Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention is directed to a tap assembly for a gas container.

Background art

[0002] The document FR 3 018 583 A1 discloses a gas bottle with an embedded display. The display is fed by a battery that must be regularly replaced. This requires to take apart some pieces of the bottle when the battery needs to be replaced. Such a bottle is therefore cumbersome to use and is not safe for an untrained user. A similar device with equivalent drawbacks is disclosed in WO 2015/132092 A2.

[0003] The document US 2009/0140867 A1 discloses a gas container with a sensing identification function. A tag is provided on the container. The tag is electrically fed by a battery. The tag aims at providing data about the bottle (production date, initial content, etc.). The container has a tap assembly provided on its top and the tag is positioned on the side of the container. This design is complex, costly and cannot be adapted to all kinds of container.

Summary of invention

Technical Problem

[0004] The invention has for technical problem to provide a tap assembly for a gas container which overcomes the drawbacks of known tap assembly and in particular which is more user friendly and safer than known tap assembly.

Technical solution

[0005] The invention is directed to a tap assembly for a gas cylinder, comprising: a body with a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a gas passage connecting the outlet with the inlet; and an electronic module of the status of the tap and/or cylinder, said module being mounted on or in the body; wherein the electronic module is fed with electric energy by a rechargeable battery, and the tap assembly is provided with a connector adapted to be connected to an external source of energy so as to make possible the charging of the battery in situ.

[0006] The connector is provided in/on the tap assembly such that the battery stays in its seat and no parts of the tap assembly needs to be removed for performing the charging of the battery.

[0007] With such a tap assembly, the user does not need any more to take apart some pieces of the tap in order to replace or recharge the battery. The risk of damaging the tap while dismounting or re-mounting the various elements of the tap is avoided. This makes the tap more reliable since the electrical module can be completely sealed or embedded within the tap.

[0008] The electronic module can be such that it performs various tasks, such as for instance calculating the flow rate or the pressure of the gas.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the tap assembly further comprises a cover housing the tap body, said cover being provided with a handle; and in that the rechargeable battery is encapsulated in the handle of the cover.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the connector is housed in the handle.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, said connector consists in a secondary coil adapted to cooperate with a primary coil that transfers energy to the secondary coil by electromagnetic induction. In that sense, the connector is a connector aiming at a contactless/wireless connection. This may be more hygienic or safer than regular plug and socket connection, since the battery can be completely isolated from the adapter.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, said connector consists in an electric socket.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic module comprises wireless communication features to command or monitor the tap wirelessly.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the tap assembly comprises measurement means to assess the charge level of the battery. [0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic module is programmed to trigger an acoustic or optical signal when the battery level is below a pre-determ ined threshold.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic module is programmed to send a signal to a computer device when the battery level is below a pre-determ ined threshold.

[0017] The invention also relates to a kit comprising a tap assembly according to any of the previous embodiments and a charging adapter to feed electrical current to the tap assembly from a standard power socket.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the adapter comprises said primary coil and the adapter is such that the primary coil can be positioned within the secondary coil.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the adapter comprises a cable with a plug that is suitable for engaging the socket of the tap assembly.

[0020] The invention further relates to a method for charging a rechargeable battery embedded in a tap assembly, wherein the method comprises the step of feeding electrical current to the battery in situ.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the tap assembly is according to any of the embodiments disclosed above.

[0022] In further embodiments of the invention:

- the module operates an actuator that commands the movement of the closure element;

- the module monitors the pressure, temperature, hygrometry and/or a property of the gas in the passage;

- the module comprises a display;

- a feedback on the display of the electronic module confirms to the user that the battery is charging;

- a method for charging a rechargeable battery embedded in a tap assembly is disclosed, wherein the step of feeding the battery with electrical current is made without dismounting any part of the tap assembly;

- a gas container with a tap assembly according to any of the previously disclosed embodiment.

Advantages of the invention

[0023] The invention is particularly interesting in that it allows the user to monitor the tap and the gas container on which the tap is implemented. The tap assembly is particularly reliable since no specific maintenance is required. Indeed, there is no need to dismount the tap for replacing or recharging the battery.

[0024] The tap can be specifically designed to be completely sealed. Such a tap can operate in hostile environment (nuclear, biological, chemical, underwater, underground, ...), where a human cannot easily penetrate; or in medical environment where the gas contained in the container should remain pure and human intervention on the tap should be avoided.

Brief description of the drawings

[0025] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a tap assembly on a gas container;

[0026] Figure 2 shows a cover of a tap assembly;

[0027] Figure 3 shows the handle of a tap assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Figure 4 shows an adapter;

[0029] Figure 5 shows a cross section of the connection between the adapter and the handle of the tap assembly;

[0030] Figure 6 shows the handle of a tap assembly according to an embodiment of the invention with a plug;

[0031] Figure 7 shows a tap assembly according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Figure 8 shows the tap assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention. Description of an embodiment

[0033] Figure 1 illustrates a gas cylinder assembly 1 consisting of a tap assembly 2 and a gas cylinder 4. The former comprises a cover 6 and a tap (not visible) housed in the cover 6. The cover 6 comprises a shell 8 housing the tap, and a handle 10 fixed or linked to the shell 8.

[0034] As is visible in figure 1 , the shell 8 comprises a disc 8.1 that is rotatably mounted and that cooperates with the tap for adjusting the outlet pressure and/or flow rate of said tap. A digital display 12 is located at the centre of the disc.

[0035] The shell 8 comprises also an opening 8.2 through which a gas connector 14 of the type "hose barb" extends. This gas connector is in direct connection with the tap.

[0036] An electronic module can be housed in a cavity of the disc 8.1. The electronic module 32 can assess the status of the assembly and/or of the gas cylinder. The disc 8.1 can comprise a generally cup-shaped body and a transparent cover. The module 32 is fed in electricity.

[0037] The electronic module 32 can comprise or be connected to the display 12 to indicate the measured pressure in the gas cylinder and/or other information related to the gas container.

[0038] As can be seen on figure 2, the cover 6 can be made of two parts that can be taken apart. This facilitates the mounting of the cover 6 on the tap. The handle 10 comprises a main part 10.1 forming a cavity that can house a battery 40, and a lid part 10.2 that is to be attached to the main part 10.1 and to close the cavity. The main part 10.1 is preferably unitary with the ball-shaped shell 8. In the present embodiment, the shell 8 is constituted essentially of two halves 8.3 and 8.4 in contact with each other. Each of said shell-halves 8.3 and 8.4 is generally in the shape of a half-sphere. Still in the present embodiment, the handle 10 is rigidly linked to the shell- halves 8.3, 8.4 by two lateral portions or arms 11.

[0039] One or several batteries 40 can be housed in the cover 6, preferably in the handle 10 of said cover 6. Electrical wire(s) (42 on figure 3) in connection with said at least one battery 40 can extend through at least one of the arms 11 supporting the handle 10. These wires can be connected to an integrated pressure sensor and to the electronic module 32 for supplying them with electrical energy.

[0040] The cavity of the handle 10 comprises appropriate means to hold the battery 40 in position, for instance ribs. Appropriate metallic tongues are also provided to ensure the electric contact with the battery.

[0041] The battery 40 is advantageously of cylindrical shape, for example of the AA or AAA type. In the present embodiment, a single battery 40 is housed in the handle. It is however to be understood that the handle can house several batteries in series or a single battery of a different voltage or shape.

[0042] Figure 3 shows the half-handle 10.1 with the battery 40. According to the invention, the battery 40 is rechargeable and the tap assembly is provided with a connector 100 which makes possible the charging of the battery 40 in situ. In this embodiment, the connector 100 is a coil 100.1 with an optional regulation module 100.2. The coil is a conductor wire, such as copper wire. The coil 100.1 is connected at both ends to the regulation module 100.2. The coil 100.1 is foreseen as a secondary coil 100.1. An electromagnetic field generated by an external source can be applied to the coil 100.1 which therefore generates an induced electric current. The electric current is provided to the regulation module 100.2 to feed the battery in appropriate voltage. This technology allows the charging of the battery 40 by induction.

[0043] The coil 100.1 is preferably axially aligned with the battery 40 and/or with the regulation module 100.2.

[0044] The cables 42 which go through the arms 11 of the cover feed the electronic module 32 and/or any electrical equipment such as sensors or communication means within the shell with electricity. The cables 42 can be directly linked to the battery 40 or can be linked to the regulation module 100.2. The arrangement can be such that the battery can keep on feeding the components of the tap assembly while charging. [0045] As can be seen on figure 3, the handle can be provided with an aperture 100.3 to receive an adapter to interact with the coil 100.1. The aperture is preferably aligned with the battery 40 and the coil 100.1.

[0046] Figure 4 discloses an example of an adapter 102 allowing to charge the battery 40. The adapter can be for instance made as a rod-like element 102.1. An enlarged portion 102.3 helps the handling of the adapter 102 and a cable 102.2 feeds the adapter with electricity, for instance 220V, 50Hz. The rod-like part 102.1 of the adapter 102 encapsulates a coil (102.4 on figure 5). The section of the rod-like part 102.1 can be circular or square. It may be provided with snap-fit features to hold the rod 102.1 in the aperture 100.3 while charging (i.e. ball and spring, see figure 5). The adapter 102 may contain a printed circuit, a converter or other electrical components to ensure that a proper electromagnetic field is generated.

[0047] Figure 5 depicts schematically the insertion of the rod-like adapter 102 within the aperture 100.3 of the handle. A coil 102.4 is embedded into the rod-like part 102.1 of the adapter 102. This coil forms the primary coil of the contactless charging technology explained above.

[0048] To charge the battery, the coil 102.4 is inserted into the aperture 100.3, in a position such that the coil 102.4 is in the space within the coil 100.1 , and preferably completely enclosed by the coil 100.1. A primary current is fed to the coil 102.4 which generates an electromagnetic field. This field induces a secondary current in the coil 100.1.

[0049] Due to the encapsulation of the coils 100.1 , 102.4 in the handle 10 and in the adapter 102, respectively, the coils are not in contact with each other and the adapter and the handle can be completely isolated from each other for hygienic or safety reasons.

[0050] A snap-fit feature can be provided between the adapter 102 and the handle 10 to hold the adapter 102 in the aperture 100.3 during charging of the battery. Namely, the adapter 102 can be provided with a groove or protrusions 102.5 which interact with a spring-loaded ball 100.5.

[0051] Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment for the connector. [0052] In this example, the handle receives an electric socket 200. The socket 200 can be positioned at one end of the handle. The socket 200 is such that it can cooperate with a plug 202 fed in current through a cable 201. The socket 200 can be provided with a mechanical code to prevent the user from plugging-in the plug 202 in a wrong position. The socket 200 is connected to the battery and/or to a regulation module in the handle, similar to the one described above.

[0053] Figure 7 discloses a further embodiment of the invention, where a socket or aperture 300 similar to socket 200 or aperture 100.3 is arranged in the ball-shaped part 8 of the tap assembly 2. The socket or aperture 300 can be positioned anywhere on the tap assembly 2. Preferably, it is positioned in the vicinity of the gas connector 14.

[0054] On figure 8, another embodiment of a tap assembly according to the invention is described schematically. Indeed, the present invention is not restricted to any shape, form or size of tap.

[0055] Figure 8 shows a valve 502 comprising a valve body 516. The valve body 516 has an inlet opening 518 and an outlet opening 520. A gas passage 522 provides a fluidic communication between the inlet 518 and the outlet 520. A closure element 504 can be moved such that it opens, restrains or closes the gas passage 522.

[0056] The closure element 504 is moved by means of an actuator 508. In this particular example, a piston 506 is provided to isolate the gas passage 522. The actuator is a knob 508 which engages the valve body 516. The knob 508 can slide with respect to the valve body 516. A thread can be provided between the knob 508 and the valve body 516 to transform the rotation operated by the user on the knob 508 into a translation of the closure element 504. Seals or O-rings are provided at appropriate locations to isolate the gas passage.

[0057] An electronic module 532 is embedded in the valve 502. In this embodiment, the rechargeable battery 540 is comprised within the electronic module and the connector is a secondary coil 534. This coil 534 is in electrical connection with the battery 540. The coil 534 can also be positioned at another convenient location in the valve 502, as long as it is in electrical connection (directly or indirectly) with the battery.

[0058] The electronic module 532 can be of various types. It can for instance comprise a digital display that could display information visible to the user through a transparent lid 512.

[0059] Figure 8 shows the valve 502 in a charging configuration. An adapter 402 is positioned in an aperture of the lid 512. The adapter 402 comprises a primary coil 402.4 that is positioned in a seat of the adapter 402 and maintained with appropriate means such as elastic securing ring. The coil 402.4 can be positioned within the secondary coil 534. The coil 402.4 consists in a helix of copper wire embedded in a tube-like element 402.1 that facilitates its handling. The primary coil 402.4 is connected through a cable 402.2 to a power supply for creating an electromagnetic field in the vicinity of the secondary coil 534. The cable can extend through a cover 402.3 of the adapter 402.

[0060] The adapter 402 can be handled manually or automatically, especially when the environment where the valve is put is not easily reachable by humans.

[0061] The adapter 402.4 can be brought to the valve or alternatively, the valve and the container on which it is fixed can be brought to the adapter 402. The latter is particularly advantageous when the container is mounted on/in a vehicle (car or truck). The charging of the battery 540 can then be operated simultaneously to the refill of the fuel tank of the vehicle at a petrol station. It can also occur during a regular maintenance operation of the vehicle.

[0062] The following paragraphs detail further variations of the invention.

[0063] The electronic module can be provided with a predictive algorithm that can predict when the battery will need to be recharged. It can communicate this estimation to the user. The module can work in a degraded mode, wherein less power consumption is required. This is particularly advantageous when a charging of the battery cannot be done immediately, or cannot be done at the predicted time. [0064] The electronic module comprises memory features, and in particular EPROM, such that even if the battery is empty, the data that it contains remain stored and can be accessed later, for instance once the battery is charged again.

[0065] The module can act on the actuator of the valve. For instance, if the actuator is an electromechanical or piezoelectric actuator, the electronic module can provide energy to such an actuator.

[0066] The design of the valve can be such that all the necessary measures are taken to ensure that the battery cannot be removed, in particular by embedding the module in the valve in a non-dismountable manner.

[0067] A display can be provided to confirm to the user that the battery is charging, to indicate if the battery level is low, or to indicate that the battery is fully charged.

[0068] The electronic module comprises wireless communication features to monitor the tap wirelessly. This allows to monitor the functioning of the valve at distance, for instance through radio waves, Bluetooth, WIFI or through the Internet. The module can be programmed such that only authorized users can access data of the valve or of the container to which the valve is fixed, or can actuate the valve.

[0069] The socket used to recharge the battery can be provided with communication ports such that through one single cable, the battery can be charged and the electronic module can be made in communication with a computer device. This is particularly useful to update the electronic module or to export data stored in the module. A power-line communication protocol can be used in this context.

[0070] The battery can be electromagnetically isolated from the coils by appropriate plate or cage-like housing.

[0071] The skilled person would easily understand that the teachings of the invention can be adapted to any kind of valve. For example, the invention can be applied to valves actuated by a knob, a handwheel or a lever. The technical fields of application can be nuclear, medical, fuel drilling operations, liquified gas, etc. The invention is also applicable to tap assembly having safety valves and to tap actuated manually or automatically.