Assembly including a pressurized gas storage tank and a control device for filling the tank with gas and/or extracting gas therefrom

The invention relates to an assembly including a pressurized gas storage tank and a control device for filling the tank with gas and/or extracting gas therefrom. The aforementioned tank includes: a hole which communicates with the interior of the tank, a filling and distribution head which is disposed at the hole and which includes a pre-expansion device which is at least partially integrated inside the volume of the tank, and a connection interface which is removably engaged with the gas supply and/or extraction control device such as to co-operate therewith. The invention is characterized in that the head includes an isolation member, such as a valve, which is housed at least partially inside the volume of the head and which can be accessed by an opening member that is external to the head through an access hole that is provided in the head. The above-mentioned control device includes a body having a connection end which is intended to be removably engaged with the connection interface, an opening member which can move in relation to the body and an actuation element which can move the opening member selectively between a retracted rest position and an operating position in which one end of the opening member projects out from the body beyond the connection end, such that the opening member can extend into the access hole in the head in order to open the isolation member.

This application is a §371 of International PCT Application PCT/FR2006/051051, filed Oct. 18, 2006.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to an assembly comprising a pressurized-gas storage tank and a control device for filling and/or tapping-off from said tank.

2. Related Art

The supply of gas to gas-consuming devices, for example fuel cells, presents numerous problems. In particular, it is important to simplify and secure the supply by, in particular, working along the principle of exchanging an empty tank for a full tank.

This problem is all the more sensitive because the current trend is to increase service pressures with a view to offering a better ratio between the mass of stored gas and the overall mass of the tank, combined with smallness of size.

In addition, such systems are becoming more widespread, involving use of the gas by non-specialists (professionals such as nurses, laboratory workers, for example, or by the general public such as DIY enthusiasts, motorists, etc.).

One objective of the systems for storing fluid and of the devices for filling them and/or for tapping fluid off from them, is to make the handling operations needed to exchange an empty tank for a full tank easier. The storage systems have in addition implicitly to provide a level of safety that allows the handling operations to be performed by non-specialists while at the same time improving the safety and productivity in tank processing centers.

It is known practice for gas to be stored in liquid form. In known solutions (CO2for example), this is performed quite naturally and does not require the use of special facilities. In most cases (for example that of hydrogen), however, it is necessary to maintain temperature conditions such that the use of special facilities is compulsory (thermal insulation, control of boiling or “boil-off”). This operation makes the solution for storing liquid somewhat irrelevant because it is far too complicated and ill suited to the idea of exchanging an empty one for a full one.

Solutions for storing gas in gaseous form conventionally include cylinders equipped with a simple valve which, if open, places the user in direct contact with the storage pressure. It is therefore necessary, in order to use the gas, to connect up equipment (pressure regulators, flow meters, etc.) and this entails tooling and tricky operations. These operations become all the more risky when the user is not a professional (with the risk of leaks, forcible expulsion of parts, etc.).

Lightweight small-sized gas refills are known, these proposing a solution which is to provide the canister with a valve that has no actuating member, but the disadvantage with these is that the gas is delivered at the storage pressure.

In order to guard against the risks associated with the high pressure, canisters or cylinders may be equipped with a regulating valve which, as far as the user is concerned, allows him access only to a reduced pressure. This solution has the disadvantage of creating a protruding part on the cylinder. This protruding part therefore needs to be protected. This protection is generally formed by a bonnet. On the whole, the weight and size are increased and incorporating the cylinder into the application that requires the gas may lack simplicity.

Furthermore, most reserves of gas delivered to customers need to be mobile. In an extreme case, the self-contained gas source may have to be deployed and to accompany the gas-consuming application, for example to supply a fuel cell at an isolated site or to accompany fire fighters attending an emergency.

Each customer or customer family has its own specific requirements that have to be met as best possible. The consequence of this is to make the industrial organization more complicated because it is necessary to manage a wide variety of products (fluid/tank pairing and fluid delivery conditions).

One problem that needs to be solved is, on the one hand, to offer the user and/or the operator means that make it easier for him to transport and to handle a reserve of gas and, on the other hand, to offer the user means that will allow him to customize the design of a reserve of gas in order to meet the requirements of his particular application and to allow the operator flexibility that will allow him to manage the variety of products needed to meet the requirements of his customers.

Of the solutions for storing gas in gaseous form, cylinders equipped with a simple valve are favored by the operators and by industry for questions of managing the population of cylinders. If open, the simple valve places the user directly in contact with the fluid at its storage pressure. It is therefore necessary, in order to use the gas, to connect up hardware (pressure regulator, flow meter, etc.) which demands tooling and tricky operations, accompanied by the risks involved in this type of operation when the user is not a professional. This solution is therefore not favored by the end-user.

Better favored by the end-user is the regulating valve attached to the cylinder delivering the fluid as the pressure needed by the application. However, use of such a regulating valve places significant constraints upon industry particularly in terms of managing the population of cylinders, maintenance, interface with the filling equipment, etc.

In known designs for storing gas under pressure, the valve incorporates a regulating device which is positioned inside the volume of the cylinder (cf. for example EP-A-1316755). These known devices make it possible in part to limit the volume of the valve but require the user to perform numerous handling and coupling operations in order to fill and tap off from the cylinder.

Thus, none of the aforementioned existing solutions simultaneously considers these specific requirements of industry and those of the customer.

It is one object of the present invention to alleviate all or some of the disadvantages recalled hereinabove of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To this end, the invention relates to an assembly comprising a tank for storing pressurized gas and a device for controlling the filling of and/or the tapping-off from said tank, the tank comprising an orifice allowing communication with the inside of the tank, a filling and distribution head positioned at the orifice and comprising a pre-regulating device at least partially incorporated into the volume of the tank, a connection interface intended to collaborate for the purposes of attachment and removably with the device for controlling the filling of and/or the tapping-off of gas.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, the head comprises an isolating member such as an isolating valve at least partially housed inside the volume of the head and accessible to an opening member outside the head via an access orifice formed in the head, the control device comprising a body provided with a connection end intended to collaborate for removable attachment purposes with the connection interface, an opening member able to move relative to the body, an actuating element able to move the opening member selectively between a retracted rest position and a work position in which one end of the opening member projects out from the body beyond the connection end so as to allow the opening member to dip down inside the access orifice in the head in order to open the isolating member.

Furthermore, the invention may have one or more of the following features:the isolating member is at least partially incorporated into the volume of the tank,the control device comprises an orifice for the passage of gas from and/or to the tank, and in that the opening member is able to move in said orifice in such a way that the isolating member and the gas follow the same passage or duct,the device for controlling the filling and/or the tapping-off comprises an inlet orifice for the gas tapped off from the tank, a first safety valve and a member for regulating the pressure of the tapped-off fluid, the first safety valve and the pressure-regulating member being connected in parallel to the inlet orifice,the downstream outlet of the regulating member is connected to a second safety valve (201) and to an outlet orifice letting fluid out of the device,the second safety valve (201) and the fluid outlet orifice are connected in parallel to the outlet of the regulating member via respective pipes,the connection interface comprises a concave accommodating region (36)intended to accommodate and to guide the projecting end of the valve opening member,the connection end of the control device has a tubular end in which the opening member is mounted such that it can move, and in that the accommodating region and the tubular end have mating shapes and sizes to allow the tubular end to be housed in the accommodating region.the head comprises a filling circuit extending between a first end provided with a filling orifice and a second end intended to communicate with the inside of the tank, a tapping-off circuit extending between a first end intended to communicate with the inside of the tank and a second end provided with a tapping-off orifice, and in that the filling orifice and/or the tapping-off orifice opens into the concave accommodating region (36)of the connection interface,the filling orifice and the tapping-off orifice coincide in the concave accommodating region (36)of the connection interface,the access orifice comprises or consists of the concave accommodating region,the connection interface of the head and the connection end of the control device comprise complementary attachment elements such as projecting pegs and/or mating housings so as to form a removable fastening of the “bayonet” type.the isolating member is positioned downstream of the pre-regulating device in a path from the inside of the tank to the outside of the tank,the isolating member and the pre-regulating device are positioned in one and the same duct along which fluid flows between the inside and the outside of the tank, such that the filling and the emptying of the tank are performed more or less along one and the same axis and via this same duct,the assembly comprises removable members for locking the attachment elements,the attachment elements comprise housings substantially in the shape of cranked slots having an open first end intended to allow a peg to enter and exit the housing and a second end that forms a closed end intended to accommodate the peg in the attached position, the removable locking members comprising at least one end forming an end stop in at least one housing, the end stop being able to move between an immobilizing first position between the two ends of the housing, and a retracted second position allowing travel between the two ends of the housing,the assembly comprises one or more return elements urging the end stop into its immobilizing position, the end stop being capable of being moved into its retracted position either under the pressure of a peg inserted from the first end of the housing or by pulling on the locking members using a region for grasping or which can be moved remotely,the isolating member is positioned downstream of the pre-regulating device in a path from the inside of the tank to the outside of the tank,the isolating member and the pre-regulating device are positioned in one and the same duct along which fluid flows between the inside and the outside of the tank, such that the filling and the emptying of the tank are performed more or less along one and the same axis, via one and the same orifice and via this same duct,the connection interface comprises an internal portion housed inside the body of the filling head and in that the isolating member is positioned at least partially inside the portion housed inside the internal portion of the interface,the isolating member comprises a body able to move relative to the head and capable of collaborating for the purposes of being open or for the purposes of being closed with a seat, the isolating member comprising a free downstream end capable of being pushed in order to open or close it,the isolating member is capable of translational movement,the pre-regulating device comprises a moving valve element capable of collaborating for the purposes of being open or for the purposes of being closed with a seat, a first return means urging the valve element toward its closed position against the seat, the valve element being urged toward its open position by a pre-regulating piston urged by a second return means,the attachment elements of the head are arranged substantially concentrically around the concave accommodating region (36) of the connection interface,the connection interface is of one piece with the head or attached into or onto the latter,the connection interface comprises an external peripheral wall substantially parallel to the vertical axis of the tank, attachment elements being formed on this external peripheral wall,the attachment elements of the interface are directed or arranged to collaborate for the purposes of attachment with complementary elements in a direction of attachment that is parallel to and preferably coincides with the vertical axis of the tank passing through the orifice at the bottom of the tank.the filling head comprises a safety discharge device comprising a port, the port comprising a first end connected to the outside of the tank and blocked off by a closure means that can melt under the action of heat and/or when a determined pressure is exceeded, and a second end connected to the inside of the tank.

FIG. 1depicts an oblong tank body1having a cylindrical main part10and two substantially dome-shaped ends, one lower11and one upper12. The rounded upper end12has a filling and distributing head2. As depicted, the filling and distribution head2in particular comprises a connection interface3, a tell-tale indicating the fill level4, an anti-knock shield5and a central orifice6providing access to the inside of the tank1.

FIG. 2shows an alternative form of the gas storage assembly (tank1) according to the same embodiment, with an optional casing100more or less entirely covering the external surface of the tank1. The casing100(or jacket) is designed to protect the tank1against any knocks or droppage.

The oblong casing100of dimensions tailored to the tank1has its rounded lower end111made to correspond to the lower end11of the tank1. The cylindrical central part of the casing100hugs the cylindrical part10of the tank1. The rounded upper end112of the casing for its part covers the upper end12of the tank1.

Slots102on the periphery of the upper end112of the casing allow the casing100to be slipped over the tank1.

At the upper end of the casing in particular, a collar103fitted with a closure104(of the touch-and-close type or press-stud type or any other equivalent means) may be provided to hold the casing100in place on the tank1.

The casing100on its periphery has ergonomic imprints101making the whole easy to hold. The casing100is preferably made of thermoformed high-density foam but any other material such as neoprene, an elastomeric material, etc. may be considered.

Reference is now made toFIG. 3in which the tank1comprises a sealed internal casing13(or “liner”), for example made of aluminum alloy or the like, intended to contain the fluid and particularly gas under pressure. The casing13is reinforced on its external surface by a winding of carbon fiber filaments14bonded together with epoxy resin or any other equivalent means.

An oblong filling head2is positioned in the tank1, at the orifice of the tank1, inside the casing inner13.

The body20of the filling and distribution head2is mechanically connected to the casing13by virtue of a screw thread21collaborating with a tapped thread formed on the casing13. An annular seal7is positioned in a groove formed in the casing13. The groove lies at the upper end of the casing13and is enclosed by the body20of the filling and distribution head2so as to provide sealing between the body20and the inside of the tank1.

The filling and distribution head2in its lower part comprises a pre-regulating cartridge22is screwed into its body20by virtue of a screw thread/tapped thread system221.

Downstream of the pre-regulating cartridge22(toward the top of the cartridge22), the filling and distribution head2comprises a low-pressure chamber23. Sealing between the inside of the tank1and the low-pressure chamber23is afforded by the combination222of an O-ring and of anti-extrusion rings positioned between the cartridge22and the body20of the head2.

The pre-regulating cartridge22comprises, working from upstream to downstream (that is to say from its lower part toward its upper part inFIG. 3), a filter24, a threaded ring25and a pre-regulating valve26. The filter24is held in the cartridge22by an elastic ring241housed in a groove223formed in the body of the cartridge22.

The pre-regulating valve26is subjected to the action of a spring261moving it toward a seat27held in the cartridge22under the action of the threaded seat holder271. The valve26is subjected to the force of the valve spring261and to the force of the pressurized gas.

The upper end of the valve26is equipped with a stem1261extending upward and the end of which is in contact with a pre-regulating piston28. The piston28for its part is urged toward the valve26by a spring281. Because of the force of the spring281and the action of the gas on the cross section282of the piston28, the valve26acts as a pressure regulator.

During phases in which gas is tapped off from the tank1, the gas contained in the tank1under high pressure passes, while its pressure is being reduced, through the pre-regulating cartridge22toward the low-pressure chamber23.

The pressure-regulated gas then passes through the piston28via a drilling283formed in the body of the piston, to emerge in a chamber32situated in the body30of a connection interface3. The connection interface3is mounted at the upper end of the head2.

The chamber32comprises an isolating valve8which is sealed with respect to the inside of the tank by a seal81that seals against the body30of the connection interface3.

The default setting of the isolating valve8is closed. The isolating valve8is, for example, a valve of a conventional type, such as a valve comprising a fixed tubular body and a rod capable of moving inside the body to make the valve allow the passage of fluid or prevent the passage of fluid depending on the position of the rod.

The valve8can be actuated by a valve driver described in greater detail hereinafter and belonging to a system that receives the storage assembly or to a gas distribution head or to a cylinder filling connector.

The upper end of the connection interface3projects out from the filling and distribution head2of the tank1.

This outer part of the connection interface3comprises four projecting pins35(bayonets) positioned 90° apart to allow for attachment of a receiving system belonging to a storage assembly or to a gas distribution head or to a filling connector. Of course, this exemplary embodiment is nonlimiting, particularly given the considerable number of conceivable combinations of number, shape and position of pins and corresponding polarizing (that is to say geometrical identity) options available. In addition, other attachment means that perform the same function are conceivable, including screw/nut connections, a latch lock lever, a retractable catch, etc.

The outer part of the connection interface3comprises a tubular housing forming an accommodating region36the purpose of which is to accept and to guide a mating tubular end of a receiving system or of a gas distribution head or of a filling connector as described hereinafter.

To this end, the mating tubular end of the control member intended to be connected to the tank1comprises an O-ring seal and possibly an anti-extrusion ring to ensure the continuity of the seal between the control device and the tank1.

The external part of the connection interface3preferably comprises a removable protective membrane33intended to avoid the ingress of particles or dirt into the accommodating region36and that might cause the system to malfunction. The membrane33is, for example, made of precut shape-memory polymer. The membrane is, for example, held at the inlet of the accommodating region36by a plastic anti-impact shield34. Of course, any other form of embodiment for protecting the inlet of the accommodating region is conceivable, for example a film that has to be punctured, or a sticker that has to be removed, or the like.

Thus, when the tubular end of a control device (receiving system or gas distribution head or a filling connector) is introduced into the receiving region36, the precut membrane33will move aside against the surface37of the connection interface3. For example, the shape-memory protective membrane33is precut into four “petal-shaped” lobes. As it enters, the male tubular end of a control device will push the four lobes back against the surface37of the connection interface3. The lobes will automatically return to their initial position (FIG. 3) when this same tubular end is extracted.

The tank1comprises a tell-tale4comprising a body41screwed into the body20of the device of the filling and distribution head2by means of a screw thread system47. Sealing between the tell-tale and the filling head2is provided by means of a stressed metal seal42. A moving spindle43is guided in the body41of the tell-tale4. Sealing between the spindle43and the body41is afforded by the combination45of an O-ring seal and of an anti-extrusion ring.

The spindle43of the tell-tale4is subjected to the opposing forces of a return spring44and of the pressure of the gas contained in the tank1carried through the tell-tale4via a screw thread21and drillings46.

When the action of the gas pressure exceeds the force of the return spring44, the end of the spindle43emerges into a viewing chamber48formed in the body41of the tell-tale4. Thus, the tell-tale indicates that the gas store is full (the pressure of the gas contained in the tank1is optimal). If not, the end of the spindle43does not emerge into a viewing chamber48, this indicates that the gas store is not full (the pressure of the gas contained in the tank1is below the optimum pressure).

A safety device (of the type that melts under the action of heat and/or discharge valve, rupture disk, etc. type) may be fitted to the tank1via a port9formed in the body20of the filling and distribution head2. This safety device may be fed with the gas contained in the tank1via a cut42machined in the screw thread21and via drillings91.

FIGS. 4 and 5illustrate a filling connector that has a body300, a connection interface303and a control lever302. The body300is connected to the end of a filling hose317by a screw thread318(for example a tapered screw thread sealed with PTFE (polytetrafluoro-ethylene) tape).

The filling hose317supplies the filling circuit via a filling pipe319. The filling pipe319is dirt free thanks to a filter315held in place in the body300under the effect of an elastic ring316held captive in a groove formed in this same body.

A manual control lever302that can rotate about a spindle330is capable of transmitting a translational movement to a valve driver310via a cam320which rubs against a wear plate312. Of course, the pivoting manual lever302may be replaced by any analogous system, for example an automatic control.

There is a spring311in the body300in order constantly to keep the end321of the valve driver310held against the wear plate312in contact with the cam320.

To ensure the continuity of the cross section for the passage of gas through the filling pipe319, the exterior surface322of the valve driver310is of hexagonal cross section while the cylindrical surface323has two flats. The dynamic sealing of the valve driver310with respect to the body300is provided by a combination313of an O-ring seal and of an anti-extrusion ring, these being held in their housing by a gland314.

As depicted more specifically inFIG. 6, the connection interface303of the filling connector collaborates with the connection interface3of the tank1.

More specifically, the projecting pins35(bayonets) of the connection interface3of the tank1enter channels or millings304in the connection interface303of the filling connector. The pins35position themselves in the respective housings306at the closed ends of the cranked channels304.

As they enter the channels304, the pins push and temporarily retract a safety catch305. When the pins are in their housing306, the catch305is returned to its initial locking position under the action of a spring309. In this way, the catch305traps two diametrically opposed pins35in their respective housings306b. In this position, the filling connector is locked onto the tank1.

The filling connector has a tubular end308which becomes housed in the accommodating region36of the connection interface3of the tank1. Sealing between these two surfaces (the tubular end308and the accommodation region36) is provided by the combination307of a seal and of an anti-extrusion ring.

To open the valve8of the tank1, the lever302is actuated in such a way that the cam320via the wear plate302acts on the valve driver310transmitting to it a translational movement that is passed on to the stem82of the valve8.

The valve driver310therefore projects relative to the tubular end308and relative to the filling connection so as to allow it to dip down into the head2housed in the tank1in order to actuate the valve8.

The cam320comprises a flat surface325that allows this position to remain stable. The valve closure8has to be performed manually by performing the reverse operation on the control lever302.

The filling fluid can then be injected into the filling connector via the pipe319.

The filling fluid passes in succession through the open valve8, the chamber32and the drilling283of the pre-regulating piston28. The surface282of the piston28is therefore subjected to the pressure of the gas which is stronger than the force of the spring281.

This gas pressure moves the piston which thus moves free of the end of the stem1261of the pre-regulating valve26.

The pre-regulating valve26is therefore opened by the action of the pressure of the gas passing through the pre-regulating cartridge22in the opposite direction in order to return to the tank1.

At the end of the filling operation, once the high pressure in the filling pipe has been dumped, the pre-regulator can be reactivated. The valve8is closed again by action on the control lever302of the filling connector.

Once all of the gas contained in the entire filling circuit (the entire volume downstream of the valve8) has been dumped, the filling connector can be uncoupled through a process that is the reverse of the one described hereinabove.

To uncouple the filling connector, the control301of the catch305has to be pulled manually against the force of the spring309in order to free the protruding pins35(bayonets) from their housings306and306bfollowing the path of the cranked milled slots304. The tubular end308comes free of the accommodating region36, the precut membrane33returns to its original position preventing particles or dirt from entering.

FIGS. 7 and 8illustrate a removable gas delivery head150comprising a control to open up the flow rate of gas250, an annular knob to shut off the flow rate of gas350, access450to the outlet coupling naturally closed off by a shutter to prevent contamination and a connecting interface516. The gas delivery head150also comprises medium-pressure and low-pressure discharge valve discharge louvers115and a location65for information intended for the user and which may be in the form of a digital display offering customized autonomy information (or pressure gage or any other known means).

FIG. 9illustrates the gas delivery head150according to the same embodiment, equipped with an outlet coupling75the orifice70of which is connected to a hose (not depicted) supplying the application.

Advantageously, the head150is shaped in such a way thatif the outlet coupling75is not connected, it is impossible to lock the control to open the flow rate of gas250,if the outlet coupling75is connected to the removable gas delivery head150, it is possible to lock the control to open up the flow rate of gas250, the shutting-off of the flow rate of gas being controlled by action on the annular knob350and a control415for unlocking the outlet coupling75is accessible,if the outlet coupling75is suddenly disconnected while the control to open up the gas is active, the latter control is immediately disconnected.

FIG. 10depicts details of the gas delivery head according to the same embodiment. The case that protects the delivery head150is made up of two half-shells511joined together by clips and two screws135. The delivery head150contains, on the one hand, a body512comprising the various active gas-delivery components and, on the other hand, the user interface controls. In particular, the delivery head150comprises a control to open up the flow rate of gas250, an annular knob to close off the flow rate of gas350, and an access450providing access to the outlet coupling75.

The lower part of the body512ends in a tubular end514with an O-ring seal515and a component516displaying symmetry of revolution which in this instance has four millings161positioned 90° apart. Of course, the invention is not restricted to this configuration and any other combination of number and positions of millings may be considered.

The lower part of the body512forms a connection interface that can collaborate with and be attached to the coupling interface of a tank1as described hereinabove and illustrated inFIG. 11. InFIG. 11, the gas delivery head150mates with and extends the protective jacket100of the tank1.

Passing through the body512is a valve driver17which is dynamically sealed with respect to said body512by an O-ring seal172.

The upper end of the valve driver17comes into contact with the spindle of the control to open up the flow rate of gas250when the latter is pressed and locked.

The spindle of the control to open up the flow rate of gas250may thus transmit a translational movement to the valve driver17which itself passes this translational movement on to the valve stem8of the tank1described hereinabove. The valve driver17therefore projects beyond the lower part of the body512to enter the head2of the tank1, so as to open up the flow rate of gas.

The fluid stored in the tank1then enters the body512by the annular orifice121. The annular orifice121simultaneously, via the transverse drilling122, supplies a medium-pressure safety valve123and a pressure-regulating stage58.

The medium-pressure safety valve123comprises a discharge valve124the opening of which is determined by the calibration force of a spring125. The medium-pressure safety valve123is formed in such a way as to allow surplus pressure to be discharged through the louvers115formed in the two half-shells511.

The pressure-regulating stage58comprises a mechanism enclosed in a cartridge88which is screwed into the body512and sealed with respect to the latter by an O-ring seal881.

Gas enters the pressure-regulating stage58by passing through a filter881held by an elastic ring582held captive in a groove formed in the body512. The entry of gas into the pressure-regulating stage58is also via the passage around a spacer piece83that allows the fluid to arrive radially and uniformly at a pressure-regulating valve84.

As a result of the force of a valve spring85and of the action of the gas, the pressure-regulating valve84collaborates with a seat86. The seat86is held in place in the cartridge88under the action of a threaded seat holder.

The valve84is equipped with a stem841extending upward and the end of which is in contact with a metal bellows89. The metal bellows89is held in a sealed manner inside the body12under the combined action of a screw-on cap891and an O-ring seal893. The valve84is subjected to the force of a pressure-regulating spring891preloaded by a pressure-regulating screw892and the force of the gas on the cross section of the metal bellows89. Thus, the valve84regulates pressure.

Advantageously, the pressure-regulating screw892is adjustable so as to allow the user to vary the spring force and therefore the pressure regulation.

As depicted schematically inFIG. 14, a drilling200,355, formed in the body12allows the pressure-regulated gas to pass from inside the metal bellows89to an outlet connection95(FIG. 10).

At the same time, the drilling200,211formed in the body12allows the pressure-regulated gas to pass between the metal bellows89and a second safety valve (201) in the form of a low-pressure discharge valve201(of the same type as the valve123described hereinabove).

The set points at which the discharge valves123and201open are chosen to suit the requirements of the application. The medium-pressure valve123is, for example, rated to discharge pressures in excess of 20 bar to the outside while the low-pressure discharge valve201is rated to discharge pressures in excess of 400 mbar to the outside.

The outlet connection95is screwed in a sealed fashion into the body12. This male outlet connection comprises a skirt591containing a shut-off device592which is closed by default and sealed against the said skirt591by the action of a spring93.

The shut-off device592prevents, on the one hand, the ingress of particles and dirt into the gas circuit when the outlet coupling75is not connected. In addition, the shut-off device592prevents any flow of fluid to the atmosphere in the event either of forced action on the opening control250while the outlet coupling75is not connected, or if the outlet coupling75becomes disconnected.

The outlet coupling75is made up of a body71containing a shut-off member72. The shut-off member72is subjected to the action of a spring73so that by default it is closed and sealed against said body71.

This shut-off member72on the one hand prevents the ingress of particles and dirt into the gas circuit when the outlet coupling75is not connected and on the other hand prevents the fluid contained in the supply pipe of the application from being dumped to the atmosphere if said outlet coupling75becomes disconnected. When the outlet valve75is connected to the male outlet connection95, on the one hand, the circuit becomes sealed under the action of an O-ring seal and, on the other hand, the circuit is opened by virtue of the mutual actions of the two shut-off members72and592.

The tank1comprises a pre-regulating device incorporated into its neck and, possibly, also incorporated into this same neck, an isolating member.

Thus, the very high pressure (the storage pressure) is isolated and the user is protected. The projecting part of the tank contains no high pressure and need not be protected by a bonnet.

The unique inlet/outlet connection interface of this tank is of the quick-coupling type and requires no tooling. Advantageously, this tank1can be refilled only with a special-purpose filling connection that collaborates with the unique connection interface of the tank. Access to this interface is found along the main axis of the tank1, making it possible to conceive of automated filling solutions.

The idea of the automatic dispensing of these canisters, cylinders or tanks may be conceived of for applications both professional and for the general public. Delivery of gas entails either inserting the cylinder, canister or tank into a receiving housing equipped with means of opening the valve and of regulating the gas to suit the application, or connecting a special-purpose head provided with these very means.

Making the connections on the axis of the tank simplifies the handling operations and implicitly improves safety. The interfacing between cylinders, canisters or tanks and the accommodating system or special head is performed in such a way that the connection can be made only if the gas being delivered is actually that expected by the application.

FIG. 12depicts the gas delivery head150mounted on its gas source (tank1) as described hereinabove. The tank1is guided and enclosed in another type of protective jacket100with an attached bottom133. The protective jacket100is hollow and on its interior surface has at least one region comprising longitudinal flexible strips328(cf.FIG. 13).

The strips328secured to the internal wall of the jacket100both immobilize the tank in said jacket100and compensate for geometric variations thereof resulting in particular from its internal pressure and its manufacturing tolerances. Furthermore, the strips328are able to absorb the energy generated if the tank thus clad is dropped or knocked.

The attached bottom133of the casing100has a helical screw thread331intended to be screwed into a helical cut321in the body of the jacket100. The removable bottom133thus makes it easier to mount and secure the tank1in said protective jacket100. In addition, the removable bottom133means that customary maintenance operations performed on the tank1will not be impeded.

The upper part of the jacket100may comprise a female recess522to position and rotationally index the tank1with respect to said jacket100. In this way, it is possible for example to make the tell-tale that indicates the capacity and the safety members (the discharge valve, the safety feature that melts under the action of heat, the rupture disk, etc.) of said tank1tally with corresponding openings in its protective jacket100.

The invention can be applied to any uses of fluid that demand a great flexibility of use, a good compromise between lightness of weight, size and capacity (autonomy). For example, the gaseous hydrogen for a portable or mobile fuel cell, medical gases, and gases for analysis and laboratory use.