Fluid container provided with dispensing valve having electronic device retained by protective cover

Abstract

To allow simple installation of an electronic device and a protective cover on the body of a fluid dispensing valve.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a pressurised fluid container, in particular a gas cylinder, comprising a container body installed with a fluid dispensing valve 10, and also an electronic device 20 having a casing that has an end fitting 25 configured to be housed in an end fitting housing of a valve body 11. A protective cover is disposed around the valve body. The peripheral wall 21.1 of the casing 21 is shaped for the peripheral edge of an opening of the cover in order to keep the electronic device 20 secured to the cover when its end fitting 25 is housed in the end fitting housing of the valve body 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressurized fluid container, preferably a gas container, in particular a pressurized gas cylinder, fitted with a fluid dispensing valve which is fitted with an electronic device that is not fastened to the fluid dispensing valve. [Background technology]

[0002] Medical fluids or gases such as oxygen, NO / N2, N2O / O2, He / O2 mixtures, medical air, or the like, are packaged in pressurized gas containers, particularly gas cylinders or canisters, which are fitted with dispensing taps, also called valves, with or without an integrated pressure regulation system (IPR), used to provide an adjustable gas flow rate.

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

[0004] To protect the dispensing valve and its delicate equipment, especially electronic devices having digital displays, from impacts, drops, dirt, etc., a rigid protective cover, also called a "cap," is typically placed around the dispensing valve attached to the gas cylinder.

[0005] The electronic device generally comprises a casing containing one or more (micro)processors supported by an electronic board and a display screen for calculating and / or displaying one or more parameters useful to a user, such as gas flow rate, gas pressure, autonomy, gas volume or any other parameter. Pressure measuring means, in particular a pressure sensor or a combined pressure and temperature sensor, are also provided, which are connected to the electronic board in order to transmit pressure measurements computationally processed therein to the electronic board, in particular the (micro)processor.

[0006] To be able to perform pressure measurements, the pressure sensor of the electronic device is fluidly connected to the internal gas circuit of the valve, as described in EP-A-3421866, the valve being fluidly connected to the internal volume of the vessel and typically transmitting the gas requiring pressure and temperature measurement via an internal channel or "branch" which passes through a connecting end fitting used to fasten the electronic device to the valve.

[0007] In other words, the electronic device is generally securely fastened to the valve body by screwing its threaded end fitting into a tapped recess in the valve body, or by using a key or pin inserted into housings provided in the valve body and in the side walls of the end fitting of the electronic device, or by using any other fastening system for fastening these elements together, which holds the electronic device firmly in place on the valve despite the pressure stresses to which the valve is subjected, assuming that the end fitting is subjected to the high pressure transmitted by the internal gas circuit of the valve. Examples of such valve fastenings are provided in EP 3421866 and EP 3377811.

[0008] An electronic device is fastened to the valve body via end fittings of the casing, a protective cover is placed around the valve, and the casing of the electronic device is positioned in an opening provided in the cover so that it is visible from the outside, i.e. so that a user can read information that the electronic device provides on its display screen. Examples of valves with such electronic devices housed in an opening in the cover of the electronic device include EP3002498, EP4027051, EP4056962, EP4071399, EP4071400, FR3018580, and WO2023 / 156960.

[0009] However, in practice, fastening the electronic device to the valve body by screwing its threaded end fitting into a tapped recess in the valve body, or by using keys or pins inserted into housings provided in the valve body and in the side walls of the end fitting of the electronic device, or the like, has been found to have drawbacks.

[0010] First, these types of fasteners require additional machining of the valve body and end fittings of the electronic device, such as tapping the housing and threading the end fittings, or even additional drilling of the valve body and end fittings to accommodate keys or pins, or the like.

[0011] Secondly, disassembling the electronic device from the valve body, especially for maintenance or replacement procedures, can be complicated.

[0012] In light of this, the problem therefore involves enabling simple installation of an electronic device and protective cover on the body of a fluid distribution valve without the use of any additional machining of the end fittings of the electronic device and / or the housing that houses the end fittings in the valve body, while ensuring correct positioning of the cover / electronic device assembly on the valve body and enabling its easy disassembly, inter alia, during maintenance or replacement operations, i.e., to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The solution according to the invention therefore consists in a pressurized fluid container, in particular a pressurized gas cylinder or canister, comprising a container body having an internal volume for storing, i.e. storing, a pressurized fluid, typically a gas or a gaseous mixture, and fitted with a fluid dispensing valve, said pressurized fluid container comprising: a valve body having an outwardly opening end fitting housing; an electronic device comprising a casing comprising an end fitting configured to be received in an end fitting housing of a valve body; a protective cover arranged around the valve body and provided with an opening, i.e. a window or the like, with a periphery surrounding the casing of the electronic device; The present invention relates to a pressurized fluid container comprising:

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

[0015] In addition, the peripheral wall of the casing of the electronic device and the peripheral edge of the opening in the protective cover are shaped to have matching shapes that enable the electronic device to be fixed to the protective cover, i.e., the peripheral edge of the opening in the cover fits the peripheral wall of the casing of the electronic device, i.e., its peripheral contour.

[0016] In particular, the peripheral wall of the casing of the electronic device comprises at least one peripheral groove and the peripheral edge of the opening in the protective cover comprises at least one shoulder, or vice versa, i.e. according to another embodiment, the peripheral wall of the casing of the electronic device comprises at least one shoulder and the peripheral edge of the opening in the protective cover comprises at least one peripheral groove.

[0017] In all cases, however, at least one of the shoulders is then inserted into the peripheral groove to secure the electronic device to the protective cover, i.e. to retain the electronic device on the cover and valve body.

[0018] In other words, according to the present invention, it is not threads / tappings, keys or pins or the like that hold the electronic device in place on the valve body, but rather the periphery or at least a portion of the opening in the cover, or vice versa.

[0019] According to contemplated embodiments, the pressurized fluid container of the invention may comprise one or more of the following features: an end fitting housing disposed in the valve body having a closed base; the end fittings of the casing are held in place in the end fitting housing of the valve body by a protective cover when cooperating with the casing of the electronic device; the valve body comprising an internal fluid circuit for transmitting pressurized fluid from an interior volume of the vessel body; at least one said peripheral groove is arranged on at least a part of the outer periphery of a peripheral wall of a casing of the electronic device; at least one said peripheral groove is formed in an outer wall of the casing of the electronic device, i.e. by recessing the outer wall of the casing; - at least one of said peripheral grooves forms a channel; alternatively, the groove is delimited by two small parallel walls arranged opposite each other and supported by, i.e. projecting from, the outer wall of the casing of the electronic device; at least one said peripheral groove is formed over only a portion of the peripheral edge of the casing or over the entire peripheral edge, According to a particular embodiment, the peripheral wall of the casing of the electronic device comprises several peripheral grooves and the peripheral edge of the opening of the protective cover comprises several shoulders which cooperate to fix the casing of the electronic device to the protective cover, or vice versa, in particular the shoulders are then inserted into the peripheral grooves to ensure that the electronic device is fixed to the protective cover, i.e. that the electronic device is held on the cover, According to another particular embodiment, the peripheral wall of the casing of the electronic device comprises at least one peripheral groove and at least one shoulder, and the peripheral edge of the opening of the protective cover also comprises at least one peripheral groove and at least one shoulder, said peripheral grooves and shoulders being arranged and configured such that each shoulder receives a groove and each groove is inserted into a shoulder and vice versa, in order to secure the electronic device to the protective cover, i.e. to ensure that the electronic device is held on the cover, the one or more peripheral grooves and the one or more shoulders are at least partially of matching shape to enable them to cooperate by interlocking or the like; at least one of said shoulders is located on at least a part, i.e. all or a part, of the inner circumference of the periphery of the opening of the protective cover; the casing end fitting has a first generally cylindrical shape and is devoid of external threads; the length of the casing end fittings is, for example, in the range of 5 to 11 mm, preferably 6 to 8 mm, and their diameter is in the range of 5 to 12 mm, preferably 7 to 9 mm; the end fitting housing of the valve body has a second generally cylindrical shape and is devoid of internal tappings; the first generally cylindrical shape of the casing end fitting and the second generally cylindrical shape of the valve body end fitting housing are matched to one another, i.e. the outer wall of the casing end fitting fits into the inner wall of the valve body end fitting housing; the peripheral wall of the casing of the electronic device has a square or rectangular periphery, i.e. the casing is a rectangular or square parallelepiped; the opening of the protective cover has a square or rectangular inner periphery; the outer periphery of the casing coincides with the inner periphery of the opening in the cover, i.e. the outer periphery of the casing fits into the inner periphery of the opening in the cover; the electronic device is fixed to the valve body only by cooperation between at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the casing of the electronic device and at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the opening of the protective cover, i.e. without threads / tapping, without the need for pins or keys or the like, the end fittings of the casing being kept housed in the end fitting housings of the valve body, The end fittings of the casing also form centering studs which enable the casing to be correctly positioned on the valve body; the end fitting is made of a polymer, e.g. a thermoplastic polymer (TPE) material; the housing is retained on the valve body, so that retention of the casing end fittings in the valve body end fitting housing is provided solely by the protective cover, which restrains the casing via the edges of the housing that contain the casing to hold it securely in place; The casing is rigid The casing is made of metal or polymer; The protective cover comprises a rigid cover body; the cover body defines an interior volume designed to accommodate a gas distribution valve; the cover body is made up of (at least) two half-shells joined together, typically a right-hand half-shell and a left-hand half-shell; the two half-shells are substantially symmetrical with respect to each other, the two half shells are connected to each other along a joint surface which separates the opening of the cover into two substantially equal parts, i.e. a connecting surface which passes through the center of the opening; the cover body is made of a polymeric material, a metal, or a combination thereof; the electronic device comprises (micro)processor-based data processing means, i.e. one or more (micro)processors, the data processing means comprises at least one microprocessor arranged on an electronic board; the electronic device comprises pressure measuring means configured to measure (at least) a pressure of a fluid inside the internal fluid circuit, - the data processing means are configured to process one or more pressure measurements performed by the pressure measurement means; the pressure measuring means is arranged in the valve body such that it is electrically connected only to the electronic device by the electrical connection means, while being isolated from the electronic device; the pressure measurement means comprises a pressure sensor connected to the internal gas circuit to perform one or more pressure measurements, preferably a combined pressure and temperature measurement configured to perform fluid pressure and temperature measurements; the electrical connection means comprises a wired electrical connection, such as a wire or cable; the electrical connection means comprises an electrical ribbon; the ribbon comprises at least four electrical wires, typically between 4 and 20 electrical wires arranged parallel to one another; the pressure measuring means is arranged in a sensor housing provided in the valve body; a sensor housing disposed in the valve body, the sensor housing comprising a base; The sensor housing in the valve body is open to the outside, the sensor housing is preferably fluidly connected to the internal fluid circuit of the valve body via a measurement port provided in the base of the sensor housing; the pressure measurement means comprises additional data processing means, such as an additional electronic board, for computationally processing the measurements performed by the pressure sensor to obtain processed measurements, the additional data processing means comprises one or more microprocessors, - electrical connection means, in particular electrical ribbons, connecting the further data processing means to the data processing means of the electronic device in order to supply the data processing means with processed measurement values ​​arising from the further data processing means, the data processing means are configured to determine the residual gas pressure or the gas autonomy by processing the pressure or the pressure and temperature measurements provided by the pressure measurement means; an internal gas circuit disposed in the valve body and extending between a fluid inlet orifice fluidly connected to the interior volume of the vessel body and at least one fluid outlet orifice supported by a fluid dispensing end fitting; The fluid inlet orifice is supported by a threaded end fitting fastener of the valve, which is typically conically shaped; The electrical ribbon is flexible, i.e. soft and deformable, to facilitate connection and installation; - a pressure sensor, and optionally a temperature sensor, electrically connected to the additional data processing means in order to provide said additional data processing means with measurements (i.e. signals) of the pressure and temperature of the fluid; the pressure and temperature sensor is adapted to measure a temperature in the range of -40 ° C to +70 ° C and a pressure in the range of 0 to at least 150 bar abs, preferably at least 250 bar abs; the pressure and temperature sensor comprises a sensor body through which passes an internal passage enabling the pressure and the temperature to be measured, i.e. forming a single branch for measuring the pressure and the temperature, - data processing means of the electronic device, in particular one or more microprocessors, are configured to process one or more pressure and temperature measurements, - one or more microprocessors implementing 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; one or more microprocessors, in particular one or more microcontrollers, configured to store data, in particular in software or dedicated algorithms, a single pressure and temperature sensor is fluidly connected to the internal gas circuit of the fluid distribution valve to enable pressure and temperature measurements to be performed on the gas transmitted by said internal circuit, i.e., in the internal gas passage of the gas distribution valve; - the data processing means, in particular one or more microprocessors, are supplied with current by a current source, the pressure and temperature sensors, and in particular the additional data processing means of said sensors, are supplied with current by a current source; the pressure and temperature sensor comprises additional data processing means or on-board electronics for determining the pressure and temperature of the gas, the additional data processing means cooperates with the membrane-based means for determining the pressure of the gas and with the temperature sensor means for measuring the temperature of the gas; the membrane-based means and the temperature sensor means are arranged in contact with the gas transmitted through an internal passage in the sensor body, i.e. one and the same gas duct; additional data processing means, i.e. the on-board electronics of the pressure and temperature sensors, are electrically connected to the data processing means of the electronic device in order to transmit signals and / or the measured pressure and temperature values ​​to the data processing means, in particular via the ribbon, - the on-board electronics of the pressure and temperature sensors comprises one (or more) additional microprocessors, the electronic device is a digital pressure gauge configured to provide the gas pressure or gas volume in the vessel and the gas flow rate provided by the valve and / or the autonomy, i.e. the amount of residual fluid in the vessel and / or the operation duration relative to the gas flow rate provided by the valve; the current source comprises one or more electric batteries or cells, which may or may not be rechargeable; the electronic device is equipped with a digital display, for example of the LCD type, i.e. for example an information display screen, the electronic device comprises a digital display arranged in the opening of the cover so as to be visible to a user from the outside; -The screen is substantially continuous with the surface of the cover body; the fluid dispensing valve comprises a flow selection device for selecting a desired fluid flow rate, preferably in the range of 0 to 30 L / min; the fluid distribution valve comprises a flow outlet connector for providing a fluid, typically a gas, at a desired flow rate; the fluid dispensing valve comprises a pressure outlet connector for providing a fluid, typically a gas, at a desired pressure; the outlet connector comprises means for controlling the output of gas, the fluid distribution valve comprising a fluid inlet orifice fluidly connected to an internal gas circuit of the fluid distribution valve to allow pressurized fluid to enter the internal gas circuit of the fluid distribution valve; a fluid inlet port of the fluid dispensing valve fluidly connected to an interior volume of the fluid container; The internal gas circuit of the fluid distribution valve fluidly connects the fluid inlet orifice to the outlet connector in terms of flow or pressure; the internal gas circuit of the fluid distribution valve is arranged, for example drilled, in the body of the fluid distribution valve, a flow or pressure outlet connector of the fluid distribution valve configured to be fluidly connected to another device that uses the fluid, such as a flexible gas duct or a medical device or apparatus; the flow rate selection device comprises a rotatable hand wheel configured to move between a number of positions angularly offset from one another, each position corresponding to a given desired gas flow rate value; the flow rate selection device allows a desired gas flow rate in the range of 0-30 L / min, typically 0-25 L / min, to be selected; the flow selection device also cooperates with a flow regulation device disposed in the body of the valve to regulate the flow to a desired gas flow value; the flow regulating device comprises a calibrated orifice disk disposed in a gas path in the valve body; - the gas outlet (flow) connectors are located in the center of the rotating hand wheel, i.e. they are coaxially arranged with respect to each other; the data processing means comprises a timer counter, the vessel has an internal volume in the range of 1 to 20 L, typically 2 to 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 a warning icon, such as an autonomy warning or a hose clamp warning or other warning, the data processing means are configured to trigger an audible and visual warning when a warning, in particular a clamp warning or an autonomy warning, is triggered; the data processing means further comprises data storage means, the data storage means comprises a read-only memory, preferably an EEPROM or similar; the data storage means are arranged on an electronic board, preferably on an electronic board supporting a microprocessor; - the power supply electrically powers the data processing means, typically an electronic board, one or more microprocessors, as well as all components that operate with electrical current, such as a digital display, pressure and temperature sensors and / or warning LEDs; the current source is arranged in a compartment of the protective cover, the cover body is provided with one or more handles, preferably the handle is arranged so as to be on top of the cover, i.e. it is located substantially on the top of the cover; the gas distribution valve is a valve with an integrated pressure regulator, i.e. IPR; the gas pressure regulating means is disposed on the internal gas circuit; the gas pressure regulating means comprises a pressure regulating valve and a valve seat, which allow the pressure of the gas to be reduced from the high pressure of the gas stored in the container, typically in the range of tens to hundreds of bar, to a lower pre-set operating pressure, typically a few bar, for example 2 to 5 bar abs; - The valve body is made of brass or other copper alloy. the cover body further comprises a mounting system designed to enable it to be attached to a support, in particular a hospital bed rail or a patient transport stretcher or the like; the cover body further comprises a movable, preferably pivoting, mounting system, the fluid container is a pressurized gas cylinder; the fluid container contains a pressurized gas, in particular a medical gas; the fluid container, when full, contains gas at a pressure of at least 130-200 bar abs, or even at a pressure of at least 300 bar abs; the fluid vessel has a cylindrical, in particular ogive, general shape and is made of a metal or metal alloy (e.g. steel, aluminum, etc.) or one or more composite materials; - The fluid container contains a gas or gaseous mixture such as oxygen, NO / N2, O2 / N2O, or He / O2 mixtures, medical grade air, or the like.

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

[0021] The invention will now be better understood from the following detailed description, given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a fluid container fitted with a fluid dispensing valve having an electronic device held by a protective cover in accordance with the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates the embodiment of the fluid distribution valve of FIG. 1 shown bare, i.e., without any instruments. [Diagram 3] 2A-2C are diagrams (partially in cross section) of an embodiment showing cooperation between a cover and a casing of an electronic device according to the present invention; [Figure 4]FIG. 3 is a side view of the fluid dispensing valve of FIGS. 1 and 2 populated with electronic devices and other equipment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a fluid container 30, in this case a pressurized gas cylinder such as an oxygen cylinder, fitted with a fluid dispensing valve 10 having an electronic device 20 held by a protective cover 40, in accordance with the present invention.

[0024] A pressurized gas cylinder (partially shown) conventionally comprises a cylindrical body 31 (i.e. a filled container) which delimits an interior volume for receiving a pressurized fluid, typically a pressurized gas such as medical oxygen, at a maximum pressure of more than 100 bar abs, typically at least 150 bar abs, or even more than 200 bar abs, for example in the range 130-300 bar abs. The container body 31 is generally made of a metal or metal alloy, such as steel or an aluminium alloy, or a composite material.

[0025] The vessel 30 supports a fluid distribution valve 10, preferably an IPR, ie, a valve with an integrated pressure reducer, through which passes an internal fluid circuit that is fluidly connected to the interior volume of the vessel.

[0026] The valve body 11, shown more clearly in Figure 2, is preferably made of brass or stainless steel. An internal fluid circuit 14, partially visible in Figure 3 and comprising one or more passages, e.g., drilled or machined passages, for a gas provided in the valve body 11, connects and extends between an inlet orifice 13 fluidly connected to the interior volume of the vessel body 31 and one(or more) fluid outlet orifices supported by one(or more) fluid dispensing end fittings 12, such as flow outlet connectors.

[0027] The fluid inlet orifice 13 is supported by a threaded fastening end fitting 11.1 on the valve body 11, typically a tapered threaded end fitting 11.1.

[0028] The fluid circuit 14 transmits the fluid, i.e. gas in this case, originating from the container 30, through the valve body 11 for distributing the gas to a fluid distribution end fitting 12 to which a flexible gas duct (not shown) is typically fluidly connected for transmitting the gas to another device (not shown) that uses the gas, i.e. a medical instrument or device that uses the gas supplied by the valve 10, for example a breathing mask that distributes the gas to a patient at a flow rate prescribed by a physician or similar, corresponding to the treatment to be followed.

[0029] The vessel body 31 has a generally cylindrical shape with a neck at its upper end to which the valve 10 is fastened, i.e. it is in the shape of an ogive. The neck is in communication with the internal volume of the vessel 30 and is provided with a fluid outlet orifice, typically tapped, that allows gas to be drawn from the internal volume or, conversely, to be filled when the internal volume is empty. The dispensing valve 10 is mounted, typically screwed, near the orifice in the neck of the vessel 30 via a threaded fastening end fitting 11.1 of the valve body 11 with threads that match the tappings provided in the orifice in the neck of the vessel 30.

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

[0031] The gas dispensing valve 10 comprises pressure measuring means for measuring (at least) the pressure of the gas in the internal circuit 14 of the valve body 11. They typically comprise a pressure sensor having a pressure tap, i.e. a branch, fluidly 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 the temperature of the gas in the internal gas circuit conveying the gas originating from the internal volume of the vessel 30.

[0032] The pressure measuring means, and preferably the temperature measuring means, are configured to supply the pressure measurements, and preferably the temperature measurements (i.e. measurement signals or measurements) to one or more microprocessors implementing one or more algorithms, for example a microprocessor based data processing means comprising a main electronics board, preferably a microcontroller, supporting one (or more) microprocessors implementing one or more calculations or analogue algorithms.

[0033] More specifically, pressure measurements or data, and optionally temperature measurements, performed by the sensor are processed by on-board electronics within the sensor, for example a secondary electronics board having one or more microprocessors or the like.

[0034] These measurements (i.e. signals or values) or data are then sent to a microprocessor-based data processing means in which they are used, i.e. computationally processed, to determine, calculate or estimate the pressure or gas autonomy therefrom. A time counter inside the data processing means may also be provided.

[0035] The data processing means are arranged in a casing 21, for example a rigid casing 21 made of polymer or metal, of an electronic device 20, for example a digital manometer, fastened to the body 11 of the fluid dispensing valve 10. The casing 21 of the electronic device 20 in this case takes the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped.

[0036] One or more buttons 23 or selection keys that can be actuated by digital pressure from a user to make selections, scroll through one or more menus, acknowledge warnings or the like may also be provided on the casing 21.

[0037] The electronic device also comprises display means 22 such as a digital display or screen, e.g. an LCD screen or similar, used to display various items of information such as the volume or pressure of the gas in the vessel 30, or even the gas autonomy (e.g. in hours and minutes), obtained inter alia by processing the pressure and / or temperature measurements using the data processing means, or even to display warning messages. For example, the digital display 22 comprises a screen with a height in the range of about 29-37 mm, and a width in the range of about 39-43 mm, for example.

[0038] The casing 21 includes an end fitting 25 on its lower surface, i.e., the surface opposite the upper surface which supports the screen 22. The end fitting 25 is received in an end fitting housing 15 in the valve body 11 which is shaped and designed to receive the end fitting 25, as described below. Preferably, the end fitting housing 15 has a closed base.

[0039] The internal volume (in terms of water equivalent) of the container 30 is a known value that can be stored by a storage means such as an EEPROM type computer memory in the electronic device 20. For example, gas cylinders used to dispense medical oxygen (i.e. medical grade) have a volume of 1 L to 20 L (in terms of water equivalent), typically 2 L to 15 L, e.g. 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 may also store other data such as, for example, the duration elapsed between successive periods of time, pressure and / or temperature measurements, or other parameters such as the position of the selector, the configuration of the cylinder, the filling pressure, warnings, etc.

[0041] More generally, an electronic device 20 comprising a microprocessor-based data processing means such as an electronic board, e.g. a digital pressure gauge, is housed in an opening 42, i.e. a window or the like, provided in a protective cover 40, e.g. a body 41 of a rigid cover made of polymer and / or metal, which is arranged around the fluid dispensing valve 10 and used to protect it from impacts or other possible damage, as illustrated in Fig. 1. The cover 40 is generally fastened to the neck of the container 30 or to the body 11 of the valve 10.

[0042] The body 41 of the cover 40 defines an internal volume designed to accommodate the gas distribution valve 10. The body 41 also comprises a handle 48 arranged on top of the cover 40, which in the proposed embodiment is connected to the body 41, in this case using two posts. Optionally, the cover 40 can further comprise a mounting system 49, preferably a pivoting mount, designed for the mounting system 49 (partially visible) to be attached to a support, in particular to a hospital bed rail or a patient transport stretcher or the like.

[0043] The electronic device 20 is electrically powered by an electrical energy source 46, e.g. one or more batteries or cells arranged in a battery compartment 47, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. The electrical energy source is used to power components that require an electrical current to operate, inter alia the data processing means, the display screen 22, the memory, etc. The electrical energy source 46 is connected to the electronic device 20 by an electrical connection, e.g. a wire or the like.

[0044] The data processing means is also configured to control the audible warning means and / or the visual warning means, preferably both, so as to trigger at least one audible warning and / or one visual warning, preferably both, in the event of a malfunction, in particular a clamp malfunction or an excessively low gas volume or autonomy, being detected.

[0045] 4, a flow selection device 50 that can be actuated by a user, such as a rotating hand wheel, supported by the valve body 11, is used to select a desired gas flow rate to be provided by the outlet end fitting 12, e.g., the rotating hand wheel can be rotated between several angular positions offset from one another, each of which corresponds to a given flow rate value, e.g., selectable gas flow rates ranging from 0 L / min to 30 L / min, typically 0 to 25 L / min. For example, the selectable flow rates can 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 is selected by the user by actuating the flow selection device 50.

[0046] The flow selection device 50 also cooperates with a flow regulation device (not shown) arranged in the valve body 11 to regulate the flow rate to a desired gas flow rate value, for example the flow regulation device can be a calibrated orifice disk arranged in the path of the gas in the valve body 11. Such arrangements are known per se.

[0047] Once the desired gas flow rate has been selected, the position of the flow rate selection device 50, e.g. the angular position of a rotating hand wheel, can be determined by a position sensor 51 (or a number of position sensors), visible in Figure 4, which is electrically connected to the data processing means of the electronic device 20 and provides position information to the electronic device 20. This then enables the data processing means to know the value of the desired gas flow rate selected by the user.

[0048] 4, the flow outlet connectors 12 are located at the center and coaxially with the flow selection rotating hand wheel 50, although they can also be separated from each other according to other possible embodiments (not shown). The flow outlet connectors 12 support the outlet orifices for distributing gas, i.e., form the outlets from the internal passage 14 of the valve body 11.

[0049] Preferably, there is also provided a gas outlet control means, 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 resilient means such as a spring or the like which normally biases the valve against the valve seat to provide an airtight seal when gas is not being withdrawn, i.e. dispensed.

[0050] According to the present invention, in order to enable quick and easy coupling of the electronic device 20 to the body 11 of the fluid distribution valve 10 without the need to machine the end fitting 25 of the electronic device 20 or the end fitting housing 15 of the valve body 11 in which the end fitting 25 is accommodated, and then to enable them to be easily disassembled, in particular during maintenance or replacement operations, i.e. to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, it is provided that at least a part of the peripheral wall 21.1 of the casing 21 of the electronic device 20 is shaped to cooperate with at least a part of the peripheral portion 43 of an opening 42, i.e. a window or the like, of the protective cover 40 in order to fix the electronic device 20 to the valve body 11 and to the protective cover 40 when the end fitting 25 of the casing 21 is accommodated, i.e. positioned, in the end fitting housing 15 of the valve body 11, as illustrated in FIG. 3 .

[0051] The end fitting 25 of the casing 21 of the electronic device 20 thus merely forms a kind of centering stud that is inserted into the end fitting housing 15 of the valve body 11 to ensure that the electronic device 20 is correctly positioned on the body 11 of the fluid distribution valve 10. In other words, according to the invention, the end fitting 25 is no longer involved in the actual fastening of the casing 21 to the valve body 11, since it is no longer held by threading, pinning, or the like, into the end fitting housing 15 of the valve body 11. The end fitting 25 is simply inserted therein, i.e. positioned therein.

[0052] The casing 21 of the electronic device 20 is held in place only by the cover 40, which restrains the casing 21 as described below.

[0053] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the peripheral wall 21.1, i.e., outer periphery, of the casing 21 of the electronic device 20 and the peripheral portion 43, i.e., periphery, of the opening 42 of the protective cover 40 are molded to have matching shapes that ensure that the electronic device 20 is secured to the protective cover 40.

[0054] The opening 42, i.e., window or the like, in the cover 40 has a substantially rectangular or square perimeter.

[0055] According to the present invention, the periphery or edge 43 of the opening 42 in the cover, or at least a portion thereof, holds the electronic device 20 in place on the valve body 11, rather than threads / tappings, keys or pins or the like as in prior art valves.

[0056] The electronic device 20 is secured by at least one peripheral groove 24 supported by the peripheral wall of the casing 21 of the electronic device 20 and by at least one shoulder 44 positioned near the peripheral edge 43 of the opening 42 of the protective cover 40 which cooperates with it.

[0057] In another embodiment, one or more peripheral grooves 24 may be located near the peripheral edge 43 of the opening 42 in the cover, and one or more shoulders 44 may be located on the peripheral edge of the casing.

[0058] In all cases, the shoulder 44 is inserted into the peripheral groove 24 to ensure that the electronic device 20 is secured, ie, fastened and retained, to the protective cover 40 .

[0059] The peripheral groove 24 may be disposed continuously around the entire periphery or circumference of the casing 21 of the electronic device 20, or may be discontinuous as shown in FIG. 4, i.e., disposed around only a portion of the periphery or circumference of the casing 21 of the electronic device 20.

[0060] For example, the grooves 24 may be located primarily on two opposing faces of the casing 21 (continuous walls 24.1) when the casing 21 has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped (i.e. has an approximately rectangular or square cross-section), as illustrated in FIG. 4, and may extend slightly, i.e. for a short distance, across the other two faces (i.e. discontinuous walls 24.2).

[0061] More specifically, in accordance with the present invention, one or more grooves 24 are For example, by removing material to form a kind of "hollowed out" or "molded" channel in the outer wall of the casing 21, or, as illustrated in FIG. 4, by two small walls 24.1, 24.2, continuous or discontinuous, arranged opposite each other and projecting from the peripheral surface of the casing 21, while being separated from each other by an intermediate space or channel 24.3, for example by small walls moulded together with the rest of the casing 21 or added and fastened, for example by gluing or other means. In this case, one of the walls 24.1 is continuous around the entire periphery of the casing 21, whereas the other wall is discontinuous since it extends only partially across two of the opposing faces of the casing 21 via a small extension of the wall 24.2.

[0062] It should be noted, however, that the casing 21 can have various shapes, for example having a circular cross section or another cross section. The same applies to the opening 42 in the cover 40, which takes a shape that corresponds to the shape of the casing 21 that is to be inserted therein, i.e. the outer contour of the casing 21 fits the shape of the opening 42 in the cover 40.

[0063] In order to facilitate installation of the assembly, and in particular insertion of the shoulder 44 located near the periphery 43 of the opening 42 of the protective cover 40 into the peripheral groove 24 of the casing 21 of the electronic device 20, the protective cover 40 is preferably formed by at least two half-shells, i.e. a right-hand half-shell and a left-hand half-shell, which are preferably joined together along a joint surface passing through the opening 42, e.g. passing through the center of the opening 42, as illustrated in FIG. 3, where only the left-hand half-shell is installed so that the casing 21 is positioned in the "half" opening 42.

[0064] When the casing 21 of the electronic device 20 is secured to the protective cover 40, cooperation between the shoulder 44 supported by the periphery 43 of the opening 42 of the cover 40 and the periphery groove 24 of the casing 21 of the electronic device 20 causes the end fitting 25 of the casing 21 to act as a centering stud to ensure correct positioning of the cover 40 / electronic device 20 assembly on the valve 10 when the valve 10 is installed by an operator, assuming that the end fitting 25 of the casing 21 is positioned in an end fitting housing 15, typically a housing or hole with a closed base, machined in the valve body 11. The cover 40 can then be tightly fastened, for example by screwing or the like, to either the body 11 of the valve 10 or the neck of the gas container 30.

[0065] Preferably, the end fitting 25 of the housing 21 has a substantially cylindrical general shape. The end fitting 25 has smooth peripheral walls, i.e., it lacks external threads or other fastening means. Similarly, the end fitting housing 15 of the valve body 11 also has a substantially cylindrical overall shape and smooth internal walls, i.e., it lacks internal tappings. Advantageously, their shapes are substantially consistent with one another, i.e., they are designed to ensure stable, i.e., non-floating, retention of the end fitting 25 of the housing 21 in the end fitting housing 15 of the valve body 11.

[0066] For example, the height of the end fitting housing 15 may be on the order of 6-8 mm, the diameter of the end fitting housing 15 may be on the order of 7-9 mm, and the end fittings 25 of the casing 21 may have corresponding dimensions, i.e. a length on the order of 6-8 mm and a diameter on the order of 7-9 mm. Of course, other dimensions may also be suitable.

[0067] Generally, according to the present invention, the end fitting 25 of the casing 21 therefore acts as a centering stud, the function of which is to ensure correct positioning of the cover 40 / electronic device 20 assembly on the body 11 of the valve 10, and to do so easily and without screwing or the like, while the electronic device 20 remains fixed to the cover 40 rather than to the valve body 11, by cooperation between one or more shoulders 44 and one or more grooves 24.

[0068] The container according to the invention is particularly well suited to be used for storing medical gases selected from among oxygen, N2O / O2, NO / N2 or He / O2 gaseous mixtures, or medical air, preferably medical grade oxygen.

Claims

1. A pressurized fluid container (30), in particular a gas cylinder, comprising a container body (31) having an internal volume for holding a pressurized fluid and equipped with a fluid dispensing valve (10), said pressurized fluid container (30) comprising: - a valve body (11) with an outwardly opening end fitting housing (15); an electronic device (20) comprising a casing (21) comprising an end fitting (25) adapted to be received in the end fitting housing (15) of the valve body (11); a protective cover (40) arranged around said valve body (11) and comprising an opening (42) with a periphery (43) surrounding said casing (21) of said electronic device (20); at least a portion of a peripheral wall (21.1) of the casing (21) of the electronic device (20) is shaped to cooperate with at least a portion of the peripheral edge (43) of the opening (42) of the protective cover (40) to keep the electronic device (20) fixed to the protective cover (40) when the end fitting (25) of the casing (21) is received in the end fitting housing (15) of the valve body (11), 1. A pressurized fluid container comprising: a casing for an electronic device, the casing having a peripheral wall, the peripheral wall having a peripheral groove and the peripheral edge of the opening of the protective cover having a peripheral groove ...

2. 2. The pressurized fluid container according to claim 1, characterized in that the peripheral wall (21.1) of the casing (21) of the electronic device (20) and the peripheral edge (43) of the opening (42) of the protective cover (40) are shaped to have matching shapes enabling the electronic device (20) to be fixed to the protective cover (40).

3. 2. The pressurized fluid container according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the peripheral grooves (24) is arranged on at least a part of an outer periphery of the peripheral wall (21.1) of the casing (21) of the electronic device (20) and / or at least one of the shoulders (44) is arranged on at least a part of an inner periphery of the peripheral portion (43) of the opening (42) of the protective cover (40).

4. - the end fitting (25) of the casing (21) has a first generally cylindrical shape and is devoid of an external thread; and / or - the end fitting housing (15) of the valve body (11) has a second generally cylindrical shape and is devoid of internal tappings 2. A pressurized fluid container according to claim 1.

5. 2. The pressurized fluid container of claim 1, wherein the first generally cylindrical shape of the end fitting (25) of the casing (21) and the second generally cylindrical shape of the end fitting housing (15) of the valve body (11) correspond to each other.

6. 2. The pressurized fluid container according to claim 1, characterized in that the peripheral wall (21.1) of the casing (21) of the electronic device (20) has a square or rectangular outer periphery and the opening (42) of the protective cover (40) has a square or rectangular inner periphery, and the outer periphery of the casing (21) coincides with the inner periphery of the opening (42) of the protective cover (40).

7. 2. The pressurized fluid container of claim 1, wherein the electronic device (20) is kept fixed to the valve body (11) and the end fitting (25) of the casing (21) is kept housed in the end fitting housing (15) of the valve body (11) only by cooperation between at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the casing (21) of the electronic device (20) and at least a portion of the peripheral portion (43) of the opening (42) of the protective cover (40).

8. 2. A pressurized fluid container according to claim 1, characterized in that the casing (21) of the electronic device (20) comprises data processing means having at least one microprocessor.

9. 2. The pressurized fluid container of claim 1, wherein the end fitting housing (15) of the valve body (11) has a closed base.

10. The pressurized fluid container (30) may contain oxygen, air, or Ar / O 2 , N 2 O / O 2 , NO / N 2 , or He / O 2 A pressurized fluid container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it contains in its internal volume a gas or gaseous mixture selected from among gaseous mixtures.

11. 2. A pressurized fluid container according to claim 1, characterized in that the body (41) of the protective cover (40) is formed by at least two half-shells connected to each other.

12. 12. A pressurized fluid container according to claim 11, characterized in that the two half shells are substantially symmetrical with respect to each other.

13. 13. A pressurized fluid container according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the two half shells are connected to each other along a joining surface which separates the opening (42) of the protective cover (40) into two substantially equal parts.

14. 12. Pressurized fluid container according to claim 1 or 11, characterized in that the body (41) of the protective cover (40) is made of a polymeric material, a metal, or a combination thereof.

15. Oxygen, air, or Ar / O 2 , N 2 O / O 2 , NO / N 2 , or He / O 2 Use of a pressurized fluid container (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 for storing or dispensing a pressurized gas selected from among gaseous mixtures, in particular a medical gas.

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