Fluid distribution outlet with snap-on cover

Abstract

Title of the Invention: Fluid Distribution Outlet with Snap-On Hood. The invention relates to a fluid distribution outlet (1) comprising an outlet body (2) with axis (AA) including a peripheral wall (4) and a distal end (2-2), and an outlet hood (10) including a hood opening (11) through which the outlet body (2) passes. The outlet hood (10) includes several wall expansions (12) projecting along the axis (AA) towards the distal end (2-2) of the outlet body (2). The wall expansions (12) are integral with the hood body (2) and each includes a free end (12-1) shaped to cooperate with the peripheral wall (4) of the outlet body (2) to secure the hood (10) to the outlet body (2). Sheath (20), ceiling arm, or housing for a fluid distribution outlet (1) comprising at least one fluid distribution outlet (1). Abstract figure: Fig. 5

Description

Title of the invention: Fluid distribution outlet with snap-on cover

[0001] The invention relates to a fluid distribution outlet, in particular a wall outlet or the like, with a cover attached to the outlet body via wall expansions cooperating with a mounting area on the periphery of the outlet body. The outlet can be inserted into a housing, duct, or ceiling arm comprising one or more fluid distribution outlets, and can be used elsewhere to distribute a fluid, such as a medical gas or vacuum (i.e., negative pressure or suction).

[0002] Fluid distribution outlets, or simply "fluid outlets," are commonly used in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and the like. They are installed at the outlet of fluid networks, typically pipes, which carry medical fluids to the rooms where the fluid(s) are used, for example, operating and / or treatment rooms, patient rooms, or other areas.

[0003] The outlets are used to distribute medical fluids which are conveyed by the fluid networks to the equipment or flexible pipes which are connected to them, in particular medical gases, such as oxygen, medical air or nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) or even vacuum (i.e. negative pressure) allowing for the operation of suctions in particular of biological fluids, for example blood or other biological fluids, during patient care.

[0004] Fluid distribution outlets are commonly called 'wall outlets', 'hospital wall outlets' or similar because, within a hospital building, a fluid outlet is generally arranged on a wall (wall, partition...) of the hospital building, as the case may be: - either directly fixed to or embedded in the wall, - either indirectly fixed to the wall, by being arranged in a box or a sheath which are themselves fixed directly to the wall of the hospital building, for example above the head of a hospital bed, - either integrated into a suspended module of the hospital ceiling-mounted arm type, which can be fixed to a ceiling for example.

[0005] Typically, such a fluid distribution inlet comprises an inlet body through which an axial fluid passage carries the fluid, i.e., gas or vacuum. The fluid passage fluidly connects a proximal end equipped with an inlet head shaped to allow connection to equipment or a flexible conduit, to an opposite distal end to which a fluid line is connected. A valve seat and a movable valve stopper, arranged in the main fluid passage, allow control of the fluid flow in the main passage, in particular the supply of gas or vacuum.

[0006] The socket head, which is located at the proximal end of the wall socket, protrudes outwards so as to allow its connection to medical equipment using or conveying the fluid, for example a device or care appliance, a flexible hose or the like.

[0007] When not in use, the fluid inlet can be closed by a swiveling cover or similar, serving to protect the inlet head against shocks, dust or other things.

[0008] Examples of fluid distribution outlets are given by FR-A-2628820, EP-A-2306060, EP-A-3932468, EP-A-3922895, EP-A-3922894, EP-A-3922339 and EP-A-3892906.

[0009] A socket also includes an outer cover forming a kind of shield or wall used to protect the socket against shocks and fouling, i.e. dust deposits, projections... which may occur during the use of the socket in a hospital setting, for example during an operation.

[0010] This cover is positioned around the inlet head, that is, the proximal end of the inlet body. When the cover is in position, the inlet head passes through a central opening in the cover to protrude outwards and be connected to a device, appliance, or flexible hose. Depending on the application, the cover can be held in place by a nut screwed onto the inlet body or fixed to the technical duct or housing in which the fluid inlet is located.

[0011] However, these methods of fixing the fluid intake pose problems or generate disadvantages.

[0012] Thus, when fixing the cover with a nut, tightening / screwing the nut is an action which is not only tedious and time-consuming on a construction site but also entails risks since any overtightening of the nut can cause damage to the cover and / or the front face of the duct in which the socket is to be installed, or the separation of this front face from the rest of the duct, thus forcing the installation operations to be restarted, which is detrimental.

[0013] Furthermore, the positioning of sockets in a conduit is not necessarily perfectly aligned with the openings in the front face of the conduit. Therefore, when the socket cover(s) are fixed directly to the conduit, such an offset can either make installation impossible or leave an apparent misalignment between the socket and the cover, and thus connection defects that can cause inconvenience for the user when connecting or disconnecting devices.

[0014] The present invention aims to solve all or part of these problems or inconsistencies Venients, by improving and simplifying the fixing of the cover of a fluid distribution outlet, in particular medical fluids, i.e. gas or vacuum (depression).

[0015] The solution of the invention then relates to a fluid distribution outlet, i.e. gas or vacuum, typically a hospital wall outlet, comprising: - an axis-gripping body (AA) comprising a peripheral, i.e., external wall, and a distal end, and - a socket cover comprising a cover opening through which the socket body passes, typically a central opening,

[0016] characterized in that: - the grip cover comprises several wall expansions projecting along axis (AA) towards the distal end of the grip body, and - the wall expansions are integral with the hood body and each includes a free end shaped, i.e. configured, to cooperate with the peripheral wall of the socket body to secure the hood to the socket body.

[0017] According to the embodiment considered, the fluid distribution fitting of the invention may include one or more of the following features: - the fitting body includes an internal fluid passage, preferably a fluid passage arranged axially, i.e. along the axis (AA). - the grip body includes a proximal end fitted with an outwardly directed grip head. - the grip body has an elongated shape extending along the axis (AA). - the proximal end is located at the front of the intake body, i.e. on the side supplying or distributing the fluid, i.e. gas or vacuum. - the distal end is located at the rear of the intake body, i.e. on the side bringing the fluid, i.e. gas or vacuum. - the internal fluid passage extends axially between the distal and proximal ends, - the internal fluid passage opens at the intake head. - the intake head includes a fluid port, i.e. for gas supply or allowing vacuum suction. - the socket cover further comprises a front face directed outwards and a rear face, opposite the front face, directed towards the distal end of said socket body. - the socket cover has a disc shape. - the socket cover has a flat or domed disc shape. - the socket cover includes a plane P perpendicular to the axis (AA). - the wall expansions each include a free end bearing to less a radial shoulder directed towards the axis (AA). wall expansions form tabs or lugs for attachment, i.e. for fixing, securing, holding or similar purposes. the socket cover includes at least 3 wall expansions distributed around the cover opening, preferably 4 to 8 wall expansions, for example 4 wall expansions. The wall expansions are separated from each other by intercalated walls, i.e. the socket hood comprises an alternation of wall expansions and intercalated walls. the wall expansions are angularly distributed around the hood opening, i.e. the central orifice. The socket cover includes 4 wall expansions located at 90° to each other. the socket cover comprises 4 wall expansions separated by 4 interlayer walls. Wall expansions are flexible, meaning they have sufficient elasticity to allow insertion and anchoring around the grip body. The interlayer walls are rigid. wall expansions can be identical to each other, i.e., have identical shapes and dimensions, or they can be different, i.e., wall expansions can have several shapes and / or several dimensions. The wall expansions have a length of 5 to 15 mm, preferably in the range of 8 to 12 mm. the radial shoulder of each wall expansion has a size of 1 to 4 mm, i.e. the part forming hook or similar. Each wall expansion has a width between 3 and 10 mm. The wall expansions are angularly spaced from each other. The wall expansions are supported by an annular base arranged around the hood opening, on the rear face of the hood, i.e. a reinforced structure arranged coaxially with the hood opening. The intercalated walls are also supported by the annular base arranged around the hood opening. said at least one radial shoulder cooperates with at least one fixing structure carried by the peripheral wall of the socket body to secure the cover to the socket body. the intercalated walls do not have a radial shoulder, therefore they do not come do not cooperate with the fixing structure carried by the peripheral wall of the socket body and do not participate in securing the cover to the socket body. - the fixing structure carried by the peripheral wall of the socket body includes at least one annular groove or at least one annular wall, i.e. a raised element, provided on all or part of the perimeter of the socket body. - at least one radial shoulder of at least one wall expansion of the socket cover comes against at least one fixing structure carried by the peripheral wall of the socket body to prevent any removal of the socket cover from the socket body. - the fixing structure carried by the peripheral wall of the grip body includes a thread, that is to say a plurality of substantially parallel annular grooves or channels forming the thread of said thread. - the hood body and any expansions, and any interlayer walls, are formed from a single piece, preferably by injection molding of a polymer material. - the plug body is made of metal, for example copper alloy or stainless steel. - the socket body includes a removable bit guide. - the nozzle guide comprises a support piece of generally tubular shape with a blind end, i.e. closed at one end, comprising one or more fluid filtration membranes, and an orifice through which the fluid (i.e. gas or vacuum) can flow, i.e. enter or exit the filtration element. The filtration membranes of the nozzle guide comprise pores (also called meshes) having a size between 50 and 300 µm, preferably between 50 and 80 µm, particularly when intended to filter a gas, especially a medical gas; - the nozzle guide further includes a sliding head flap and an elastic means, such as a spring, the elastic means acting on, i.e. pushing back, the head flap towards a flap seat. - the grip body further comprises a ball chamber containing a ball valve cooperating with a valve seat and also a push rod carried by the support piece, preferably an extractable ball chamber which is screwed into the grip body, in particular into the central passage of the grip body.

[0018] The invention also relates to a duct, a ceiling-mounted arm, or a fluid distribution outlet housing comprising at least one fluid distribution outlet according to the invention. The fluid distribution outlet(s) are connected to a pipe of gas or vacuum, in particular to the gas or vacuum (i.e. negative pressure) piping network of a hospital building.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention also relates to the use of a fluid distribution outlet according to the invention to supply a fluid to a medical device or apparatus, in particular a gas or vacuum (i.e. depression or suction).

[0020] During an installation, assembly or maintenance operation of a fluid inlet, the fitting of the inlet cover on the inlet is done simply by inserting the proximal end of the inlet which carries the inlet head, into the central opening of the cover body.

[0021] The wall expansions located on the rear face of the hood then translate towards the fixing structure carried by the peripheral wall of the socket body, i.e. groove, channel or annular wall, until they cooperate with this fixing structure via their radial shoulder, in particular the radial shoulder of each wall expansion butts up against a reciprocal fixing structure carried by the socket body so as to ensure a fixing of the hood to the socket body, i.e. via a kind of "clipping" or interlocking, and to oppose any subsequent unwanted removal or detachment of these elements.

[0022] The invention will now be better understood with reference to the following detailed description, given by way of illustration but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0023] [Fig.1] represents a fluid distribution duct comprising several fluid distribution outlets,

[0024] [Fig.2] represents an embodiment of a cover intended to equip a fluid distribution outlet according to the invention,

[0025] [Fig.3] shows the distal part of a fluid distribution inlet according to the invention equipped with the inlet cover of [Fig.2],

[0026] [Fig.4] shows the proximal part of a fluid distribution inlet according to the invention equipped with the inlet cover of [Fig.2],

[0027] [Fig.5] mounts a fluid distribution outlet according to the invention equipped with the outlet cover of [Fig.2] arranged in a sheath for fluid distribution outlets, like that of [Fig.1],

[0028] [Fig.6] is a view of the rear face of the socket cover of [Fig.2],

[0029] [Fig.7] is a ¾ view of the rear face of the socket cover of [Fig.2], and

[0030] [Fig.8] schematically illustrates the attachment of the socket cover to the socket body of a fluid distribution socket according to the invention.

[0031] [Fig. 1] represents a fluid distribution duct 20 comprising here 4 juxtaposed fluid distribution outlets 1 allowing the supply of medical gases and vacuum, i.e. a negative pressure (< 1 atm), within a hospital building, for example in a treatment room or an operating room.

[0032] The fluid outlets 1 are embedded in the duct 20, which has an elongated box shape and is itself fixed to a wall 21 or a partition wall of the hospital building. The duct 20 may also include other elements, such as electrical connection outlets 22.

[0033] Advantageously, the 4 outlets supply medical air, medical oxygen, MEOPA, i.e., an equimolar mixture (50% mol. / 50% mol.) of oxygen and nitrous oxide (N2O), and vacuum. Of course, it can be used to supply another gas or gas mixture.

[0034] Each socket 1 is equipped with a socket cover 10 comprising a central opening 11 through which the socket body 2 passes, in particular the socket cover 10 according to the invention as described below. This outer cover 10 forms a kind of front shield serving to protect the socket 1 against impacts and soiling, i.e. dust deposits, splashes, etc., which may occur during the use of the socket 1, for example, during patient care.

[0035] The sheath 20 can receive fluid inlets 1 according to the invention, such as that shown in [Fig.2] to [Fig.8] and described below.

[0036] [Fig. 5] is a magnified view of one of the fluid inlets 1 arranged in the sheath 20 of [Fig.1]. The socket 1 is equipped with a socket cover 10 according to the invention, the architecture of which is detailed below in relation to [Fig.2] to [Fig.4], [Fig.6] and [Fig.7] which propose an embodiment of a cover 10 for fluid socket 1 according to the invention.

[0037] Thus, [Fig.2], [Fig.6] and [Fig.7] show the hood 10 detached from the socket 1, that is to say before its attachment or securing to the fluid socket 1.

[0038] The socket cover 10 includes a cover opening 11, i.e., a central opening, and here has a general shape of a flat or domed disc. It comprises two opposing faces 10-1, 10-2, namely a front face 10-1, or front, directed outwards and a rear face 10-2, or back, opposite the front face 10-1, i.e., rear towards the rear of the socket 1, i.e. towards the wall 21.

[0039] The socket cover 10 comprises several wall expansions 12 which are integral with the socket body 2, for example at least 4 wall expansions 12, as best seen in [Fig. 6] and [Fig. 7]. Each of these comprises a free end 12-1 shaped or configured to cooperate with the peripheral wall 4 of the socket body 2 to secure the cover 10 to the socket body 2, as illustrated in [Fig. 3] and [Fig. 4].

[0040] Here, the socket cover 10 comprises 4 wall expansions 12 angularly distributed around the central opening 11 (and the axis XX), i.e., angularly offset from each other by approximately 90°. In the embodiment presented, the 4 wall expansions 12 are separated from each other by intercalated walls 16 of arched shape, as seen on [Fig.6] and [Fig.7], namely here 4 intercalated walls 16.

[0041] In other embodiments (not schematically shown), there could be more intercalated walls 16 between the wall expansions 12, or even no intercalated walls 16 and therefore only wall expansions 12.

[0042] It can be seen on [Fig.3] and [Fig.7] that the wall expansions 12 project to the rear of the body 2 of the grip cover 10 and extend along the axis (AA), towards the distal end 2-2 of the grip body 2, when the cover 2 has been threaded or inserted through the central opening 11 of the cover 2, that is when the grip body 2 passes through the central opening 11.

[0043] The wall expansions 12 form tabs or lugs for hooking, fixing, securing, holding, or the like. To this end, each comprises a free end 12-1 bearing (at least) a radial shoulder 13 directed towards the axis (AA), i.e., a small raised structure projecting towards the grip body 2, as schematically shown in [Fig. 8]. The shoulder 13 is provided over all or part of the width of the end 12-1 of the wall expansions 12.

[0044] The wall expansions 12, such as tabs or tongues, have an elongated strip-like structure that can be flat or slightly curved to fit the external contour of the cylindrical-shaped grip body 2.

[0045] The radial shoulders 13 constitute 'hooks' or 'claws' for securing or the like. Each radial shoulder 13 cooperates with the peripheral wall 4 of the grip body 2, i.e. its outer wall, to secure the cover 10 to the grip body 2 and prevent or oppose its removal from the grip body 2. Here, the grip body 2 has a generally tubular shape, as seen in [Fig.3].

[0046] Preferably, the wall expansions 12, forming tabs or lashing tongues, are slightly flexible to facilitate their placement by snap-fitting or similar around the grip body 2. Their relative flexibility or elasticity is conferred by the strip shape and the polymer material from which the wall expansions 12 are formed.

[0047] Conversely, the intercalated walls 16 located between the wall expansions 12 do not have radial shoulders 13 constituting 'hooks' or 'claws' for securing or the like. Preferably, the intercalated walls 16 are more rigid than the flexible wall expansions 12.

[0048] By way of example, the wall expansions may have a length of 5 to 15 mm, preferably in the order of 8 to 12 mm, the radial shoulder of each wall expansion a size of 1 to 4 mm, and each wall expansion a width between 3 and 10 mm.

[0049] It can also be seen in [Fig. 8] that the socket cover 10 includes a plane P, for example a plane P passing through the hood body when it is flat, which is perpendicular to the axis (AA) of the socket body 2.

[0050] To improve the grip, a fixing structure 4-1 is provided, preferably an annular groove or annular wall, in or on the peripheral wall 4, on all or part of the periphery of the grip body 2 (i.e. around the cylindrical body), for example an annular groove or channel, so that the shoulder 13 of the wall expansions 12 of the grip cover 10 comes against this fixing structure 4-1 carried by the peripheral wall 4 of the grip body 2 to prevent any removal of the grip cover 10 from the grip body 2.

[0051] Preferably, the wall expansions 12, the optional interlayer walls 16, and the rest of the hood 10 are formed in one piece, preferably by injection molding of a polymer material, while the grip body 2 is machined from metal, for example from copper alloy or stainless steel.

[0052] [Fig.3] shows the distal part 2-2 of the fluid distribution port 1, i.e. its rear part, equipped with the socket cover 10 according to the invention.

[0053] We see that here, the shoulders 13 of the wall expansions 12 cooperate, i.e. abut, against a thread or similar constituting the fixing structure 4-1, which is arranged around the peripheral wall 4 of the grip body 2. This thread comprises a thread, that is to say schematically a succession of grooves or channels arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0054] The optional intercalated walls 16 do not, however, cooperate with the fixing structure 4-1 arranged around the peripheral wall 4 of the grip body 2.

[0055] In other words, the shoulders 13 of the wall expansions 12 hook onto the thread of the thread forming the fixing structure 4-1 of the grip body 2 but not the optional intercalated walls 16.

[0056] We can see on [Fig.6] and [Fig.5], that the socket cover 10 includes a peripheral rim which is not totally circular since it has a cutout or notch 17 allowing to receive the hinge 23 of the pivoting socket cover (not shown), as illustrated in [Fig.5].

[0057] It is noted, moreover, that, in the proposed embodiment, the wall expansions 12, i.e. tabs or the like, and the intercalated walls 16 are carried, i.e. fixed at their non-free end, by an annular base 14 arranged around the hood opening 11, on the rear face of the hood 10-2, i.e. a reinforced structure located at the base of the wall expansions 12 and arranged coaxially with the central opening 11 of the hood 10.

[0058] In other words, according to the invention, the cover 2 can schematically "clip" onto, that is to say, fit directly onto, the body 2 of the fluid inlet 1 and the radial shoulders 13 forming hooks or lashing claws or similar, come to latch or hook onto the external thread 4-1 of the socket 1.

[0059] When it is desired to remove the cover 10, it is necessary to "unclip", i.e. disengage it, by means of a suitable tool which separates the ends of the wall expansions 12 from the wall 4 of the grip body 2 so as to move away the radial shoulders 13 forming hooks or lashing claws of the fixing structure 4-1 and dissociate them from said fixing structure 4-1 of the grip body 2, namely here the thread 4-1.

[0060] Furthermore, a pipe 15 allows the socket body 2 to be fluidly connected to a fluid supply line, for example to the hospital network, in order to supply the socket 1 with fluid, i.e. gas or vacuum. Such a connection is standard and not detailed here.

[0061] [Fig.4] shows the proximal part 2-1 of the fluid inlet 1 fitted with the cover 10 According to the invention. The front face 10-1 of the cover 1 is shown, facing outwards, i.e., towards the outwardly projecting intake head 5, to which a medical device (not shown) is connected. The intake head 5 has the intake orifice 5-1 through which the gas exits or allows suction by vacuum (i.e., negative pressure). The intake orifice 5-1 is located at the proximal end of the internal fluid passage 3, which runs axially (axis AA) through the intake body 2, i.e., extending between the distal ends 2-1 and proximal ends 2-2 of the intake body 2.

[0062] More generally, the socket body 2 has an internal architecture and operation similar or identical to those described by EP-A-3892906 and is not detailed here. In summary, the socket body 2 comprises a removable nozzle guide including a generally tubular support piece with a blind bottom, i.e., closed at one end, comprising fluid filtration membranes, and an orifice through which the fluid (i.e., gas or vacuum) can flow, i.e., enter or exit the filtration element. The filtration membranes have pores or mesh sizes between 50 and 300 µm, preferably between 50 and 80 µm. The nozzle guide further comprises a sliding head valve and an elastic means, such as a spring, the elastic means acting on, i.e., pushing back, the head valve towards a valve seat for controlling the flow of fluid within the nozzle guide.Furthermore, the socket body 2 also includes a ball chamber containing a ball valve cooperating with a valve seat and a push rod carried by the support piece, preferably an extractable ball chamber which is screwed into the bottom of the socket body, in particular in the upstream part of the axial passage 3 of the socket body 2. The ball valve and the valve seat allow control of the supply of fluid, i.e. gas or vacuum, from the tubing 15 to the nozzle guide, therefore the supply of fluid to equipment connected to the fluid socket 1.

[0063]

[0064]

[0065] According to one embodiment (not shown), the fluid socket 1 of the invention can be inserted into a socket housing capable of receiving only one socket 1 at a time, for example a socket housing as described by EP-A-3932468. Generally speaking, a fluid distribution outlet 1 equipped with a cover 10 "Clip-on" according to the invention, offers in particular the following advantages: - very quick attachment of the cover 2 to the body 2 of the socket 1, - no risk of deforming or "unclipping" the sheath 20 or damaging the cover 2, during assembly. A fluid distribution outlet 1 according to the invention is particularly well suited for use in supplying a fluid, such as gas or vacuum, to a medical device or apparatus within a hospital building, for example in a treatment room, operating room, recovery room or patient room.

Claims

Claims

1. A wall-mounted fluid distribution socket (1) comprising: - a socket body (2) with an axis (AA) comprising a peripheral wall (4) and a distal end (2-2), the socket body further comprising: • a removable tip guide comprising: • a generally tubular support piece with a blind bottom, comprising one or more fluid filtration membranes, an orifice through which the fluid can circulate and a push rod, and • a sliding head valve and an elastic means acting on the head valve in the direction of a valve seat, and • a ball chamber containing a ball-valve cooperating with a valve seat and also with the push rod carried by the support piece of the tip guide, and - a socket cover (10) comprising a cover opening (11) crossed by the socket body (2),characterized in that: - the socket cover (10) comprises several wall expansions (12) projecting along the axis (AA) towards the distal end (2-2) of the socket body (2), - and the wall expansions (12) are integral with the cover body (2) and each comprise a free end (12-1) shaped to cooperate with the peripheral wall (4) of the socket body (2) to secure the cover (10) to the socket body (2).,

2. Socket according to claim 1, characterized in that the socket body (2) of axis (AA) further comprises an internal fluid passage (3) and a proximal end (2-1) provided with a socket head (5) directed outwards.

3. Socket according to claim 1, characterized in that the expansions of wall (12) are angularly distributed and separated from each other by intermediate walls (16).

4. Socket according to claim 1, characterized in that the socket cover (10) further comprises a front face (10-1) directed outwards and a rear face (10-2), opposite the front face (10-1), directed towards the distal end (2-2) of said socket body (2).

5. Socket according to claim 1, characterized in that the wall expansions (12) comprise a free end (12-1) carrying at least one radial shoulder (13) directed towards the axis (AA), said at least one radial shoulder (13) cooperating with at least one fixing structure (4-1) carried by the peripheral wall (4) of the socket body (2) to secure the cover (10) to the socket body (2).

6. Socket according to claim 5, characterized in that the fixing structure (4-1) carried by the peripheral wall (4) of the socket body (2) comprises at least one annular groove or at least one annular wall arranged over all or part of the periphery of the socket body (2).

7. Socket according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that at least one radial shoulder (13) of at least one wall expansion (12) of the socket cover (10) abuts against at least one fixing structure (4-1) carried by the peripheral wall (4) of the socket body (2) to prevent any removal of the socket cover (10) from the socket body (2).

8. Socket according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover body (2) and the wall expansions (12) are formed in one piece, preferably by injection molding of a polymer material.

9. Sheath (20), ceiling arm or housing for fluid distribution socket (1) comprising at least one fluid distribution socket (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Use of a fluid dispensing socket (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 for supplying a fluid to a medical apparatus or device, in particular a gas or vacuum.