WO2009116865A1

WO2009116865A1 - Connecting arrangement at a point of care

Info

Publication number: WO2009116865A1
Application number: PCT/NL2009/050130
Authority: WO
Inventors: Harry Voortman
Original assignee: Redpoint Innovation B.V.
Priority date: 2008-03-19
Filing date: 2009-03-19
Publication date: 2009-09-24
Also published as: NL2002748C2; NL2002748A1; NL2001390C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting arrangement (l)for a fluid in order to provide for the supply of various types of gas at a point of care, wherein said connecting arrangement comprises a shut-off valve (18), and wherein said shut-off valve is arranged to shut-off the connecting arrangement at a preset temperature so that the supply of gas is stopped and wherein the connecting arrangement comprises a housing (4), equipped with a gas outlet point (49).

Description

Connecting arrangement at a point of care

Background of the invention

The invention relates to a connecting arrangement for a fluid to provide various types of gas, such as oxygen, at a point of care, and wherein the connecting arrangement comprises a shut-off valve. A point of care in this context is, for example, a bed in a hospital.

The invention further relates to a plug for use in a connecting arrangement for a fluid at a point of care.

The invention further relates to a method for performing maintenance on a connecting arrangement according to the invention.

The invention further relates to a method for mounting a connecting arrangement according to the invention. A connecting arrangement for a fluid to be used at a point of care for providing gas is known in the prior art. An example from practice is the gas outlet point known under the name Parkodex ®. A disadvantage of this known gas outlet point is that, under certain conditions undesired delivery of gas may occur. A further disadvantage is the complex and time-consuming assembly and maintenance procedure of the gas outlet point. A solenoid valve is known from US4361275, comprising a temperature safety unit, comprising a body with a passage for a fluid, an electromagnet mounted inside the body, a valve member operatively connected to said body for displacement of the valve member to open or close the passage for a fluid in response to a magnetic field as the electromagnet is activated or deactivated, and a return spring operatively connected with said body and which comprises a magnetically soft, amorphous metal member arranged in the flux path of the electromagnet in a region in which the temperature must be determined and wherein the return spring is connected to the valve member and presses the valve member into a closing position when the electromagnet is deactivated, and wherein the magnetically soft, amorphous metal member has a Curie point which determines an operating point of the return spring, such that when the temperature of the return spring exceeds the Curie point, the valve member is moved into the closing position, irrespective of the activation of the electromagnet. The solenoid valve known from US4361275 is an active system rather than a passive system. This known solenoid valve is therefore less suitable for use at a point of care, such as a patient's bed. This active system increases the risk of spark formation, which is not desirable and is often in conflict with safety regulations. Furthermore, the choice of materials is limited by the necessity of the presence of a magnetic circuit in the electromagnet. This choice of materials is of great significance when conforming to safety regulations for a shut-off valve at a point of care. The choice of materials also determines, to a large extent, the cost price and possibe manufacturing methods. The operation of this known valve is based upon interruption of the magnetic circuit, also known as the flux path, instead of removing the source of the magnetic force. The method of the known valve is indirect and therefore less reliable. The method depends on several elements which jointly form a more complex valve, wherein the plunger with valve possibly remains adhered to the body as a result of magnetic forces, despite the interruption of the flux path on exceeding the Curie point. A shut-off valve or safety valve is known from DE8622308 and DE7712696, the operation of which is based on a bimetal and thus thermal expansion of a metal instead of a magnetic property.

Summary of the invention

An object of the invention is to provide an improved connecting arrangement which can at least eliminate, wholly or partially, a disadvantage of the known gas outlet point.

To this end, the invention provides a connecting arrangement for a fluid in order to provide for various types of gas at a point of care, wherein said connecting arrangement comprises a shut-off valve, and wherein the shut-off valve is arranged to shut off the connecting arrangement at a preset temperature so that the supply of gas is stopped. By shutting off the gas supply, the safety at a point of care is improved, for example, in the event of fire in conjunction with the supply of oxygen or other fire -enhancing gases.

Furthermore, the application of a temperature protection means provides freedom of design as regards choice of material as well as construction.

In one embodiment the connecting arrangement comprises: — a housing provided with a gas outlet point; - a fluid flow passage which mutually connects a gas supply and the gas outlet point, wherein the shut-off valve determines, at least partially, the fluid flow passage and is movable between a release position in which the fluid can flow through the fluid flow passage from the gas supply to the gas outlet point, and a shut-off position in which, the connecting arrangement is closed, and the shut-off valve is arranged to move from the release position to the closing position at the preset temperature. The shut-off valve determines at least partially the fluid flow passage, which means that the shut-off valve forms part of the fluid flow passage in that the shut-off valve defines or restricts a portion of the fluid flow passage.

In one embodiment the connecting arrangement further comprises;

- a pretensioning means in order to exert a pretensioning force on the shut-off valve in the direction of the shut-off position,

- a retaining means, arranged in order to maintain a retaining force on the shut-off valve in order for the shut-off valve to be maintained in the release position.

In one embodiment the connecting arrangement is provided with a guide track in order to guide a removable outlet-nipple towards the gas outlet point to connect it thereto in order to allow the passage of fluid. The outlet nipple is connected with, for example, a respiratory device. In one embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the retaining means comprises a magnet which exerts the retaining force for retaining the shut-off valve in the release position.

In one embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the magnet comprises a permanent magnet with a Curie temperature between 80 ⁰ C and 120 ⁰ C, wherein the Curie temperature determines the preset temperature. By using a specific material property, a very reliable shut-off valve is obtained. The preset temperature can thereby be determined by the choice of magnetic material. The preset temperature lies preferably between 80 ° C and 120 ° C. The lower limit of 80 ° C is determined by the ambient temperature at the point of care and is selected to prevent the undesired shut-off of the gas supply. The lower limit thus selected may also be lower, for example 40 ° C, if the circumstances require this. The upper limit of 120 ° C is associated with the material used for the sealing rings in the connecting arrangement. These rings generally lose their effect above 120⁰ C.

In one embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the retaining means comprises a bimetal that determines the retaining force at an ambient temperature below the preset temperature and no longer exerts force beyond the preset temperature. In this context, a bimetal is a combination of metals wherein parts clamp below the preset temperature, and wherein clamping no longer occurs as a result of differences in the thermal expansion coefficient.

In one embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the shut-off valve comprises a first closing member, provided with an opening incorporated within the fluid flow passage, wherein a second closing member is at least partially incorporated therein when in the shut-off position of the shut-off valve and wherein the first closing member comprises a first metal, the second closing member comprises a second metal and the second metal has a greater thermal expansion coefficient than the first metal and wherein the closing members are arranged in such a manner that during a further increase of the temperature the second closing member clamps fluid-tight in the first closing member. By using a sealing means based on differences in temperature expansion coefficients, a reliable sealing is achieved during increases in temperature, for example as a result of fire. Herewith the sealing function may be taken over of the sealing rings which are no longer effective above, for example, 120⁰ C due to the choice of material of the rings.

In one embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the housing comprises a first and second fluid-tight connected housing section which defines a chamber forming part of the fluid flow passage and wherein:

- the first housing section is at least partially incorporated within the second housing body,

- the first housing section comprises a first metal,

- the second housing section comprises a second metal and,

- the second metal has a greater thermal expansion coefficient than the first metal in order to clamp the second housing section fluid-tight to the first housing section during an increase of the temperature.

In one embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the retaining means is in thermally conducting connection with an outer housing section. In this manner, a shorter response time of the retaining means is achieved so that the connecting arrangement shuts off faster when an increase of the ambient temperature occurs which exceeds the preset temperature.

To this end, the invention further provides a plug for use in a connecting arrangement according to the invention, wherein the plug defines the gas outlet point and wherein the plug consists substantially of a synthetic material in place of metal, as is the case in the prior art. The use of a synthetic material is now possible because the connecting arrangement is provided with a temperature protection unit. The plug further comprises all the sealing means which must be replaced periodically in order to simplify maintenance because only the plug needs to be replaced periodically. The inclusion of the rings is possible due to the freedom in design, which is enabled by the use of a synthetic material in conjunction with an injection molding process. Furthermore, the freedom of design allows for the optimization of the flow capacity of the plug.

To this end, the invention provides for a method for performing maintenance to a connecting arrangement according to the invention, comprising the following steps:

- loosening of one screw,

- sliding away of one lid section,

- the removal of the used plug from the housing by means of gas pressure and/or by spring pressure (force), - the insertion of a unused plug in the housing.

The maintenance procedure can be performed very easily and quickly because the plug comprises sealing rings to be replaced. Preferably, the plug comprises all periodically replaceable sealing rings so that these can be replaced in one single action. Furthermore, the connecting arrangement only needs to be approached from the front, thus simplifying periodic maintenance.

In one embodiment, the connecting arrangement comprises a mounting foot incorporating the housing in a height-adjustable manner, and wherein the mounting foot is provided with an upwardly extending recess incorporating the gas supply means.

In one embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the housing is adjustable in height in relation to the mounting foot by means of screw thread connection. The choice of thread pitch thus determines the accuracy of the height adjustment of the housing. Here, the housing will always turn a full revolution when the height is adjusted in order to be able to connect the gas supply means.

To this end, the invention provides for a method for mounting a connecting arrangement according to the invention, comprising the steps of: — securing the mounting foot at the gas supply,

- adjusting the height of the housing in the mounting foot in order to adjust the height of the housing in relation to the gas supply,

- connecting the gas supply point to the fluid flow passage,

- permanently mounting the housing to the mounting foot. It will be clear that the various aspects disclosed in this patent application may be combined and that each aspect may be individually eligible for a separate patent application.

Brief description of the figures

In the attached figures, an embodiment of the connecting arrangement according to the invention is shown, in which:

Fig. la-c shows the connecting arrangement in perspective, top and in a cross- sectional side-view, with a front plate partially cut away and detached; Figure 2a-c shows the connecting arrangement in perspective, top and cross- sectional side views respectively, with detached plug 5;

Figure 3a-c shows the connecting arrangement in a cross-sectional side view, perspective view and top-view with the connecting nipple detached;

Figure 4a-c shows the connecting arrangement in perspective, top and cross- sectional side views, with connecting nipple and the shut-off valve in the closed position; Figure 5a-b shows details of a further embodiment of the connecting arrangement; Figure 6a-c shows a plastic connecting nipple for use in a connecting arrangement; Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a front plate, also known as a cover plate, of the connecting arrangement according to the invention.

Description of the embodiments Fig. la-c shows a connecting arrangement 1 according to the invention in perspective, top and cross-sectional side views, in a partially exploded view, with the front plate detached. The housing 4 of the connecting arrangement is mounted in a mounting foot 3. The mounting foot 3 has a flange 7 by which the foot 3 is secured on the desired mounting surface, such as a wall or other surface. Perpendicular to the flange 7, the foot has a cylindrical shell 10 which determines a space wherein the housing 4 is incorporated. The shell 10 is provided with a recess 9 extending perpendicularly in relation to said flange 7. The gas supply 8 is disposed within the mounting foot 3 via recess 9 in order to be connected to the housing 4. Because the recess 9 extends perpendicularly in relation to the flange, it is possible to incorporate a gas supply 8 which is directed away from the wall. The gas supply 8 is connected to a supply line (not shown) for a fluid under pressure. The bottom plate 23 is connected by means of a screw thread (not shown) provided onto the outer circumference of the base plate 23 with the shell 10 of the mounting foot 3 provided with an internal screw thread (not shown). This mounting method enables the base plate, in this case formed from brass, to which the gas supply 8 is connected, to be easily and quickly mounted at the desired distance relative to the flange 7 and the mounting surface so that the position of the base plate 23 is adjusted in relation to the gas supply 8. When the base plate 23 is adjusted to the desired height, the gas supply 8 is connected gas-tight to the base plate 23. The base plate is provided with a circumferential chamber 30 in fluid-tight connection with the gas supply 8. The base plate is further provided with a collar-flanged central cylinder 60 which extends perpendicularly from the side of the base plate 23 directed away from the flange 7. A cover plate 24 partially incorporated within the chamber 30 is mounted to the base plate 23 at the side of the chamber 30 in order to make the chamber 30 fluid-tight. A sealing means such as an O-ring (not shown) is optionally provided in order to join the base plate 23 and the cover 24. Preferably, the base plate comprises a first metal, in this case brass, and the cover 24 a second metal, in this case aluminum. Aluminum has a higher thermal expansion coefficient than brass, thus enabling the cover 24 to lock tightly with the base plate 23 when an increase in temperature occurs, for example as a result of fire, regardless of whether an O-ring is provided. The O-ring possibly loses its sealing effect in the event of a fire. The cover 24 is provided with a central hollow-core cylinder 62 which, when the cover 24 is mounted to the base 23, incorporates at least a portion of the cylinder 60. The cover 24 is further provided with an opening 27 to allow the passage of fluid. Onto the cover 24 a distribution block 15 is fluid-tightly mounted , which in this case consists primarily of a plastic. The distribution block 15 is provided with a full central bore hole with which the screw 19 connects the distribution block 15 and the cover 24 with the base plate 23. The distribution block 15 comprises a shut-off valve 18 and an incorporating space 20 to incorporate a plug 5 as shown in figure 2c. Here, the shut-off valve 18 comprises a hollow cylindrical holder 63 formed from brass. A magnet 17 and a shut-off valve 25 are incorporated within the holder 63. The magnet 17 is firmly attached to the holder 63. The shut-off valve 25 is movable between a release position (figure Ic) and a closed position (figure 4c). The shut-off valve 25 and the holder 63 are provided with stop surfaces between which a spring 16, in this case from RVS 316, is tensioned. The spring 16 exerts a pretensioning force on the shut-off valve 25 in the direction of the closing position. A magnetic retaining force is exerted in the direction of the release position between the magnet 17, in this case consisting of Samarium Cobalt (SmCo), and the magnetizable shut-off valve 25. The shut-off valve 25 preferably lies in abutment to the magnet 17 in the release position. Under normal conditions, the retaining force is greater than the standard pretensioning force. When the temperature at the point of care increases beyond the Curie temperature of the magnet 17, for example, due to fire, the retaining force is greatly reduced and the pretensioning force which is then greater than the retaining force, moves the shut-off valve 25 into the closing position. Temperature safety control can be set as desired, depending on the choice of material used for the magnet. On the side facing the opening 27, the shut-off valve 25 is provided with a cutting edge 26 which is forcibly pressed into the cover 24 in the closing position and closes the opening 27 in a fluid-tight manner. A sealing is thus obtained, independent of sealing rings which, in the event of fire, can no longer fulfil their function due to limitation of the temperature of the materials from which the sealing rings are made. The circumference of the opening 27 falls entirely within the circumference of the cutting surface 26. Opening 27 puts the chamber 30 in fluid connection with the second chamber 22. Passages 64 in the holder 63 engage the second chamber 22 in fluid connection with a third circumferential chamber 31. This third chamber 31 is in fluid connection with the incorporating space 20 in which the plug 5 is incorporated when valve 28 is in the open position (Figure 3a). Valve 28 is pre-tensioned by a compression spring 29 in the direction of the closing position (Figure Ic).

Fig. 2a-c shows a connecting arrangement 1 according to the invention in perspective view, top view and cross-sectional side-view respectively, with plug 5 detached. These figures 2a-c differ from figures la-c in the cover plate 6 and the plug 5. The plug 5 comprises a plug housing 32 and a plug cap 42 Firmly attached thereto, which provides access to the gas outlet point 49. The plug 5 is constructed as follows: A compression spring 39, in this case of stainless steel grade 316, is placed on a stop provided within the plug housing 32. A distribution socket 40 provided with a spring stop is placed on the compression spring 39. The distribution socket 40 is kept movable by the plug housing 32 between an open position of the plug (Figure 3a) and a closing position of the plug (Figure 2c). In the closing position of the plug, the upper edge of the distribution socket 40 forms a seal with the flat O-ring 48 in the plug housing. Finally, an O-ring holder 65 with O-ring 43 is mounted, after which the plug cap 42 is mounted on the plug housing. The compression spring 39 exerts a pretensioning force on the distribution socket 40 in the direction of the closing position of the plug. On the side facing the incorporating space 20, the plug housing 32 is provided with gas through-flow opening 47. The plug housing 32 is provided around its circumference with an O-ring 38. The plug housing 32 circumscribes or defines chamber 33, which forms part of the fluid flow passage. The plug cover 42 is provided with locking recesses 36, 44. The shut-off valve 18 in Figure Ic defines at least partially the fluid flow passage 30, 22, 31, 20, 33, i.e. that the shut-off valve 18 forms part of the fluid flow passage in the sense that the shut-off valve 18 defines or circumscribes a portion, for example chamber 22, of the fluid flow passage. The cover plate 6 comprises a base plate 45, release latches 11 and 13. Release latch

11 can be moved, after unscrewing screw 12, between a release position and a locking position where the plug 5 is secured in the connecting arrangement 1 (figure 3b). In the secured position, the securing slots 35 engage with the locking recesses 36 of the plug 5. The securing slots here are guided by guide pins 34, the guide pins 34 being optionally provided with springs (not shown) which force the release latch 1 1 in the direction of the release position when screw 12 is unscrewed. Release latch 13 activates a spring 37. In the locking position of the release latch 13, the spring 37 locks the nipple 52 in the plug (see figure 4c) via the locking recess 44 of the plug 5. The spring 37 then falls into the locking cusp 51 of the nipple in figure 3a. The release latch 13 has an operating mode in which the spring 37 is brought out of engagement with the locking cusp 51 , thus rendering the nipple 52 operable in plug 5 in order for it to be inserted or removed. Further to this, the release latch 13 has a maintenance position in which the spring 37 is taken out of the locking recess 44 in order to remove the plug from the incorporating space 20.

Fig. 3a-c shows a connecting arrangement 1 according to the invention in cross- sectional side-views, in perspective view and in top-view respectively, with detached connecting nipple 2, with plug 5 in the incorporating space 20 of the distribution block 15. Despite the fact that the connecting nipple 2 is not mounted at the gas outlet point, the distribution socket 40 is shown in the illustration in the plug's open position. The plug housing 32 pushes valve 28 in the open position so that the third chamber 31 and the incorporating space 20 are in fluid connection. The plug housing 32 is connected fluid- tight with the circumference of the incorporating space 20 by means of O-ring 38.

The connecting nipple 2 comprises a sliding plate 50 provided with recesses 55, 56 which codify a certain gas type. Gas line 54 connects the connecting nipple 2 with an application, for example, a respiratory device. The nipple 52 is provided with a lead-in surface 52 to simplify insertion into the gas outlet point 49, and provided with a circumferential locking cusp 51. The release disc 14 is provided with pins 57, 58 which codify the gas delivered through the gas supply 8. Only the connecting nipples, the recesses 55, 56 of which correspond to the pins 57, 58, can be inserted to a certain depth in the slot 46 to enable the nipple 52 to connect to the outlet point 49. This prevents errors from occurring when the connecting nipples are connected. Fig. 4a-c shows a connecting arrangement I according to the invention, the connecting arrangement being shown in perspective, top view and cross-sectional side- views respectively. These figures 4a-c differ from figures 3a-c in that the connecting nipple 2 is placed in the outlet point 49, and that the shut-off valve 25 is in the closed position. Nipple 52 pushes, by means of distribution socket pins 41, the distribution socket 40 into the open position of the plug so that the incorporating space 20 is in fluid connection with the gas connecting point 49. By constructing the distribution socket 40 with the distribution socket pins 41 from plastic by way of injection molding, it is possible to further optimize the capacity of the flow passage in relation to a plug which is primarily constructed from metal. The plug is usually the most critical point in the flow passage capacity. The use of a synthetic material is possible because the connecting arrangement is provided with a temperature protection unit. The nipple 52 is connected fluid-tight with the plug housing 32 by means of O-rings 43, 48. The connecting nipple is held in position in the plug 5 by, amongst others.the fact that the spring 37 falls into the circumferential locking cusp 51.

Fig. 5a-b show details of a further embodiment of the connecting arrangement. Figure 5a shows a bottom plate 23 and a cover 24 of a housing 4. A shut-off valve 18 is disposed above chamber 22. Here, the shut-off valve consists of a metal disc 74 into which a metal cylinder 75 is clamped. The disc 74 is located on the outer side of the housing of the connecting arrangement so that the disc 74 can quickly adjust to the ambient temperature. Here, the housing is depicted as a housing detail or stop surface 79. The connecting arrangement has a stop surface 80 on which the end of the spring 76 rests. The pre-tensioned spring 76 rests with its other end on the shut-off body 77 which, in this case, is a spherical shape 78. The shut-off valve 18 has two positions, notably a closed position and an open position. In the open position, the shut-off body 77 is held in position above chamber 22. When the temperature rises at the point of care, for example, as a result of fire, the disc 74 expands and releases the metal cylinder 75 so that the spring 76 presses the shut-off body 77 in the chamber 22 and stops the flow of gas. The disc 74 preferably has a greater temperature expansion coefficient than the cylinder 75. Preferably, the metal of the disc 74 has a greater temperature expansion coefficient than the metal from which the cylinder 75 is made. Preferably, the chamber 22 tapers so that the shut-off body 77 clamps when this is pressed by the spring 76 in the chamber. It is conceivable that the shut-off body 77 has a greater temperature expansion coefficient than the cover 24. Preferably, the metal of the shut-off body 77 a greater temperature expansion coefficient than the metal from which the cover 24 is made. This will cause the shut-off body 77 to clamp even firmer in the chamber 22 during a further increase of the ambient temperature. Fig. 6a-c shows a plastic connecting nipple 54 for use in a connecting arrangement according to the invention. Corresponding numerals refer to corresponding parts. The nipple 54 can be moved between a gas outlet position and a non-active position - !2 -

(illustrated), wheretowards the spring 70 pretensions the nipple . Here, the movement of the nipple 54 is restricted by the pin 72 in the slot 71. Because the connecting arrangement is provided with a protection means which shuts off the delivery of gas when a temperature of, for example, 80 ° C is exceeded, the nipple and the plate 50 and surrounds may be constructed from plastic, thus offering cost benefits and providing more constructive freedom than the use of metal.

Fig. 7 shows a detached perspective view of an embodiment of a front plate 6, also known as cover plate 6, of the connecting arrangement according to the invention. The release latch 13 operates as previously described. Furthermore, in this case, the cover plate 6 is provided with a magnet 73, a spring 81 and a tappet 82 having a similar effect and operation as the magnet 17, spring 16 and valve cover 25 of the shut-off valve 18. Here, the magnet 73, the spring 81 and the tappet 82 are incorporated in and guided by the cylindrical chamber 85. The tappet 82 is of a magnetizable material and is attracted by the magnet 73. When the temperature exceeds the Curie point of the magnet 73, the magnetic force is eliminated and the spring 81 forces the tappet 82 away from the magnet 73. As a result, the tappet 82 then causes the release latch 13 to move to the operating mode. As this occurs, the tappet 82 engages the release latch by means of the stop surfaces 83, 84. As described above, the nipple 52 (Figure 4c) can be moved when the release latch 13 is in the operating mode. The nipple 52 is then forced outwardly from the plug 5 by the compression spring 39 (Fig. 2c and 4c) and the gas pressure, which causes the distribution socket 40 to move towards the plug's closing position and to stop the supply of gas. This embodiment of the connecting arrangement with the cover plate 6 of figure 7 has a double security means, notably the shut-off valve 18 in the distribution block 15, as shown in Figure la-c, and a security device in the cover plate 6, which makes the connecting arrangement safer in the event of fire. Further to this, the cover plate 6 in figure 7 can also be applied independently, without the shut-off valve 18 in the distribution block 15. The invention also relates to the cover plate 6 of figure 7 for a connecting arrangement for a fluid to be provided at a point of care, in order to provide for various types of gas, wherein the cover plate 6 is arranged to close off the connecting arrangement at a preset temperature in order to stop the supply of gas.

It will be evident that the above description is included in order to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments of the invention and not to restrict the scope of - B -

the invention. From the above description many variations may become apparent to those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. Connecting arrangement (1) for a fluid in order to provide for various types of gas at a point of care, wherein said connecting arrangement (1) comprises a shut-off valve (18), and wherein said shut-off valve (18) is arranged to shut off the connecting arrangement ( 1 ) at a preset temperature so that the supply of gas stops.

2. Connecting arrangement ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , further comprising: a housing (4) provided with a gas outlet point (49), a fluid flow passage (30, 22, 31, 20, 33) which mutually connects a gas supply (8) and the gas outlet point (49) in order to lead fluid from the gas supply (8) to the gas outlet point (49). wherein the shut-off valve (18) determines, at least partially, the fluid flow passage (30, 22, 31, 20, 33) and is movable between a release position wherein the fluid can flow through said fluid flow passage (30, 22, 31, 20, 33) from the gas supply (8) to the gas outlet point (49), and a closing position in which the connecting arrangement (1) is closed and wherein the shut -off valve (18) is arranged to move from the release position to the closing position at the preset temperature.

3. Connecting arrangement (1 ) according to claim 2, further comprising: a pretensioning means ( 16, 76) in order to exert a pretensioning force on the shut-off valve (18) in the direction of the closure position, a retaining means (17, 74, 75), arranged in order to maintain a retaining force on the shut- off valve ( 18) in order to keep said shut-off valve ( 18) in the release position.

4. Connecting arrangement according to claim 3. wherein said retaining means (17, 74, 75) comprises a magnet (17) which exerts the retaining force for retaining the shut-off valve (18) in the first position.

5. Connecting arrangement ( 1) according to claim 4, wherein the magnet (17) comprises a permanent magnet (17) with a Curie temperature between 80⁰ C and 120⁰ C and wherein the Curie temperature determines the preset temperature.

6. Connecting arrangement according to claim 3, wherein said retaining means (17, 74, 75) comprises a bimetal (74, 75) which, at an ambient temperature below the preset temperature, determines the retaining force.

7. Connecting arrangement (1 ) according to any preceding claim, wherein the shut -off valve (18) comprises a first closing member, provided with an opening (22) incorporated within the fluid flow passage (30, 22, 31, 20, 33), wherein a second closing member (77) is at least partially incorporated therein when in the closing position of the shut-off valve (18) and wherein the first closing member comprises a first metal, the second closing member (77) comprises a second metal and the second metal has a greater thermal expansion coefficient than the first metal and wherein the closing members are arranged in such a manner that during a further increase of the temperature the second closing member (77) clamps fluid-tight in the first closing member.

8. Connecting arrangement (1) according to a preceding claim, wherein the housing (4) comprises a first and second fluid-tight connected housing section (24, 23) which defines a chamber (30) forming part of the fluid flow passage (30, 22, 31 , 20, 33) and wherein: the first housing section (24) is at least partially incorporated within the second housing section (23), the first housing section (24) comprises a first metal, the second housing section (23) comprises a second metal and, the second metal has a greater thermal expansion coefficient than the first metal in order to clamp the second housing section (23) fluid-tight to the first housing section (24) during an increase of the temperature.

9. Connecting arrangement ( I) according to a preceding claim, wherein the retaining means (17, 74, 75) is in thermally conducting connection with an outer housing section (45, 13).

5 10. Connecting arrangement (1) according to any preceding claim, provided with a guide track (46) arranged to guide a removable outlet nipple (52) towards the gas outlet point (49).

1 1. Connecting arrangement ( 1 ) according to a preceding claim, wherein a mounting foot H) (10) is provided incorporating the housing (4) in a height-adjustable manner, and wherein the mounting foot (10) is provided with an upwardly extending recess (9) incorporating the gas supply means (8).

12. Connecting arrangement (1) according to claim 1 1, wherein the housing (4) is 15 adjustable in height in relation to the mounting foot (10) by means of a screw thread connection.

13. Plug (5) for use in a connecting arrangement (1) according to a preceding claim, wherein said plug (5) defines the gas outlet point (49) and wherein said plug (5) consists0 substantially out of plastic.

14. Method for performing maintenance on a connecting arrangement (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising the following steps of: loosening one screw (12), 5 sliding away of one cover section (11), the removal of the used plug (5) from the housing (4) by means of gas pressure and/or spring pressure (force) (29), closing the fluid flow passage (30, 22, 31, 20, 33), the insertion of an unused plug (5) in the housing (4). 0

15. Method for mounting a connecting arrangement (1 ) according to claim 1 1 or 12, comprising the steps of; securing the mounting foot (10) at the gas supply point (8), adjusting the height of the housing (4) in the mounting foot (10) in order to adjust the height of the housing (4) to the gas supply (8), connecting the gas supply point (8) to the fluid flow passage (30, 22, 31, 20, 33), permanently mounting the housing (4) to the mounting foot (10).

16. Arrangement provided with one or more of the characteristic measures set forth in the accompanying description and/or shown in the accompanying drawings.

17. Method comprising one or more of the characteristic steps disclosed in the accompanying description and/or in the attached drawings.