Storage box for bottles of pressurized fluid and associated storage frame

Abstract

A storage frame for cylinders of pressurized fluid, including a primary structure and at least one storage box including at least one cylinder of pressurized fluid extending along a longitudinal axis between two ends, having at least one first retaining member configured to collaborate fixedly with one end of the at least one cylinder and blocking the rotation of the cylinder, and at least one second retaining member configured to collaborate with the other end of the cylinder.

Claims

1. A storage frame for at least one cylinder of pressurized fluid, comprising: a primary structure and at least one storage box, the storage box comprising at least one cylinder of pressurized fluid extending along a longitudinal axis between two ends, said storage box being mounted in the primary structure and comprising at least one first retaining member configured to collaborate fixedly with one end of the at least one cylinder and blocking the rotation of the at least one cylinder, and at least one second retaining member configured to collaborate with the other end of the at least one cylinder, the at least one second retaining member configured to maintain a position of the other end of the at least one cylinder while at the same time exhibiting at least one determined degree of freedom, and the storage box forming, in the primary structure, a unit assembly of at least one cylinder fixed firmly at one end and floatingly at the other end, wherein there is no firm mechanical connection at one end of each of the at least one cylinder so as to allow each of the at least one cylinder a longitudinal movement in a region of retention making it possible to absorb the expansion of the volume of the at least one cylinder as each is being filled.

2. The frame of claim 1, wherein the storage box comprises at least one first plate extending in a first direction, the first plate comprising at least one passage orifice configured to accept, in the mounted position, at least part of the first end of the at least one cylinder which collaborates with the first retaining member.

3. The frame of claim 2, wherein the storage box comprises several passage orifices equipping the first plate and configured to each accept the first end of each of the at least one cylinder mounted in the storage box, the passage orifices being arranged on the first plate a regular or irregular distance apart.

4. The frame of claim 2, wherein the first plate is equipped with the first retaining member of the storage box, said first retaining member being configured to collaborate with a collar equipping the first end of the at least one cylinder.

5. The frame of claim 4, wherein the at least one first retaining member exhibits an internal screw thread configured to collaborate with an external screw thread formed on the collar of the first end of the at least one cylinder.

6. The frame of claim 2, further comprising at least one second plate extending in the first direction and positioned facing the first plate from a determined distance.

7. The frame of claim 6, wherein the second retaining is configured to at least partially accept the second end of the at least one cylinder.

8. The frame of claim 6, further comprising several retaining members corresponding to passage orifices made in the second plate and configured to each accept the second end of each of the at least one cylinder mounted in the storage box, said retaining members being arranged a regular or irregular distance apart.

9. The frame of claim 8, wherein each passage orifice of the second plate is configured to collaborate, through having a complementary shape, with the second end of each of the at least one cylinder.

10. The frame of claim 6, further comprising an immobilizing device configured to connect the first plate to the second plate while at the same time exhibiting at least one degree of freedom.

11. The frame of claim 10, wherein the immobilizing device comprises at least one screw or nut assembly extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the first plate and the second plate extend.

12. The frame of claim 11, wherein the screw or nut assembly passes through the first plate and the second plate.

13. The frame of claim 6, wherein the storage box is fixed to the primary structure by means of at least one fixed mechanical connection at the level of the second plate and by means of at least one mobile mechanical connection at the level of the first plate.

14. The frame of claim 13, wherein the at least one fixed mechanical connection immobilizes the storage box on the primary structure in all three directions in space.

15. The frame of claim 13, wherein the at least one mobile mechanical connection immobilizes the storage box on the primary structure in the two directions of the plane of the first plate while at the same time allowing limited axial travel in the third direction in space which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least one cylinder.

16. The frame of claim 6, wherein the primary structure of the frame comprises at least one wedging element intended to accept the second end of at least one cylinder so that, in the mounted position, the second end of each of the at least one cylinder rests on a wedging element of the primary structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will be better understood by virtue of the description which follows, which refers to some embodiments according to the present invention given by way of nonlimiting example and explained with reference to the attached schematic drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of a first configuration of storage frame according to the invention,

(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of a second configuration of storage frame according to the invention

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a storage frame according to a first embodiment of the invention,

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of the storage frame depicted in FIG. 3,

(6) FIG. 5 is a view in part section on A-A of the storage frame depicted in FIG. 4,

(7) FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view of the upper part of the storage frame according to a first embodiment of the invention,

(8) FIG. 7 is a detailed perspective view of the lower part of the storage frame according to a first embodiment of the invention,

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lower part of the storage frame according to a first embodiment of the invention,

(10) FIG. 9 is a schematic view depicting the mounting of a box according to the invention in a frame according to a first embodiment of the invention,

(11) FIG. 10 is a schematic view depicting the mounting of a box according to the invention in a frame according to a first embodiment of the invention,

(12) FIG. 11 is a schematic view depicting the mounting of a box according to the invention in a frame according to a first embodiment of the invention,

(13) FIG. 12 is a schematic view depicting the mounting of a box according to the invention in a frame according to a first embodiment of the invention,

(14) FIG. 13 is a schematic view depicting the mounting of a box according to the invention in a frame according to a first embodiment of the invention,

(15) FIG. 14 is a schematic view depicting the mounting of a box according to the invention in a frame according to a first embodiment of the invention,

(16) FIG. 15 is a schematic view depicting the mounting of several boxes according to the invention in a single frame whatever the embodiment of storage frame according to the invention,

(17) FIG. 16 is a schematic view depicting the mounting of several boxes according to the invention in a single frame whatever the embodiment of storage frame according to the invention,

(18) FIG. 17 is a schematic view depicting the mounting of several boxes according to the invention in a single frame whatever the embodiment of storage frame according to the invention,

(19) FIG. 18 is a schematic view depicting the mounting of several boxes according to the invention in a single frame whatever the embodiment of storage frame according to the invention,

(20) FIG. 19 is a schematic view depicting the mounting of a box according to the invention in a frame according to a second embodiment of the invention,

(21) FIG. 20 is a schematic view depicting the mounting of a box according to the invention in a frame according to a second embodiment of the invention,

(22) FIG. 21 is a schematic view depicting the mounting of a box according to the invention in a frame according to a second embodiment of the invention,

(23) FIG. 22 is a schematic view depicting the mounting of a box according to the invention in a frame according to a second embodiment of the invention,

(24) FIG. 23 is a schematic view depicting the mounting of a box according to the invention in a frame according to a second embodiment of the invention,

(25) FIG. 24 is an alternative form of embodiment of the mounting depicted in FIGS. 19 to 23.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(26) The storage frame 100 according to the invention comprises a primary structure 101 in which there is arranged at least one storage box 102 according to the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. The storage box 102 according to the invention 103 is intended to contain a plurality of cylinders 103 of pressurized fluid, and notably pressurized gas, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

(27) As can be seen in the figures, the storage box 102 with its cylinders 102 thus forms a physical entity distinct (separable) from the storage frame 100.

(28) The cylinders 103 are arranged in the storage box 102 vertically or horizontally with respect to the ground. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the arrangement of the cylinders 103 in the storage box 102 may be according to a first configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 or according to a second configuration illustrated in FIG. 2. In FIG. 1, the cylinders 103 are aligned in two directions and arranged without contact with one another. In FIG. 2, the cylinders 103 are aligned in one direction and arranged in a staggered configuration in a second direction.

(29) The mounting of the cylinders 103 in the storage box 102 is performed independently of the storage frame 100 as described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14 according to a first embodiment or according to a second embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 19 to 23.

(30) The storage box 102 comprises at least one first plate 1 extending in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of mounting of the cylinders 103, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

(31) As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first plate 1 comprises a plurality of passage orifices 3 each configured to accept the first end 103a of each cylinder 103. More particularly, the first end 103a of each cylinder 103 is equipped with a collar 103c that passes through the passage orifice 3 and comprises a shoulder that comes into abutment against the first plate 1. Furthermore, the passage orifices 3 made in the first plate 1 are arranged regular distances apart.

(32) In the example illustrated particularly in FIG. 5, the first plate 1 is equipped with the first plurality of retaining members 4 which are configured to each collaborate with the collar 103c equipping the first end 103a of each cylinder 103. For preference, each retaining member 4 exhibits an internal screw thread configured to collaborate with an external screw thread formed on the collar 103c of each cylinder 103.

(33) As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 7 and 8 in particular, the storage box 102 comprises at least one second plate 2 extending in the first direction and positioned facing the first plate 1 from a predetermined distance.

(34) In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the second plate 2 exhibits a plurality of passage orifices 6 acting as retaining members 6 for the second end 103b of each cylinder 103. The passage orifices 6 made in the second plate 2 are arranged a regular distance apart.

(35) Each passage orifice 6 of the second plate 2 is configured to collaborate, through having a complementary shape, with the second end 103b of each cylinder 103. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second end 103b of each cylinder 103 is polygonal in shape, having a star-shaped cross section. The passage orifices 6 of the second plate 2 forming the retaining members 6 are configured to hold the second end 103b of each cylinder 103 while at the same time exhibiting at least one determined degree of freedom.

(36) As illustrated, this degree of freedom is notably longitudinal, which means to say that the second end 103b of the cylinder 103 may have a limited clearance in the second plate 2 in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder.

(37) As illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, the storage box 102 comprises an immobilizing device 7 configured to connect the first plate 1 to the second plate 2 while at the same time exhibiting at least one degree of freedom. The immobilizing device 7 comprises several screw/nut assemblies extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the first plate 1 and the second plate 2 extend. Each screw/nut assembly passes through the first plate 1 and the second plate 2.

(38) Other equivalent immobilizing devices (studs, etc.) are conceivable.

(39) According to the invention and as visible in FIG. 8, the primary structure 101 of the storage frame 100 comprises several wedging elements 101a. In the mounted position as illustrated in FIG. 8, the second end 103b of each cylinder 103 rests on a wedging element 101a of the primary structure 101.

(40) As illustrated in FIG. 7, the storage box 102 is fixed to the primary structure 101 by means of fixed mechanical connections 9 at the level of the second plate 2 and by means of mobile mechanical connections 8 at the level of the first plate 1 as visible in FIGS. 3 to 7.

(41) The mounting of a storage box 102 according to the invention in a storage frame 100 according to a first embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14.

(42) The cylinders 103 are first of all mounted between a first plate 1 and a second plate 2. More specifically, the first end 103a of each cylinder 103 passes through a passage orifice 3 made in the first plate 1 and the second end 103b of each cylinder 103 passes through a passage orifice 6 made in the second plate 2 as visible in FIG. 9.

(43) As illustrated in FIG. 10, the first end 103a of each cylinder 103 is fixed to the first plate 1 by means of retaining members 4. More particularly, each first end 103a of each cylinder 103 is equipped with a threaded collar 103c onto which a retaining member 4, for example a nut or a retaining ring, is screwed. Furthermore, the second end 103b of each cylinder 103 is retained through its collaboration, through having a complementary shape, with the passage orifice 6 made in the second plate 2. Each passage orifice 6 in the second plate 2 therefore forms a retaining member. A system of the pulley block type and a jig may advantageously be used to make it easier to mount the cylinders 103 inside the storage box 102.

(44) In order to immobilize the storage box 102, an immobilizing device 7 is arranged between the first plate 1 and the second plate 2. More particularly, a plurality of screw/nut assemblies is installed in the storage box 102 as can notably be seen in FIG. 10, and allows the first plate 1 to be connected to the second plate 2.

(45) In FIG. 11, the storage box 102 is inserted into a primary structure 101 to form the storage frame 100. A lifting system of the pulley block or crane type may be used.

(46) In FIG. 12, the storage box 102 is adjusted and secured inside the primary structure 101 of the storage frame 100 by means of mobile mechanical connections 8 perpendicular to the direction of the first plate, at the level of the first plate 1, and by means of fixed mechanical connections 9 at the level of the second plate 2.

(47) The mechanical connections comprise for example screw and nut or screw and tapping or stud and nut and/or bolt systems or any other appropriate system that allows the storage box 102 to be secured inside the primary structure 101 of the frame.

(48) For preference, the fixed mechanical connections 9 immobilize the second plate 2 on the primary structure in all three directions in space (fixed point with no degree of freedom). For example, several screws 9 pass through passages made in the second plate and fix this plate 2 to the primary structure 101. Note that this second plate 2 may comprise orifices (star-shaped or otherwise) that complement the exterior shape of the second end of the cylinders 103b, to immobilize same in terms of rotation.

(49) The mobile mechanical connections 8 immobilize the first plate 1 on the primary structure 101 in two directions (immobilization in the plane of the first plate 1) while at the same time allowing the first plate 1 a limited travel in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first plate 1. What that means to say is that the first plate 1 can move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinders 103, notably to absorb longitudinal expansion thereof (the travel is limited vertically when the cylinders 103 are arranged oriented vertically in FIGS. 9 and 10 for example). This limited movement has an amplitude for example of 5 to 30 mm and notably of 20 mm.

(50) This also makes it possible likewise to absorb variations in dimensions between the storage box 102 and the primary structure 101 of the frame (in order to adapt to suit the longitudinal dimensional tolerances and/or expansion tolerances).

(51) In FIG. 13, the connecting-up is carried out and the gas distribution systems 10 are installed, then the primary structure 101 is closed.

(52) Finally, as illustrated in FIG. 14, equipment 11 (plates, reinforcers, user faade, etc.) is fitted on the lateral faces of the storage frame 100 formed. In the case of a storage frame 100 for storing cylinders 103 horizontally, the storage frame 100 is turned over on the ground onto its lower part in order to stand it upright.

(53) The mounting of a storage box 102 according to the invention in a storage frame 100 according to a second embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 23.

(54) The second embodiment of the storage frame 100 according to the invention differs from the first embodiment in that the second plate 2 of the storage box 102 is omitted and replaced by a portion of the primary structure 101.

(55) More specifically and as illustrated in FIG. 19, the primary structure 101 exhibits a plurality of housings 101b made in a portion of said primary structure 101. In a first mounting step, intermediate elements 101c or spacer pieces are positioned in said housings 101b so as to provide the interface between the cylinders 103 and the primary structure 101.

(56) As can be seen in FIG. 20, each at least one intermediate element 101c is configured to accept and conform to the shape of each housing 101b formed on the primary structure 101, on an exterior face.

(57) The cylinders 103 are then placed in each intermediate element 101c as visible in FIG. 21. Each intermediate element 101c is configured to accept and conform to the shape of the second end 103b of each cylinder 103 on an interior face.

(58) Next, the first plate 1 is positioned at the level of the first end 103a of each cylinder 103.

(59) Finally, as illustrated in FIG. 23, connecting-up is performed, namely the connecting system and piping 10 with which the storage frame 100 is equipped are mounted, by cohabitation with the outlets of valves mounted at the outlet of the cylinders 103, and the gas distribution systems are installed, then the primary structure 101 is closed and equipment 11 (plates, reinforcers, user facades, etc.) is installed on the lateral faces of the storage frame 100 formed. In the case of a storage frame 100 for storing cylinders 103 horizontally, the storage frame 100 is turned over on the ground onto its lower part in order to stand it upright.

(60) In an alternative form of embodiment depicted in FIG. 24, the storage frame 100 comprises a locking device comprising at least one locking member 12 configured to pass through the primary structure 101 and also the second end 103b of the cylinder 103 when this is hollow.

(61) When the storage frame 100 has capacity for several storage boxes 102, each storage box 102 is mounted independently as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16.

(62) The storage boxes 102 are then grouped together and assembled in the primary structure 101 which accommodates them as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18.

(63) For a storage frame 100 that stores vertical cylinders, the storage frame 100 is positioned on the ground on its lower face. For a storage frame 100 for storing horizontal cylinders, the storage frame 100 is positioned on the ground on one of its lateral faces.

(64) In the example illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 18, a storage box 102 contains from four to sixteen cylinders 103. A storage frame 100 designed according to the invention is constructed modularly with one to four storage boxes 102. For example, a storage frame 100 for storing sixteen cylinders 103 according to the invention can be designed on the basis of a storage box 102 for sixteen cylinders. A storage frame 102 for sixty-four cylinders 103 is designed on the basis of four storage boxes 102 for sixteen cylinders 103.

(65) Of course, the invention is not restricted to the embodiments described and depicted in the attached figures. Modifications remain possible, notably regarding the makeup of the various elements or through the substitution of technical equivalents, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

(66) It will be understood that many additional changes in the details, materials, steps and arrangement of parts, which have been herein described in order to explain the nature of the invention, may be made by those skilled in the art within the principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments in the examples given above.