Fluid container equipped with an electronically controlled dispensing valve held in place by a protective cover

Abstract

Title of the Invention: Fluid Container Equipped with a Dispensing Valve and Electronic Device Retained by a Protective Cover. The invention relates to a pressurized fluid container (30), in particular a gas cylinder, comprising a container body (31) equipped with a fluid dispensing valve (10) and an electronic device (20) comprising a housing (21) with a nozzle (25) configured to fit into a nozzle recess (15) in the valve body (10). A protective cover (40) is arranged around the valve body (11). The peripheral wall (21.1) of the housing (21) is shaped to fit the peripheral edge (43) of the opening (42) in the cover (40) to retain the electronic device (20) attached to the cover (40) when its nozzle (25) is fitted into the nozzle recess (15) in the valve body (11). Use of such a container (30) for storing or supplying a gas under pressure. Figure from the abstract: Fig. 4

Description

Title of the invention: Fluid container equipped with a dispensing tap with an electronic device held by a protective cover

[0001] The invention relates to a pressurized fluid container, in particular a pressurized gas cylinder, equipped with a fluid dispensing tap equipped with an electronic device not attached to the fluid dispensing tap.

[0002] Medical fluids or gases, such as oxygen, N0 / N2, ​​N2O / O2, He / O2 mixtures, medical air or other, are packaged in pressurized gas containers, in particular gas bottles or cylinders, which are equipped with a distribution tap, also called a valve, with an integrated pressure relief system (IRS) or without an integrated pressure relief system, used to provide an adjustable gas flow rate.

[0003] The dispensing tap may be equipped with an electronic device with a digital display for displaying, in particular during gas withdrawal, the residual gas pressure in the container or a gas autonomy, i.e. the duration of use before the container is (almost) empty, as taught by EP-A-2918892, EP-A-3421866, US-A-2015 / 048955, US-A-6085598, EP-A-3067665 or DE-A-3809142.

[0004] In order to protect the distribution tap and its fragile equipment against impacts, falls, dirt, etc., in particular the electronic device with digital display, it is usual to arrange a rigid protective cover, also called a "hat", around the distribution tap fitted to the gas cylinder.

[0005] The electronic device generally comprises a housing carrying one or more (micro)processors carried by an electronic card and a display screen making it possible to calculate and / or display one or more parameters useful to the user, such as gas flow rate, gas pressure, autonomy, gas volume or any other parameter. Pressure measuring means are also provided, in particular a pressure sensor or combined pressure and temperature sensor, which are connected to the electronic card, in particular to the (micro)processor, to transmit to it the pressure measurements which are processed there by computer.

[0006] In order to be able to carry out the pressure measurements, the pressure sensor of the electronic device is fluidically connected to the internal gas circuit of the tap which is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the container and which carries the gas whose pressure and temperature are to be measured, typically via an internal channel or "tapping" passing through the connecting end piece used to fix the electronic device to the tap, as described by EP-A-3421866.

[0007] In other words, the electronic device is generally securely fixed to the body of the tap by screwing its threaded end into a tapped recess in the tap body, or using a key or pin inserted into a housing provided in the tap body and in the side wall of the end of the electronic device, or using any other fixing system making it possible to secure these elements together while keeping the electronic device firmly in position on the tap despite the pressure constraints to which it is subjected, given that its end is subjected to the high pressure conveyed by the internal gas circuit of the tap. Examples of fixing such taps are given by EP3421866 and EP3377811.

[0008] Once the electronic device is fixed to the body of the tap via the end of the housing, the protective cover is arranged around the tap and the housing of the electronic device is positioned in an opening provided in the cover so that it can be visible from the outside, that is to say so that the user can read the information that it delivers on its display screen. Examples of taps carrying such electronic devices housed in an opening in their cover include EP3002498, EP4027051, EP4056962, EP4071399 and EP4071400.

[0009] However, it has been found in practice that fixing the electronic device to the body of the tap by screwing its threaded end into a tapped recess in the tap body, or using a key or pin inserted into a housing provided in the tap body and in the side wall of the end of the electronic device, or the like, presents disadvantages.

[0010] First of all, these types of fixings require additional machining of the valve body and the tip of the electronic device, for example tapping the housing and threading the tip, or even additional drilling of the valve body and the tip to house a key or pin, or the like.

[0011] Then, the disassembly of the electronic device from the body of the tap, in particular for maintenance or replacement operations, can be complicated.

[0012] In view of this, a problem is therefore to be able to install an electronic device and a protective cover on the body of a fluid distribution tap in a simple manner, without recourse to additional machining of the end piece of the electronic device and / or the housing housing it in the tap body, ensuring good positioning of the cover / electronic device assembly on the tap body, and allowing easy disassembly thereof, in particular during maintenance or replacement operations, that is to say to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0013] A solution according to the invention then relates to a container of pressurized fluid, in particular a bottle or cylinder of pressurized gas, comprising a container body having an internal volume for preserving, i.e. storing, a fluid under pressure. pressure, typically a gas or gas mixture, and equipped with a fluid distribution valve comprising: - a tap body comprising a housing with a tip opening outwards, - an electronic device comprising a housing comprising a tip configured to fit into the tip housing of the valve body, and - a protective cover arranged around the valve body, comprising an opening, i.e. a window or the like, comprising a peripheral border surrounding the housing of the electronic device,

[0014] characterized in that at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the housing of the electronic device is shaped to cooperate with at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the opening of the protective cover to keep the electronic device secured to the protective cover, when the end piece of the housing is housed in the end piece housing of the valve body.

[0015] In other words, according to the invention, it is the peripheral edge of the opening of the cover, or at least a part of it, which makes it possible to maintain the electronic device in position on the valve body, and not a thread / tapping, a key or pin or the like.

[0016] Depending on the embodiment considered, the pressurized fluid container of the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics: - the end-piece housing arranged in the valve body has a blind bottom. - the end piece of the housing is held in position in the end piece housing of the valve body by the protective cover when it cooperates with the housing of the electronic device. - the valve body includes an internal fluid circuit for conveying pressurized fluid from the internal volume of the container body. - the peripheral wall of the housing of the electronic device and the peripheral edge of the opening of the protective cover are shaped to have complementary shapes making it possible to ensure the attachment of the electronic device to the protective cover, that is to say that the peripheral edge of the opening of the cover fits the peripheral wall of the housing of the electronic device, i.e. its peripheral contour. - the peripheral wall of the housing of the electronic device comprises at least one peripheral groove and the peripheral edge of the opening of the protective cover comprises at least one shoulder, or vice versa. - said at least one shoulder is inserted into said peripheral groove to ensure the electronic device is secured to the protective cover, i.e. its retention on the cover and on the valve body. said at least one peripheral groove is arranged on at least a portion of the external perimeter of the peripheral wall of the housing of the electronic device. said at least one peripheral groove is made in the external wall of the housing of the electronic device, that is to say by hollowing out the external wall of the housing. said at least one peripheral groove forms a groove. alternatively, the groove is delimited by two small parallel walls arranged opposite each other and carried by the external wall of the housing of the electronic device, that is to say projecting from said external wall of the housing. said at least one peripheral groove is made on only part or the entire periphery of the housing. said at least one shoulder is arranged on at least a part, that is to say all or part, of the internal perimeter of the peripheral edge of the opening of the protective cover. the end of the housing has a first general cylindrical shape and is devoid of external thread. the end of the case has for example a length between 5 and 11 mm, preferably between 6 and 8 mm, and a diameter between 5 and 12 mm, preferably between 7 and 9 mm. the tap body end housing has a second generally cylindrical shape and is devoid of internal threading. the first general cylindrical shape of the end piece of the housing and the second general cylindrical shape of the end piece housing of the valve body are complementary to each other, that is to say that the external wall of the end piece of the housing fits the internal wall of the end piece housing of the valve body. the peripheral wall of the electronic device casing has a square or rectangular outer circumference, i.e. the casing is rectangular or square parallelepiped. the opening of the protective cover has a square or rectangular internal perimeter. the external perimeter of the housing is complementary to the internal perimeter of the opening of the hood, that is to say that the external perimeter of the housing fits the internal perimeter of the opening of the hood. the electronic device is held securely attached to the valve body, and the end piece of the box is held housed in the end piece housing of the body. tap, solely due to the cooperation between at least a part of the peripheral wall of the electronic device housing with at least a part of the peripheral edge of the opening of the protective cover, i.e. no thread / tapping, no pin or key or the like is required. the end of the box also forms a centering stud allowing good positioning of the box on the tap body. the tip is made of polymer, for example thermoplastic polymer material (TPE). the holding of the housing on the tap body, therefore the holding of the end of the housing within the end housing of the tap body, is ensured solely by the protective cover which, via the edge of the housing housing the housing, constrains the housing to hold it securely in position, the housing is rigid. the case is made of metal or polymer. The protective cover includes a rigid cover body. the cowling body defines an internal volume sized to house the gas distribution valve. the cowling body is formed (of at least) two half-shells which connect to each other, typically a right half-shell and a left half-shell. the two half-shells are roughly symmetrical to each other. the two half-shells are connected to each other along a junction plane separating the opening of the cowling into two substantially equal parts, that is to say a junction plane passing through the center of the opening. the cowling body is made of polymer material, metal or their combinations. the electronic device comprises (micro)processor data processing means, i.e. comprising one or more (micro)processors. the data processing means comprise at least one microprocessor arranged on an electronic card. it comprises pressure measuring means configured to measure (at least) the pressure of the fluid within the internal fluid circuit. the data processing means are configured to process the pressure measurement(s) carried out by the pressure measuring means. the pressure measuring means are arranged in the valve body separately from the electronic device, being connected only electrically to the electronic device by electrical connection means. the pressure measuring means comprise a pressure sensor connected to the internal gas circuit to carry out the pressure measurement(s) there, preferably a combined pressure and temperature sensor configured to carry out pressure and temperature measurements of the fluid. electrical connection means include wired electrical connections, such as wires or cables. the electrical connection means include an electrical sheet. the sheet comprises at least 4 electrical wires, typically 4 to 20 electrical wires arranged in parallel with each other. the pressure measuring means are arranged in a sensor housing fitted in the valve body. The sensor housing located in the faucet body includes a base. The sensor housing in the faucet body is open to the outside. The sensor housing communicates fluidically with the internal fluid circuit of the valve body, preferably via a measuring port provided in the bottom of the sensor housing. the pressure measuring means include additional data processing means, such as an additional electronic card, for processing the measurements made by the pressure sensor by computer and obtaining processed measurements. the additional data processing means comprise one or more microprocessors. the electrical connection means, in particular the electrical ribbon cable, connect the additional data processing means to the data processing means of the electronic device of the electronic device so as to provide them with the processed measurements originating from the additional data processing means. the data processing means are configured to determine a residual gas pressure or a gas autonomy by processing the pressure or pressure and temperature measurements provided by the pressure measuring means. the internal gas circuit is arranged in the valve body and extends between a fluid inlet port in fluid communication with the internal volume of the container body and at least one fluid outlet port carried by a fluid dispensing nozzle. The fluid inlet port is carried by the threaded fixing tip of the tap, typically conical in shape. the electrical cable is flexible, that is to say supple and deformable, to facilitate connections and installation. the pressure and possibly temperature sensor is electrically connected to the additional data processing means to provide measurements (i.e. signals) of pressure and temperature of the fluid to said additional data processing means. the pressure and temperature sensor is configured to measure temperatures between -40°C and +70°C and pressures between 0 and at least 150 bar abs, preferably at least 250 bar abs. the pressure and temperature sensor comprises a sensor body crossed by an internal passage allowing the pressure and temperature to be measured, i.e. constituting a single pressure and temperature tapping. the data processing means of the electronic device, in particular the microprocessor(s), are configured to process the pressure and temperature measurement(s). the microprocessor(s) implements one or more algorithms. the data processing means of the electronic device comprise at least one microcontroller. More specifically, one (or more) microprocessors may be integrated into the electronic device in the form of a microcontroller. the microprocessor(s), in particular the microcontroller(s), is configured to record data, in particular within dedicated software or algorithm. the single pressure and temperature sensor is in fluid communication with the internal gas circuit of the fluid distribution valve so as to enable the pressure and temperature measurements of the gas conveyed by said internal circuit to be carried out, i.e. within the internal gas passage of the gas distribution valve. the data processing means, in particular the microprocessor(s), is supplied with electric current by an electric current source. the pressure and temperature sensor, in particular the additional data processing means of said sensor, is supplied with electric current by an electric current source. The pressure and temperature sensor includes additional data processing means or on-board electronics to determine the pressure and temperature of the gas. additional data processing means cooperate with means membrane means for determining gas pressure and temperature probe means for measuring gas temperature. the membrane means and the temperature probe means are arranged so as to be in contact with the gas carried by the internal passage of the sensor body, i.e. a single gas conduit. the additional data processing means, i.e. the on-board electronics of the pressure and temperature sensor, are electrically connected to the data processing means of the electronic device to communicate to them signals and / or measured pressure and temperature values, in particular via the cable. The on-board electronics of the pressure and temperature sensor include one (or more) additional microprocessors. the electronic device is a digital pressure gauge configured to provide the gas pressure or the volume of gas in the container, the gas flow rate supplied by the valve and / or the autonomy, i.e. duration of use in relation to the quantity of residual fluid in the container and / or the gas supply flow rate by the valve. the source of electric current includes one or more batteries or electric cells, rechargeable or not. the electronic device comprises a digital display, i.e. such as an information display screen, for example of the LCD type. the electronic device comprises a digital display positioned in the opening of the cover so as to be visible to a user from the outside. the screen is located substantially in continuity with the surface of the cowling body. the fluid dispensing tap comprises a flow rate selection device for selecting a desired fluid flow rate, preferably between 0 and 30 L / min. The fluid dispensing valve includes a flow outlet connection for delivering the fluid at the desired flow rate, typically a gas. The fluid dispensing valve includes a pressure outlet fitting for delivering the fluid at a given pressure, typically a gas. the outlet connection includes means for controlling the gas outlet. the fluid dispensing valve includes a fluid inlet port in fluid communication with the internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve so as to allow entry of pressurized fluid into the internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve. the fluid inlet port of the fluid dispensing valve is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the fluid container. The internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve fluidly connects the fluid inlet port to the outlet connection in flow or pressure. the internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve is arranged, for example drilled, in the body of the fluid dispensing valve. the flow or pressure outlet connection of the fluid dispensing valve is configured to be fluidically connected to a flexible gas line or another device using the fluid, such as a medical device or apparatus, the flow selection device comprises a rotary handwheel configured to move between several positions angularly offset from each other, each position corresponding to a given desired gas flow value, the flow selection device allows the selection of desired gas flow rates between 0 and 30 L / min, typically between 0 and 25 L / min. the flow rate selection device further cooperates with a flow rate adjustment device arranged in the valve body in order to adjust the flow rate to the desired gas flow rate value. the flow control device comprises a calibrated orifice disc arranged in the gas path in the valve body. the gas outlet connection (in flow) is arranged in the center of the rotary handwheel, i.e. they are arranged coaxially to each other. the data processing means include a time counter. the container has an internal volume between 1 and 20 L, typically between 2 and 15 L (water equivalent). the digital display of the electronic device is configured to display information, in particular gas autonomy, gas pressure, gas volume or an alert icon, for example autonomy alert or hose clamping, or others. the data processing means are configured to trigger an audible alert and a visual alert in the event of an alert being triggered, in particular a clamping alert or an autonomy alert. It also includes means of data storage. the data storage means comprises a read-only memory, preferably an EEPROM or the like. the data storage means are arranged on an electronic card, preferably on the electronic card carrying the microprocessor, the electrical energy source electrically supplies the data processing means, typically the electrical card, the micropro(s) stoppers, and all components operating with electrical current, such as the digital display, the pressure and temperature sensor and / or an alert LED. - the electric current source is arranged in a compartment of the protective cover. - the cowling body comprises one (or more) carrying handles, preferably the carrying handle is arranged so as to surmount the cowling, that is to say it is located substantially above the cowling. - the gas distribution tap is a valve with integrated pressure regulator or RDI. - gas expansion means are arranged on the internal gas circuit. - the gas pressure relief means comprise a pressure relief valve and a valve seat. They allow the gas pressure to be reduced from the high pressure of the gas stored in the container, typically several tens to hundreds of bars, to a lower pre-set operating pressure, typically a few bars, for example 2 to 5 bars abs. - the faucet body is made of copper alloy, like brass. - the cowling body further includes a hooking system designed to allow it to be attached to a support, in particular to a hospital bed bar or a patient transport stretcher or the like. - the cowling body further comprises a movable, preferably pivoting, attachment system. - the fluid container is a pressurized gas cylinder. - the fluid container contains a gas under pressure, in particular a gas medical. - the fluid container contains, when full, a gas at a pressure of at least 130 to 200 bar abs, or even at least 300 bar abs. - the fluid container has a generally cylindrical shape, in particular an ogive, made of metal or metal alloy (e.g. steel, aluminum, etc.) or of composite material(s). - the fluid container contains a gas or gas mixture, such as oxygen, a NO / N2, O2 / N2O, Ar / O2 or He / O2 mixture, medical grade air, or other.

[0017] The invention also relates to a use of a container according to the invention for storing or supplying a gas under pressure, in particular a medical gas chosen from oxygen or a gas mixture N2O / O2, NO / N2, Ar / O2 or He / O2, medical air or another medical gas.

[0018] The invention will now be better understood thanks to the following detailed description, given for illustrative but non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended figure, know :

[0019] [Fig-1] represents an embodiment of a fluid container equipped with a fluid dispensing tap with an electronic device held by a protective cover according to the invention,

[0020] [Fig.2] represents an embodiment of the fluid distribution tap of [Fig.l], shown naked, that is to say without any equipment,

[0021] [Fig.3] is a diagram (partial sectional view) of an embodiment showing the cooperation between the cover and the casing of the electronic device according to the invention, and

[0022] [Fig.4] is a diagram (side view) of the fluid distribution valve of [Fig.l] and [Fig.2], equipped with the electronic device and other equipment.

[0023] [Fig.l] represents an embodiment of a fluid container 30, namely here a pressurized gas cylinder, such as an oxygen cylinder, equipped with a fluid distribution tap 10 with an electronic device 20 held by a protective cover 40 according to the invention,

[0024] The pressurized gas cylinder (partially shown) comprises, in a conventional manner, a cylindrical body 31 delimiting an internal volume receiving the pressurized fluid, typically a pressurized gas, such as medical oxygen, at a pressure (i.e. filled container) greater than 100 bar abs, typically at least 150 bar abs, or even more than 200 bar abs, for example a maximum pressure ranging from 130 to 300 bar abs. The container body 31 is generally made of metal or metal alloy, such as steel or an aluminum alloy, or of composite materials.

[0025] The container 30 carries a fluid distribution tap 10, preferably an RDI, that is to say a tap with an integrated pressure regulator, crossed by an internal fluid circuit in fluid communication with the internal volume of the container.

[0026] The valve body 11, better visible in [Fig. 2], is preferably made of brass or stainless steel. The internal fluid circuit 14, partially visible in [Fig. 3], which comprises one or more gas passages arranged in the valve body 11, for example drilled or machined, connects and extends between an inlet orifice 13 in fluid communication with the internal volume of the container body 31 and one (or more) fluid outlet orifices carried by one (or more) fluid distribution nozzles 12, such as a flow outlet connector.

[0027] The fluid inlet orifice 13 is carried by the threaded fixing end piece 11.1 of the valve body 11, typically a threaded end piece 11.1 of conical shape.

[0028] The fluid circuit 14 conveys the fluid, namely here gas, coming from the container 30 through the body of the gas distribution tap 11 to the fluid distribution nozzle 12 to which a flexible gas line (not shown) is usually fluidically connected for conveying the gas to another device (not shown) using the gas, i.e. a medical apparatus or device. using the gas supplied by the valve 10, for example a breathing mask distributing gas to a patient at a flow rate prescribed by a doctor or the like corresponding to a treatment to be followed.

[0029] The container body 31 has a generally cylindrical shape comprising a neck, at its upper end, to which the tap 10 is fixed, that is to say it is in the shape of an ogive. The neck comprises the fluid outlet orifice, typically threaded, communicating with the internal volume of the container 30 and making it possible to withdraw the gas from the internal volume or, conversely, to fill it when it is empty. The distribution tap 10 is mounted, typically screwed, at the orifice of the neck of the container 30, via the threaded fixing end piece 11.1 of the tap body 11 which comprises a thread complementary to a thread provided in the orifice of the neck of the container 30.

[0030] The fluid stored in the container 30, i.e. in its internal volume, is typically a gas or gas mixture, for example of medical quality or medical gas, such as oxygen, air, a NO / N2, Ar / O2, O2 / N2O or He / O2 mixture, or any other gas or gas mixture, preferably oxygen or an O2 / N2O gas mixture.

[0031] The gas distribution tap 10 comprises pressure measuring means making it possible to measure (at least) the pressure of the gas within the internal circuit 14 of the tap body 11. They typically comprise a pressure sensor having a pressure tap, i.e. a connection, fluidically connected to the internal circuit of the tap body 11. Advantageously, a combined pressure and temperature sensor is used to measure both the pressure and the temperature of the gas, within the internal gas circuit conveying the gas coming from the internal volume of the container 30.

[0032] The pressure and preferably temperature measuring means are configured to provide the pressure and preferably temperature measurements (i.e. measurement signals or values) to microprocessor data processing means comprising one or more microprocessors implementing one or more algorithms, for example a main electronic card carrying one or more microprocessors implementing one or more calculation algorithms or the like, preferably a microcontroller.

[0033] More precisely, the pressure and optionally temperature measurements or data carried out by the sensor are processed by electronics embedded within the sensor, for example a secondary electronic card with microprocessor(s) or the like.

[0034] Then, these measurements (i.e. signals or values) or data are sent to the microprocessor data processing means in order to be used there, i.e. processed electronically, in particular to determine, calculate or deduce a pressure or a gas autonomy. A time counter may also be provided internal to the data processing means.

[0035] The data processing means are arranged in the housing 21 of the electronic device 20, for example a digital pressure gauge, fixed to the body 11 of the fluid distribution tap 10, for example a rigid housing 21 made of polymer or metal. The housing 21 of the electronic device 20 here has a general rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0036] It is also possible to provide, on the box 21, one or more buttons 23 or selection keys that can be activated by digital pressure from the user to make choices, scroll through a menu(s), acknowledge an alarm or other.

[0037] The electronic device also comprises display means 22, such as a digital display or screen, for example an LCD screen or the like, used to display various information, such as the volume or pressure of gas in the container 1 or the gas autonomy (in hours and minutes for example), which are in particular obtained by processing the pressure and / or temperature measurements by the data processing means, or to display an alarm message. For example, the digital display 22 comprises a screen with a height of between approximately 29 and 37 mm and a width of, for example, between approximately 39 and 43 mm.

[0038] The housing 21 comprises a tip 24, on its lower face, that is to say the one opposite the upper face carrying the screen 22. This tip 24 is housed in a tip housing 15 of the tap body 11, which is shaped and sized to receive the tip 24, as detailed below. Preferably, the tip housing 15 has a blind bottom.

[0039] The internal volume of the container 30 (in water equivalent) is a known value which can be stored by storage means, such as an EEPROM type computer memory, of the electronic device 20. For example, the gas cylinders used to distribute medical oxygen (i.e. medical grade) have volumes between 1 L and 20 L (water equivalent), typically between 2 L and 15 L, for example, depending on the cylinder considered, the volume can be of the order of 2 L, 3.5 L, 4.6 L, 5 L, 7 L, 10 L, 11 L or 15 L.

[0040] The storage means can also record other data, such as for example the time elapsing between successive instants, pressure and / or temperature measurements, etc., or other parameters, such as the position of the selector, the configuration of the bottle, the filling pressure, alerts, etc.

[0041] More generally, the electronic device 20, for example a digital pressure gauge, which comprises the microprocessor data processing means, such as an electronic card, is housed in an opening 42, that is to say a window or the like, provided in the body 41 of the protective cover 40 which is arranged around the fluid distribution tap 10 and serving to protect it against impacts or other possible damage, for example a rigid cover made of polymer and / or metal, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. The cover 40 is generally fixed to the neck of the container 30 or to the body 1 of the tap 10.

[0042] The body 41 of the cowling 40 defines an internal volume sized to house the gas distribution tap 10. It further comprises, in the proposed embodiment, a carrying handle 48 arranged so as to surmount the cowling 40 by being connected to the body 41 by two support uprights. The cowling 40 may optionally further comprise a hooking system 49 (partially visible), preferably a pivoting hook, designed to allow it to be hooked to a support, in particular to a hospital bed bar or to a patient transport stretcher or the like.

[0043] The electronic device 20 is electrically powered by an electrical energy source 46, for example one or more batteries or cells arranged in a battery compartment 47, as illustrated in [Fig. 3] and [Fig. 4]. The electrical energy source is used to power the components requiring electrical current to operate, in particular the data processing means, the display screen 22, the memory, etc. The electrical energy source 46 is connected to the electronic device 20 by electrical connections, for example wires or the like.

[0044] The data processing means are also configured to control audible alert means and / or visual alert means, preferably both, so as to trigger at least one audible alert and / or one visual alert, preferably both, in the event of detection of a malfunction, in particular a clamping, or of a quantity of gas or autonomy that is too low.

[0045] As illustrated in [Fig. 4], a user-actuable flow rate selection device 50, such as a rotary handwheel, carried by the valve body 11 serves to select a desired gas flow rate to be delivered from the outlet nozzle 12, for example a rotary handwheel capable of rotating between several angular positions, offset from each other, which each correspond to a given flow rate value, for example selectable gas flow rate values ​​between 0 L / min and 30 L / min, typically between 0 and 25 L / min. For example, the selectable flow rate values ​​may be: 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 22 and 25 L / min, or any other value. The desired flow rate value selected by the user by actuation of the flow rate selection device 50.

[0046] The flow rate selection device 50 further cooperates with a flow rate adjustment device (not visible) arranged in the valve body 11 in order to adjust the flow rate to the desired gas flow rate value, for example the flow rate adjustment device may be a calibrated orifice disc arranged on the gas path in the valve body 11. Such an arrangement is known per se.

[0047] Once the desired gas flow rate is selected, the position of the gas flow selection device flow rate 50, for example the angular position of the rotary handwheel, can be determined using one (or more) position sensors 51 visible in [Fig.4], which is electrically connected to the data processing means of the electronic device 20 to provide them with position information. This then allows the data processing means to know the value of the desired gas flow rate having been selected by the user.

[0048] In the embodiment of [Fig. 4], the flow outlet connection 12 is arranged centrally and coaxially with the flow selection rotary handwheel 50; however, they could also be separated from each other according to other possible embodiments (not shown). The flow outlet connection 12 carries an outlet orifice allowing gas distribution, that is to say it constitutes an outlet of the internal passage 14 of the valve body 11.

[0049] Preferably, gas outlet control means are also provided, typically a valve axially movable in the connector 12 and cooperating with a valve seat, sealing means, such as one or more O-rings, and an elastic means, such as a spring or the like, normally pushing the valve against the seat to ensure gas sealing when gas is not drawn off, i.e. distributed.

[0050] According to the invention, in order to be able to quickly and simply couple the electronic device 20 to the body 11 of the fluid distribution tap 10 without having to resort to machining the end piece 25 of the electronic device 20 or the end piece housing 15 of the tap body 11 where it is housed, and then to be able to disassemble them easily, in particular during maintenance or replacement operations, that is to say to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, provision is made for at least a part of the peripheral wall 21.1 of the housing 21 of the electronic device 20 is shaped to cooperate with at least a part of the peripheral edge 43 of the opening 42, that is to say a window or the like, of the protective cover 40 to keep the electronic device 20 secured to the valve body 11 and the protective cover 40, when the end piece 25 of the housing 21 is housed, that is to say positioned, in the end piece housing 15 of the valve body 11, as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0051] The end piece 25 of the housing 21 of the electronic device 20 therefore constitutes only a sort of centering stud which is inserted into the end piece housing 15 of the valve body 11 to ensure correct positioning of the electronic device 20 on the body 11 of the fluid distribution valve 10. In other words, according to the invention, the end piece 25 no longer participates in the actual fixing of the housing 21 to the valve body 11 since it is not retained by screwing, pin or other means, in the end piece housing 15 of the valve body 11. It is simply inserted there, i.e. positioned there.

[0052] The housing 21 of the electronic device 20 is held in place solely by the hood 40 which constrains it as detailed below.

[0053] More precisely, as visible in [Fig.3], the peripheral wall 21.1, that is to say the external perimeter, of the casing 21 of the electronic device 20 and the peripheral edge 43, that is to say the periphery, of the opening 42 of the protective cover 40 are shaped to have complementary shapes making it possible to ensure the attachment of the electronic device 20 to the protective cover 40.

[0054] The opening 42 of the cowling 40, that is to say a window or the like, has a circumference of substantially rectangular or square shape.

[0055] According to the invention, it is therefore the peripheral edge or periphery 43 of the opening 42 of the cover, or at least a part of it, which makes it possible to maintain the electronic device 20 in position on the tap body 11, and not a thread / tapping, a key or pin or the like as in the taps of the prior art.

[0056] The electronic device 20 is secured by at least one peripheral groove 24 carried by the peripheral wall of the housing 21 of the electronic device 20 and by at least one shoulder 44 arranged at the peripheral edge 43 of the opening 42 of the protective cover 1 which cooperate together.

[0057] According to another embodiment, the peripheral groove(s) 24 could be arranged at the peripheral edge 43 of the opening 42 of the cowling, and the shoulder(s) 44 on the periphery of the housing.

[0058] In all cases, the shoulder 44 is inserted into the peripheral groove 24 to ensure the securing, i.e. the fixing and maintenance, of the electronic device 20 to the protective cover 40.

[0059] The peripheral groove 24 can be arranged, continuously, over the entire periphery or external perimeter of the housing 21 of the electronic device 20 or be discontinuous, as shown in [Fig.4], that is to say over only a part of the periphery or external perimeter of the housing 21 of the electronic device 20.

[0060] For example, the groove 24 can be arranged mainly (continuous walls 24.1) on two opposite faces of the housing 21 when it is of rectangular parallelepiped shape (i.e. of approximately rectangular or square section), and extend slightly, i.e. over a short distance (i.e. discontinuous wall 24.2), on the other two faces, as illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0061] More precisely, according to the invention, the groove(s) 24 can be formed: - either by removing material so as to form a sort of groove, "hollowed" or "molded" for example, in the external wall of the housing 21, - or, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], by two small walls 24.1, 24.2, continuous or discontinuous, arranged face to face, projecting from the surface of the periphery of the housing 21, being separated from each other by a space or inter channel intermediate 24.3, for example small walls molded with the rest of the housing 21 or added and fixed for example by gluing or other. Here, one of the walls 24.1 is continuous around the entire circumference of the housing 21, while the other is discontinuous since it only partially extends on two of the opposite faces of the housing 21, via small wall expansions 24.2.

[0062] It should however be specified that the housing 21 can have different shapes, for example being of circular or other section. The same applies to the opening 42 of the cover 40 which has a shape complementary to that of the housing 21 which is inserted therein, that is to say that the external contours of the housing 21 match the shape of the opening 42 of the cover 40.

[0063] To facilitate the installation of the assembly, in particular the insertion of the shoulder 44 located at the peripheral edge 43 of the opening 42 of the protective cover 1, within the peripheral groove 24 of the housing 21 of the electronic device 20, the protective cover 40 is preferably formed of at least two half-shells, i.e. right half-shell and left half-shell, which are coupled to each other along a junction plane preferably passing through the opening 42, for example through the center of the opening 42, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], where only the left half-shell is installed so that the housing 21 is positioned in a “half” opening 42.

[0064] When the housing 21 of the electronic device 20 is secured to the protective cover 40, thanks to the cooperation between the shoulder 44 carried by the peripheral edge 43 of the opening 42 of the cover 1 and the peripheral groove 24 of the housing 21 of the electronic device 20, the end piece 25 of the housing 21 acts as a centering stud to ensure good positioning of the cover / electronic device assembly 40, 20 on the valve 10, when it is put in place by an operator, given that the end piece 25 of the housing 21 is positioned in the end piece housing 15 machined in the valve body 11, typically a housing or hole with a blind bottom. The cover 40 can then be firmly fixed, for example by screwing or the like, either to the body 11 of the valve 10, or to the neck of the gas container 30.

[0065] Preferably, the end piece 25 of the housing 21 has a substantially cylindrical general shape. It has a smooth peripheral wall, i.e., one devoid of external threading or other means of attachment. Similarly, the end piece housing 15 of the valve body 11 also has a substantially cylindrical general shape and a smooth internal wall, i.e., one devoid of internal threading. Advantageously, their shapes are substantially complementary to one another, i.e., dimensioned to ensure stable, i.e., non-floating, support of the end piece 25 of the housing 21 in the end piece housing 15 of the valve body 11.

[0066] For example, the end-piece housing 15 may have a height of the order of 6 to 8 mm. and a diameter of the order of 7 to 9 mm, and the end piece 25 of the housing 21 may have corresponding dimensions, that is to say a length of the order of 6 to 8 mm and a diameter of the order of 7 to 9 mm. Of course, other dimensions may be suitable.

[0067] Generally speaking, according to the invention, the end piece 25 of the housing 21 therefore acts as a centering stud whose function is to ensure good positioning of the cover 40 / electronic device 20 assembly on the body 11 of the tap 10, easily and without screwing or the like, while the electronic device 20 is held integral with the cover 40, and not with the tap body 11, thanks to the cooperation between shoulder(s) 44 and groove(s) 24.

[0068] The container according to the invention is particularly well suited for use in storing a medical gas chosen from oxygen, a gas mixture N2O / O2, N0 / N2 or He / O2, or medical air, advantageously medical-grade oxygen.

Claims

Claims

1. Container (30) for pressurized fluid, in particular a gas bottle, comprising a container body (31) having an internal volume for retaining a pressurized fluid and equipped with a fluid dispensing tap (10) comprising: - a tap body (11) comprising a nozzle housing (15) opening outwards, - an electronic device (20) comprising a housing (21) comprising a nozzle (25) configured to be housed in the nozzle housing (15) of the tap body (10), and - a protective cover (40) arranged around the tap body (11), comprising an opening (41) comprising a peripheral edge () surrounding the housing (21) of the electronic device (20), characterized in that at least a portion of the peripheral wall (21.1) of the housing (21) of the electronic device (20) is shaped to cooperate with at least a part of the peripheral edge (43) of the opening (42) of the protective cover (40) to keep the electronic device (20) secured to the protective cover (40), when the tip (25) of the housing (21) is housed in the tip housing (15) of the valve body (11).

2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the peripheral wall (21.1) of the housing (21) of the electronic device (20) and the peripheral edge (43) of the opening (42) of the protective cover (40) are shaped to have complementary shapes making it possible to ensure the attachment of the electronic device (20) to the protective cover (40).

3. Container according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the peripheral wall of the housing (21.1) of the electronic device (21) comprises at least one peripheral groove (24) and the peripheral edge (43) of the opening (42) of the protective cover (1) comprises at least one shoulder (44), or conversely, said shoulder (44) being inserted into said peripheral groove (24) to ensure the attachment of the electronic device (20) to the protective cover (40).

4. Container according to claim 3, characterized in that said at least one peripheral groove (24) is arranged on at least a part of the external perimeter of the peripheral wall (21.1) of the housing (21) of the electronic device (20) and / or said at least one shoulder (44) is arranged on at least a part of the internal perimeter of the peripheral edge (43) of the opening (42) of the protective cover (40).

5. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that: - the end piece (25) of the housing (21) has a first generally cylindrical shape and is devoid of external threading and / or - the end piece housing (15) of the valve body (11) has a second generally cylindrical shape and is devoid of internal threading, preferably, the first generally cylindrical shape of the end piece (25) of the housing (21) and the second generally cylindrical shape of the end piece housing (15) of the valve body (11) are complementary to each other.

6. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the peripheral wall (21.1) of the housing (21) of the electronic device (20) has an external periphery of square or rectangular shape, and the opening (42) of the protective cover (40) has an internal periphery of square or rectangular shape, the external periphery of the housing (21) being complementary to the internal periphery of the opening (42) of the cover (40).

7. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic device (20) is held integral with the valve body (11), and the tip (25) of the housing (20) is held housed in the tip housing (15) of the valve body (11), solely thanks to the cooperation between at least a part of the peripheral wall of the housing (21) of the electronic device (20) with at least a part of the peripheral edge (43) of the opening (42) of the protective cover (40).

8. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (1) of the electronic device (20) comprises data processing means with at least one microprocessor.

9. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the end-piece housing (15) of the tap body (11) has a blind bottom.

10. Use of a container (30) according to one of the preceding claims, for storing or supplying a pressurized gas, in par- in particular a medical gas, chosen from oxygen, air or a gas mixture Ar / O2, N2O / O2, NO / N2 or He / O2.

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