; 310; 410).The valve (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) of claim 5, wherein the circumferential groove (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) opens out on the cylindrical outer surface (24; 124; 224; 324; 424).The valve (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the body (4; 104; 204; 304; 404) comprises a main body (4.4; 104.4; 204.4; 304.4; 404.4) and a cover (4.5; 104.5; 204.5; 304.5; 404.5) attached to the main body (4.4; 104.4; 204.4; 304.4; 404.4) and forming, with the main body (4.4; 104.4; 204.4; 304.4; 404.4), the circumferential groove (10; 110; 210; 310; 410).The valve (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) of claim 7, wherein the circumferential groove (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) comprises a distal side wall (10.1; 110.1; 210.1) formed by the cover (4.5; 104.5; 204.5; 304.5; 404.5) and a proximal side wall (10.2; 110.2; 210.2), opposed to the distal side wall (10.1; 110.1; 210.1), formed by the main body (4.4; 104.4; 204.4; 304.4; 404.4).The valve (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) of one of claims 3 and 4, and of one of claims 7 and 8, wherein the main body (4.4; 104.4; 204.4; 304.4; 404.4) and the cover (4.5; 104.5; 204.5; 304.5; 404.5) form the inner distribution groove (20; 120; 220; 320; 420).The valve (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the main body (4.4; 104.4; 204.4; 304.4; 404.4) comprises, at an axial end opposed to the gas inlet (6; 106; 206; 306; 406), a bore engaging with the cover (4.5; 104.5; 204.5; 304.5; 404.5).The valve (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) of claim 10, wherein the bore comprises a female thread engaging with a male thread on the cover (4.5; 104.5; 204.5; 304.5; 404.5).The valve (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) of one of claims 10 and 11, wherein the bore comprises a shoulder onto which a corresponding shoulder of the cover (4.5; 104.5; 204.5; 304.5; 404.5) rests.The valve (2) of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein a gasket (22) is provided between the bore and the cover (4.5), forming a gas tight barrier.The valve (102; 202; 302; 402) of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the gas passage (114; 214; 314; 414) comprises, downstream of the shut-off device (116; 216; 316; 416) in a normal flow direction from the gas inlet (106; 206, 306; 406) to the lateral gas outlet (108; 208; 308; 408), an annular portion (114.2; 214.2; 314.2; 414.2) and at least one longitudinal portion (114.3; 214.3; 314.3; 414.3) downstream of the annular portion (114.2; 214.2; 314.2; 414.2) in the normal flow direction.The valve (102; 202; 302; 402) of any one of claims 7 to 13 and of claim 14, wherein the annular portion (114.2; 214.2; 314.2; 414.2) of the gas passage (114; 214; 314; 414) is located between the cover (104.5; 204.5; 304.5; 404.5) and the main body (104.4; 204.4; 304.4; 404.4).The valve (102; 302) of claim 15, wherein the annular portion (114.2; 314.2) of the gas passage (114; 314) is formed by a spacer, such as a serrated washer (126; 326), sandwiched between the cover (104.5; 304.5) and the main body (104.4; 304.4).The valve (202; 402) of claim 15, wherein the annular portion (214.2; 414.2) of the gas passage (214; 414) is formed by at least one radial slot (204.5.6) formed on an internal end face of the cover (204.5; 404.5) and / or on a face of the main body (204.4; 404.4) in vis-à-vis of the cover (204.5; 404.5).The valve (102; 202; 302; 402) of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the at least one longitudinal portion (114.3; 214.3; 314.3; 414.3) of the gas passage (114; 214; 314; 414) is formed by at least one longitudinal slot (104.5.2; 204.5.2) formed on a lateral face of the cover (104.2; 204.5; 304.2; 404.5) and / or on a face of the main body (204.4; 404.4) in vis-à-vis of the lateral face of the cover (104.2; 204.5; 304.2; 404.5).The valve (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the shut-off valve (16; 116; 216; 316; 416) comprises a seat (16.1; 116.1; 216.1; 316.1; 416.1) and a shutter (16.2; 116.2; 216.2; 316.2; 416.2) resiliently urged against the seat (16.1; 116.1; 216.1; 316.1; 416.1) in a normal flow direction from the gas inlet (6; 106; 206; 306; 406) to the lateral gas outlet (8; 108; 208; 308; 408).The valve (102; 202; 302; 402) of any one of claims 7 to 13, and of claim 19, wherein the seat (116.1; 216.1; 316.1; 416.1) is formed on an intermediate part (104.6; 204.6; 304.6; 404.6) of the body (104; 204; 304; 404) that is housed between the main body (104.4; 204.4; 304.4; 404.4) and the cover (104.5; 204.5; 304.5; 404.5).The valve (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) of one of claims 19 and 20, wherein the shutter (16.2; 116.2, 216.2; 316.2; 416.2) comprises a shut-off portion (16.2.1; 116.2.1; 216.2.1; 316.2.1; 416.2.1) configured for cooperating in a gas tight manner with the seat (16.1; 116.1; 216.1; 316.1; 416.1) and a stem (16.2.2; 116.2.2; 216.2.2; 316.2.2; 416.2.2) extending from the shut-off portion (16.2.1; 116.2.1; 216.2.1; 316.2.1; 416.2.1) through the seat (16.1; 116.1; 216.1; 316.1; 416.1) to the exterior of the valve (2; 102, 202; 302; 402).The valve (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) of claim 21, wherein the shutter (16.2; 116.2, 216.2; 316.2; 416.2) comprises on the shut-off portion (16.2.1; 116.2.1, 216.2.1; 316.2.1; 416.2.1) a gasket (16.2.3; 116.2.3; 216.2.3; 316.2.3; 416.2.3) that is configured for cooperating in a gas tight manner with the seat (16.1; 116.1; 216.1; 316.1; 416.1).The valve (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) of claim 22, wherein the shutter (16.2; 116.2, 216.2; 316.2; 416.2) comprises a sleeve forming the shut-off portion (16.2.1; 116.2.1, 216.2.1; 316.2.1; 416.2.1) and a pin inserted into a blind hole of the sleeve and forming the stem (16.2.2; 116.2.2; 216.2.2; 316.2.2; 416.2.2), the gasket (16.2.3; 116.2.3; 216.2.3; 316.2.3; 416.2.3) being fitted into a groove around the pin adjacent the sleeve.The valve (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the stem (16.2.2; 116.2.2; 216.2.2; 316.2.2; 416.2.2) is slidable in a gas tight manner in a longitudinal bore (18; 118; 218; 318; 418) that opens to the exterior of the valve (2; 102; 202; 302; 402).The valve (2) of claim 24, wherein the gas passage (14) comprises a radial portion (14.2) interconnecting the circumferential groove (10) and the longitudinal bore (18).The valve (2; 102; 202) of one of claims 24 and 25, wherein the stem (16.2.2; 116.2.2; 216.2.2) comprises a gasket (16.2.4; 116.2.4; 216.2.4) fitted into a groove at a distal end of said stem, the longitudinal bore (18; 118; 218) showing a diameter that increases past said gasket (16.2.4; 116.2.4; 216.2.4) when the shut-off valve (16; 116; 216) is closed, towards the seat (16.1; 116.1; 216.1), so that upon pushing said stem (16.2.2; 116.2.2; 216.2.2) into the longitudinal bore (18; 118; 218) for opening the shut-off device (16; 116; 216), the gasket (16.2.4; 116.2.4; 216.2.4) loses contact with the longitudinal bore (18; 118; 218) for allowing a gas refill flow through said longitudinal bore (18; 118; 218).The valve (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the body (4; 104; 204; 204; 404) comprises an axial lower end portion (4.2; 104.2; 204.2; 304.2; 404.2) with the gas inlet (6; 106; 206; 306; 406) and provided with an outer thread for engaging with an inner thread of a neck of the compressed gas cylinder.The valve (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) of one of claims 5 and 6, and according to claim 27, where the body (4; 104; 204; 204; 404) comprises an intermediate portion (4.3; 104.3; 204.3; 304.3; 404.3) between the axial upper end portion (4.1; 104.1; 204.1; 304.1; 404.1) and the axial lower end portion (4.2; 104.2; 204.2; 304.2; 404.2), said intermediate portion (4.3; 104.3; 204.3; 304.3; 404.3) being wider than said axial upper end portion (4.1; 104.1; 204.1; 304.1; 404.1) and axial lower end portion (4.2; 104.2; 204.2; 304.2; 404.2), and preferably provided with a gas pressure relief device (12; 112; 212; 312; 412).The valve (2; 102; 202; 302; 402) of claim 28, further comprising a collar (4.3.2; 104.3.2; 204.3.2; 304.3.2; 404.3.2) adjacent the intermediate portion (4.3; 104.3; 204.3; 304.3; 404.3) of the body (4; 104; 204; 204; 404), integrally formed with or in axial abutment against said intermediate portion (4.3; 104.3; 204.3; 304.3; 404.3), said collar (4.3.2; 104.3.2; 204.3.2; 304.3.2; 404.3.2) forming a radial engagement surface for a lifting mechanism designed for axially engaging the lateral gas outlet (8; 108; 208; 308; 408) with a corresponding coupling head.

Images