Fluid container with a dispensing tap equipped with an electronic device and an independent pressure sensor

Abstract

Title of the invention Fluid container provided with a dispensing tap equipped with an electronic device and an independent pressure sensor The invention relates to a container (1) for pressurized fluid, in particular a gas cylinder, comprising a container body (1-1) having an internal volume (2) for storing a fluid under pressure and equipped with a fluid dispensing tap (3). The tap body (3-1) comprises an internal fluid circuit (3-2). An electronic device (7) comprises data processing means (5) with a microprocessor (5-1) for processing the pressure measurements made by pressure measuring means (4) measuring the pressure of the fluid in the internal fluid circuit (3-2).The pressure measuring means (4) are arranged in the valve body (3-1) in a separate manner, i.e. decoupled, from the electronic device (7) by being connected only electrically to the electronic device (7) by electrical connection means (20), in particular via a ribbon cable comprising several electrical cables arranged in parallel. Abstract figure: Fig. 5.

Description

Title of the invention: Fluid container provided with a dispensing tap equipped with an electronic device and an independent pressure sensor

[0001] The invention relates to a pressurized fluid container, in particular a pressurized gas bottle, equipped with a fluid distribution tap equipped with an electronic device and a separate pressure (and temperature) sensor, i.e. independent of the electronic device, making it possible to carry out pressure (and temperature) measurements and to supply them to the electronic device, via electrical connection means, such as a ribbon cable with several electrical cables.

[0002] Medical fluids or gases, such as oxygen, N0 / N2, ​​N2O / O2, He / O2 mixtures, medical air or other, are packaged in pressurized gas containers, in particular gas bottles or cylinders, which are equipped with a distribution tap, also called a valve, with an integrated pressure relief system (IRS) or without an integrated pressure relief system, used to provide an adjustable gas flow rate. Advantageously, a rigid protective cover, also called a "cap", is used to protect the tap and its fragile equipment against impacts, falls, dirt, etc.

[0003] Indeed, the tap or dispensing valve can be equipped with an electronic device with a digital display used to display the residual gas pressure in the container or a gas autonomy, i.e. the duration of use before the container is (almost) empty, as taught by EP-A-2918892, EP-A-3421866, US-A-2015 / 048955, US-A-6085598, EP-A-3067665 or DE-A-3809142

[0004] Such an electronic device generally comprises a housing containing one or more (micro)processors carried by an electronic card and a display screen making it possible to calculate and / or display one or more parameters useful to the user, such as gas flow rate, gas pressure, autonomy, gas volume or any other parameter. Pressure measuring means are also provided, in particular a pressure sensor or combined pressure and temperature sensor fitted into the housing, i.e. fixed to each other, which are connected to the electronic card, in particular to the (micro)processor to transmit to it the pressure measurements which are processed there by computer by one or more microprocessors.

[0005] In order to be able to carry out the pressure measurements, the pressure sensor of the electronic device is fluidically connected to the internal gas circuit of the tap which is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the container and which carries the gas whose pressure and temperature are to be measured, typically via a internal channel or “tap” passing through the connecting tip used to fix the electronic device to the tap, as described by EP-A-3421866.

[0006] The fact that the pressure measuring means, typically a pressure sensor and preferably a temperature sensor, are coupled to the electronic device poses maintenance problems for the electronic device. Indeed, it happens that the housing, the display screen or another element of the electronic device (i.e. different from the pressure sensor) is faulty or damaged and / or that it no longer functions or functions poorly. In this case, the electronic device must undergo a maintenance operation intended to replace / change it entirely, while the pressure measuring means, i.e. the pressure sensor, are still perfectly functional.

[0007] During such a maintenance operation, the decoupling of the pressure sensor from the housing to which it is attached often causes deterioration of the sensor, which is quite fragile, which then makes it non-functional and then requires replacing not only the electronic device but also the sensor attached to it. In addition, such a replacement of the pressure sensor also then requires the implementation of a procedure for checking the tightness of the new sensor.

[0008] It is understood that this is not acceptable because it complicates maintenance operations, and is penalizing because the time required for maintenance operations and therefore immobilization of the gas container, is necessarily longer, which generates additional costs.

[0009] A problem is therefore to be able to replace the electronic device of a fluid distribution tap, when it is damaged or faulty, without risk or by limiting the risk of damaging or deteriorating the pressure measuring means, typically a pressure (and temperature) sensor, cooperating with this electronic device, when these pressure measuring means, typically this sensor, are still functional, that is to say when they operate normally and do not have to be replaced.

[0010] A solution according to the invention then relates to a container of pressurized fluid, in particular a bottle or cylinder of pressurized gas, comprising a container body having an internal volume for retaining a fluid under pressure and equipped with a fluid distribution tap comprising: - a valve body comprising an internal fluid circuit for conveying pressurized fluid from the internal volume of the container body, - pressure measuring means configured to measure at least the pressure of the fluid within said internal fluid circuit, and - an electronic device comprising data processing means with at least one microprocessor configured to process the pressure measurement(s) carried out by the pressure measuring means.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the invention, the pressure measuring means are arranged in the valve body in a manner separate from the electronic device by being connected only electrically to the electronic device by electrical connection means.

[0012] Depending on the embodiment considered, the pressurized fluid container of the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics: - the pressure measuring means comprise a pressure sensor connected to the internal gas circuit to carry out the pressure measurement(s) there. - preferably, the pressure measuring means comprise a combined pressure and temperature sensor configured to carry out pressure and temperature measurements of the fluid. - the electrical connection means include wired electrical connections, such as wires or cables. - preferably, the electrical connection means comprise an electrical sheet. - the tablecloth comprises at least 4 electrical wires, typically 4 to 20 electrical wires arranged in parallel with each other. - the pressure measuring means are arranged in a sensor housing fitted in the valve body. - the sensor housing fitted in the faucet body includes a base. - the sensor housing fitted in the tap body is open towards the outside. - the sensor housing communicates fluidically with the internal fluid circuit of the valve body, preferably via a measuring port provided in the bottom of the sensor housing. - the pressure measuring means include additional data processing means, such as an additional electronic card, for processing the measurements made by the pressure sensor electronically and obtaining processed measurements. - the additional data processing means include one or more microprocessors. - the electrical connection means, in particular the electrical sheet, connect the additional data processing means to the data processing means of the electronic device of the electronic device so as to provide them with the processed measurements originating from the additional data processing means. - the data processing means are configured to determine a residual gas pressure or a gas autonomy by processing the pressure or pressure and temperature measurements, provided by pressure measuring means. - the data processing means of the electronic device comprise at least one microprocessor, preferably arranged on an electronic card. - the internal gas circuit is arranged in the valve body and extends between a fluid inlet orifice in fluid communication with the internal volume of the container body and at least one fluid outlet orifice carried by a fluid dispensing nozzle. - the electrical cable is flexible, i.e. supple and deformable, to facilitate connections and installation.

[0013] Furthermore, depending on the embodiment considered, the pressurized fluid container of the invention and / or the valve of the invention equipping said container may comprise one or more of the following characteristics: - the electronic device further comprises data processing means comprising at least one microprocessor arranged on an electronic card. - the pressure and possibly temperature sensor is electrically connected to the additional data processing means to provide measurements (i.e. signals) of pressure and temperature of the fluid to said additional data processing means. - the pressure and temperature sensor is configured to measure temperatures between -40°C and +70°C and pressures between 0 and at least 150 bar abs, preferably at least 250 bar abs. - the pressure and temperature sensor comprises a sensor body crossed by an internal passage allowing the pressure and temperature to be measured, i.e. constituting a single pressure and temperature tapping. - the data processing means of the electronic device, in particular the microprocessor(s), are configured to process the pressure and temperature measurement(s). - the microprocessor(s) implements one or more algorithms. - the data processing means of the electronic device include an electronic card. - the data processing means of the electronic device comprise at least one microprocessor arranged on an electronic card, i.e. one or more microprocessors. the data processing means of the electronic device comprise at least one microcontroller. More specifically, one (or more) microprocessors may be integrated into the electronic device in the form of a microcontroller. the microprocessor(s), in particular the microcontroller(s), is configured to record data, in particular within dedicated software or algorithm. the single pressure and temperature sensor is in fluid communication with the internal gas circuit of the fluid distribution valve so as to enable the pressure and temperature measurements of the gas conveyed by said internal circuit to be carried out, i.e. within the internal gas passage of the gas distribution valve, said internal passage being in fluid communication with the internal volume of the gas container. the data processing means, in particular the microprocessor(s), is supplied with electric current by an electric current source. the single pressure and temperature sensor, in particular the additional data processing means of said sensor, is supplied with electric current by an electric current source. The unique pressure and temperature sensor includes additional data processing means or on-board electronics to determine the pressure and temperature of the gas. the additional data processing means cooperate with membrane means for determining the gas pressure and temperature probe means for measuring the gas temperature. the membrane means and the temperature probe means are arranged so as to be in contact with the gas carried by the internal passage of the sensor body, i.e. a single gas conduit. the additional data processing means, i.e. the on-board electronics of the pressure and temperature sensor, are electrically connected to the data processing means of the electronic device to communicate to them signals and / or measured pressure and temperature values, in particular via the cable. the on-board electronics of the single pressure and temperature sensor include one (or more) additional microprocessors. the electronic device is a digital pressure gauge configured to provide the gas pressure or the volume of gas in the container, the gas flow rate supplied by the tap and / or the autonomy, i.e. duration of use in relation to the quantity of residual fluid in the container and / or the gas supply flow rate through the valve. the source of electric current includes one or more batteries or electric cells, rechargeable or not. the electronic device comprises a digital display, i.e. such as an information display screen, for example of the LCD type. the pressure fluid container comprises an internal volume for storing pressure fluid, in particular pressurized gas. the fluid dispensing tap comprises a flow rate selection device for selecting a desired fluid flow rate, preferably between 0 and 30 L / min. The fluid dispensing valve includes a flow outlet connection for delivering the fluid at the desired flow rate, typically a gas. the outlet connection includes means for controlling the gas outlet. the fluid dispensing valve includes a fluid inlet port in fluid communication with the internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve so as to allow entry of pressurized fluid into the internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve. the fluid inlet port of the fluid dispensing valve is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the fluid container. The internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve fluidly connects the fluid inlet port to the flow outlet connection. the internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve is arranged, for example drilled, in the body of the fluid dispensing valve. the flow outlet connection of the fluid dispensing valve is configured to be fluidically connected to a flexible gas line or other fluid-using device, such as a medical device or apparatus. - the electronic device comprises a rigid external casing, for example made of metal or polymer. - the data processing means are arranged in the housing of the electronic device. - the electronic device is a digital pressure gauge for determining a pressure and / or a volume of fluid and / or an autonomy, preferably in gas. - the flow selection device comprises a rotary handwheel configured to move between several positions angularly offset from each other, each position corresponding to a given desired gas flow rate value. the flow selection device allows the selection of desired gas flow rates between 0 and 30 L / min, typically between 0 and 25 L / min. the flow rate selection device further cooperates with a flow rate adjustment device arranged in the body of the valve in order to adjust the flow rate to the desired gas flow rate value. the flow control device comprises a calibrated orifice disc arranged in the gas path in the valve body. the gas outlet connection is arranged in the center of the rotary flywheel, i.e. they are arranged coaxially to each other. the data processing means include a time counter. the container has an internal volume between 1 and 20 L, typically between 2 and 15 L (water equivalent). the digital display of the electronic device is configured to display information, in particular gas autonomy, gas pressure, gas volume or an alert icon, for example autonomy alert or hose clamping, or others. the data processing means are configured to trigger an audible alert and a visual alert in the event of an alert being triggered, in particular a clamping alert or an autonomy alert. It also includes means of data storage. the data storage means comprises a read-only memory, preferably an EEPROM or the like. the data storage means are arranged on an electronic card, preferably on the electronic card carrying the microprocessor. the electronic device is fixed to the body of the gas distribution tap, in particular by screwing or by a pin system. the electrical energy source electrically supplies the data processing means, typically the electrical card, the microprocessor(s), and all components operating with electric current, such as the digital display, the pressure and temperature sensor and / or an alert LED. the fluid dispensing valve is protected by a protective cover comprising a rigid cover body arranged around said fluid dispensing valve. the electric current source is arranged in a compartment of the protective cover. the housing of the electronic device comprising the digital display is housed in an opening provided in the cover body. the cowling body defines an internal volume sized to house the gas distribution valve. the cowling body is made of polymer material, metal or their combinations. the cowling body comprises one (or more) carrying handles, preferably the carrying handle is arranged so as to surmount the cowling, that is to say it is located substantially above the cowling. The gas distribution tap is an integrated pressure reducing valve or RDI. gas expansion means are arranged on the internal gas circuit. the gas relief means comprise a relief valve and a valve seat. They allow the gas pressure to be reduced from the high pressure of the gas stored in the container, typically several tens to hundreds of bar, to a lower pre-set operating pressure, typically a few bar, for example 2 to 5 bar abs. The fluid dispensing tap is made of a copper alloy, such as brass. the hood body further comprises a hooking system designed to allow it to be hooked to a support, in particular to a hospital bed bar or to a patient transport stretcher or the like. the cowling body further comprises a movable, preferably pivoting, attachment system. The fluid container is a pressurized gas cylinder. The fluid container contains a gas under pressure, particularly a medical gas. the fluid container contains, when full, a gas at a pressure of at least 130 to 200 bar abs, or even at least 300 bar abs. - the fluid container has a generally cylindrical shape, in particular an ogive, made of metal or metal alloy (e.g. steel, aluminum, etc.) or of composite material(s). - the fluid container contains a gas or gas mixture, such as oxygen, a NO / N2, O2 / N2O or He / O2 mixture, air or other.

[0014] The invention also relates to a use of a container according to the invention for storing or supplying a gas under pressure, in particular a medical gas chosen from oxygen or a gas mixture N2O / O2, NO / N2, He / O2, medical air or another medical gas.

[0015] The invention will now be better understood thanks to the following detailed description, given for illustrative but non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended figure, namely:

[0016] [Fig-1] is a schematic diagram of a fluid container equipped with a valve electronic gas distribution device,

[0017] [Fig.2] represents an embodiment of a bottle-type fluid container 1 of pressurized gas,

[0018] [Fig.3] is a diagram (front view) of an embodiment of a part of a gas distribution tap with electronic device according to the invention,

[0019] [Fig.4] is a diagram (3 / 4 view) of part of the tap of [Fig.3],

[0020] [Fig.5] is a schematic sectional view of the tap of [Fig.3] and [Fig.4], and

[0021] [Fig.6] is a sectional diagram of the pressure sensor fitted to the valve of [Fig.3] to [Fig.5].

[0022] [Fig.l] is a schematic diagram of a pressurized fluid container 1, while [Fig.2] represents an embodiment of such a fluid container 1, namely here a pressurized gas cylinder of axis AA.

[0023] The fluid container 1 comprises a container body 1-1 delimiting an internal volume 2 designed to allow the storage of a pressurized fluid, typically a pressurized gas, for example medical gas, at a pressure (i.e. filled container) greater than 100 bar abs, typically at least 150 bar abs, or even more than 200 bar abs, typically a maximum pressure ranging from 130 to 300 bar abs. The container body 1-1 is generally made of metal or metal alloy, such as steel or an aluminum alloy, or of composite materials.

[0024] The container body 1-1 carries a fluid distribution tap 3, preferably an RDI, i.e. a tap with an integrated pressure regulator, crossed by an internal fluid circuit in fluid communication with the internal volume 2 of the container 1.

[0025] The valve body 3-1 is preferably made of brass or stainless steel. The internal fluid circuit (not visible) which comprises one or more passages for the gas arranged in the container body 1-1, for example drilled or machined, connects and extends between a fluid inlet port in fluid communication with the internal volume 2 of the container body 1-1 and one (or more) fluid outlet ports carried by one (or more) fluid distribution nozzles 11 (see [Fig.2], such as a flow outlet connector. This fluid circuit conveys the fluid, namely here gas, coming from the container 1 through the body of the gas distribution tap 3 to the fluid distribution nozzle 11 to which a flexible gas line (not shown) is usually fluidically connected for conveying the gas to another device (not shown) using the gas, i.e. a medical apparatus or device using the gas supplied by the tap 3, for example a breathing mask distributing gas to a patient at a flow rate prescribed by a doctor or the like corresponding to a treatment to be followed.

[0026] The AA axis gas bottle or container 1 of [Fig.2] comprises a container body 1-1 of generally cylindrical shape comprising a neck, at its upper end carrying the tap 3, that is to say it is in the shape of an ogive. The neck comprises the fluid outlet orifice communicating with the internal volume 2 of the container 1 and making it possible to withdraw the gas from the internal volume 2 or, conversely, to fill it when it is empty. The gas distribution tap 3 is mounted, typically screwed, at the orifice of the neck of the gas bottle 1.

[0027] The fluid stored in the container 1, i.e. stored in its internal volume 2, is typically a gas or gas mixture, for example of medical quality (i.e. a medical gas), such as oxygen, air, a NO / N2, O2 / N2O or He / O2 mixture, or any other gas or gas mixture.

[0028] The gas distribution tap 3 comprises pressure measuring means 4 for measuring (at least) the pressure of the gas within the internal circuit 3-2 of the tap body 3-1, as illustrated in [Fig.5]. They typically comprise a pressure sensor 4-1 having a pressure tap 41, i.e. a tapping, fluidically connected to the internal circuit 3-2 of the tap body 3-1, as shown diagrammatically in [Fig.6]. Advantageously, a combined pressure and temperature sensor 4-1 is used to measure both the pressure and the temperature of the gas, within the internal gas circuit 3-2 carrying the gas coming from the internal volume 2 of the container 1.

[0029] The pressure measuring means 4 and preferably the temperature measuring means are configured to provide the pressure and preferably the temperature measurements (i.e. measurement signals or values) to data processing means 5 with a microprocessor 5-1 comprising one or more microprocessors 5-1 implementing one or more algorithms, for example a main electronic card carrying one (or more) microprocessors 5-1 implementing one or more calculation algorithms or the like, preferably a microcontroller, as shown diagrammatically in [Fig.l].

[0030] More precisely, the pressure and optionally temperature measurements or data carried out by the sensor 4-1 are processed by electronics embedded within the sensor 4-1, for example a secondary electronic card with microprocessors) or the like.

[0031] Then, these measurements (i.e. signals or values) or data are sent to the data processing means 5 with microprocessor 5-1 in order to be used there, i.e. processed electronically, in particular to determine, calculate or deduce a pressure or a gas autonomy.

[0032] A time counter internal to the data processing means 5 may also be provided.

[0033] The data processing means 5 are arranged in the external housing 7-1 of an electronic device 7, for example a digital pressure gauge, fixed to the fluid distribution tap 3. The electronic device 7 also comprises display means 6, such as a digital display, for example an LCD screen or the like, used to display various information, such as the volume or pressure of gas in the container 1 or the gas autonomy (in hours and minutes for example), which are in particular obtained by processing the pressure and / or temperature measurements by the data processing means 5, or to display an alarm message. For example, the digital display 6 comprises a screen with a height of between approximately 29 and 37 mm and a width of, for example, between approximately 39 and 43 mm.

[0034] The housing 7-1 of the electronic device 7 may be made of polymer or metal.

[0035] It is also possible to provide, on the box 7-1, one or more buttons 8 or selection keys. activated by digital pressure from the user to make choices, scroll through a menu(s), acknowledge an alarm or other.

[0036] The internal volume 2 of the container 1 (in water equivalent) is a known value which can be stored by storage means 9, such as a computer memory of the EEPROM type, of the electronic device 7. For example, the gas cylinders used to distribute medical oxygen (i.e. medical quality) have volumes between 1 L and 20 L (water equivalent), typically between 2 L and 15 L, for example, depending on the cylinder considered, the volume can be of the order of 2 L, 3.5 L, 4.6 L, 5 L, 7 L, 10 L, 11 L or 15 L.

[0037] The storage means 9 can also record other data, such as for example the time elapsing between successive instants, the pressure and / or temperature measurements, etc., or other parameters, such as the position of the selector, the configuration of the bottle, the filling pressure, the alerts, etc.

[0038] More generally, the electronic device 7, for example a digital pressure gauge, which comprises the data processing means 5 with microprocessor 5-1, such as an electronic card, is housed in an opening or housing provided in the body 10 of the protective cover 13 arranged around the fluid distribution tap 3 and serving to protect it against impacts or other possible damage, for example a rigid cover made of polymer and / or metal, as illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0039] The body 10 of the cover 13 defines an internal volume sized to house the gas distribution tap, namely here a valve with integrated pressure regulator or RDI, and further comprises one (or more) carrying handles 16 arranged here so as to surmount the cover 13, that is to say that it is located substantially above the body 10 of the cover 13, being connected to the body 10 by here two support uprights 17 projecting substantially upwards.The cover body 10 may further comprise a hooking system 18 (not completely visible), preferably a pivoting hook, designed to allow it to be hooked to a support, in particular to a hospital bed bar or to a patient transport stretcher or the like.

[0040] The electronic device 7 is electrically powered by an electrical energy source (not visible) arranged in the cowling 13, for example one or more batteries or cells arranged in a battery housing arranged in the wall of the cowling body and closed by a removable hatch or the like.

[0041] The electrical energy source is used to power the components of the electronic device 7 that need electrical current to operate, in particular the data processing means 5 with microprocessor 5-1, the display screen 6, the memory 9, etc. The electrical energy source is connected to the electronic device 7 by electrical connections, for example wires or the like.

[0042] The data processing means 5 are also configured to control audible alert means and / or visual alert means, preferably both, so as to trigger at least one audible alert and / or one visual alert, preferably both, in the event of detection of a malfunction, in particular a clamping, or of a quantity of gas or autonomy that is too low.

[0043] As illustrated in [Fig.2] and [Fig.4], a user-operable flow rate selection device 12, such as a rotary handwheel, carried by the valve body 3-1 serves to select a desired gas flow rate to be delivered from the outlet nozzle 11, for example a rotary handwheel rotatable between several angular positions, offset from each other, which each correspond to a given flow rate value, for example selectable gas flow rates between 0 L / min and 30 L / min, typically between 0 and 25 L / min. For example, the selectable flow rate values ​​may be: 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 22 and 25 L / min, or any other value.

[0044] Here, the desired flow rate value selected by the user by actuation of the flow rate selection device 12, appears in a reading window 14 located above the flow rate selection device 12, for example a cutout provided in the body 10 of the protective cover 13 arranged around the tap 3 and serving to protect it against shocks or other external attacks.

[0045] The flow rate selection device 12 further cooperates with a flow rate adjustment device (not visible) arranged in the valve body 3-1 in order to adjust the flow rate to the desired gas flow rate value, for example the flow rate adjustment device may be a calibrated orifice disc arranged on the gas path in the valve body 3. Such an arrangement is known per se.

[0046] Once the desired gas flow rate has been selected, the position of the flow rate selection device 12, for example the angular position of the rotary handwheel, can be determined using one (or more) position sensor(s) 19 visible in [Fig. 3], which is electrically connected to the data processing means 5 of the electronic device 7 to provide them with position information. This then allows the data processing means 5 which process the position information to know the value of the desired gas flow rate having been selected by the user.

[0047] In the embodiment of [Fig.2], the flow outlet connection 11 is arranged centrally and coaxially with the flow selection rotary handwheel 12; however, they could also be separated from each other according to other possible embodiments (not shown). The flow outlet connection 11 carries a gas distribution orifice 11-1, which constitutes an outlet of the internal passage 3-2 of the valve body 3-1.

[0048] Preferably, as visible in [Fig.5], the flow outlet nozzle or connection 11 comprises, upstream of the outlet orifice 11-1, gas outlet control means 11-2, typically a valve axially movable in the connection 11 and cooperating with a valve seat, sealing means, such as one or more O-rings, and an elastic means, such as a spring or the like, normally pushing the valve against the seat to ensure a gas seal when gas is not drawn off, i.e. distributed.

[0049] According to the invention, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], it must be possible to replace the electronic device 7 fixed to the body 3-1 of the fluid, i.e. gas, distribution tap 3 when it is damaged or faulty, without risk or by limiting the risk of damaging or deteriorating the pressure measuring means 4, typically a pressure or pressure and temperature sensor 4-1, cooperating with this electronic device 7, when these pressure measuring means 4 are still operating normally and do not have to be replaced.

[0050] To do this, according to the invention, the pressure measuring means 4, typically a pressure sensor 4-1, preferably a pressure and temperature sensor, are arranged on or in the valve body 3-1 in a manner separate from the electronic device 7 in being connected only electrically to the electronic device 7 by electrical connection means 20, as illustrated in [Fig.3] to [Fig.5].

[0051] As seen in [Fig.3] to [Fig.5], according to the invention, the pressure measuring means 4 are not directly interposed / fixed between the electronic device 7 and the valve body 3-1, but are arranged in a specific housing or sensor housing 21, machined in the valve body 3-2, which opens, i.e. is open (at 21-2), at the external peripheral surface of the valve body 3-2 in order to be able to arrange the pressure measuring means 4 therein.

[0052] Furthermore, the sensor housing 21 communicates fluidically, at its bottom 21-1, via a measuring port 22, with the internal gas circuit 3-2 in order to allow the pressure and preferably the temperature measurements of the gas to be carried out there. The measuring port 22 is arranged in the bottom 21-1 of the sensor housing 21.

[0053] The pressure measuring means 4, i.e. the electronics embedded in the sensor 4-1, comprising additional data processing means 42 with microprocessor(s) 4-7, are electrically connected to the data processing means 5 of the electronic device 7, typically another electronic card(s) with microprocessor(s), by electrical connection means 20, i.e. an electrical ribbon cable 20-1 or the like, as illustrated in [Fig.5].

[0054] The electrical ribbon cable 20-1 is connected via a first end 20-1A to the data processing means 5 of the electronic device 7 and via a second end 20-IB to the pressure measuring means 4, typically to a ribbon cable connector 4-7 of the sensor 4-1 which is arranged in the sensor housing 21.

[0055] Such an electrical sheet 20-1, also called a ribbon cable or the like, comprises several thin cables, i.e. of small size / section, arranged in parallel with each other and fixed to each other so as to form a ribbon or a small strip of cables, for example between 2 and 20 cables, typically from 4 to 15 cables.

[0056] The electrical ribbon cable 20-1 is flexible. In order to facilitate its connection to the sensor 4-1 and to the electronic device 7, its ends 20-1 A, 20-IB are preferably provided with electrical connectors, such as connection strips or the like.

[0057] [Fig.6] is a sectional diagram of an embodiment of the pressure sensor 4-1 and temperature of the pressure measuring means 4. It comprises a sensor body 40 crossed by an internal passage 41, for example an axial passage, that is to say a single conduit or tapping. The internal passage 41 is fluidically connected to the internal gas circuit 3-2 passing through the body 3-1 of the fluid distribution valve 3 so that a portion of the pressurized gas (arrow G) conveyed by the internal gas circuit 3-2 fills this internal passage 41 in order to allow the desired pressure and temperature measurements to be carried out.

[0058] To do this, membrane means 4-4, such as a flexible membrane, and temperature probe means 4-5, such as a temperature probe, may be used. For example, the membrane may be arranged in contact with the gas conveyed by the internal passage 41 to measure the pressure of the gas and the temperature probe may be arranged, for example behind the membrane, to measure the temperature of the gas brought by the internal passage 41. The measurements made, i.e. the data, may be provided and processed by an additional microprocessor 4-6. All of these elements may be arranged on a secondary electronic card 4-3 so as to constitute all or part of the on-board electronics of the sensor 4-1, i.e. the additional data processing means 42.

[0059] We see that the secondary electronic card 4-3 can also carry a ribbon connector 4-7 in order to allow the electrical connection of the ribbon 20-1.

[0060] The pressure measuring means 4 comprise a cover or cap 44, serving to protect the fragile components of the sensor 4, typically the additional data processing means 42.

[0061] In other words, according to the invention, the pressure measurement function (and preferably temperature) has therefore been decoupled from the data display function 5 operated by the electronic device 7, which greatly facilitates any maintenance operations.

[0062] Indeed, the pressure measuring means 4, typically the pressure sensor 4-1, are no longer coupled or attached directly to the electronic device 4 but fixed to the valve body 3-1 in a manner separate from the electronic device 7, that is to say at a distance from the latter by being arranged in a sensor housing 21 machined, for example drilled, in the valve body 3-1 and connected to the data processing means 5 of the electronic device 7 via one or more connection cables, in particular the ribbon cable 20-1 comprising several thin cables grouped together and equipped at its ends 20-1 A, 20-1 B with connectors at their ends.

[0063] It is therefore sufficient to simply disconnect the ribbon cable 20-1 connecting the pressure (and temperature) sensor 4-1, in particular the additional data processing means 42, to the electronic device 7, via the connectors of the ribbon cable 20-1, to carry out the required maintenance, i.e. the replacement of the electronic device 7 without also having to dismantle the sensor 4-1.

[0064] There is therefore no longer any risk of damaging the pressure sensor 4-1 or its assembly, nor of causing an untimely leak. It is therefore no longer necessary to check the seal between the sensor 4-1 and the valve body 3-1, after maintenance and replacement of the electronic device 7.

[0065] The container according to the invention is particularly well suited for use in storing a medical gas chosen from oxygen, a gas mixture N2O / O2, N0 / N2 or He / O2, or medical air, advantageously medical-grade oxygen.

Claims

Claims

1. Container (1) for pressurized fluid, in particular a gas bottle, comprising a container body (1-1) having an internal volume (2) for storing a pressurized fluid and equipped with a fluid dispensing tap (3) comprising: - a valve body (3-1) comprising an internal fluid circuit (3-2) for conveying the pressurized fluid coming from the internal volume of the container body (1-1), - pressure measuring means (4) configured to measure at least the pressure of the fluid within said internal fluid circuit, said pressure measuring means (4) comprising a pressure sensor (4-1) connected to the internal gas circuit (3-2) to carry out one or more pressure measurements therein and - an electronic device (7) comprising data processing means (5) with at least one microprocessor (5-1) configured to process the pressure measurement(s) carried out by the pressure measuring means (4), characterized in that: - the electronic device (7) comprises a rigid external housing (7-1), the data processing means (5) being arranged in the housing (7-1) of the electronic device (7), - the pressure measuring means (4) comprise additional data processing means (42) comprising at least one microprocessor (4-7) for computer processing the measurements made by the pressure sensor (4-1) and obtaining processed measurements, and - the pressure measuring means (4) are arranged in the valve body (3-1) separately from the electronic device (7) by being connected only electrically to the electronic device (7) by electrical connection means (20), the electrical connection means (20) comprising a flexible electrical sheet (20-1) comprising at least 4 electrical wires connecting the additional data processing means (42) of the pressure measuring means (4) to the means of processing data from the electronic device (7) so as to provide them with processed measurements from the additional data processing means (42).

2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the sheet (20-1) comprises from 4 to 20 electrical wires arranged in parallel with each other.

3. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure measuring means (4) comprise a combined pressure and temperature sensor (4-1) for carrying out pressure and temperature measurements of the fluid.

4. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the data processing means (5) of the electronic device (7) comprise at least one microprocessor arranged on an electronic card.

5. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical ribbon cable (20-1) is connected via a first end (20-1 A) to the data processing means (5) of the electronic device (7) and via a second end (20-IB) to the pressure measuring means (4), typically to a ribbon cable connector (4-7) of the sensor (4-1).

6. Container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pressure measuring means (4) are arranged in a sensor housing (21) provided in the valve body (3-1).

7. Container according to claim 6, characterized in that the sensor housing (21) fluidly communicates with the internal fluid circuit (3-2) of the valve body (3-1).

8. Container according to claim 7, characterized in that the sensor housing (21) fluidly communicates with the internal fluid circuit (3-2) of the valve body (3-1) via a measuring port (22) arranged in a bottom (21-1) of the sensor housing (21).

9. Container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the data processing means (5) of the electronic device (7) are configured to determine a residual gas pressure or a gas autonomy by processing the pressure or pressure and temperature measurements, provided by the pressure measuring means (4). 19

10. Use of a container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, for storing or supplying a pressurized gas, in particular a medical gas, chosen from oxygen, air or a gas mixture N2O / O2, NO / N2 or He / O2.

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