EP2870403B1 - Pressurized gas cylinder with valve protection device - Google Patents

Pressurized gas cylinder with valve protection device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2870403B1
EP2870403B1 EP13730239.4A EP13730239A EP2870403B1 EP 2870403 B1 EP2870403 B1 EP 2870403B1 EP 13730239 A EP13730239 A EP 13730239A EP 2870403 B1 EP2870403 B1 EP 2870403B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve
protection device
valve protection
securing element
tamper
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP13730239.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2870403A1 (en
Inventor
Alexander Kriese
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Messer Gaspack GmbH
Original Assignee
Messer Gaspack GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Messer Gaspack GmbH filed Critical Messer Gaspack GmbH
Priority to PL13730239T priority Critical patent/PL2870403T3/en
Publication of EP2870403A1 publication Critical patent/EP2870403A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2870403B1 publication Critical patent/EP2870403B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/002—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels for vessels under pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/03—Orientation
    • F17C2201/032—Orientation with substantially vertical main axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/058—Size portable (<30 l)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0308—Protective caps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0329—Valves manually actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/05—Vessel or content identifications, e.g. labels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/035—High pressure (>10 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/036—Very high pressure (>80 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/07—Applications for household use
    • F17C2270/0745—Gas bottles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a pressurized gas cylinder with a cylinder valve for filling and withdrawing gas and with a valve protection device to protect the cylinder valve from damage, the valve protection device comprising a housing mounted on a neck of the pressurized gas cylinder which is equipped with an access opening allowing access to the cylinder valve .
  • valve protection device is to be understood as a safety element mounted on a pressurized gas cylinder, which basically remains on the pressurized gas cylinder during the intended use of the pressurized gas cylinder, ie in particular also when gas is withdrawn.
  • valve protection devices are designed in such a way that, on the one hand, they ensure reliable protection of the cylinder valve from damage due to impact, fall or improper handling, etc., and, on the other hand, allow access to the cylinder valve and thus the removal of gas from the compressed gas cylinder without having to be removed beforehand .
  • valve protection devices are known; Conventional devices of this type have, for example, the shape of a half or full shell, a bracket or a cage and are usually made of metal, e.g.
  • Valve protection devices in the sense of this invention are therefore in particular not referred to as “protective cap” in the following, and are generally made of steel Safety elements that are only intended to protect the cylinder valve from damage during the transport of pressurized gas cylinders and that must be removed from the cylinder before it is used as intended, i.e. for the removal of gas or before the cylinder is filled.
  • cylinder valve (or “extraction valve”) is understood here to mean the cylinder valve used to extract gas and to fill the pressurized gas container, including any fittings integrated therein, such as pressure reducers, metering and needle valves, or the like;
  • pressurized gas cylinders is intended to subsume all types of containers intended for the storage of gas under pressure, in particular pressurized gas cylinders, gas cartridges or pressurized cans.
  • valve protection device for gas cylinders is in EP 0 629 812 A1 described.
  • This object is a plastic element with a lower part for fastening to the gas cylinder and an upper part for protecting the valve, the lower part comprising a lateral projection with a curvature as a suspension device.
  • the valve protection device can be adapted to compressed gas containers of different sizes and types, for example to compressed gas cylinders with a volume of 2, 5, 10 or 20 liters.
  • Further valve protection devices are, for example, in the publications EP 2 101 103 B1 , EP 0 939 875 A1 , DE 103 08 676 A1 , DE 101 46 261 A1 , DE 100 57 469 A1 or DE 199 26 961 A1 described.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to develop a pressurized gas cylinder with a valve protection device which is equipped with a reliable and inexpensive tamper-evident mechanism.
  • the present invention therefore provides for a tamper-evident device adapted to the respective valve protection device to be integrated into the valve protection device, i.e. to provide means that allow the tamper-evident device to be attached to the valve protection device without great effort after the pressurized gas cylinder has been filled, and at the same time to reliably identify the tamper-evident status of the compressed gas cylinder enables.
  • the means required for this include, in particular, a securing element which, when installed, extends wholly or partially over the connecting piece and / or the handwheel in such a way that the connection of a gas line or a fitting to the connecting piece or the actuation of the handwheel is impossible or significant is made more difficult, and coordinated fastening elements on the securing element of the tamper-evident on the one hand and the housing of the Valve protection device, on the other hand, which ensure that the tamper-evident device is easy to attach and cannot be removed under normal conditions without the securing element and / or the fastening elements being irreversibly damaged or changed in such a way that the tamper-evident device cannot easily be restarted the valve protection device can be installed.
  • this is done by means of one or more predetermined breaking points on the securing element and / or the fastening elements, which break or break when the tamper-evident mechanism is removed.
  • the invention thus enables in particular the manufacture of valve protection devices with tamper-evident security in series production, which have a constant and thus previously determinable reliability with regard to the tamper-evident identification.
  • a preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the tamper-evident mechanism extends transversely or longitudinally over at least part of the access opening for the purpose of securing the cylinder valve with a securing element in such a way that the tamper-evident mechanism blocks access to the connecting piece and / or the handwheel of the cylinder valve and so that the removal of gas is prevented until the tamper-evident security is removed.
  • a securing element is thus conceivable which is fastened on one side to the access opening and protrudes into the access opening or extends over it.
  • a particularly advantageous embodiment provides that the securing element is connected to the housing of the valve protection device on at least two opposite sides of the access opening by means of connecting elements, with a predetermined breaking point being arranged on at least one connecting element. In the installed state, the securing element extends over the access opening in such a way that access to the connecting piece and / or the handwheel of the cylinder valve is blocked.
  • the securing element In order to rule out misuse as much as possible, the securing element should lead as close as possible to the connecting piece and / or the handwheel in the installed state, so that access is not easily achieved by bending the Securing element is possible, or at least such that bending away requires a force that exceeds the tensile strength of the predetermined breaking points.
  • the securing element is preferably made of a flexible material, in particular plastic, which enables the securing element to arch between the connecting elements via a handwheel and / or connecting piece in the installed state.
  • the securing element preferably comprises at least one connecting element with a holding section, the shape of which is adapted to a corresponding recess in the valve protection device.
  • the securing element preferably comprises at least one connecting element which, in the installed state, extends through a bore in the housing of the valve protection device and is equipped with a barb-like holding section.
  • the holding section is, for example, a spherical, conical or frustoconical head section, the cross section of which is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the respective bore, and the neck section with a reduced cross section with the rest of the securing element (here called "securing section”) via a neck section that functions as a predetermined breaking point ) connected is.
  • the head section is pushed through the bore and is then connected to the securing section in the manner of a barbed hook via the neck section extending through the bore.
  • the neck section tears and the head section falls off; a reattachment of the securing element is then no longer easily possible.
  • the securing element is preferably at least partially elastic and is under tension when installed, i.e. it is held firmly on the housing of the valve protection element under the action of a force counteracting its deformation and at the same time in its position preventing access to the cylinder valve stabilized.
  • a particularly useful, easy to assemble and inexpensive securing element is a wire, a cord or a band, in particular a band made of plastic, rubber or a fabric material, which extends across the access opening in the installed state.
  • a molded part made of plastic that is at least partially adapted to the opening cross-section of the access opening of the valve protection device can be used.
  • Such a molded part can also be designed in such a way that it extends into the access opening with individual sections and in this way makes access to the cylinder valve difficult or impossible.
  • Such a comparatively large-area securing element also offers the advantage that a user can determine the originality of the pressurized gas cylinder even from a great distance. By coloring the securing element or applying a clearly visible marking to the securing element, this advantage can also be expressed even more strongly.
  • Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides for double protection.
  • the securing element serves both to secure the connection piece of the cylinder valve and to secure the handwheel required to operate the cylinder valve.
  • Fig. 1 shows the upper section of a pressurized gas cylinder 1 with attached valve protection device 2, the. for example by screwing onto a thread arranged on the neck section 3 of the pressurized gas cylinder 1, to which the pressurized gas cylinder 1 is attached.
  • the valve protection device 2 is preferably made of a - in particular fiber-reinforced - thermoplastic material, for. B. polyoxymethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyester, polyamide, liquid crystalline polymer (LCP), or a blend of different plastics and serves to protect the cylinder valve 4 of the compressed gas cylinder 1.
  • the valve protection device 2 comprises a housing in the form of a closed cube, which is located on at least one side surface and, when used as intended, on the upper side (geodetically seen) on its surface is equipped with access openings 5, 6. While the side access opening 5 is used to enable access to a connection piece 7 of the cylinder valve 4 for the purpose of fastening a connection line or a fitting (not shown here), the access opening 6 on the top ensures access to a handwheel 8 of the cylinder valve 4, by means of which the cylinder valve 4 can be opened or closed.
  • the valve protection device 2 is equipped with a tamper-evident mechanism 9 in the manner described below.
  • the tamper-evident mechanism 9 of the valve protection device 2 comprises a band 10 made of a flexible, but non-stretchable or only slightly stretchable material. In particular, it is a plastic or fabric tape.
  • the band 10 is connected to the housing of the valve protection device 2 at its two ends at fastening sections 11, 12.
  • the connection is made, for example, in the manner of a push-fit connection, as in FIG Fig. 3 shown in an enlarged view.
  • the fastening sections 11, 12 are each equipped with a head section 13 with an enlarged diameter made of an at least partially elastic material, for example plastic, which is followed by a neck section 15 with a reduced cross section made of the same or a different material.
  • the head sections 13 are provided with corresponding recesses 14, which are arranged on the housing of the valve protection device 2 in such a way that the band 10, in the installed state, lies close to the connector 7 and the handwheel 8 of the cylinder valve or only a small distance from them and in this way prevents the connection of a gas line or the actuation of the handwheel.
  • the fastening sections 11, 12 are each pressed with their head sections 13 into a corresponding recess 14, a non-positive connection being established.
  • the neck section 15 adjoining the head section 13 of the fastening section 11, 12 is designed in such a way that it tears when the tensile force is less than that required to detach the head section 13 from the recess 14 of the housing of the valve protection device 2. This allows the belt 10 are not removed without the fastening sections 11, 12 of the tamper-evident mechanism 9 being destroyed.
  • the valve protection device 20 placed on a pressurized gas cylinder 1 comprises a half-shell-shaped housing 21 with lateral sections 22, 23 which surround the cylinder valve 4 from three sides.
  • This access opening 24 is dimensioned such that it allows a gas line or a fitting, for example a pressure reducer, to be mounted on the connecting piece 7 of the cylinder valve 4 and at the same time enables an operator to operate the handwheel 8.
  • a tamper-evident device 27 (shown in the Figures 5 and 6 ) are in the side parts 22, 23 of the housing 21 holes, threads or, as in Fig. 3 shown, recesses 28, 29 are provided.
  • the recesses 28, 29 each correspond, for example, to that in FIG Fig. 3 recess 14 shown.
  • the tamper-evident lock 27 for the valve protection device 20 comprises a flat molded part 30 made of plastic, which is at least partially adapted to the area of the access opening 24 or overlaps it.
  • the tamper-evident device 27 is equipped with fastening elements 31, 32 which are fastened to the molded part 30 or are formed in one piece with it.
  • these fastening elements 31, 32 correspond to those in Fig. 3 and each comprise a head section 33 made of a flexible material, the outer circumference of which is adapted to the corresponding recess 28, 29 in the housing 21, and a neck section 34 which at the same time serves as a predetermined breaking point.
  • the fastening of the tamper-evident device 27 on the housing 21 of the valve protection device 20 takes place in such a way that the fastening elements 31, 32 are each pressed with their head section into a recess 28, 29 and are thus positively connected to the housing 21 so that the tamper-evident device is removed 27 from the housing 21 tear the fasteners 31, 32 at their respective neck portions.
  • the Figures 7 to 9 show an alternative tamper-evident feature of a valve protection device.
  • the security element 35 of this tamper-evident of which in Fig. 7 only one end section is shown, comprises an elongated section 36 made of an at least limited elastic material, for example a cord or a wire, at the end of which a, for example, spherical head section 37 with an enlarged cross section is attached.
  • Housing 38 of a valve protection device shown only in sections, has a groove 39 which corresponds to a recess 40 on the outer surface of the housing 38.
  • the shape of the recess 40 is adapted to the head section 37 of the securing element 35, that is to say is designed in the form of a spherical cap in the exemplary embodiment.
  • the head section 37 is inserted into the recess 40 and then the elongated section 36 is guided through the groove 39 and tensioned.
  • the elongated section there is - not shown here - also a head section corresponding to the head section 37 or other means for fastening to the housing of the valve protection device.
  • the tension takes place in particular due to the elasticity of the material of the elongated section 36 and / or of the housing 38.
  • the elongated section 36 is severed; the head section 37 then automatically falls out of the recess 40 or can easily be removed therefrom, which in particular facilitates the attachment of a new tamper-evident device after the pressurized gas cylinder has been refilled.
  • valve protection device 41 comprises a housing 42 in the form of a half-shell open to the front and upward, which is screwed onto a thread on the neck section 3 of the compressed gas cylinder 1 in such a way that both the connecting piece 7 and the handwheel 8 pass through the access opening 45 of the housing 42 Bottle valve 4 is accessible.
  • the valve protection device 41 further comprises a tamper-evident device 48 described below.
  • the tamper-evident device 48 comprises a securing element 50 made of a flexible plastic material with an elongated securing section 51, on which connecting sections 52, 52 'for fastening to the housing 42 are arranged in the region of its two ends and are preferably formed in one piece with the securing section 51.
  • the connecting sections 52, 52 'each have a spherical, conical or frustoconical head section 53, 53' made of an elastic material, to which a predetermined breaking point 54, 54 'is connected, which is made of the same material as the head section 53, 53 'is manufactured, but has a significantly lower mechanical stability than this due to a greatly reduced cross-sectional area.
  • bores 56, 56' are provided on the housing 42, which are arranged on opposite sides of the access opening and whose inner diameter is equal to or slightly smaller than the largest outer diameter of the head sections 53, 53 '.
  • the connecting sections 52, 52 ' When fastening the securing element 50, the connecting sections 52, 52 'are pressed into the bores 56, 56', as indicated by the dash-dotted arrows 55, 55 '.
  • the predetermined breaking points 54, 54 ' are designed in such a way that, in the installed state, the head sections 53, 53' are arranged completely on the side of the respective bore 56, 56 'opposite from the securing section 51.
  • the securing section 51 In the installed state, the securing section 51 extends in a curved contour over the access opening 45, as indicated by the dashed lines 57, 57 ', and covers both the handwheel 8 and the connecting piece 7 of the cylinder valve 4 gas can be withdrawn without removing or destroying the fuse element 50.
  • the head sections 53, 53 ' Due to the elastic consistency of the head sections 53, 53 'and their diameter, which is larger than that of the respective bore 56, 56', they are connected to the housing 42 like a barb. Therefore, after assembly, the head sections 53, 53 'can no longer be pulled out of the corresponding bore 56, 56' without the connecting section 52 (52 ') tearing at its predetermined breaking point 54 (54').
  • the securing element 50 is equipped in the area of the securing section 51 with a widened reinforcing part 58 which, in the installed state, is arranged, for example, over the connecting piece 7 and which improves the reliability of the tamper-evident safeguard 48.
  • the reinforcement part 58 is either formed in one piece with the securing section 51 or as a separate element which has two slot-shaped openings for inserting the securing section 51 and which is connected to the securing element 50 before it is installed.
  • the surface of the reinforcement part 58 can in particular also be used as an information carrier and can, for example, be provided with information about the contents of the pressurized gas cylinder 1 and / or the supplier.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Druckgasflasche mit einem Flaschenventil zum Befüllen und Entnehmen von Gas sowie mit einer Ventilschutzeinrichtung zum Schutz des Flaschenventils vor Beschädigungen, wobei die Ventilschutzeinrichtung ein auf einen Hals der Druckgasflasche montiertes Gehäuse umfasst, das mit einer den Zugriff auf das Flaschenventil erlaubenden Zugangsöffnung ausgerüstet ist.The invention relates to a pressurized gas cylinder with a cylinder valve for filling and withdrawing gas and with a valve protection device to protect the cylinder valve from damage, the valve protection device comprising a housing mounted on a neck of the pressurized gas cylinder which is equipped with an access opening allowing access to the cylinder valve .

Als "Ventilschutzeinrichtung" soll im Folgenden ein auf einer Druckgasflasche aufmontiertes Sicherungselement verstanden werden, das grundsätzlich während des bestimmungsgemäßen Gebrauchs der Druckgasflasche, also insbesondere auch bei der Entnahme von Gas, auf der Druckgasflasche verbleibt. Solche Ventilschutzeinrichtungen sind so ausgestaltet, dass sie einerseits einen zuverlässigen Schutz des Flaschenventils vor Beschädigungen durch Stoß, Sturz oder unsachgemäße Handhabung etc. gewährleisten, andererseits den Zugang zum Flaschenventil und damit die Entnahme von Gas aus der Druckgasflasche erlauben, ohne dazu zuvor entfernt werden zu müssen. Derartige Ventilschutzeinrichtungen sind bekannt; gebräuchliche Einrichtungen dieser Art weisen beispielsweise die Form einer Halb- oder Vollschale, eines Bügels oder eines Käfigs auf und sind in der Regel aus Metall, z.B. Stahl, Stahlguss, Aluminium, oder aus einem thermoplastischen Kunststoff gefertigt, z. B. Polyoxymethylen, Polyethylen, Polypropylen, Polystyrol, PVC, Polyester, Polyamid, flüssigkristallines Polymer (LCP), wobei der thermoplastische Kunststoff auch ein Blend sein kann. Vorteilhaft sind die thermoplastischen Kunststoffe faserverstärkt (z. B. Glasfaser, Mineralfaser, Karbonfaser); ein geeigneter Kunststoff ist z.B. Polyamid mit 30 Gewichtsprozent Glasfaser. Diese Ventilschutzeinrichtungen werden an der Druckgasflasche befestigt, insbesondere am Halsgewinde der Druckgasflasche aufgeschraubt, und verbleiben normalerweise ständig an der Druckgasflasche, weshalb, besonders im medizinischen Anwendungsbereich, ein ansprechendes Äußeres und eine leichte und sichere Handhabbarkeit gewünscht wird.In the following, a "valve protection device" is to be understood as a safety element mounted on a pressurized gas cylinder, which basically remains on the pressurized gas cylinder during the intended use of the pressurized gas cylinder, ie in particular also when gas is withdrawn. Such valve protection devices are designed in such a way that, on the one hand, they ensure reliable protection of the cylinder valve from damage due to impact, fall or improper handling, etc., and, on the other hand, allow access to the cylinder valve and thus the removal of gas from the compressed gas cylinder without having to be removed beforehand . Such valve protection devices are known; Conventional devices of this type have, for example, the shape of a half or full shell, a bracket or a cage and are usually made of metal, e.g. steel, cast steel, aluminum, or a thermoplastic material, e.g. B. polyoxymethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyester, polyamide, liquid crystalline polymer (LCP), whereby the thermoplastic material can also be a blend. The thermoplastics are advantageously fiber-reinforced (e.g. glass fiber, mineral fiber, carbon fiber); a suitable plastic is, for example, polyamide with 30 percent by weight glass fiber. These valve protection devices are attached to the pressurized gas cylinder, in particular screwed onto the neck thread of the pressurized gas cylinder, and normally remain on the pressurized gas cylinder at all times, which is why, especially in medical applications, an attractive appearance and easy and safe handling is desired.

"Ventilschutzeinrichtungen" im Sinne dieser Erfindung sind also insbesondere nicht hier im Folgenden als "Schutzkappe" bezeichnete, in der Regel aus Stahl gefertigte Sicherungselemente, die lediglich während des Transports von Druckgasflaschen das Flaschenventil vor Beschädigungen schützen sollen und die vor dem bestimmungsgemäßen Gebrauch der Druckgasflasche, also für die Entnahme von Gas oder vor der Befüllung der Flasche, von dieser entfernt werden müssen.“Valve protection devices” in the sense of this invention are therefore in particular not referred to as “protective cap” in the following, and are generally made of steel Safety elements that are only intended to protect the cylinder valve from damage during the transport of pressurized gas cylinders and that must be removed from the cylinder before it is used as intended, i.e. for the removal of gas or before the cylinder is filled.

Unter dem Begriff "Flaschenventil" (oder "Entnahmeventil") wird hier im Übrigen das zur Gasentnahme und zur Befüllung des Druckgasbehälters dienende Flaschenventil einschließlich aller darin gegebenenfalls integrierter Armaturen, wie beispielsweise Druckminderer, Dosier- und Nadelventile, o.ä. verstanden; unter dem Begriff "Druckgasflaschen" sollen im Folgenden alle Arten von für die Lagerung von Gas unter Druck bestimmte Behälter subsumiert werden, insbesondere Druckgasflaschen, Gaskartuschen oder Druckdosen.The term "cylinder valve" (or "extraction valve") is understood here to mean the cylinder valve used to extract gas and to fill the pressurized gas container, including any fittings integrated therein, such as pressure reducers, metering and needle valves, or the like; The term “pressurized gas cylinders” is intended to subsume all types of containers intended for the storage of gas under pressure, in particular pressurized gas cylinders, gas cartridges or pressurized cans.

Ein Beispiel für eine Ventilschutzeinrichtung für Gasflaschen ist in der EP 0 629 812 A1 beschrieben. Bei diesem Gegenstand handelt es sich um ein Kunststoffelement mit einem unteren Teil zum Befestigen an der Gasflasche und einem oberen Teil zum Schutz des Ventils, wobei der untere Teil einen seitlichen Vorsprung mit einer Krümmung als Aufhängevorrichtung umfasst. Die Ventilschutzeinrichtung kann an Druckgasbehälter unterschiedlicher Größe und Art angepasst werden, beispielsweise an Druckgasflaschen mit 2, 5, 10 oder 20 Liter Volumen. Weitere Ventilschutzeinrichtungen werden beispielsweise in den Druckschriften EP 2 101 103 B1 , EP 0 939 875 A1 , DE 103 08 676 A1 , DE 101 46 261 A1 , DE 100 57 469 A1 oder DE 199 26 961 A1 beschrieben.An example of a valve protection device for gas cylinders is in EP 0 629 812 A1 described. This object is a plastic element with a lower part for fastening to the gas cylinder and an upper part for protecting the valve, the lower part comprising a lateral projection with a curvature as a suspension device. The valve protection device can be adapted to compressed gas containers of different sizes and types, for example to compressed gas cylinders with a volume of 2, 5, 10 or 20 liters. Further valve protection devices are, for example, in the publications EP 2 101 103 B1 , EP 0 939 875 A1 , DE 103 08 676 A1 , DE 101 46 261 A1 , DE 100 57 469 A1 or DE 199 26 961 A1 described.

Für Druckgasflaschen, die mit Ventilschutzeinrichtungen ausgeliefert werden, sind derzeit keine Originalitätskennzeichnungen bekannt. Daher behilft man sich mit Klebestreifen oder Folien, die über das Flaschenventil oder die Ventilschutzeinrichtung gezogen werden. Eine solche Art der Originalitätskennzeichnung ist jedoch nicht sehr zuverlässig und birgt zudem die Gefahr, bei unsachgemäßer Ablösung der Folien mit scharfem Werkzeug u.ä. die Ventilschutzeinrichtung oder das Entnahmeventil zu beschädigen.No originality markings are currently known for pressurized gas cylinders that are delivered with valve protection devices. Therefore, one makes do with adhesive strips or foils that are pulled over the cylinder valve or the valve protection device. However, such a type of tamper-evident identification is not very reliable and also harbors the risk of improper removal of the foils with sharp tools and the like. Damage the valve protection device or the extraction valve.

Bei Druckgasflaschen jedoch, die nicht mit Ventilschutzeinrichtungen, sondern mit einfachen Schutzkappen ausgeliefert werden, sind bereits Originalitätssicherungen bekannt. So beschreiben die DE 100 62 867 A1 und die DE 196 11 970 A1 , Originalitätssicherungssysteme, bei denen ein Sicherungselement zwischen dem Flaschenhals der Druckgasflasche und der auf diesem aufgesetzten Schutzkappe angeordnet ist. Beim Abschrauben der Schutzkappe wird das Sicherungselement an einer vorgegebenen Sollbruchstelle zerstört und zeigt dadurch an, dass die Flasche bereits geöffnet wurde. Auf diese Weise wird eine einfache und kostengünstige Originalitätskennzeichnung gewährleistet, jedoch zugleich auch die Auslieferung der Druckgasflasche mit einer vor dem Gebrauch abzunehmenden Schutzkappe vorausgesetzt. Bedingt durch ihre Bauweise können derartige Originalitätssicherungen nicht bei Druckgasflaschen zum Einsatz kommen, die mit Ventilschutzeinrichtungen im oben definierten Sinne ausrüstet sind. Die Dokumente WO01/79747 und WO2013/178891 zeigen Originalitätssicherungssysteme.In the case of pressurized gas cylinders, however, which are not supplied with valve protection devices but with simple protective caps, tamper evidence is already known. That's how they describe DE 100 62 867 A1 and the DE 196 11 970 A1 Tamper-evident systems in which a security element is arranged between the bottle neck of the pressurized gas bottle and the protective cap placed on it. When the protective cap is unscrewed, the securing element is destroyed at a predetermined breaking point, thereby indicating that the bottle has already been opened. In this way, simple and inexpensive tamper-evident identification is guaranteed, but at the same time the delivery of the pressurized gas cylinder with a protective cap that has to be removed before use is also provided. Due to their design, such tamper-evident devices cannot be used with pressurized gas cylinders that are equipped with valve protection devices as defined above. The documents WO01 / 79747 and WO2013 / 178891 show tamper-evident systems.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist daher, eine Druckgasflasche mit Ventilschutzeinrichtung zu entwickeln, die mit einer zuverlässigen und kostengünstigen Originalitätssicherung ausgerüstet ist.The object of the present invention is therefore to develop a pressurized gas cylinder with a valve protection device which is equipped with a reliable and inexpensive tamper-evident mechanism.

Gelöst ist diese Aufgabe durch eine Druckgasflasche mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1.This object is achieved by a pressurized gas cylinder with the features of claim 1.

Die vorliegende Erfindung sieht also vor, eine der jeweiligen Ventilschutzeinrichtung angepasste Originalitätssicherung bereits in die Ventilschutzeinrichtung zu integrieren, also Mittel vorzusehen, die nach der Befüllung der Druckgasflasche eine Befestigung der Originalitätssicherung an der Ventilschutzeinrichtung ohne großen Aufwand erlauben und zugleich eine zuverlässige Kenzeichnung des Originalitätszustandes der Druckgasflasche ermöglicht. Die hierzu erforderlichen Mittel umfassen insbesondere ein Sicherungselement, das sich im Einbauzustand ganz oder teilweise über den Anschlussstutzen und/oder das Handrad erstreckt, und zwar derart, dass das Anschließen einer Gasleitung oder einer Armatur an den Anschlussstutzen bzw. die Betätigung des Handrades verunmöglicht oder erheblich erschwert wird, und aufeinander abgestimmte Befestigungselemente am Sicherungselement der Originalitätssicherung einerseits und dem Gehäuse der Ventilschutzeinrichtung andererseits, die gewährleisten, dass die Originalitätssicherung einfach zu befestigen ist und unter üblichen Bedingungen nicht entfernt werden kann, ohne dass das Sicherungselement und/oder die Befestigungselemente dabei irreversibel beschädigt bzw. derart verändert wird/werden, dass die Originalitätssicherung nicht ohne weiteres wieder an der Ventilschutzeinrichtung montiert werden kann. Dies erfolgt im einfachsten Falle mittels einer oder mehrere Sollbruchstellen am Sicherungselement und/oder den Befestigungselementen, die bei der Entfernung der Originalitätssicherung bricht bzw. brechen. Die Erfindung ermöglicht so insbesondere die Fertigung von Ventilschutzeinrichtungen mit Originalitätssicherung in Serienproduktion, die eine gleichbleibende und damit vorher bestimmbare Zuverlässigkeit hinsichtlich der Originalitätskennzeichnung aufweisen.The present invention therefore provides for a tamper-evident device adapted to the respective valve protection device to be integrated into the valve protection device, i.e. to provide means that allow the tamper-evident device to be attached to the valve protection device without great effort after the pressurized gas cylinder has been filled, and at the same time to reliably identify the tamper-evident status of the compressed gas cylinder enables. The means required for this include, in particular, a securing element which, when installed, extends wholly or partially over the connecting piece and / or the handwheel in such a way that the connection of a gas line or a fitting to the connecting piece or the actuation of the handwheel is impossible or significant is made more difficult, and coordinated fastening elements on the securing element of the tamper-evident on the one hand and the housing of the Valve protection device, on the other hand, which ensure that the tamper-evident device is easy to attach and cannot be removed under normal conditions without the securing element and / or the fastening elements being irreversibly damaged or changed in such a way that the tamper-evident device cannot easily be restarted the valve protection device can be installed. In the simplest case, this is done by means of one or more predetermined breaking points on the securing element and / or the fastening elements, which break or break when the tamper-evident mechanism is removed. The invention thus enables in particular the manufacture of valve protection devices with tamper-evident security in series production, which have a constant and thus previously determinable reliability with regard to the tamper-evident identification.

Eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung sieht vor, dass sich die Originalitätssicherung zwecks Absicherung des Flaschenventils mit einem Sicherungselement quer oder längs über zumindest einen Teil der Zugangsöffnung erstreckt und zwar derart, dass die aufgesetzte Originalitätssicherung den Zugang zum Anschlussstutzen und/oder dem Handrad des Flaschenventils versperrt und damit die Entnahme von Gas bis zur Entfernung der Originalitätssicherung verhindert.A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the tamper-evident mechanism extends transversely or longitudinally over at least part of the access opening for the purpose of securing the cylinder valve with a securing element in such a way that the tamper-evident mechanism blocks access to the connecting piece and / or the handwheel of the cylinder valve and so that the removal of gas is prevented until the tamper-evident security is removed.

Im Rahmen der Erfindung vorstellbar ist somit ein Sicherungselement, das einseitig an der Zugangsöffnung befestigt ist und in die Zugangsöffnung hineinragt bzw. sich über diese erstreckt. Eine besonders vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung sieht jedoch vor, dass das Sicherungselement an wenigstens zwei gegenüberliegenden Seiten der Zugangsöffnung mittels Verbindungselementen mit dem Gehäuse der Ventilschutzeinrichtung verbunden ist, wobei an wenigstens einem Verbindungselement eine Sollbruchstelle angeordnet ist. Im Einbauzustand erstreckt sich Sicherungselement dabei derart über die Zugangsöffnung, dass der Zugang zum Anschlussstutzen und/oder dem Handrad des Flaschenventils versperrt ist. Um Missbrauch so gut wie möglich auszuschließen, sollte das Sicherungselement im Einbauzustand möglichst dicht am Anschlussstutzen und/oder dem Handrad entlang führen, sodass der Zugang nicht ohne weiteres durch ein seitliches Wegbiegen des Sicherungselements möglich ist, oder zumindest derart, dass ein Wegbiegen einen Kraftaufwand erfordert, der die Zugbelastbarkeit der Sollbruchstellen übersteigt. Das Sicherungselement ist dabei bevorzugt aus einem flexiblen Material, insbesondere Kunststoff gefertigt, das es ermöglicht, dass sich das Sicherungselement im Einbauzustand zwischen den Verbindungselementen über Handrad und/oder Anschlussstutzen wölbt.In the context of the invention, a securing element is thus conceivable which is fastened on one side to the access opening and protrudes into the access opening or extends over it. A particularly advantageous embodiment, however, provides that the securing element is connected to the housing of the valve protection device on at least two opposite sides of the access opening by means of connecting elements, with a predetermined breaking point being arranged on at least one connecting element. In the installed state, the securing element extends over the access opening in such a way that access to the connecting piece and / or the handwheel of the cylinder valve is blocked. In order to rule out misuse as much as possible, the securing element should lead as close as possible to the connecting piece and / or the handwheel in the installed state, so that access is not easily achieved by bending the Securing element is possible, or at least such that bending away requires a force that exceeds the tensile strength of the predetermined breaking points. The securing element is preferably made of a flexible material, in particular plastic, which enables the securing element to arch between the connecting elements via a handwheel and / or connecting piece in the installed state.

Als bevorzugtes Verbindungselement ist beispielsweise ein mit der Ventilschutzeinrichtung verbindbares Kunststoffteil mit einer Schwächezone als Sollbruchstelle, beispielsweise ein Abschnitt mit verkleinertem Querschnitt, vorgesehen.A plastic part that can be connected to the valve protection device and has a weak zone as a predetermined breaking point, for example a section with a reduced cross-section, is provided as a preferred connecting element.

Bevorzugt umfasst das Sicherungselement wenigstens ein Verbindungselement mit einem Halteabschnitt, der in seiner Form einer entsprechenden Ausnehmung der Ventilschutzeinrichtung angepasst ist. Bei der Befestigung der Originalitätssicherung wird der Halteabschnitt in die Ausnehmung eingeführt und führt zu einer form- oder kraftschlüssigen Verbindung.The securing element preferably comprises at least one connecting element with a holding section, the shape of which is adapted to a corresponding recess in the valve protection device. When the tamper-evident mechanism is fastened, the holding section is inserted into the recess and leads to a form-fitting or force-fitting connection.

Alternativ oder ergänzend zur vorgenannten Ausführungsform umfasst das Sicherungselement bevorzugt wenigstens ein Verbindungselement, das sich im Einbauzustand durch eine Bohrung im Gehäuse der Ventilschutzeinrichtung hindurcherstreckt und mit einem widerhakenartigen Halteabschnitt ausgerüstet ist. Beim Halteabschnitt handelt es sich beispielsweise um einen kugel-, kegel- oder kegelstumpfförmigen Kopfabschnitt, dessen Querschnitt geringfügig größer als der Innendurchmesser der jeweiligen Bohrung ist, und der über einen als Sollbruchstelle fungierenden Halsabschnitt mit verkleinertem Querschnitt mit dem übrigen Sicherungselement (hier "Sicherungsabschnitt" genannt) verbunden ist. Bei der Montage wird der Kopfabschnitt durch die Bohrung hindurchgedrückt und ist sodann über den sich durch die Bohrung erstreckenden Halsabschnitt widerhakenartig mit dem Sicherungsabschnitt verbunden. Bei der Entfernung des Sicherungsabschnitts reißt der Halsabschnitt, und der Kopfabschnitt fällt ab; eine Widerbefestigung des Sicherungselements ist anschließend nicht mehr ohne weiteres möglich.As an alternative or in addition to the aforementioned embodiment, the securing element preferably comprises at least one connecting element which, in the installed state, extends through a bore in the housing of the valve protection device and is equipped with a barb-like holding section. The holding section is, for example, a spherical, conical or frustoconical head section, the cross section of which is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the respective bore, and the neck section with a reduced cross section with the rest of the securing element (here called "securing section") via a neck section that functions as a predetermined breaking point ) connected is. During assembly, the head section is pushed through the bore and is then connected to the securing section in the manner of a barbed hook via the neck section extending through the bore. When the securing section is removed, the neck section tears and the head section falls off; a reattachment of the securing element is then no longer easily possible.

Um die Verbindung noch weiter zufestigen, ist dabei bevorzugt das Sicherungselement zumindest begrenzt elastisch ausgebildet und steht im Einbauzustand unter Spannung, d.h. es wird unter der Wirkung einer seiner Deformation entgegenwirkenden Kraft fest am Gehäuse des Ventilschutzelements gehalten und zugleich in seiner den Zugang zum Flaschenventil verwehrenden Position stabilisiert.To further strengthen the connection, the securing element is preferably at least partially elastic and is under tension when installed, i.e. it is held firmly on the housing of the valve protection element under the action of a force counteracting its deformation and at the same time in its position preventing access to the cylinder valve stabilized.

Ein besonders zweckmäßiges, einfach zu montierendes und preiswertes Sicherungselement ist ein Draht, eine Schnur oder ein Band, insbesondere ein Band aus Kunststoff, Gummi oder einem Gewebematerial, das bzw. der sich im Einbauzustand quer über die Zugangsöffnung erstreckt.A particularly useful, easy to assemble and inexpensive securing element is a wire, a cord or a band, in particular a band made of plastic, rubber or a fabric material, which extends across the access opening in the installed state.

Als alternatives Sicherungselement bietet sich ein dem Öffnungsquerschnitt der Zugangsöffnung der Ventilschutzeinrichtung zumindest abschnittsweise angepasstes Formteil aus Kunststoff an. Ein solches Formteil kann auch derart ausgebildet sein, dass es mit einzelnen Abschnitten in die Zugangsöffnung hineinreicht und auf diese Weise den Zugriff auf das Flaschenventil erschwert oder verhindert. Ein solches, vergleichsweise großflächiges Sicherungselement bietet zudem den Vorteil, dass ein Benutzer den Originalitätszustand der Druckgasflasche auch aus größeren Entfernungen feststellen kann. Durch Einfärben des Sicherungselements oder Anbringen einer gut sichtbaren Markierung am Sicherungselement kann dieser Vorteil zudem noch stärker zum Ausdruck gebracht werden.As an alternative securing element, a molded part made of plastic that is at least partially adapted to the opening cross-section of the access opening of the valve protection device can be used. Such a molded part can also be designed in such a way that it extends into the access opening with individual sections and in this way makes access to the cylinder valve difficult or impossible. Such a comparatively large-area securing element also offers the advantage that a user can determine the originality of the pressurized gas cylinder even from a great distance. By coloring the securing element or applying a clearly visible marking to the securing element, this advantage can also be expressed even more strongly.

Eine wiederum vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sieht eine doppelte Absicherung vor. Dabei dient das Sicherungselement gleichzeitig sowohl zum Absichern des Anschlussstutzens des Flaschenventils zum Absichern des zum Betätigen des Flaschenventils erforderlichen Handrads.Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides for double protection. At the same time, the securing element serves both to secure the connection piece of the cylinder valve and to secure the handwheel required to operate the cylinder valve.

Anhand der Zeichnungen soll ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung näher erläutert werden. In schematischen Anzeigen zeigen:

Fig. 1:
Eine Druckgasflasche mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Ventilschutzeinrichtung in einer ausschnittsweise dargestellten Vorderansicht,
Fig. 2:
die Ventilschutzeinrichtung aus Fig. 1 in einer Ansicht von oben,
Fig. 3:
Verbindungsmittel einer Originalitätssicherung zum Befestigen am Gehäuse einer Ventilschutzeinrichtung,
Fig. 4:
eine Druckgasflasche mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Ventilschutzeinrichtung in einer anderen Ausführungsform in einer ausschnittsweise dargestellten Vorderansicht,
Fig. 5:
ein zur Ventilschutzeinrichtung aus Fig. 4 passendes Originalitätssicherungsteil in Draufsicht,
Fig. 6:
das Originalitätssicherungsteil aus Fig. 5 in einer Seitenansicht,
Fig. 7:
ein erfindungsgemäßes Originalitätssicherungsteil in einer anderen Ausführungsform,
Fig. 8:
dem Originalitätssicherungsteil aus Fig. 7 zugeordnete Befestigungsmittel am Gehäuse einer Ventilschutzeinrichtung im Querschnitt längs der Linie VIII-VIII in Fig. 9,
Fig. 9:
die Befestigungsmittel aus Fig. 8 in einer Ansicht aus Richtung IX in Fig. 8,
Fig. 10:
eine erfindungsgemäße Ventilschutzeinrichtung in einer wieder anderen Ausführungsform samt Originalitätskennzeichnung in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht,
Fig. 11:
die Originalitätskennzeichnung aus Fig. 10 in einer Draufsicht aus Richtung XI in Fig. 10.
An exemplary embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with the aid of the drawings. Show in schematic displays:
Fig. 1:
A compressed gas cylinder with a valve protection device according to the invention in a fragmentary front view,
Fig. 2:
the valve protection device off Fig. 1 in a view from above,
Fig. 3:
Connecting means of a tamper-evident device for fastening to the housing of a valve protection device,
Fig. 4:
a compressed gas cylinder with a valve protection device according to the invention in another embodiment in a fragmentary front view,
Fig. 5:
on to the valve protection device Fig. 4 suitable tamper-evident part in plan view,
Fig. 6:
the tamper-evident part Fig. 5 in a side view,
Fig. 7:
a tamper-evident part according to the invention in another embodiment,
Fig. 8:
the tamper-evident part Fig. 7 associated fastening means on the housing of a valve protection device in cross section along the line VIII-VIII in Fig. 9 ,
Fig. 9:
the fasteners off Fig. 8 in a view from direction IX in Fig. 8 ,
Fig. 10:
a valve protection device according to the invention in yet another embodiment including tamper-evident markings in a lateral sectional view,
Fig. 11:
the originality marking Fig. 10 in a plan view from direction XI in Fig. 10 .

Fig. 1 zeigt den oberen Abschnitt einer Druckgasflasche 1 mit aufgesetzter Ventilschutzeinrichtung 2, die. beispielsweise durch Aufschrauben auf ein am Halsabschnitt 3 der Druckgasflasche 1 angeordnetes Gewinde, an der Druckgasflasche 1 befestigt ist. Die Ventilschutzeinrichtung 2 besteht vorzugsweise aus einem - insbesondere faserverstärkten - thermoplastischen Kunststoff, z. B. Polyoxymethylen, Polyethylen, Polypropylen, Polystyrol, PVC, Polyester, Polyamid, flüssigkristallines Polymer (LCP), oder einem Blend aus verschiedenen Kunststoffen und dient dem Schutz des Flaschenventils 4 der Druckgasflasche 1. Fig. 1 shows the upper section of a pressurized gas cylinder 1 with attached valve protection device 2, the. for example by screwing onto a thread arranged on the neck section 3 of the pressurized gas cylinder 1, to which the pressurized gas cylinder 1 is attached. The valve protection device 2 is preferably made of a - in particular fiber-reinforced - thermoplastic material, for. B. polyoxymethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyester, polyamide, liquid crystalline polymer (LCP), or a blend of different plastics and serves to protect the cylinder valve 4 of the compressed gas cylinder 1.

Die Ventilschutzeinrichtung 2 umfasst im Ausführungsbeispiel ein Gehäuse in Form eines geschlossenen Kubus, der an zumindest einer Seitenfläche und an seiner bei bestimmungsgemäßem Einsatz oberseitig (geodätisch gesehen) gelegenen Fläche mit Zugangsöffnungen 5, 6 ausgerüstet ist. Während die seitliche Zugangsöffnung 5 dazu dient, den Zugang zu einem Anschlussstutzen 7 des Flaschenventils 4 zwecks Befestigung einer hier nicht gezeigten Anschlussleitung oder einer Armatur zu ermöglichen, gewährleistet die oberseitige Zugangsöffnung 6 den Zugriff auf ein Handrad 8 des Flaschenventils 4, mittels dessen das Flaschenventil 4 geöffnet oder geschlossen werden kann. Die Ventilschutzeinrichtung 2 ist in der im Folgenden beschriebenen Weise mit einer Originalitätssicherung 9 ausgerüstet.In the exemplary embodiment, the valve protection device 2 comprises a housing in the form of a closed cube, which is located on at least one side surface and, when used as intended, on the upper side (geodetically seen) on its surface is equipped with access openings 5, 6. While the side access opening 5 is used to enable access to a connection piece 7 of the cylinder valve 4 for the purpose of fastening a connection line or a fitting (not shown here), the access opening 6 on the top ensures access to a handwheel 8 of the cylinder valve 4, by means of which the cylinder valve 4 can be opened or closed. The valve protection device 2 is equipped with a tamper-evident mechanism 9 in the manner described below.

Die Originalitätssicherung 9 der Ventilschutzeinrichtung 2 umfasst ein Band 10 aus einem flexiblen, jedoch nicht oder nur in geringem Umfang dehnbaren Material. Insbesondere handelt es sich um ein Kunststoff- oder Gewebeband. Das Band 10 ist an seinen beiden Enden an Befestigungsabschnitten 11, 12 mit dem Gehäuse der Ventilschutzeinrichtung 2 verbunden. Die Verbindung erfolgt beispielsweise nach Art einer Drucksteckverbindung, wie in Fig. 3 in einer vergrößerten Ansicht gezeigt. Dabei sind die Befestigungsabschnitte 11, 12 jeweils mit einem im Durchmesser erweiterten Kopfabschnitt 13 aus einem zumindest eingeschränkt elastischen Material, beispielsweise Kunststoff, ausgerüstet, an den sich ein Halsabschnitt 15 mit verringertem Querschnitt aus dem gleichen oder einem anderen Material anschließt. In das Gehäuse der Ventilschutzeinrichtung 2 sind den Kopfabschnitten 13 korrespondierende Ausnehmungen 14 vorgesehen, die derart am Gehäuse der Ventilschutzeinrichtung 2 angeordnet sind, dass sich das Band 10 im Einbauzustand eng am Anschlussstutzen 7 und dem Handrad 8 des Flaschenventils anliegt oder nur einen geringen Abstand von diesen aufweist und auf diese Weise das Anschließen einer Gasleitung bzw. die Betätigung des Handrads verhindert.The tamper-evident mechanism 9 of the valve protection device 2 comprises a band 10 made of a flexible, but non-stretchable or only slightly stretchable material. In particular, it is a plastic or fabric tape. The band 10 is connected to the housing of the valve protection device 2 at its two ends at fastening sections 11, 12. The connection is made, for example, in the manner of a push-fit connection, as in FIG Fig. 3 shown in an enlarged view. The fastening sections 11, 12 are each equipped with a head section 13 with an enlarged diameter made of an at least partially elastic material, for example plastic, which is followed by a neck section 15 with a reduced cross section made of the same or a different material. In the housing of the valve protection device 2, the head sections 13 are provided with corresponding recesses 14, which are arranged on the housing of the valve protection device 2 in such a way that the band 10, in the installed state, lies close to the connector 7 and the handwheel 8 of the cylinder valve or only a small distance from them and in this way prevents the connection of a gas line or the actuation of the handwheel.

Zum Befestigen der Originalitätssicherung 9 werden die Befestigungsabschnitte 11, 12 mit ihren Kopfabschnitten 13 jeweils in eine entsprechende Ausnehmung 14 hineingepresst, wobei eine kraftschlüssige Verbindung hergestellt wird. Der sich an den Kopfabschnitt 13 des Befestigungsabschnitts 11, 12 anschließende Halsabschnitt 15 ist jeweils so ausgeführt, dass er bei einer geringeren Zugkraft reißt, als zur Ablösung des Kopfabschnitts 13 aus der Ausnehmung 14 des Gehäuses der Ventilschutzeinrichtung 2 erforderlich ist. Damit kann das Band 10 nicht entfernt werden, ohne dass dabei die Befestigungsabschnitte 11, 12 der Originalitätssicherung 9 zerstört werden.To fasten the tamper-evident mechanism 9, the fastening sections 11, 12 are each pressed with their head sections 13 into a corresponding recess 14, a non-positive connection being established. The neck section 15 adjoining the head section 13 of the fastening section 11, 12 is designed in such a way that it tears when the tensile force is less than that required to detach the head section 13 from the recess 14 of the housing of the valve protection device 2. This allows the belt 10 are not removed without the fastening sections 11, 12 of the tamper-evident mechanism 9 being destroyed.

Bei der in Fig. 4 gezeigten Ausführungsform der Erfindung umfasst die auf eine Druckgasflasche 1 aufgesetzte Ventilschutzeinrichtung 20 ein halbschalenförmiges Gehäuse 21 mit seitlichen Abschnitten 22, 23, die das Flaschenventil 4 von drei Seiten einfassen. Auf der dem Anschlussstutzen 7 des Flaschenventils 4 zugewandten Seite des Gehäuses 21 befindet sich eine Zugangsöffnung 24, die sich über einen großen Teil der Fläche dieser Seite sowie über die Oberseite 25 des Gehäuses 21 erstreckt. Diese Zugangsöffnung 24 ist so bemessen, dass sie das Montieren einer Gasleitung oder einer Armatur, beispielsweise eines Druckminderers, an den Anschlussstutzen 7 des Flaschenventils 4 erlaubt und zugleich einer Bedienperson die Bedienung des Handrads 8 ermöglicht. Zur Befestigung einer Originalitätssicherung 27 (gezeigt in den Fig. 5 und 6) sind in den Seitenteilen 22, 23 des Gehäuses 21 Bohrungen, Gewinde oder, wie in Fig. 3 gezeigt, Ausnehmungen 28, 29 vorgesehen. Die Ausnehmungen 28, 29 entsprechen jeweils beispielsweise der in Fig. 3 gezeigten Ausnehmung 14.At the in Fig. 4 As shown in the embodiment of the invention, the valve protection device 20 placed on a pressurized gas cylinder 1 comprises a half-shell-shaped housing 21 with lateral sections 22, 23 which surround the cylinder valve 4 from three sides. On the side of the housing 21 facing the connecting piece 7 of the cylinder valve 4 there is an access opening 24 which extends over a large part of the surface of this side and over the top 25 of the housing 21. This access opening 24 is dimensioned such that it allows a gas line or a fitting, for example a pressure reducer, to be mounted on the connecting piece 7 of the cylinder valve 4 and at the same time enables an operator to operate the handwheel 8. For fastening a tamper-evident device 27 (shown in the Figures 5 and 6 ) are in the side parts 22, 23 of the housing 21 holes, threads or, as in Fig. 3 shown, recesses 28, 29 are provided. The recesses 28, 29 each correspond, for example, to that in FIG Fig. 3 recess 14 shown.

Die Originalitätssicherung 27 zur Ventilschutzeinrichtung 20 umfasst ein flächiges Formteil 30 aus Kunststoff, das zumindest abschnittsweise der Fläche der Zugangsöffnung 24 angepasst ist oder diese überlappt. Zum Befestigen am Gehäuse 21 ist die Originalitätssicherung 27 mit Befestigungselementen 31, 32 ausgerüstet, die am Formteil 30 befestigt oder einstückig mit diesem ausgebildet sind. Ihrer Art nach entsprechen diese Befestigungselemente 31, 32 den in Fig. 3 gezeigten und umfassen jeweils einen Kopfabschnitt 33 aus einem flexiblen Material, der in seinem Außenumfang der entsprechenden Ausnehmung 28, 29 im Gehäuse 21 angepasst ist, sowie einen Halsabschnitt 34, der zugleich als Sollbruchstelle dient. Die Befestigung der Originalitätssicherung 27 am Gehäuse 21 der Ventilschutzeinrichtung 20 erfolgt in der Weise, dass die Befestigungselemente 31, 32 jeweils mit ihrem Kopfabschnitt in eine Ausnehmung 28, 29 hineingepresst wird und damit kraftschlüssig so fest mit dem Gehäuse 21 verbunden sind, dass Entfernung der Originalitätssicherung 27 vom Gehäuse 21 die Befestigungselemente 31, 32 an ihren jeweiligen Halsabschnitten reißen.The tamper-evident lock 27 for the valve protection device 20 comprises a flat molded part 30 made of plastic, which is at least partially adapted to the area of the access opening 24 or overlaps it. For fastening to the housing 21, the tamper-evident device 27 is equipped with fastening elements 31, 32 which are fastened to the molded part 30 or are formed in one piece with it. In terms of their type, these fastening elements 31, 32 correspond to those in Fig. 3 and each comprise a head section 33 made of a flexible material, the outer circumference of which is adapted to the corresponding recess 28, 29 in the housing 21, and a neck section 34 which at the same time serves as a predetermined breaking point. The fastening of the tamper-evident device 27 on the housing 21 of the valve protection device 20 takes place in such a way that the fastening elements 31, 32 are each pressed with their head section into a recess 28, 29 and are thus positively connected to the housing 21 so that the tamper-evident device is removed 27 from the housing 21 tear the fasteners 31, 32 at their respective neck portions.

Die Fig. 7 bis 9 zeigen eine alternative Originalitätssicherung einer Ventilschutzeinrichtung. Das Sicherungselement 35 dieser Originalitätssicherung, von dem in Fig. 7 nur ein Endabschnitt gezeigt ist, umfasst einen langgestreckten Abschnitt 36 aus einem zumindest begrenzt elastischen Material, beispielsweise eine Schur oder einen Draht, an dessen Ende ein beispielsweise kugelförmiger Kopfabschnitt 37 mit vergrößertem Querschnitt befestigt ist. Zugleich ist im - in den Fig. 8 und 9 nur abschnittsweise dargestellten - Gehäuse 38 einer Ventilschutzeinrichtung eine Nut 39 vorgesehen, die mit einer Ausnehmung 40 auf der Außenoberfläche des Gehäuses 38 korrespondiert. Die Ausnehmung 40 ist in ihrer Form dem Kopfabschnitt 37 des Sicherungselements 35 angepasst, im Ausführungsbeispiel also kugelkalottenförmig ausgebildet. Zum Befestigen des Sicherungselements 35 am Gehäuse 38 wird der Kopfabschnitt 37 in die Ausnehmung 40 eingelegt und anschließend der langgestreckte Abschnitt 36 durch die Nut 39 geführt und gespannt. Am anderen Ende des langgestreckten Abschnitts befindet sich - hier nicht gezeigt - ebenfalls ein dem Kopfabschnitt 37 entsprechender Kopfabschnitt oder andere Mittel zum Befestigen am Gehäuse der Ventilschutzeinrichtung. Die Spannung erfolgt dabei insbesondere aufgrund der Elastizität des Materials des langgestreckten Abschnitts 36 und/oder des Gehäuses 38. Bei der bestimmungsgemäßen Entfernung der Originalitätssicherung 35 wird der langgestreckte Abschnitt 36 durchtrennt; der Kopfabschnitt 37 fällt anschließend selbsttätig aus der Ausnehmung 40 heraus oder kann leicht aus dieser entfernt werden, wodurch insbesondere das Befestigen einer neuen Originalitätssicherung nach einer Neubefüllung der Druckgasflasche erleichtert wird.the Figures 7 to 9 show an alternative tamper-evident feature of a valve protection device. The security element 35 of this tamper-evident, of which in Fig. 7 only one end section is shown, comprises an elongated section 36 made of an at least limited elastic material, for example a cord or a wire, at the end of which a, for example, spherical head section 37 with an enlarged cross section is attached. At the same time is - in the Figures 8 and 9 Housing 38 of a valve protection device, shown only in sections, has a groove 39 which corresponds to a recess 40 on the outer surface of the housing 38. The shape of the recess 40 is adapted to the head section 37 of the securing element 35, that is to say is designed in the form of a spherical cap in the exemplary embodiment. To fasten the securing element 35 to the housing 38, the head section 37 is inserted into the recess 40 and then the elongated section 36 is guided through the groove 39 and tensioned. At the other end of the elongated section there is - not shown here - also a head section corresponding to the head section 37 or other means for fastening to the housing of the valve protection device. The tension takes place in particular due to the elasticity of the material of the elongated section 36 and / or of the housing 38. When the tamper-evident device 35 is removed as intended, the elongated section 36 is severed; the head section 37 then automatically falls out of the recess 40 or can easily be removed therefrom, which in particular facilitates the attachment of a new tamper-evident device after the pressurized gas cylinder has been refilled.

In den Fig. 10 und 11 ist eine weitere Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Ventilschutzeinrichtung 41 gezeigt. Die Ventilschutzeinrichtung 41 umfasst ein Gehäuse 42 in Form einer nach vorne und nach oben offenen Halbschale, die auf ein Gewinde am Halsabschnitt 3 der Druckgasflasche 1 derart aufgeschraubt wird, dass durch die Zugangsöffnung 45 des Gehäuses 42 sowohl der Anschlussstutzen 7 als auch das Handrad 8 eines Flaschenventils 4 zugänglich ist. Die Ventilschutzeinrichtung 41 umfasst des Weiteren eine im Folgenden beschriebene Originalitätssicherung 48.In the Figures 10 and 11 Another embodiment of a valve protection device 41 according to the invention is shown. The valve protection device 41 comprises a housing 42 in the form of a half-shell open to the front and upward, which is screwed onto a thread on the neck section 3 of the compressed gas cylinder 1 in such a way that both the connecting piece 7 and the handwheel 8 pass through the access opening 45 of the housing 42 Bottle valve 4 is accessible. The valve protection device 41 further comprises a tamper-evident device 48 described below.

Die Originalitätssicherung 48 umfasst ein Sicherungselement 50 aus einem flexiblen Kunststoffmaterial mit einem langgestreckten Sicherungsabschnitt 51, an dem im Bereich seiner beider Enden jeweils Verbindungsabschnitte 52, 52' zum Befestigen am Gehäuse 42 angeordnet und bevorzugt einstückig mit dem Sicherungsabschnitt 51 ausgebildet sind. Die Verbindungsabschnitte 52, 52' weisen jeweils einen kugel-, kegel- oder kegelstumpfförmigen Kopfabschnitt 53, 53' aus einem elastischen Material auf, an den sich jeweils eine Sollbruchstelle 54, 54' anschließt, die aus dem gleichen Material wie der Kopfabschnitt 53, 53' gefertigt ist, jedoch aufgrund eine stark verkleinerten Querschnittfläche eine deutlich geringere mechanische Stabilität als dieser aufweist. Zur Befestigung der Verbindungsabschnitte 52, 52' sind am Gehäuse 42 Bohrungen 56, 56' vorgesehen, die auf einander gegenüberliegenden Seiten der Zugangsöffnung angeordnet sind und in ihrem Innendurchmesser gleich oder geringfügig kleiner als der größte Außendurchmesser der Kopfabschnitte 53, 53' sind.The tamper-evident device 48 comprises a securing element 50 made of a flexible plastic material with an elongated securing section 51, on which connecting sections 52, 52 'for fastening to the housing 42 are arranged in the region of its two ends and are preferably formed in one piece with the securing section 51. The connecting sections 52, 52 'each have a spherical, conical or frustoconical head section 53, 53' made of an elastic material, to which a predetermined breaking point 54, 54 'is connected, which is made of the same material as the head section 53, 53 'is manufactured, but has a significantly lower mechanical stability than this due to a greatly reduced cross-sectional area. To fasten the connecting sections 52, 52 ', bores 56, 56' are provided on the housing 42, which are arranged on opposite sides of the access opening and whose inner diameter is equal to or slightly smaller than the largest outer diameter of the head sections 53, 53 '.

Beim Befestigen des Sicherungselements 50 werden die Verbindungsabschnitte 52, 52' in die Bohrungen 56, 56' hineingedrückt, wie durch die strichpunktierten Pfeile 55, 55' angedeutet. Die Sollbruchstellen 54, 54' sind dabei so ausgebildet, dass im Einbauzustand die Kopfabschnitte 53, 53' vollständig auf der vom Sicherungsabschnitt 51 entgegen gesetzten Seite der jeweiligen Bohrung 56, 56' angeordnet sind. Der Sicherungsabschnitt 51 erstreckt sich im Einbauzustand in einer gekrümmten Kontur über die Zugangsöffnung 45, wie durch die gestrichelten Linen 57, 57' angedeutet, und überdeckt dabei sowohl das Handrad 8 als auch den Anschlussstutzen 7 des Flaschenventils 4. Dadurch verhindert das Sicherungselement 50, dass eine Gasentnahme ohne Entfernung oder Zerstörung des Sicherungselements 50 möglich ist. Aufgrund der elastischen Konsistenz der Kopfabschnitte 53, 53' und ihres gegenüber der jeweiligen Bohrung 56, 56' vergrößerten Durchmessers sind diese widerhakenartig mit dem Gehäuse 42 verbunden. Daher können die Kopfabschnitte 53, 53' nach der Montage nicht mehr aus der entsprechenden Bohrung 56, 56' herausgezogen werden, ohne dass der Verbindungsabschnitt 52 (52') an seiner Sollbruchstelle 54 (54') reißt.When fastening the securing element 50, the connecting sections 52, 52 'are pressed into the bores 56, 56', as indicated by the dash-dotted arrows 55, 55 '. The predetermined breaking points 54, 54 'are designed in such a way that, in the installed state, the head sections 53, 53' are arranged completely on the side of the respective bore 56, 56 'opposite from the securing section 51. In the installed state, the securing section 51 extends in a curved contour over the access opening 45, as indicated by the dashed lines 57, 57 ', and covers both the handwheel 8 and the connecting piece 7 of the cylinder valve 4 gas can be withdrawn without removing or destroying the fuse element 50. Due to the elastic consistency of the head sections 53, 53 'and their diameter, which is larger than that of the respective bore 56, 56', they are connected to the housing 42 like a barb. Therefore, after assembly, the head sections 53, 53 'can no longer be pulled out of the corresponding bore 56, 56' without the connecting section 52 (52 ') tearing at its predetermined breaking point 54 (54').

In der Ausführungsform nach den Fig. 10 und 11 ist das Sicherungselement 50 im Bereich des Sicherungsabschnitts 51 mit einem verbreiterten Verstärkungsteil 58 ausgerüstet, der im Einbauzustand beispielsweise über dem Anschlussstutzen 7 angeordnet ist und durch den die Zuverlässigkeit der Originalitätssicherung 48 verbessert wird. Das Verstärkungsteil 58 ist entweder einstückig mit dem Sicherungsabschnitt 51 ausgebildet oder als ein separates Element, das zwei schlitzförmige Öffnungen zum Einschieben des Sicherungsabschnitts 51 aufweist, und das vor dem Einbau des Sicherungselements 50 mit diesem verbunden wird. Die Oberfläche des Verstärkungsteils 58 ist insbesondere auch als Informationsträger einsetzbar und kann beispielsweise mit Informationen über den Inhalt der Druckgasflasche 1 und/oder den Lieferanten versehen werden.In the embodiment according to Figures 10 and 11 the securing element 50 is equipped in the area of the securing section 51 with a widened reinforcing part 58 which, in the installed state, is arranged, for example, over the connecting piece 7 and which improves the reliability of the tamper-evident safeguard 48. The reinforcement part 58 is either formed in one piece with the securing section 51 or as a separate element which has two slot-shaped openings for inserting the securing section 51 and which is connected to the securing element 50 before it is installed. The surface of the reinforcement part 58 can in particular also be used as an information carrier and can, for example, be provided with information about the contents of the pressurized gas cylinder 1 and / or the supplier.

BezugszeichenlisteList of reference symbols

11 DruckgasflaschePressurized gas cylinder 3030th FormteilMolded part 22 VentilschutzeinrichtungValve protection device 3131 BefestigungselementFastener 33 HalsabschnittNeck section 3232 BefestigungselementFastener 44th FlaschenventilCylinder valve 3333 KopfabschnittHead section 55 seitliche Zugangsöffnungside access opening 3434 HalsabschnittNeck section 66th oberseitige Zugangsöffnungtop access opening 3535 SicherungselementFuse element 77th AnschlussstutzenConnection piece 3636 Langgestreckter AbschnittLong stretch 88th HandradHandwheel 3737 KopfabschnittHead section 99 OriginalitätssicherungTampering 3838 Gehäusecasing 1010 Bandtape 3939 NutGroove 1111 BefestigungsabschnittFastening section 4040 AusnehmungRecess 1212th BefestigungsabschnittFastening section 4141 VentilschutzeinrichtungValve protection device 1313th KopfabschnittHead section 4242 Gehäusecasing 1414th AusnehmungRecess 4343 -- 1515th HalsabschnittNeck section 4444 -- 1616 -- 4545 ZugangsöffnungAccess opening 1717th -- 4646 -- 1818th -- 4747 -- 1919th -- 4848 Original itätssicheru ngOriginal quality assurance 2020th VentilschutzeinrichtungValve protection device 4949 -- 2121 Gehäusecasing 5050 SicherungselementFuse element 2222nd SeitenteilSide part 5151 SicherungsabschnittFuse section 2323 SeitenteilSide part 52,52'52.52 ' VerbindungsabschnittConnection section 2424 ZugangsöffnungAccess opening 53,53'53.53 ' KopfabschnittHead section 2525th OberseiteTop 54,54'54.54 ' SollbruchstellePredetermined breaking point 2626th -- 55,55'55.55 ' Pfeilarrow 2727 OriginalitätssicherungTampering 56,56'56.56 ' Bohrungdrilling 2828 AusnehmungRecess 57,57'57.57 ' LinienLines 2929 AusnehmungRecess 5858 VerstärkungsteilReinforcement part

Claims (6)

  1. Pressurized-gas bottle (1) having a bottle valve (4) for filling with gas and extraction of gas, and having a valve protection device (2, 20, 41) for protecting the bottle valve (4) against damage, wherein the valve protection device (2, 20, 41) comprises a housing (21, 38, 42) which is mounted onto a neck (3) of the pressurized-gas bottle (1) and which is provided with an access opening (5, 6, 24, 45) which permits access to the bottle valve (4),
    wherein the valve protection device (2, 20, 41) is provided with a tamper-proof securing means (9, 27, 48) comprising a securing element (10, 35, 50), which bars access to the bottle valve (4), and comprising means for fastening the securing element (10, 35, 50) to the housing of the valve protection device (2, 20, 41),
    wherein, for the purpose of safeguarding the bottle valve (4), the tamper-proof securing means (9, 27, 35, 48) extends with a securing element (10, 35, 50) transversely over at least a part of the access opening (5, 6, 24, 45), and in that the securing element (10, 35, 50) is connected by way of connecting elements (11, 12, 31, 32) to the housing (21, 38, 42) of the valve protection device (2, 20, 41) on at least two opposite sides of the access opening (5, 6, 24), wherein a predetermined breaking point (15, 33, 34, 54, 54') is provided on at least one connecting element (11, 12, 31, 32, 52, 52'),
    characterized
    in that, as connecting element (11, 12, 31, 32, 52, 52'), a plastic part which can be connected to the valve protection device (2, 20, 41) and which has a weakness zone as predetermined breaking point (15, 33, 34, 54, 54') is provided, wherein a portion with reduced cross section is provided as weakness zone.
  2. Pressurized-gas bottle according to Claim 1, characterized in that the securing element (10, 35, 50) comprises at least one connecting element (11, 12, 31, 32, 52, 52') with a holding portion (13, 33, 37) which, in terms of its shape, is matched to a corresponding cutout (14, 28, 29) in the housing of the valve protection device (2, 20, 41) and which, when the tamper-proof securing means is fastened, brings about a form- and force-fitting connection to the cutout (14, 28, 29).
  3. Pressurized-gas bottle according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing element (10, 20, 50) comprises at least one connecting element (52, 52') which, in the state of installation, extends through a bore (56, 56') of the housing (21, 38, 42) and which is provided with a barb-like holding portion (53, 53').
  4. Pressurized-gas bottle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing element (10, 35, 50) comprises a strip or a wire.
  5. Pressurized-gas bottle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing element (10, 35, 50) comprises a shaped part (30) composed of plastic which is matched at least sectionally to the opening cross section of the access opening (5, 6, 24, 45) of the valve protection device (2, 20, 41).
  6. Pressurized-gas bottle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing element (10, 35, 50) is arranged in such a way that it simultaneously safeguards both a connecting piece (7) of the bottle valve (4) and a handwheel (8) provided for actuating the bottle valve (4}.
EP13730239.4A 2012-07-05 2013-06-18 Pressurized gas cylinder with valve protection device Active EP2870403B1 (en)

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PL13730239T PL2870403T3 (en) 2012-07-05 2013-06-18 Pressurized gas cylinder with valve protection device

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DE102012013387.1A DE102012013387A1 (en) 2012-07-05 2012-07-05 Compressed gas cylinder with valve protection device
PCT/EP2013/062644 WO2014005832A1 (en) 2012-07-05 2013-06-18 Pressurized gas cylinder with valve protection device

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EP2870403B1 true EP2870403B1 (en) 2021-08-18

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EP (1) EP2870403B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102012013387A1 (en)
HU (1) HUE056690T2 (en)
PL (1) PL2870403T3 (en)
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EP2586481A1 (en) * 2011-10-27 2013-05-01 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Cover for a valve cap of a gas cylinder

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013178891A1 (en) * 2012-06-01 2013-12-05 L'air Liquide,Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Device for supplying fluid under pressure

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2014005832A1 (en) 2014-01-09
HUE056690T2 (en) 2022-03-28
DE102012013387A1 (en) 2014-01-09
PL2870403T3 (en) 2022-01-24
EP2870403A1 (en) 2015-05-13

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