Fluid container provided with a dispensing tap with an electronic device held by a protective cover

Abstract

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 pressurized gas.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pressurized fluid container, preferably for gas, in particular a pressurized gas cylinder, equipped with a fluid distribution valve fitted with an electronic device not fixed to the fluid distribution valve.

[0002] Medical fluids or gases, such as oxygen, NO / N2, N2O / O2, He / O2 mixtures, medical air or others, are packaged in pressurized gas containers, in particular gas cylinders or bottles, which are equipped with a dispensing tap, also called a valve, with or without an integrated pressure reduction system (RDI), used to provide an adjustable gas flow.

[0003] The dispensing valve may be equipped with an electronic device with a digital display used to display, particularly during gas withdrawal, the residual gas pressure in the container or gas autonomy, i.e., the duration of use before the container is (nearly) 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 dispensing valve and its fragile equipment against shocks, falls, dirt... in particular the electronic device with digital display, it is common to fit a rigid protective cover, also called a "cap", around the dispensing valve equipping the gas cylinder.

[0005] The electronic device typically comprises a housing containing one or more (micro)processors mounted on a circuit board and a display screen for calculating and / or displaying one or more parameters useful to the user, such as gas flow rate, gas pressure, operating time, gas volume, or any other parameter. Pressure measurement devices are also included, specifically a pressure sensor or a combined pressure and temperature sensor, which are connected to the circuit board, particularly the (micro)processor, to transmit the pressure measurements, which are then processed electronically.

[0006] To perform pressure measurements, the pressure sensor of the electronic device is fluidically connected to the internal gas circuit of the valve which is in fluidic 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 "tap" through the connecting fitting used to attach the electronic device to the valve, as described by EP-A-3421866.

[0007] In other words, the electronic device is generally securely attached to the valve body by screwing its threaded tip into a tapped recess in the valve body, or by using a key or pin that fits into a slot in the valve body and the side wall of the electronic device's tip, or by any other fastening system that secures these elements together, keeping the electronic device firmly in position on the valve despite the pressure stresses to which it is subjected, given that its tip is exposed to the high pressure carried by the valve's internal gas circuit. Examples of fixing such valves are given in EP3421866 and EP3377811.

[0008] Once the electronic device is attached to the faucet body via the housing's fitting, the protective cover is fitted around the faucet, and the electronic device's housing is positioned in a designated opening in the cover so that it is visible from the outside, allowing the user to read the information it displays. Examples of faucets with such electronic devices housed in an opening in their cover include EP3002498, EP4027051, EP4056962, EP4071399, EP4071400, FR3018580, and WO2023156960.

[0009] However, it was found in practice that fixing the electronic device to the tap body by screwing its threaded tip into a tapped recess in the tap body, or by means of a key or pin inserted into a housing made in the tap body and in the side wall of the tip of the electronic device, or similar, had disadvantages.

[0010] Firstly, these types of fixings require additional machining of the tap body and the tip of the electronic device, for example tapping the housing and threading the tip, or additional drilling of the tap body and the tip to accommodate a key or pin, or similar.

[0011] Furthermore, disassembling the electronic device from the tap body, particularly 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 valve in a simple way, without having to make additional machining of the tip of the electronic device and / or the housing which houses it in the valve body, ensuring good positioning of the cover / electronic device assembly on the valve body, and allowing easy disassembly of these, in particular during maintenance or replacement operations, i.e. to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0013] A solution according to the invention relates to a pressurized fluid container, in particular a pressurized gas cylinder or bottle, comprising a container body having an internal volume for retaining, i.e. storing, a pressurized fluid, typically a gas or gaseous mixture, and equipped with a fluid dispensing valve comprising: a tap body comprising a socket housing opening outwards, an electronic device comprising a housing including a nozzle configured to fit into the socket housing of the tap body, and a protective cover arranged around the tap body, comprising an opening, i.e. a window or the like, comprising a peripheral rim surrounding the housing of the electronic device.

[0014] Furthermore, at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the electronic device housing is shaped to cooperate with at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the protective cover opening to keep the electronic device attached to the protective cover when the housing tip is housed in the tap body tip housing.

[0015] In addition, the peripheral wall of the electronic device housing and the peripheral edge of the protective cover opening are shaped to have complementary shapes to ensure the attachment of the electronic device to the protective cover, that is to say that the peripheral edge of the cover opening fits the peripheral wall of the electronic device housing, i.e. its peripheral contour.

[0016] In particular, the peripheral wall of the housing of the electronic device includes at least one peripheral groove and the peripheral edge of the opening of the protective cover includes at least one shoulder, or conversely, that is to say, according to another embodiment, the peripheral wall of the housing of the electronic device includes at least one shoulder and the peripheral edge of the opening of the protective cover includes at least one peripheral groove.

[0017] However, in all cases, said at least one shoulder then fits into said peripheral groove to ensure the attachment of the electronic device to the protective casing, i.e. its retention on the casing and on the valve body.

[0018] 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 keep the electronic device in position on the tap body, or vice versa, and not a thread / tap, a key or pin or the like.

[0019] Depending on the embodiment considered, the pressurized fluid container of the invention may comprise one or more of the following features: The nozzle housing arranged in the valve body has a blind bottom. The nozzle of the housing is held in position in the nozzle housing of the valve body by the protective cover when it engages with the electronic device housing. The valve body includes an internal fluid circuit to convey the pressurized fluid from the internal volume of the vessel body. At least one peripheral groove is arranged on at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the peripheral wall of the electronic device housing. At least one peripheral groove is formed in the outer wall of the electronic device housing, i.e., by hollowing out the outer wall of the housing. At least one peripheral groove forms a groove.Alternatively, the groove is defined by two small parallel walls arranged opposite each other and supported by the outer wall of the electronic device housing, i.e., projecting from said outer wall of the housing. At least one peripheral groove is formed on only part or all of the periphery of the housing. According to a particular embodiment, the peripheral wall of the electronic device housing comprises several peripheral grooves and the peripheral edge of the protective cover opening comprises several shoulders, or vice versa, cooperating to hold the electronic device housing securely to the protective cover. In particular, the shoulders then fit into the peripheral grooves to secure the electronic device to the protective cover, i.e., to hold it in place on the cover.According to another particular embodiment, the peripheral wall of the electronic device housing comprises at least one peripheral groove and at least one shoulder, and the peripheral edge of the protective cover opening also comprises at least one peripheral groove and at least one shoulder, said peripheral grooves and shoulders being arranged and configured such that each groove fits into a shoulder and conversely, that each shoulder accommodates a groove, so as to secure the electronic device to the protective cover, i.e., its retention on the cover. The peripheral groove(s) and the shoulder(s) have at least partially complementary shapes to allow their cooperation by interlocking or the like.said at least one shoulder is arranged on at least part, that is to say all or part, of the inner 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 without external threads. The end of the housing has, for example, a length of between 5 and 11 mm, preferably between 6 and 8 mm, and a diameter of between 5 and 12 mm, preferably between 7 and 9 mm. The fitting housing of the valve body has a second general cylindrical shape and is without internal threads. The first general cylindrical shape of the end of the housing and the second general cylindrical shape of the fitting housing of the valve body are complementary to each other, that is to say, the outer wall of the end of the housing fits snugly against the inner wall of the fitting housing of the valve body.The outer wall of the electronic device housing has a square or rectangular outer edge, meaning the housing is a rectangular or square parallelepiped. The opening of the protective cover has a square or rectangular inner edge. The outer edge of the housing is complementary to the inner edge of the cover opening, meaning the outer edge of the housing matches the inner edge of the cover opening. The electronic device is held securely to the valve body, and the housing tip is held in the valve body's tip recess, solely through the interaction between at least a portion of the outer wall of the electronic device housing and at least a portion of the outer edge of the protective cover opening; therefore, no threading, tapping, pins, keys, or similar fasteners are required.The end of the housing also forms a centering pin, ensuring proper positioning of the housing on the valve body. The end is made of polymer, for example, thermoplastic polymer (TPE). The housing is held securely on the valve body, and therefore the end of the housing is held within the valve body's fitting recess, solely by the protective cover. This cover, via the rim of the housing, clamps the housing to hold it firmly in position. The housing is rigid. The housing is made of metal or polymer. The protective cover comprises a rigid housing body. The housing body defines an internal volume sized to accommodate the gas dispensing valve. The housing body is formed of (at least) two half-shells that connect to each other, typically a right-hand half-shell and a left-hand half-shell. The two half-shells are roughly symmetrical to each other.The two half-shells are joined to each other along a junction plane that divides the opening of the casing into two substantially equal parts; that is, a junction plane passing through the center of the opening. The casing body is made of polymer material, metal, or a combination thereof. The electronic device includes data processing means with a (micro)processor, that is, comprising one or more (micro)processors. The data processing means include at least one microprocessor arranged on a circuit board. It includes pressure measurement means configured to measure (at least) the fluid pressure within the internal fluid circuit. The data processing means are configured to process the pressure measurement(s) taken by the pressure measurement means.The pressure measuring means are arranged in the valve body separately from the electronic device, being connected to the electronic device only electrically by means of electrical connections. The pressure measuring means include a pressure sensor connected to the internal gas circuit for performing pressure measurements, preferably a combined pressure and temperature sensor configured to perform pressure and temperature measurements of the fluid. The electrical connections include wired electrical connections, such as wires or cables. The electrical connections include a wiring harness. The harness comprises at least four electrical wires, typically from four to twenty wires arranged in parallel. The pressure measuring means are arranged in a sensor housing provided in the valve body. The sensor housing provided in the valve body includes a base.The sensor housing within the valve body is open to the outside. The sensor housing communicates fluidly with the internal fluid circuit of the valve body, preferably via a measuring port located in the bottom of the sensor housing. The pressure measurement means include additional data processing means, such as an additional electronic board, for computer processing the measurements taken by the pressure sensor and obtaining processed measurements. The additional data processing means include one or more microprocessors. The electrical connection means, in particular the power cord, connect the additional data processing means to the data processing means of the electronic device so as to provide them with the processed measurements from the additional data processing means.The data processing means are configured to determine residual gas pressure or gas autonomy by processing pressure or pressure and temperature measurements provided by the pressure measuring means. The internal gas circuit is arranged within the valve body and extends between a fluid inlet port in fluidic communication with the internal volume of the vessel body and at least one fluid outlet port carried by a fluid distribution fitting. The fluid inlet port is carried by the threaded mounting fitting of the valve, typically conical in shape. The electrical cable is flexible, i.e., 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 fluid pressure and temperature are connected 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 with an internal passage for measuring pressure and temperature, i.e., constituting a single pressure and temperature tap. 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) implement one or more algorithms. The data processing means of the electronic device include at least one microcontroller.More specifically, one or more microprocessors can be integrated into the electronic device in the form of a microcontroller. The microprocessor(s), particularly the microcontroller(s), is configured to record data, notably within dedicated software or an algorithm. The single pressure and temperature sensor is in fluidic communication with the internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve so as to allow for pressure and temperature measurements of the gas carried by said internal circuit, i.e., within the internal gas passage of the gas dispensing valve. The data processing means, particularly the microprocessor(s), are powered by an electrical current source. The pressure and temperature sensor, particularly the additional data processing means of said sensor, is powered by an electrical current source.The pressure and temperature sensor includes additional data processing means or embedded electronics for determining the gas pressure and temperature. These additional data processing means cooperate with diaphragm means for determining the gas pressure and temperature probe means for measuring the gas temperature. The diaphragm means and temperature probe means are arranged to be in contact with the gas conveyed through the internal passage of the sensor body, i.e., a single gas conduit. The additional data processing means, i.e., the embedded electronics of the pressure and temperature sensor, are electrically connected to the data processing means of the electronic device to communicate signals and / or measured pressure and temperature values, particularly via the ribbon cable.The embedded 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 volume in the container, the gas flow rate supplied by the valve, and / or the operating time, i.e., the duration of use relative to the amount of residual fluid in the container and / or the gas flow rate from the valve. The power source includes one or more batteries, rechargeable or non-rechargeable. The electronic device includes a digital display, i.e., an information display screen, for example, an LCD. The electronic device includes a digital display positioned in the opening of the cover so that it is visible to a user from the outside. The screen is essentially flush with the surface of the cover body.The fluid dispensing valve includes a flow selector 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 connection 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 fluidic communication with the internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve so as to allow the 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 fluidic 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 flow or pressure outlet fitting. The internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve is provided, for example, through a hole drilled into the body of the fluid dispensing valve. The flow or pressure outlet fitting of the fluid dispensing valve is configured for fluid connection to a flexible gas line or other device using the fluid, such as a medical device or apparatus. The flow selection device includes a rotary handwheel configured to move between several angularly offset positions, each position corresponding to a given desired gas flow rate. The flow selection device allows for the selection of desired gas flow rates from 0 to 30 L / min, typically from 0 to 25 L / min.The flow selection device further cooperates with a flow control device arranged in the valve body to adjust the flow to the desired gas flow rate. The flow control device includes a calibrated orifice disc arranged in the gas path within the valve body. The gas outlet (flow) connection is arranged in the center of the rotary handwheel; that is, they are arranged coaxially with each other. Data processing means include a timer. The container has an internal volume of between 1 and 20 L, typically between 2 and 15 L (water equivalent). The electronic device's digital display is configured to show information, specifically gas autonomy, gas pressure, gas volume, or an alert icon, for example, a low gas autonomy alert, a hose clamping alert, or other relevant indicators.The data processing means are configured to trigger an audible and a visual alert when an alert is triggered, such as a clamping alert or a low battery alert. It also includes data storage means. The data storage means include read-only memory, preferably an EEPROM or similar. The data storage means are arranged on a circuit board, preferably on the circuit board carrying the microprocessor. The power supply provides electricity to the data processing means, typically the circuit board, the microprocessor(s), and all components operating with electrical current, such as the digital display, the pressure and temperature sensor, and / or an alert LED. The power supply is arranged in a compartment within the protective housing.The cover body includes one (or more) carrying handle(s), preferably arranged to extend beyond the cover, i.e., it is located substantially above it. The gas dispensing valve is a valve with an integrated regulator (IRR). Gas pressure-reducing means are arranged on the internal gas circuit. The gas pressure-reducing means include 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 bar, to a lower, predetermined working pressure, typically a few bar, for example, 2 to 5 bar abs. The valve body is made of a copper alloy, such as brass. The cover body further includes a hanging system designed to allow it to be attached to a support, in particular to a hospital bed rail or a patient transport stretcher or the like.The casing body further includes a movable, preferably pivoting, fastening system. The fluid container is a pressurized gas cylinder. The fluid container contains a pressurized gas, in particular a medical gas. When full, the fluid container contains 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, particularly an ogive shape, made of metal or metal alloy (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.) or 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.

[0020] The invention also relates to the use of a container according to the invention for storing or supplying a gas under pressure, in particular a medical gas selected from oxygen or a gas mixture N2O / O2, NO / N2, Ar / O2 or He / O2, medical air or another medical gas.

[0021] The invention will now be better understood through the following detailed description, given by way of illustration but not limitation, with reference to the attached figure, namely: Fig. 1 represents an embodiment of a fluid container equipped with a fluid dispensing valve with an electronic device held in place by a protective cover according to the invention, Fig. 2 represents one embodiment of the fluid distribution valve Fig. 1 shown naked, that is to say without any equipment, Fig. 3 is a diagram (partial cross-sectional view) of an embodiment showing the cooperation between the casing and the housing of the electronic device according to the invention, and Fig. 4 is a diagram (side view) of the fluid dispensing valve Fig. 1 et Fig. 2 equipped with the electronic device and other equipment.

[0022] Fig. 1 represents an embodiment of a fluid container 30, namely here a pressurized gas cylinder, such as an oxygen cylinder, equipped with a fluid distribution valve 10 with an electronic device 20 held by a protective cover 40 according to the invention,

[0023] The pressurized gas cylinder (partially shown) conventionally comprises a cylindrical body 31 delimiting an internal volume containing the pressurized fluid, typically a pressurized gas such as medical oxygen, at a pressure (i.e., when the container is full) exceeding 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 a metal alloy, such as steel or an aluminum alloy, or of composite materials.

[0024] The container 30 carries a fluid distribution valve 10, preferably an RDI, i.e. a valve with integrated regulator, through which passes an internal fluid circuit in fluidic communication with the internal volume of the container.

[0025] The tap body 11, more clearly visible in Fig. 2 , is preferably made of brass or stainless steel. The internal fluid circuit 14, partially visible on Fig. 3 , which includes one or more passages for gas arranged in the valve body 11, for example drilled or machined, connects and extends between an inlet orifice 13 in fluidic communication with the internal volume of the container body 31 and one (or more) fluid outlet orifice carried by one (or more) fluid distribution nozzle 12, such as a flow outlet fitting.

[0026] The fluid inlet orifice 13 is carried by the threaded fixing end 11.1 of the valve body 11, typically a threaded end 11.1 of conical shape.

[0027] The fluid circuit 14 carries the fluid, in this case gas, from the container 30 through the body of the gas distribution valve 11 to the fluid distribution nozzle 12 to which a flexible gas line (not shown) is usually fluidly connected to carry the gas to another device (not shown) using the gas, i.e. a medical device or apparatus using the gas supplied by the valve 10, for example a breathing mask distributing gas to a patient at a rate prescribed by a doctor or similar corresponding to a treatment to be followed.

[0028] The container body 31 is generally cylindrical in shape, comprising a neck at its upper end to which the valve 10 is attached; that is, it is ogive-shaped. The neck includes the fluid outlet, typically threaded, which communicates with the internal volume of the container 30 and allows gas to be drawn from the internal volume or, conversely, to be filled when it is empty. The dispensing valve 10 is mounted, typically screwed, to the opening in the neck of the container 30 via the threaded mounting end 11.1 of the valve body 11, which includes a complementary thread of a tapped hole in the opening in the neck of the container 30.

[0029] The fluid stored in the container 30, i.e. in its internal volume, is typically a gas or gaseous mixture, for example medical grade or medical gas, such as oxygen, air, a NO / N2, Ar / O2, O2 / N2O or He / O2 mixture, or any other gas or gaseous mixture, preferably oxygen or an O2 / N2O gaseous mixture.

[0030] The gas distribution valve 10 includes pressure measuring means for measuring (at least) the gas pressure within the internal circuit 14 of the valve body 11. These typically include a pressure sensor having a pressure tap, i.e. a branch connection, fluidically connected to the internal circuit of the valve body 11. Advantageously, a combined pressure and temperature sensor is used to measure both the pressure and temperature of the gas within the internal gas circuit carrying the gas from the internal volume of the container 30.

[0031] The means for measuring pressure and preferably temperature are configured to provide the measurements (i.e. measurement signals or values) of pressure and preferably of temperature to microprocessor data processing means comprising one or more microprocessors implementing one or more algorithms, for example a main electronic board carrying one (or more) microprocessor implementing one or more calculation or analog algorithms, preferably a microcontroller.

[0032] More specifically, the pressure and optionally temperature measurements or data taken by the sensor are processed by electronics embedded within the sensor, for example a secondary electronic board with microprocessor(s) or similar.

[0033] Next, these measurements (i.e., signals or values) or data are sent to microprocessor-based data processing equipment for use, i.e., computer processing, specifically to determine, calculate, or deduce pressure or gas autonomy. An internal timer within the data processing equipment may also be included.

[0034] The data processing means are arranged in the housing 21 of the electronic device 20, for example a digital pressure gauge, attached to the body 11 of the fluid distribution valve 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.

[0035] We can also provide, on the box 21, one or more buttons 23 or selection keys that can be activated by digital pressing by the user to make choices, scroll through a menu (or menus), acknowledge an alarm or other.

[0036] The electronic device also includes display means 22, such as a digital display or screen, for example an LCD or similar screen, used to display various information, such as the volume or pressure of gas in the container 1, or the remaining gas supply (in hours and minutes, for example), which is obtained in particular by processing pressure and / or temperature measurements using data processing means, or to display an alarm message. For example, the digital display 22 includes a screen with a height of approximately 29 to 37 mm and a width, for example, of approximately 39 to 43 mm.

[0037] The housing 21 includes an end piece 24 on its lower face, that is, the face opposite the upper face bearing the screen 22. This end piece 24 fits into an end fitting recess 15 in the valve body 11, which is shaped and sized to receive the end piece 24, as detailed below. Preferably, the end fitting recess 15 has a blind bottom.

[0038] The internal volume of the container 30 (in water equivalent) is a known value which can be stored by means of storage, such as an EEPROM type computer memory, of the electronic device 20. For example, 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 on the order of 2 L, 3.5 L, 4.6 L, 5 L, 7 L, 10 L, 11 L or 15 L.

[0039] The storage devices can also record other data, such as the time elapsed between successive moments, pressure and / or temperature measurements... or other parameters, such as the selector position, the bottle configuration, the filling pressure, alerts...

[0040] More generally, the electronic device 20, for example a digital pressure gauge, which includes microprocessor-based data processing means, such as an electronic board, is housed in an opening 42, i.e. a window or similar, provided in the body 41 of the protective cover 40 which is arranged around the fluid distribution valve 10 and serves to protect it against shocks 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.

[0041] The body 41 of the cover 40 defines an internal volume sized to house the gas distribution valve 10. In the proposed embodiment, it also includes a carrying handle 48 arranged to extend above the cover 40 and connected to the body 41 by two support uprights. The cover 40 may optionally include a partially visible attachment system 49, preferably a pivoting attachment, designed to allow it to be attached to a support, in particular to a hospital bed rail or a patient transport stretcher or similar.

[0042] 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 et Fig. 4 The electrical power source is used to power the components that require electrical current to operate, including data processing means, the display screen 22, the memory... The electrical power source 46 is connected to the electronic device 20 by electrical links, for example wires or the like.

[0043] The data processing means are also configured to control audible and / or visual alert means, preferably both, so as to trigger at least one audible and / or visual alert, preferably both, in the event of detection of a malfunction, in particular a clamping, or a quantity of gas or autonomy that is too low.

[0044] As illustrated in Fig. 4 A user-operated flow selector device 50, such as a rotary handwheel, mounted on the valve body 11, is used to select a desired gas flow rate to be delivered through the outlet nozzle 12. For example, the rotary handwheel can rotate between several offset angular positions, each corresponding to a specific flow rate value. For example, selectable gas flow rates may range from 0 L / min to 30 L / min, typically from 0 to 25 L / min. For instance, selectable flow rates 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 is selected by the user by actuating the flow selector device 50.

[0045] The flow selection device 50 further cooperates with a flow adjustment device (not visible) arranged in the valve body 11 in order to adjust the flow to the desired gas flow value, for example the flow 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.

[0046] Once the desired gas flow rate has been selected, the position of the flow selection device 50, for example the angular position of the rotary handwheel, can be determined by means of one (or more) position sensor 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 desired gas flow rate value selected by the user.

[0047] In the embodiment of the Fig. 4 The flow outlet fitting 12 is arranged centrally and coaxially with the rotary flow selector handwheel 50; however, they could also be separated from each other according to other possible embodiments (not shown). The flow outlet fitting 12 has an outlet port allowing gas distribution, i.e., it constitutes an outlet from the internal passage 14 of the valve body 11.

[0048] Preferably, means for controlling the gas outlet are also provided, typically a movable valve axially in the fitting 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 similar, normally pushing the valve against the seat to ensure a gas seal when gas is not being drawn off, i.e. distributed.

[0049] According to the invention, in order to quickly and easily couple the electronic device 20 to the body 11 of the fluid distribution valve 10 without machining the tip 25 of the electronic device 20 or the tip housing 15 of the valve body 11 where it is housed, and subsequently to easily disassemble them, particularly during maintenance or replacement operations—that is, to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks—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 portion of the peripheral edge 43 of the opening 42, i.e., a window or similar feature, of the protective cover 40, to hold the electronic device 20 securely to the valve body 11 and the protective cover 40 when the tip 25 of the housing 21 is housed, i.e., positioned, in the tap body 11, as illustrated on Fig. 3 .

[0050] The tip 25 of the housing 21 of the electronic device 20 thus constitutes only a kind of centering pin which is inserted into the socket 15 of the valve body 11 to ensure proper positioning of the electronic device 20 on the body 11 of the fluid distribution valve 10. In other words, according to the invention, the tip 25 no longer participates in the actual fixing of the housing 21 to the valve body 11 since it is not held by screwing, pin or other means in the socket 15 of the valve body 11. It simply inserts itself into it, i.e., is positioned there.

[0051] The retention of the housing 21 electronic device 20 is ensured solely by the cover 40 which constrains it as detailed below.

[0052] More specifically, as seen on Fig. 3 , the peripheral wall 21.1, i.e. the external perimeter, of the housing 21 of the electronic device 20 and the peripheral border 43, i.e. the perimeter, of the opening 42 of the protective cover 40 are shaped to present complementary shapes enabling the electronic device 20 to be secured to the protective cover 40.

[0053] The opening 42 of the casing 40, that is to say a window or the like, has a perimeter of substantially rectangular or square shape.

[0054] According to the invention, it is therefore the peripheral edge or perimeter 43 of the opening 42 of the cover, or at least a part of it, which allows the electronic device 20 to be held in position on the tap body 11, and not a thread / tap, a key or pin or the like as in taps of the prior art.

[0055] The securing of the electronic device 20 is ensured 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 level of the peripheral edge 43 of the opening 42 of the protective cover 1 coming together to cooperate.

[0056] According to another embodiment, the peripheral groove (or grooves) 24 could be arranged at the level of the peripheral edge 43 of the opening 42 of the cover, and the shoulder (or shoulders) 44 on the periphery of the housing.

[0057] In all cases, the shoulder 44 is inserted into the peripheral groove 24 to ensure the securing, i.e. the fixing and holding, of the electronic device 20 to the protective cover 40.

[0058] The peripheral groove 24 can be arranged continuously around the entire outer perimeter of the housing 21 of the electronic device 20, or it can be discontinuous, as shown in Fig. 4 that is to say on only a part of the outer perimeter or outer edge of the housing 21 of the electronic device 20.

[0059] For example, the groove 24 can be mainly arranged (continuous walls 24.1) on two opposite faces of the housing 21 when it is rectangular parallelepiped in shape (i.e., with an approximately rectangular or square cross-section), and extend slightly, that is, over a short distance (i.e., discontinuous wall 24.2), on the other two faces, as illustrated in Fig. 4 .

[0060] More specifically, according to the invention, the groove (or grooves) 24 can be formed: either by removing material to form a kind of groove, "carved" or "molded" for example, in the outer wall of the housing 21, or, as illustrated in Fig. 4 , of two small walls 24.1, 24.2, continuous or discontinuous, arranged opposite each other, projecting from the surface of the periphery of the housing 21, separated from each other by an intermediate spacer or channel 24.3, for example, small walls molded with the rest of the housing 21 or added and fixed, for example, by gluing or otherwise. Here, one of the walls 24.1 is continuous around the entire periphery of the housing 21, while the other is discontinuous since it only partially extends onto two opposite faces of the housing 21, via small wall extensions 24.2.

[0061] It should be noted, however, that the housing 21 can have different shapes, for example, a circular cross-section or other. The same applies to the opening 42 in the cover 40, which has a shape complementary to that of the housing 21 into which it is inserted; that is to say, the external contours of the housing 21 follow the shape of the opening 42 in the cover 40.

[0062] To facilitate 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., a right half-shell and a left half-shell, coupled to each other along a junction plane passing preferably 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 put in place so that the housing 21 is positioned in a "half" opening 42.

[0063] When the housing 21 of the electronic device 20 is secured to the protective cover 40, through the interaction between the shoulder 44 supported 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 pin to ensure correct positioning of the cover / electronic device assembly 40, 20 on the valve 10 during its installation by an operator. This is because the end piece 25 of the housing 21 fits into the socket 15 machined in the valve body 11, typically a socket or blind hole. The cover 40 can then be firmly fixed, for example by screwing or similar means, either to the body 11 of the valve 10 or to the neck of the gas container 30.

[0064] Preferably, the nozzle 25 of the housing 21 has a generally cylindrical shape. It has a smooth peripheral wall, i.e., without external threads or other means of attachment. Similarly, the nozzle housing 15 of the valve body 11 also has a generally cylindrical shape and a smooth internal wall, i.e., without internal threads. Advantageously, their shapes are substantially complementary to each other, i.e., sized to ensure stable, i.e., non-floating, retention of the nozzle 25 of the housing 21 in the nozzle housing 15 of the valve body 11.

[0065] For example, the housing for the tip 15 can have a height of approximately 6 to 8 mm and a diameter of approximately 7 to 9 mm, and the tip 25 of the housing 21 can have corresponding dimensions, i.e., a length of approximately 6 to 8 mm and a diameter of approximately 7 to 9 mm. Of course, other dimensions may be suitable.

[0066] In general, according to the invention, the end piece 25 of the housing 21 therefore acts as a centering pin whose function is to ensure proper positioning of the cover assembly 40 / electronic device 20 on the body 11 of the tap 10, easily and without screwing or the like, while the electronic device 20 is held together with the cover 40, and not with the tap body 11, thanks to the cooperation between shoulder(s) 44 and groove(s) 24.

[0067] The container according to the invention is particularly well suited for use in storing a medical gas selected from oxygen, a gas mixture N2O / O2, NO / N2 or He / O2, or medical air, advantageously medical grade oxygen.

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 (42) comprising a peripheral edge () surrounding the housing (21) of the electronic device (20), in which 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), . 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 (40) comprises at least one shoulder (44), or conversely, said shoulder (44) being inserted into said peripheral groove (24) to ensure the securing of the electronic device (20) to the protective cover (40).

2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe 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 claim 1, 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).

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

5. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the first general cylindrical shape of the tip (25) of the housing (21) and the second general cylindrical shape of the tip 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 thatthe 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 housing (15) of the valve body (11) has a blind bottom.

10. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains in its internal volume, a gas or a gas mixture chosen from oxygen, air or a gas mixture Ar / O2, N2O / O2, NO / N2 or He / O2.

11. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the body (41) of the protective cover (40) is formed of at least two half-shells which are connected to each other.

12. Container according to claim 11, characterized in that the two half-shells are roughly symmetrical to each other.

13. Container according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the 2 half-shells are connected to each other according to a junction plane separating the opening (42) of the cowling (40) into two substantially equal parts.

14. Container according to one of claims 1 or 11, characterized in that the body (41) of the protective cover (40) is made of polymer material, metal or their combinations.

15. Use of a container (30) according to one of the preceding claims, for storing or supplying a pressurized gas, 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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