Patent Description:
These kinds of devices are generally provided with a frame, within which a plurality of gas vessels are placed. A manifold is connected to all the gas vessels to allow a dispensing of gas from all the gas cylinders.

A main valve is coupled to the manifold, typically at an end of the manifold, to allow dispensing of gas from all the gas vessels of the device.

Once the valve is coupled to the manifold, and the vessels are inserted into the frame, removal of the valve (e.g. for maintenance and/or replacement) are complex and difficult. Removal of the vessel and/or of the manifold (together with the relevant ducts connecting the manifold to the vessels) is often needed for these operations. A similar device is disclosed in <CIT>.

It is thus an object of the present invention to solve the above discussed problems.

It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a device for the supply of gas having a main valve that is easy to assemble and maintain, while complying with the relevant safety standards.

These and other objects are achieved by a device according to one or more of the enclosed claims.

In particular, the present invention relates to a device for the supply of a gas and a relevant assembling process according to the independent claims. Preferred aspects are recited in the dependent claims.

According to an aspect, a device for the supply of a gas comprises: a plurality of gas vessels, preferably in the form of gas cylinders; a frame defining a space for arranging the plurality of gas vessels; a manifold, fluidly connectable to said plurality of gas vessels. The device comprises at least one coupling body removably coupled to the manifold; a manifold valve is coupled to the coupling body, and in particular the manifold valve is fluidically connected to the manifold via the coupling body.

The manifold valve can be thus securely coupled to the coupling body, that can be in turn coupled in a reversible manner to the manifold. When needed, the coupling body can be easily removed from the manifold, allowing maintenance/replacement of the manifold valve.

The manifold valve is arranged so that it can control the flow of gas from the device. In other words, there is at least one condition such that when the manifold valve is closed, no gas flows from the vessels of the device, and when the manifold valve is opened, gas flows from the device (i.e. from the vessels of the device) towards an external receiver.

However, it is possible that in some conditions, opening of the manifold valve does not imply a flow of gas from the vessels. In fact, other valves are typically arranged on the device, typically one valve per each vessel. As a result, if the valves coupled to the vessels are closed, opening of the manifold valve will not result in a flow of gas from the vessels. The manifold valve is typically the valve of the device that, when flow of gas from the vessels of the device occurs, is placed at the most downstream position in the device. In other words, when gas is supplied from the device to an external receiver, the manifold valve is the last valve of the device through which gas passes. Subsequent valves may be obviously placed on the external receiver.

The coupling body is typically arranged at an end of the manifold. In possible embodiments, a coupling element, together with the relevant manifold valve, is placed at each end of the manifold. The manifold is typically a tube, that is provided with two ends. In these embodiments, the device is preferably provided with two coupling elements.

The coupling body is threaded, and the coupling body is coupled to a thread of the manifold. The two threads can be directly coupled one to the other, or indirectly, e.g. via a nut that is coupled to both the threads of the coupling body and of the manifold.

The manifold valve is removably coupled to the coupling body. Thanks to this, it is also possible to decouple the manifold valve from the coupling body, e.g. during maintenance.

As mentioned, according to possible embodiments, the device comprises a further coupling body, coupled to a relevant manifold valve.

With reference to the enclosed figures, exemplary and non limiting embodiments will be now discussed, wherein:.

A device <NUM> for the supply of a gas comprises a frame <NUM> defining a space <NUM> within which a plurality of gas vessels <NUM> can be housed.

Gas vessels can be of different kinds, they are generally containers configured to house a gas, and typically they are gas cylinders <NUM>. For easiness, reference will be made to gas cylinders <NUM> as a generic gas vessel.

Different kinds of frames <NUM> can be used, provided that they define a space <NUM> to house the gas cylinders <NUM>.

According to the invention, the device <NUM> comprises a manifold <NUM>, that is arranged to collect gas from at least part, typically all, of the gas cylinders <NUM>. In a known way, the gas cylinders <NUM> are typically connected to the manifold <NUM> via different ducts 6a. The ducts 6a are arranged so as to allow an even collection of gas from the gas cylinders <NUM>, i.e. to empty at the same rate the different gas cylinders <NUM>. Preferably, the ducts 6a are arranged so that they all have the same or similar length, measured from the manifold <NUM> to the gas cylinders <NUM>. In general, the ducts 6a are configured so that they provide the same or similar pressure drop from the relevant gas cylinder <NUM> to the manifold <NUM>, or up to the delivery of gas from the device <NUM>. Such an object may be achieved by properly selecting the length of the ducts 6a, and the path followed by the ducts 6a. In fact, as known, the longer the duct, the higher the pressure drop in fluid flowing in the duct 6a. In addition, a curve in the path of a duct provide a pressure drop for the fluid flowing within the duct.

The manifold <NUM> is typically a tube (preferably a substantially straight tube, or a tube that is substantially straight for at least part of its path) that is connected to the gas cylinders <NUM>, typically via relevant ducts 6a.

A coupling body <NUM> is reversibly coupled to the manifold <NUM>, preferably at one end of the manifold <NUM>. "Reversible" should be considering to have the standard meaning for the skilled person. As an example, as known, welding is not considered a reversible connection.

Preferred embodiments provide that both the coupling body <NUM> and the manifold <NUM> are threaded, so that a thread of the coupling body is coupled to the thread of the manifold <NUM>. The connection can be direct or indirect. A direct connection implies screwing one thread onto the other. More preferred embodiment provides an indirect connection, i.e. a third element (typically a nut <NUM>) is coupled to both the threads of the coupling body <NUM> and of the manifold <NUM>.

A manifold valve <NUM> is coupled to the coupling body <NUM>, and is fluidically connected to the manifold <NUM>.

The coupling body <NUM> is thus typically a hollow element, that allows flow of gas within the coupling body <NUM>. The coupling body <NUM> can have different shapes in different embodiment. In preferred embodiment, the coupling body <NUM> is prismatic, preferably it is substantially a cube.

In preferred embodiments, considering a transversal section, i.e. a section on a plane that is perpendicular to the flow of gas entering the coupling body <NUM>, the greatest dimension of the section of the coupling body <NUM> is less than five times the diameter of the manifold <NUM>, preferably less than three times the diameter of the manifold <NUM>.

In particular, the manifold valve <NUM> is preferably arranged so that, considering the normal use condition of the device <NUM>, in which gas flows from the gas cylinder <NUM> towards an external element, the manifold valve <NUM> is arranged downstream the manifold <NUM>. In other words, according to preferred embodiments, in use condition, the gas flows from the gas cylinders to the manifold <NUM> via the ducts 6a; subsequently gas flow through the manifold into the coupling body <NUM>, and from the coupling body <NUM> into the manifold valve <NUM>.

The manifold valve is typically provided with connections 10a, allowing to connect an external element, e.g. a tube or duct, to the connection <NUM>, to allow supply of gas from the device <NUM> to such an external element.

The valve is also provided with means, e.g. a shutter or similar element, that can be operated, e.g. via a handle 10b, to selectively allow/prevent flow of gas from the device <NUM>.

The manifold valve <NUM> can be reversibly coupled to the manifold body <NUM>, e.g. via relevant threads.

As mentioned, the manifold valve <NUM> is arranged so that it can control the flow of gas from the device <NUM>. However, further elements, typically further valves, are typically arranged on the device <NUM>. Preferably, each gas cylinder <NUM> is provided with a valve (not shown in detail in the figures), that may prevent flow of gas from the gas cylinder <NUM> to the manifold <NUM>. In that case, if all the valves coupled to the gas cylinders are closed, opening of the manifold valve <NUM> will not result in a flow of gas from the device <NUM>. However, there is at least one condition such that when the manifold valve <NUM> is closed, no gas flows from the device <NUM>, and at opening of the manifold valve, gas flows from the device <NUM>, and in particular from all the gas cylinders <NUM> of the device <NUM> towards an external receiving element.

In preferred embodiments, the manifold valve <NUM> is typically the valve of the device that, when gas flows from the device <NUM>, is placed at the most downstream position in the device. In other words, when gas is supplied from the device <NUM> to an external receiver (not shown in the figures), the manifold valve <NUM> is the last valve of the device through which gas passes. Subsequent valves may be obviously placed on the external receiving element.

In possible embodiments, the device can comprise more than one coupling body <NUM> together with the relevant manifold valve <NUM>. In possible embodiments, the manifold <NUM> is a tube provided with two ends. A coupling body <NUM> with the relevant manifold valve <NUM> is provided at each end of the valve. In this manner, an external receiving element can be coupled either at one side of the manifold, or at the other side of the manifold, to the relevant manifold valve <NUM>, allowing the device to be arranged with more freedom in the relevant environment. As an example, one end of the manifold <NUM> can be placed near a wall, while the other end is more accessible. As a result, the external receiving element can be coupled to the device <NUM> via the manifold valve that is more accessible. As a result, in use condition, if more than one coupling body <NUM> (and thus more than one manifold valve <NUM>) is present, gas flows from one manifold valve <NUM>, while the other manifold valve(s) is/are closed. It is not excluded that both, or more in general more than one, manifold valve are open at the same moment, to allow flow of gas from more than one manifold valve <NUM>.

According to a possible aspect, the frame <NUM> comprise a lower portion <NUM>, an upper portion <NUM> and a plurality of side portions <NUM>. The frame <NUM> has typically the shape of a prism, more preferably of a rectangular parallelepiped, i.e. provided with four side portions <NUM>, that are arranged perpendicularly one to the other.

The above mentioned space <NUM> is thus the volume defined by portions <NUM> - <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, i.e. the portion of space that is comprised within the geometrical figure defined by the portions <NUM> - <NUM>.

Coupling between the different portions <NUM> - <NUM> of the frame <NUM> is carried out at least in part (and preferably exclusively) via fasteners <NUM>. Fasteners <NUM> of various kinds known in the art can be used. Preferred embodiments use bolts (i.e. screws coupled with relevant nuts) as fasteners <NUM>.

The lower portion <NUM> is typically a substantially planar element or, in any case, an element having a dimension (in particular the vertical dimension, considering the use condition of the device <NUM>) that is sensibly smaller with respect to the other two dimensions. Friction elements 21a (typically protrusions) can be provided on the upper surface of the lower portion <NUM>, i.e. the surface that, in use, supports the gas cylinders <NUM>.

The upper portion <NUM> is also an element having two dimensions prevailing over the others. However, it is usual that cylinder bundles are lifted via the upper portion. Thickness of the upper portion <NUM> is thus typically greater than the thickness of the lower portion <NUM>. A ring or loop or similar coupling element 22a is usually provided on the upper portion (typically on the top of the upper portion <NUM>, considering the orientation of the device <NUM> in the use condition), to allow an external device (e.g. via a hook) to lift the device <NUM>.

The side portions <NUM> are typically provided with a main body <NUM> that is substantially planar. In preferred embodiments, the side portions comprise a main body <NUM>, arranged between vertical elements <NUM>. The vertical elements <NUM> are defined as vertical because they are substantially vertical in the use condition.

As mentioned, the frame <NUM> typically has a substantially prismatic shape. Preferably, the main body <NUM> of the side portions <NUM> does not entirely cover the lateral surface of the prism defined by the frame <NUM>. In particular, the main body <NUM> does not cover the whole surface comprised between the vertical elements <NUM>. The main body <NUM> preferably comprises one or more transversal elements 230a, 230b, typically plates, arranged between the vertical elements <NUM>, and preferably arranged substantially coplanar between each other. As an example, in the shown embodiment, the main body <NUM> comprise two transversal elements 230a, 230b.

According to a preferred aspect, at least part of the side portions <NUM> are provided with protrusions 23a. Protrusions 23a are typically arranged so that a protrusion 23a of a first side portion, in use, can be coupled (i.e. put in contact) with a relevant part of a second side portion, preferably with a protrusion <NUM> of a second side portion <NUM>, even if embodiments are possible where the protrusions 23a of a first side portion is coupled with the vertical element and/or with the main body of a second side portion. Preferably, the protrusions 23a are arranged on the vertical elements <NUM> of the side portions <NUM>, typically for substantially the whole height, or at least <NUM>% of the height of the vertical elements <NUM>.

The protrusions <NUM> are typically substantially planar, and they are preferably elongated plates. According to a preferred aspect, the protrusions 23a are angled with respect to the main body <NUM>, i.e. they protrude from it. In particular, considering the frame <NUM> in plant view, in use condition, the protrusions 23a are angled with respect to the main body 23b, typically with an angle α of about <NUM> degrees. The protrusion are typically arranged so as to protrude externally with respect to the frame, i.e. in use condition, the coupling protrusions are arranged outside the space <NUM> for the gas vessels <NUM>.

More in general, independently from the shape of the frame <NUM>, preferred embodiments provide that the protrusions 23a are arranged radially with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the frame <NUM>. The longitudinal axis A of the frame can be easily identified by the skilled person. In particular, the longitudinal axis A is the vertical axis of the geometrical figure defined by the frame <NUM>, considered in use condition. Longitudinal axis A, together with radial direction R, are shown schematically in <FIG>.

According to a preferred aspect, the side portions <NUM> are substantially identical one to the other. This is typically the case where the coupling protrusion <NUM> are arranged at about <NUM> degrees with respect to the main body, or radially with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the frame <NUM>.

According to a possible aspect, the vertical elements <NUM> have a substantially L-shape cross-section, i.e. the cross section of the vertical elements <NUM> is provided with two arms 23a, 23b that are substantially orthogonal one to the other. The arms 23a, 23b have preferably substantially the same length. One arm of the L-shaped vertical elements <NUM> is indeed the previously discussed protrusion 23a, while the other arm 23b is typically used to arrange fasteners <NUM> that constrain the side portions <NUM> to the upper portion <NUM> and/or to the lower portion <NUM> of the frame <NUM>.

In possible embodiments, the lower portion <NUM> and/or the upper portion <NUM>, considered in plant view, have their vertexes beveled, or cut, or provided with a missing portion, or anyway configured to allow the coupling of the second arm 23b of the L-shaped vertical elements <NUM> with the lower/upper portion at the vertexes of the figure defined by the plant view of these elements.

The device <NUM> may further comprise securing elements <NUM>, to further prevent movement of the gas cylinders <NUM> with respect to the frame <NUM> in the use condition. Different securing elements are known in the art and may be used. As an example, as per the shown embodiment, securing elements may be wedges placed at the upper part of the gas cylinders, at the dome defined by the top portion of the gas cylinders. Wedges <NUM> are usually fixed to the frame <NUM>. In addition or as an alternative, securing elements <NUM> may e.g. comprise bands (not shown) that embrace the lateral surface of the gas cylinders.

During use, a receiving element (not shown in detail) can be coupled to the device <NUM>, typically via the manifold valve <NUM>. Once the manifold valve <NUM> is opened, gas can flow from the gas cylinders <NUM> towards the external receiving element.

When there is the need to remove the manifold valve <NUM> from the device <NUM>, e.g. for replacement or maintenance of the manifold valve <NUM>, the coupling body <NUM> can be removed from the manifold <NUM>. In preferred embodiment, as the one shown in the figures, the nut <NUM> is loosened, allowing decoupling of the coupling body <NUM> from the manifold <NUM>.

Subsequently, the same coupling body <NUM>, or a new coupling body <NUM>, provided with a relevant manifold valve <NUM> (e.g. a new manifold valve or a revised manifold valve <NUM>) can be coupled to the manifold <NUM>, to allow again operation of the device <NUM>.

To assemble the device <NUM>, part of the portions <NUM> - <NUM> of the frame <NUM> are coupled via fasteners <NUM> to define part of the frame <NUM>. During these step, fasteners are not tightened as in the use condition, i.e. they are arranged on the frame <NUM> in a looser condition with respect to the final condition. As a result, the space <NUM> defined by the portions of the frame that are assembled one to the other that has at least one bigger dimension with respect to space <NUM> in the use condition. In other words, the distance between two different side portions, in this condition, is typically greater than the distance between the same side portions in the use condition (the distance being preferably null in the final condition, if adjacent side portions are considered. The fasteners <NUM> are thus not fully tightened, so that there is some clearance between the gas cylinders <NUM> and the side portions <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, even when all the gas cylinders <NUM> are placed in the space <NUM>. A typical embodiment provide that at least width and/or depth of the space <NUM> (i.e. the horizontal directions, considering the use condition) are bigger, i.e. opposite side portions <NUM> are typically more distanced one from the other with respect to the final condition. The above mentioned clearance, or difference between the dimension(s) of the space <NUM> between the present step and the final condition may be a few millimeters or centimeters, that are however enough to simplify operations of insertion of the gas cylinder between the space <NUM> defined by (at least part) of the frame <NUM>. In other words, the distance between two adjacent portions of the frame before and during insertion of the gas cylinders is greater than in the final conditions, after insertion of the cylinders. In addition, according to an embodiment, only part of the portions of the frame <NUM> are coupled one to the other before insertion of the gas cylinders <NUM> in the space <NUM>. A typical arrangement provides that three side portions <NUM> are coupled to the lower portion <NUM>, possibly without the upper portion <NUM>. In this case, the missing side portion <NUM> allows insertion of the gas cylinders <NUM> into the space <NUM> through a side of the frame <NUM>. As mentioned, the above discussed clearance allows an easy insertion of the gas cylinders <NUM>. If the upper portion <NUM> is missing at this step, the operator has freedom to operate on the gas cylinders from upside, e.g. for connecting the manifold <NUM> (typically via the ducts 6a) to the gas cylinders <NUM>. In different embodiments, the side portions can be coupled to the upper before insertion of the gas cylinders <NUM> in the frame <NUM>. In this case, it is possible to provide a space <NUM> having a greater height with respect to the final condition, by not fully tightening the fasteners <NUM> used to couple the side portions to the upper portion.

As mentioned, during this step, in a known way, the manifold <NUM> is also typically connected to the gas cylinders <NUM>.

Subsequently, it is possible to complete the frame <NUM>, i.e. to couple the remaining portion of the frame <NUM> to the previously used portions, and to tighten the fasteners <NUM>. In this way, it is possible to reduce the dimension(s) of the space <NUM>, i.e. to reduce the distance between the side portions <NUM>, so that the frame <NUM> is arranged in the final (i.e. use) condition. As an example, with reference to the embodiment above discussed, the last side portion <NUM> and possibly also the upper portion <NUM> are added to the other portions to complete the frame <NUM>, and the fasteners <NUM> are tightened, to define the use condition of the frame <NUM>, and of the device <NUM>. In this condition, the clearance between the gas cylinders <NUM> and the side portions <NUM> is less than the clearance that was present between the gas cylinders and the side portions in the assembly condition, i.e. before final tightening of the fasteners <NUM>.

Claim 1:
Device (<NUM>) for the supply of a gas comprising:
• a plurality of gas vessels (<NUM>), preferably in the form of gas cylinders;
• a frame (<NUM>) defining a space (<NUM>) for arranging said plurality of gas vessels (<NUM>);
• a manifold (<NUM>), fluidly connectable to said plurality of gas vessels (<NUM>) via ducts (6a), the device (<NUM>) comprising at least one coupling body (<NUM>) removably coupled to the manifold (<NUM>),
• a manifold valve (<NUM>) coupled to the coupling body (<NUM>), being fluidically connected to the manifold (<NUM>) via the coupling body (<NUM>) so that, in use condition, gas flows from the gas vessels (<NUM>) to the manifold (<NUM>) via the ducts (6a), and subsequently gas flows through the manifold (<NUM>) into the coupling body (<NUM>), and from the coupling body (<NUM>) into the manifold valve (<NUM>), characterised in that said coupling body (<NUM>) is threaded and is coupled to a thread of the manifold (<NUM>), and said manifold valve (<NUM>) is removably coupled to the coupling body (<NUM>).