EP3257028B1 - Semi-automatic display unit for gas cylinders and associated method - Google Patents

Description

GENERAL TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to the field of supply and provision of gas cylinders for essentially domestic or professional use.

In particular, the invention relates to the management of the replacement of an empty gas cylinder of a user by a full cylinder as well as the management of stocks by the supplier.

STATE OF THE ART

When a user has emptied his gas cylinder, he must exchange it for a full gas cylinder (deposit system). This exchange takes place with an equipped establishment which receives gas cylinders from a supplier. The storage compartment which housed a full bottle then accommodates an empty bottle. Access to this compartment is by a key provided by staff of the establishment present on the site.

Document WO-2012171873 describes a system (10) for distributing gas cylinders, the gas cylinders (11) being capable of having different types defined by different shapes, volumes and colors, comprises means (20) for identifying the type of the bottle gas (11), the identification means (20) comprising a first sensor (60) of the color of the gas bottle.

Two difficulties arise. The first is that it is impossible for the user to obtain a full gas cylinder on closed days or late hours, or, to a lesser extent, to obtain said cylinder quickly if the staff is busy. The second concerns the management of the supply by the supplier, which depends on the updating of the state of stocks by the personnel of the establishment.

There is therefore a need for autonomy for the user and a need for improved inventory management for the gas supplier.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

For this, the invention provides a device for providing a gas cylinder as defined in independent claim 1 as well as in the corresponding method claim 9.

• La figure 1 représente une vue d'ensemble d'un dispositif conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention,
• La figure 2 représente une pluralité de dispositifs conformes à l'invention,
• La figure 3 représente un schéma des composants électroniques du dispositif, conformément à un mode de réalisation de l'invention,
• La figure 4 illustre un crochet des moyens de verrouillage,
• La figure 5 illustre un boitier comprenant différents éléments,
• La figure 6 représente les communications entre le dispositif, un terminal mobile et un serveur, à l'aide d'un réseau notamment,
• La figure 7 illustre un état des stocks,
• La figure 8 représente un procédé conforme à l'invention,
• Les figures 9a à 9e illustrent différentes étapes d'un procédé conforme à l'invention.

Other characteristics, objects and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and which should be read with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• The figure 1 shows an overview of a device according to an embodiment of the invention,
• The figure 2 represents a plurality of devices in accordance with the invention,
• The figure 3 represents a diagram of the electronic components of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention,
• The figure 4 illustrates a hook of the locking means,
• The figure 5 illustrates a box comprising various elements,
• The figure 6 represents the communications between the device, a mobile terminal and a server, using a network in particular,
• The figure 7 illustrates a state of stocks,
• The figure 8 represents a process according to the invention,
• The figures 9a to 9e illustrate different steps of a process according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As mentioned previously, a provision device 1 allows a user to remove a full gas bottle 2a and to return an empty gas bottle 2b (called deposit).

• Un compartiment de stockage C avec des moyens de fermeture 3, ledit compartiment C pouvant recevoir une bouteille de gaz pleine 2a ou vide 2b,
• Des moyens de verrouillage 4, permettant l'ouverture et la fermeture sécurisée du compartiment de stockage C à l'aide des moyens de fermeture 3, et comprenant une puce électronique 41,

• Une source d'alimentation 5,
• Un système de motorisation 7.

With reference to Figures 1 to 9 , a device 1 for providing a gas cylinder according to the invention comprises:

• A storage compartment C with closing means 3, said compartment C being able to receive a full gas cylinder 2a or empty 2b,
• Locking means 4, allowing the safe opening and closing of the storage compartment C using closing means 3, and comprising an electronic chip 41,

• A power source 5,
• A motorization system 7.

Advantageously, a sensor 9 is provided for detecting the presence or absence of a bottle 2a, 2b. It will be detailed later.

The locking means 4 are motorized by the motorization system 7 and supplied by the power supply source 5. Unlocking is done using an electronic key 6 which is stored on an electronic device 61 when the latter is at a configurable distance from the electronic chip 41.
The allocation of the electronic key 6 is done for a given electronic chip 41. More details will be given later.
In a largely preferential embodiment, the electronic device 61 is of the ordiphone, mobile terminal, smart phone (or " smartphone " in Anglo-Saxon terminology) type. For the rest of the description, a mobile terminal 62 will be used for simplicity.

Typically, with reference to the figure 2 , a complete installation I comprises a plurality of devices 1 arranged side by side and / or one on the other, in a similar manner to the traditional storage compartments that can be found in equipped establishments (of the service station type for example).
By way of illustration, the dimensions of such an installation I are 1570x1960x750mm, for 130kg.

The storage compartment C is generally a metal rack with a frame 33 and the closing means 3 comprise a chain or a door mounted on hinges. Any design which makes it possible to prevent or authorize the withdrawal of a bottle 2a, 2b is suitable.

The microchip 41

The electronic chip 41 comprises a radio transmitter 411, advantageously according to the Bluetooth standard which also manages most mobile terminals including in particular the mobile terminal 62 used. The 411 transmitter thus makes it possible to establish contact at a configurable distance, typically between 2m and 20m. This technology is complementary to other radio technologies usable by mobile terminals 62 or electronic device 61.
The electronic chip 41 also includes a processor 412 for processing the data and a memory 413 for storing the data ( figure 3 ).
Each chip 41 of the complete installation I has its own identifier.
The electronic chip 41 can exchange information with the mobile terminal 62 such as an electronic key verification 6, the availability status, an incident history, etc.
To simplify the device 1 as much as possible, the electronic chip 41 is powered by the power source 5. Alternatively, a complementary power system can be provided.

A standby controller can also be provided to put the electronic components in standby during off-peak hours (at night for example).

The motorization system 7

The motorization system 7 comprises a motor 71 controlled by the processor 412. An interface module 72 may be necessary to convert the data.

An encoder 73 is also advantageously provided, so as to be able to measure a state of the locking means 4, such as closed / open / being closed. The encoder is for example of the electromagnetic or rotary type.

An electronic switch (not shown) enables the encoder 73 to be deactivated to limit energy consumption.

Power source 5

For the device to work, it must be powered by the power source 5. The latter may simply constitute a connection to the electricity supply network.
In preferred embodiments offering the device 1 a certain autonomy vis-à-vis external contingencies or vis-à-vis the installation locations, the power source 5 is integrated into the device 1.

In a first preferred embodiment, the power source 5 is a solar panel 52, coupled to a battery 53 for storing energy ( figure 3 ), with a converter module 54. The dimensions of the solar panel 52, by way of illustration, are 40 × 40 mm, with a capacity of 1.2 V / 100 mA. This embodiment no longer requires the intervention of an operator.

In a second embodiment, the power source 5 is a battery 51, of the 3.6V 50 × 26 mm battery type. This provides sufficient autonomy so that its periodic replacement by an operator does not pose any major difficulty, for example when replenishing with full gas cylinders 2a.

Locking means 4

The locking means 4 make it possible to lock or unlock the closing means 3. They are motorized by the motorization system 7 which allows the unlocking of said means 4 when the electronic chip 41 recognizes the electronic key 6.

For the locking means 4, any automated lock system may be suitable. We can cite two examples of preferential, non-limiting particular architecture.

In a preferred embodiment ( figure 4 ), the locking means 4 comprise a hook 42 movable in rotation about an axis. This hook 42 comes to engage in a link 31 of the closure means 3 and thus close the compartment C.
When the device is opened, the hook 42 rotates and releases the link 31 which escapes from the locking means 4 under its own weight, by gravity.
On the other hand, to facilitate closing and not having to carry out any other manipulation than that consisting of inserting the link 31, the hook 42 may include a protrusion 421. This protrusion 421 is suitable for driving the hook 42 in rotation when inserting the closing means 3. Thanks to the encoder 73 which detects the rotation and which transmits the information to the processor 412, the locking means 4 are then activated to lock the closing means 3.
In particular, the position of the protrusion 421 can make it possible to detect a “closing” rotation, that is to say in the same direction of rotation as the hook 42 for locking the compartment C.

Alternatively, one can simply have a hook 42 with a shape suitable for a single insertion which mechanically triggers the locking using a spring or another return element. In this way, by inserting the link 31, the hook 42 is lifted, which then engages in the link 31. This solution is purely mechanical for closing.
The adapted shape is typically a convex part on which the link 31 slides when it is inserted.

The user does not have his mobile terminal in hand when removing the bottle 2a: the closure must therefore be mechanical or controlled by a mechanical action.

The motor 71 of the motorization system 7 and the hook 42, as well as the encoder 73 are fixed in a lock cylinder 43 which join the assembly to a case 44 fixed to the frame 33 of the storage compartment C ( figure 5 ). A circlip 45 is provided on the engine 71 to be held in the cylinder 43.

In normal operating conditions, the motorization system 7 operates approximately four times at most (two locks and two unlocks, for the user and the operator of the supplier) per day.

The information relating to the state of the locking means 4 or to the state of the motorization system is advantageously transmitted to the electronic chip 61 which can communicate it to the mobile terminal 62.

Electronic key 6

As mentioned previously, the electronic key 6 is stored on an electronic device 61, preferably a mobile terminal 62. The mobile terminal 62 and the electronic chip 41 exchange information and the electronic key is recognized by the electronic chip 41, which makes it possible to trigger the unlocking of the locking means 4.

Recognition is done when the electronic key 6 is near the electronic chip 41. The maximum distance depends on the characteristics of the components of the device 1. It can be of the order of ten meters. It is preferable that it be greater than one meter, for reasons which we will explain later.
An electronic key 6 assigned to a mobile telephone 62 can only unlock one compartment C.

On the other hand, the mobile terminal 62 can exchange information with all the electronic chips 41 of a plurality of devices 1 located nearby.

The mobile terminal 62 has access to a server 8 via a connection network 81, of the internet type (WIFI, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, LTE ...) ( figure 6 ).
The mobile terminal 62 need not have such a connection at all times. Indeed, the latter can store the data and subsequently communicate it to the server 8.
It is therefore not necessary for the electronic chip 41 to communicate directly with the server 8, which simplifies the installation and lowers the costs.

This electronic key 6 is generated and then downloaded from the server 8 to the mobile terminal 62, for example during the purchase of the bottle or any other event planned by the server 8, thanks to the connection network 81. This download is preferably done before going to collect the full bottle 2a, so as to be certain of having a connection to the network 81 (when arriving at the depot, the user cannot be certain of having network coverage allowing him to dialogue with the waiter 8). Thus, once the electronic key 6 has been downloaded, it will be able, even without access to the server 8, to easily identify the corresponding device 1 to open it when approaching.
The server 8 is managed by the gas supplier or a proxy.
The connection to the server 8 therefore allows in particular the creation of the electronic key 6 which will be recognized by the electronic chip 41 of a device 1 which houses, for example, a full bottle 2a.

• Attribution à usage unique : c'est-à-dire que la clé électronique 6 ne peut déverrouiller qu'une seule fois les moyens de verrouillage 3, et le cas échéant, les verrouiller une seule fois,
• Attribution sur une durée limitée : la clef électronique est valide pendant une courte durée car il serait aisé et peu coûteux pour un tiers mal intentionné d'acheter tous les casiers et de ne jamais venir retirer la bouteille pleine 2a.

After sending to the server 8 by the user of an electronic key recovery request (after a payment for example), the server 8 studies in its database which compartment C to assign to the user's request. It responds to the request by an allocation to mobile terminal 62 of said user of an electronic key 6 corresponding to said compartment C and its associated device 1. This electronic key 62 is then downloaded to the mobile terminal 62. This allocation can have the following characters:

• Single use allocation: that is to say that the electronic key 6 can only unlock the locking means 3 once, and if necessary, lock them once,
• Allocation over a limited period: the electronic key is valid for a short period because it would be easy and inexpensive for a malicious third party to buy all the lockers and never come to collect the full bottle 2a.

The identity of the user is assumed to be known for obtaining a key 6.

Thanks to the device 1 which replaces the traditional key-lock system, the user can remove a full bottle 2a at any time of the day without the intervention of dedicated personnel.

However, for the allocation of an electronic key 6 designating a compartment C with a full bottle 2a and not an empty bottle 2b, and so that the supplier can know when he must replenish the devices 1, it is advantageous to equip them means of stock control.

Such means make it possible to further improve the autonomy of the device 1 and to make it operational for the users at all times.

The sensor 9

As mentioned previously, a sensor 9 is provided in the device 1 (see figure 3 ). To make it invisible to the user, it is preferably arranged in the frame 33 of compartment C.

The sensor 9 is capable of identifying the presence or not of a bottle, in order to know whether the user has correctly replaced the empty bottle 2b after having recovered the full bottle 2a. In addition, it can possibly identify whether the bottle in place in the compartment is full 2a or empty 2b.

In a preferred embodiment, the sensor 9 is an ultrasonic sensor which makes it possible to identify the bottle, of the sonar type. The ultrasonic sensor operates from 10cm to 30cm, which allows freedom of positioning both of the sensor 9 and of the bottle 2a, 2b in compartment C.

Alternatively, the sensor 9 is a weighing sensor, which evaluates the weight of the bottle 2a, 2b and makes it possible to know the filling state of the bottle.

The information provided by the sensor 9 relates to stock data. These data are transmitted to the electronic chip 41, wired or wireless, which stores them in its memory 413. Typically, a binary variable relating to the bottle is defined: etat_bouteille = 1 for full and etat_bouteille = 0 for empty. Each device 1 is associated with a bottle state variable.

In this way, when a plurality of devices 1 is installed, there is a plurality of etat_bouteille variables ( figure 7 ).

An electronic switch can deactivate the sensor 9 to save energy.

Stock management

There are several embodiments of the inventory management process.

In a first embodiment, the management is done without the use of the sensor 9. In fact, the server 8 can know the state of the stocks simply by analyzing the electronic key request flows 6. For example, it can be defined that when assigning an electronic key 6, the stock drops by one. Alternatively, such stock management can be defined when the server 8 receives from the mobile terminal 62 the data relating to the opening, or else to the closing of the locking means 4, or even relating to the state of the motorization system 7 .

In a first, preferred mode, the mobile terminal 62 of a user who comes to recover a bottle 2a recovers all the data from all the electronic chips 41 of all the devices 1 present nearby. This is why a distance greater than one meter for exchanges between the mobile terminal 62 and the electronic chips 41 is preferable.

Each lock issues its identifier and its stock at regular intervals (for example every second). In this way, a mobile terminal 62 on approach scans all the locks to find the one that has been assigned to it. During the scan step, the mobile terminal 62 collects the stock and the identifier of each device 1.

After recovery, the mobile terminal 62 has all the data relating to the state of the stock of all the devices 1. This data is then transmitted to the server 8 by the communication network 81, as soon as the mobile terminal 62 obtains a connection Internet.

On the other hand, the transmission of the electronic key 6 to the electronic chip 41 requires a connection, in particular Bluetooth.

Thus, each time a user uses a device 1 (which generates a change in stocks), the supplier is kept informed the overall state of the stock. Such a method makes it possible to limit errors, since if a connection is defective, the stock will be fully checked when the next user passes.

Alternatively, the mobile terminal 62 can recover only the data from the chip 41 of the device 1 concerned. The server 8 compiles the data from each of the mobile terminals 62 which participate in the withdrawal of a bottle 2a and establishes the stock.

Conventional methods of stock management are implemented at the level of the server 8. As soon as the ratio number of full bottles 2a to number of total bottles 2a, 2b is less than a certain threshold, or when the number of full bottles 2a is less than a certain threshold, a replenishment decision is triggered.
The recovery of stock data makes it possible to anticipate user behavior and to anticipate stock shortages.

In particular, the assignment of an electronic key 6 to a user is done using the data relating to the stock on the server 8. In fact, it is necessary to make available to the user a device 1 comprising a full bottle 2a. During the request for creating an electronic key 6, the server 8 analyzes said stock data and allocates a key 6 accordingly.

A graphical interface is provided on the mobile terminal 62 making it possible to display the information essential for the proper conduct of operations. In particular, an application is installed to allow operations.
A button to activate the unlocking is notably present on the interface. The order of the steps is explained (see the procedure below) on the interface.

The exchanges with the server 8 are carried out automatically once the withdrawal operations are completed, in order to limit the role of the user as much as possible.

Error management

Control protocols (transmission failure, corrupted data, impossible connection) allow without major difficulty to make the actual data transmission reliable.

• Lors des échanges entre le terminal mobile 62 et le serveur 8 :
  • ∘ Compatibilité du terminal mobile 62, avec envoi d'une notification par le serveur 8, par exemple si le terminal mobile ne peut pas échanger de données avec la puce électronique 41. Dans ce cas, l'utilisateur ne peut pas effectuer de requête d'attribution de clé électronique 6,
  • ∘ Absence de connexion au serveur 8 pour effectuer une requête d'attribution de clé électronique 6,
  • ∘ Vérification des données relatives au dispositif attribué (clé attribuée et identifiant du dispositif),
• Lors des échanges avec la puce électronique 41 :
  • ∘ Notification pour l'activation du Bluetooth,
  • ∘ En cas de non-détection d'une puce électronique 41, notification pour inciter à redémarrer le terminal mobile 62,
  • ∘ En cas d'échec de la connexion avec la puce électronique 41, notification pour réessayer la connexion,
  • ∘ En cas de clé électronique 41 fausse, mise en contact avec un service d'assistance,
  • ∘ En cas de système de verrouillage 4 non fonctionnel (motorisation défaillante, etc.), détectée par l'encodeur 73 par exemple, mise en contact avec un service d'assistance.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of the main verifications that can be carried out:

• During exchanges between the mobile terminal 62 and the server 8:
  • ∘ Compatibility of the mobile terminal 62, with sending of a notification by the server 8, for example if the mobile terminal cannot exchange data with the electronic chip 41. In this case, the user cannot make a request for '' electronic key assignment 6,
  • ∘ No connection to the server 8 to perform an electronic key assignment request 6,
  • ∘ Verification of data relating to the device assigned (assigned key and device identifier),
• During exchanges with the electronic chip 41:
  • ∘ Notification for activation of Bluetooth,
  • ∘ If a microchip 41 is not detected, notification to encourage the mobile terminal 62 to be restarted,
  • ∘ If the connection with the microchip 41 fails, notification to retry the connection,
  • ∘ In the event of a false electronic key 41, contact a support service,
  • ∘ In the event of a non-functioning locking system 4 (faulty motorization, etc.), detected by the encoder 73 for example, put in contact with a assistance service.

• La bouteille pleine 2a est retirée,
• La bouteille vide 2b (la consigne) est mise en place,
• L'encodeur détecte une rotation fermante lorsque les moyens de fermeture 3 sont couplés avec les moyens de verrouillage 4,
• Les moyens de verrouillage 4 sont effectivement verrouillés.

In addition, alert systems are implemented for the electronic key 6, via the sensor 9 and the chip 41, a notification is sent to the mobile terminal 62 as soon as:

• The full bottle 2a is removed,
• The empty bottle 2b (the deposit) is put in place,
• The encoder detects a closing rotation when the closing means 3 are coupled with the locking means 4,
• The locking means 4 are effectively locked.

These notifications are then transmitted to the server 8.

Finally, the device 1 is designed to withstand climatic aging and salt spray (standard EN ISO 9227) as well as environments with ATEX standard ("Explosive Atmosphere", issued from European directives). Indeed, an uncapped gas cylinder, from user feedback, can generate a zone 2 according to the ATEX standard within a perimeter of 1m, if the tap has not been properly closed beforehand
In particular, the housing 44 is made of impact and scratch-resistant aluminum and the various elements have been anodized.
The joints of the case 44 are siliconized to seal the case. Finally, all of the electronics (chip, electronic circuit, etc.) of the housing 44 are poured into silicone, with the exception of the battery 53.
The operating temperatures are between -20 and + 50 ° C.

To this end, insulation, joints and materials are selected according to precise specifications.

Thanks to the embodiments of the invention, the already existing storage compartments C can be reused. The adaptations (motorization of the locking means, sensor, chip, etc.) do not do not require complex or expensive arrangements and have been designed to be integrated as simply as possible.

A method ( figures 8 , 9a to 9e ) is associated with the device 1. In the following description, the electronic key 6 is associated with a mobile terminal 62 having a connection to the communication network 81, of the internet type.

In a first step E0, the user sends an electronic key recovery request 6 to the server 8. This creation request comes from a payment or the entry of a purchase code for example.
Several preliminary steps can be included, such as connection to a user profile and / or updating of the catalog by the server 8 in the mobile terminal 62.

Then, in a step E1, the server analyzes the stock data and allocates a locker and its key 6.
In practice, the request or the delivery of the key may be subject to validation by a banking organization, for example.

• E21 : le terminal mobile 62 demande à se connecter à la puce électronique 41,
• E22 : la puce électronique 41 envoie une clé de cryptage,
• E23 : le terminal mobile 62 code la clé électronique 6 avec la clé de cryptage et l'envoie à ladite puce 41,
• E24 : la puce électronique 41 compare sa clé propre avec celle reçue à l'étape précédente,
• E25 : la puce électronique 41 réinitialise la clé électronique 6 pour qu'elle ne puisse plus servir.

Thereafter, in a step E2 ( figures 8 , 9a ), the user goes to the site where gas cylinders are made available. Either it searches for the references of compartment C corresponding to that of the key 6, or the mobile terminal 62 indicates to it by various means (notifications, sound alerts, etc.) when it is near said compartment C, via a recognition of chip 41.
In one embodiment, this step is broken down into sub-steps:

• E21: the mobile terminal 62 requests to connect to the electronic chip 41,
• E22: the electronic chip 41 sends an encryption key,
• E23: the mobile terminal 62 codes the electronic key 6 with the encryption key and sends it to said chip 41,
• E24: the electronic chip 41 compares its own key with that received in the previous step,
• E25: the electronic chip 41 resets the electronic key 6 so that it can no longer be used.

Step E3 consists of withdrawal as such.

The user, in a step E31 ( figures 8 , 9b ), activates the unlocking of compartment C and compartment C becomes accessible. An opening notification is preferably sent to the mobile terminal 62.

In a step E32 ( figures 8 , 9c ), the user removes the full bottle 2a. A bottle withdrawal notification, generated using the sensor 9, is preferably sent to the mobile terminal 62.

In a step E33 ( figures 8 , 9d ), the user sets up the empty bottle 2b. A bottle delivery notification, generated using the sensor 9, is preferably sent to the mobile terminal 62.

• E341 : l'utilisateur commence à insérer le chainon 31,
• E342 : l'encodeur 73 détecte une rotation du crochet 42,
• E343 : les moyens de verrouillage 4 s'activent et verrouillent le casier.

In a step E34 ( figures 8 , 9th ), the user locks the compartment C using the locking means 4. The embodiments of the locking have been described above.
This stage can be distinguished in three sub-stages:

• E341: the user begins to insert the link 31,
• E342: the encoder 73 detects a rotation of the hook 42,
• E343: the locking means 4 are activated and lock the locker.

If step E33 is not carried out, an alert is notified to the user and / or to the server 8 in a step E '.

In a step E4, the electronic chip 41 recovers the stock information from the other devices. This step E4 is preferably carried out during step E2. When the user scans the devices, the electronic chips 41 can exchange their stock information with the mobile terminal 62.

In the steps previously described, the mobile terminal 62 can recover the states of the means as and when
In a step E5, the data relating to the stock is transmitted by the mobile terminal to the server 8 as soon as a connection with the server 8 is possible.
These data are established using information from the locking means 4 and / or from the motorization system 7, and / or data from the sensors 9.
During this step, the other data acquired by the notifications by the mobile terminal 62 are also transferred to the server 8, to store there the management histories as well as any complications which could have arisen.

In a step E6, the server 8 analyzes said data and establishes a decision as to the replenishment as a function of the thresholds presented above. This step E6 can be performed without the step E5 (and therefore without the data from the mobile terminal 62), simply by using the electronic key request data 6 and / or the allocation of said key.

Claims (15)

1. Device (1) for providing a gas cylinder (2a), comprising:

   - a storage compartment (C) with closure means (3) capable of receiving a gas cylinder (2a, 2b),

   - locking means (4) allowing the storage compartment (C) to be opened and closed securely by means of the closure means (3),

   - a power source (5),

   - a motorisation system (7),

   - an electronic chip (41),

   characterised in that the device further comprises:

   - the locking means (4) are motorised by the motorisation system (7) and supplied with power by the power source (5),

   - the locking means (4) are able to be unlocked when an electronic key (6) is located in the vicinity of said electronic chip (41).
2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, further comprising a sensor (9), the sensor (9) allowing the presence of a gas cylinder (2a, 2b) in the storage compartment (C) to be detected, the sensor (9) being connected to the electronic chip (41).
3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power source (5) comprises a solar panel (52) and a battery (53).
4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the motorisation system (7) comprises an encoder (73) and wherein the locking means (4) comprise a hook (42) capable of moving in rotation, wherein the encoder (73) is able to recognise a rotation of the hook (42) caused by the closure means (3) and initiate the locking of the locking means (4) by rotating the hook (42).
5. Assembly comprising a plurality of devices (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.
6. System comprising a device or an assembly according to any one of the preceding claims and an electronic appliance (61) able to store the electronic key (6) and to communicate with said electronic chip (41) in order to exchange data.
7. System (1) according to claim 6 taken in combination with claim 2, wherein the electronic appliance (61) can, when in the vicinity of a device (1), recover the stock data derived from the sensor (9).
8. System (1) according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the electronic appliance (61) is a mobile terminal (62) of the "smartphone" type.
9. Method for providing gas cylinders by means of a device (1), a system or an assembly according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising a full cylinder (2a) in the compartment (C), comprising the following steps of:

   - (E31) Unlocking the locking means (4) by means of the electronic key (6) when it is located in the vicinity thereof,

   - (E32) Removing the full cylinder (2a).
10. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising the following steps of:

    - (E33) Placing an empty cylinder (2b) in the compartment (C),

    - (E34) Locking the locking means (4).
11. Method according to any one of claims 9 or 10, comprising a prior step (E0, E1) of allocating an electronic key (6).
12. Method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the electronic appliance (61) receives data regarding the state of the locking means (4) and/or of the motorisation system (7).
13. Method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, by means of a system according to claim 7, comprising a step (E4) of recovering stock data derived from the sensors (9) by the electronic appliance (61) and a step (E4) of sending said stock data by said appliance (61) to a server (8).
14. Method according to claim 13, comprising:

    - (E5) a step of analysing said stock data by means of the stock data derived from the sensors (9),

    - (E6) a step of deciding to restock if the number of full cylinders (2a) remaining is less than a threshold.
15. Method according to claim 12, comprising:

    - (E5) a step of analysing said data regarding the state of the locking means (4) and/or of the motorisation system (7),

    - (E6) a step of deciding to restock if the number of full cylinders (2a) remaining is less than a threshold.

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