ES3040249T3 - Fluid container with dispensing tap with electronic device and independent pressure sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressurized fluid container (1), in particular a gas cylinder, comprising a body (1-1) with an internal volume (2) for containing a pressurized fluid and equipped with a fluid dispensing valve (3). The valve body (3-1) includes an internal fluid circuit (3-2). An electronic device (7) includes a microprocessor-based data processing system (5) (5-1) for processing pressure measurements taken by pressure sensors (4), which measure the fluid pressure in the internal circuit (3-2). The pressure sensors (4) are arranged in the valve body (3-1) independently of the electronic device (7), being connected to it only electrically by means of a connection (20), in particular through a flat cable composed of several electrical wires arranged in parallel.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Fluid container provided with a distribution valve equipped with an electronic device and an independent pressure sensor

The invention relates to a pressurized fluid container, in particular a pressurized gas cylinder, equipped with a fluid distribution valve equipped with an electronic device and a separate pressure (and temperature) sensor, i.e., independent of the electronic device, which allows pressure (and temperature) measurements to be made and supplied to the electronic device, by means of electrical connection, such as a sheet with several electrical wires.

Medical fluids or gases, such as oxygen, NO/N₂, N₂O/O₂, He/O₂ mixtures, medical air, or similar substances, are packaged in pressurized gas containers, particularly gas cylinders or canisters, which are equipped with a distribution valve, also called a valve, with or without an integrated expansion system (IDS), to supply an adjustable gas flow rate. A rigid protective cover, also called a "cap," is advantageously used to protect the valve and its fragile components from impacts, drops, dirt, etc.

In fact, the valve or distribution valve may be equipped with an electronic device with a digital display device that serves to show the residual gas pressure in the container or a gas autonomy, i.e., the duration of use before the container is (almost) empty, as shown in documents EP-A-2918892, EP-A-3421866, US-A-2015/048955, US-A-6085598, EP-A-3067665 or DE-A-3809142

An electronic device of this type generally comprises a housing that incorporates one or more (micro)processors carried by a main electronic board and a display screen that allows the calculation and/or display of 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 a combined pressure and temperature sensor installed in the housing, i.e., fixed together, and connected to the electronic board, specifically to the (micro)processor, to transmit pressure measurements that are then processed by one or more microprocessors.

To perform pressure measurements, the pressure sensor of the electronic device is fluidly connected to the internal gas circuit of the valve, which is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the vessel and carries the gas whose pressure and temperature are to be measured, normally through an internal channel or "bypass" that passes through the connecting piece used to fix the electronic device to the valve, as described in EP-A-3421866. Similar instruction is provided in EP-A-3455547 and FR-A-3091744.

The fact that the pressure measuring devices, typically a pressure sensor and preferably a temperature sensor, are integrated into the electronic device presents maintenance challenges for the device. It can happen that the housing, display screen, or another component of the electronic device (i.e., other than the pressure sensor) is defective, damaged, or malfunctioning. In this case, the electronic device requires maintenance, including complete replacement, while the pressure measuring device itself, i.e., the pressure sensor, remains fully functional.

During this type of maintenance, detaching the pressure sensor from its housing often damages the rather fragile sensor, rendering it inoperable. This necessitates replacing not only the electronic device but also the sensor itself. Furthermore, replacing the pressure sensor also requires performing a leak test on the new sensor.

It is understood that this is not acceptable because it complicates maintenance operations and is penalized because the time required for maintenance operations and, therefore, for immobilizing the gas container, is necessarily longer, which generates additional costs.

Therefore, one problem is being able to replace the electronic device of a fluid distribution valve, when it is deteriorated or defective, without risk or limiting the risk of deteriorating or damaging the pressure measuring means, normally a pressure (and temperature) sensor, that cooperates with this electronic device, when these pressure measuring means, normally this sensor, are still functional, i.e., when they are functioning normally and do not need to be replaced.

A solution according to the invention then relates to a pressurized fluid container, in particular a pressurized gas cylinder or canister, comprising a container body having an internal volume for holding a pressurized fluid, in particular a compressed gas, and equipped with a fluid distribution valve comprising:

- a valve body comprising an internal fluid circuit for transporting pressurized fluid from the internal volume of the vessel body,

- pressure measuring means configured to measure at least the fluid pressure within said internal fluid circuit, said pressure measuring means comprising a pressure sensor connected to the internal gas circuit to perform one or more pressure measurements therein, and - an electronic device comprising main data processing means with at least one main microprocessor configured to process the pressure measurement(s) performed by the pressure measuring means.

Furthermore, in the container of the invention:

- the electronic device comprises an external rigid casing, with the main data processing means arranged in the casing of the electronic device,

- the pressure measuring means comprise additional data processing means comprising at least one additional microprocessor for computer processing of the measurements made by the pressure sensor and obtaining processed measurements, and

- The pressure measuring means are arranged in the valve body separately from the electronic device by being electrically connected to the electronic device only by means of electrical connection means comprising a flexible electrical foil comprising at least 4 electrical wires that connect the additional data processing means of the pressure measuring means to the main data processing means of the electronic device to supply them with processed measurements from the additional data processing means.

In other words, according to the invention, the pressure measuring means are arranged in the valve body and not in the electronic device, i.e., separately from the electronic device, being electrically connected only to said electronic device by means of the flexible electrical sheet to supply it with the measurements made.

Depending on the embodiment in question, the pressurized fluid container of the invention may comprise one or more of the following features:

- The pressure measuring means comprise a pressure sensor connected to the internal gas circuit to perform pressure measurements therein.

- Preferably, the pressure measuring means comprise a combined pressure and temperature sensor configured to perform pressure and temperature measurements of the fluid.

- the sheet comprises 4 to 20 electrical wires (i.e., thin wires) arranged parallel to each other, i.e., wires, cables or the like.

- the sheet comprises 4 to 15 electrical wires arranged in parallel with each other.

- The pressure measuring means are arranged in a sensor housing located in the valve body.

- the sensor housing arranged in the valve body comprises a bottom.

- the sensor housing arranged in the valve body is open to the outside.

- The sensor housing communicates fluidly with the internal fluid circuit of the valve body, preferably through a measuring port located at the bottom of the sensor housing. - The pressure measuring means comprise at least one additional electronic board.

- said at least one additional electronic card comprises said at least one additional microprocessor that serves to process the measurements made by the pressure sensor and to obtain processed measurements.

- The additional data processing means comprise one or more additional microprocessors. - The electrical foil connects the additional data processing means to the main data processing means of the electronic device to supply the processed measurements from the additional microprocessor(s) of the additional data processing means to the data processing means of the electronic device.

- The main data processing means are configured to determine a residual gas pressure or gas autonomy by processing the pressure or pressure and temperature measurements supplied by the pressure measuring means, in particular by the additional microprocessor.

- The main data processing means of the electronic device comprise at least one main microprocessor, preferably arranged on a main electronic board.

- The internal gas circuit is arranged in the valve body and extends between a fluid inlet orifice in fluidic communication with the internal volume of the vessel body and at least one fluid outlet orifice conveyed by a fluid distribution nozzle.

- The flexible electrical sheet is soft and deformable, to facilitate connections and installation.

- the flexible electrical sheet comprises a soft polymer-type material or any other suitable material.

- the sheet comprises, at its free ends, electrical connection connectors configured to allow the connection of the sheet to the pressure measuring means, on the one hand, and to the electronic device, on the other hand.

- The pressure measuring means and the electronic device comprise electrical connection connectors complementary to those of the sheet.

- The additional electrical connection connectors are arranged on the pressure (and temperature) sensor and on the main data processing means of the electronic device, in particular on the additional electronic board and on the main electronic board.

- The electronic device comprises a digital display device to show the residual gas pressure and/or gas autonomy determined by the main data processing means of the electronic device.

Furthermore, depending on the embodiment in question, the pressurized fluid container of the invention and/or the valve of the invention that equips said container may comprise one or more of the following features:

- the electronic device comprises said at least one main microprocessor arranged on a main electronic board.

- The pressure and optionally temperature sensor is electrically connected to the additional data processing means to supply measurements (i.e., signals) of fluid pressure and/or temperature 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 traversed by an internal conduit that allows pressure and temperature measurement, i.e., it constitutes an individual pressure and temperature tap.

- The main data processing means of the electronic device, in particular the main microprocessor(s), are configured to process the pressure and temperature measurements.

- the main microprocessor(s) implement one or more algorithms.

The main data processing means of the electronic device comprise at least one microcontroller. More precisely, one or more main microprocessors may be integrated into the electronic device in the form of a microcontroller.

- The main microprocessor(s), in particular the microcontroller(s), are configured to record data, specifically within dedicated software or algorithms.

- The individual pressure and temperature sensor is in fluid communication with the internal gas circuit of the fluid distribution valve to allow pressure and temperature measurements of the gas transported by said internal circuit, i.e., within the internal gas conduit of the gas distribution valve, said internal conduit being in fluid communication with the internal volume of the gas container.

- The data processing devices, in particular the main microprocessor(s), receive electrical current from an electrical power source.

- the individual pressure and temperature sensor, in particular the additional data processing means of said sensor, receives electrical current by means of an electrical current source.

- The individual pressure and temperature sensor comprises additional data processing means or additional integrated electronic components that allow the determination of the gas pressure and temperature.

- Additional data processing means cooperate with membrane means to determine gas pressure and temperature probe means to measure gas temperature.

- The membrane media and the temperature probe media are arranged so that they are in contact with the gas carried by the internal duct of the sensor body, i.e., the same gas pipe.

- the additional data processing means, i.e. the integrated electronic component 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 through the foil.

- The electronic device is a digital pressure gauge configured to supply the gas pressure or gas volume in the container, the gas flow rate supplied by the valve and/or the autonomy, i.e., the duration of use with respect to the amount of residual fluid in the container and/or the gas supply flow rate through the valve.

- The source of electrical current comprises one or more batteries or electric cells, rechargeable or not.

- the electronic device comprises a digital display device, i.e., such as an information display screen, for example of LCD type.

- the pressurized fluid container comprises an internal volume for storing pressurized fluid, in particular pressurized gas.

- The fluid distribution valve comprises a flow selection device that allows the selection of a desired fluid flow rate, preferably between 0 and 30 L/min.

- The fluid distribution valve comprises a flow outlet connector for supplying the fluid at the desired flow rate, typically a gas.

- the outlet connector comprises means for controlling the gas outlet.

- The fluid distribution valve comprises a fluid inlet orifice in fluidic communication with the internal gas circuit of the fluid distribution valve to allow the entry of pressurized fluid into the internal gas circuit of the fluid distribution valve.

- The fluid inlet orifice of the fluid distribution valve is in fluidic communication with the internal volume of the fluid container.

- The internal gas circuit of the fluid distribution valve fluidically connects the fluid inlet port to the flow outlet connector.

- the internal gas circuit of the fluid distribution valve is arranged, for example, perforated, in the body of the fluid distribution valve.

- The flow outlet connection of the fluid distribution valve is configured to connect fluidically to a flexible gas pipe or other device that uses the fluid, such as a medical device or apparatus.

- The electronic device comprises a rigid outer casing, for example made of metal or polymer. - The data processing means are arranged within the casing of the electronic device.

- The electronic device is a digital manometer that allows the determination of a pressure and/or a fluid volume and/or an autonomy, preferably of gas.

- The flow selection device comprises a rotary handwheel configured to move between several angularly offset positions, each position corresponding to a given desired gas flow rate.

- The flow selection device allows the selection of desired gas flow rates between 0 and 30 L/min, normally between 0 and 25 L/min.

- The flow selection device also cooperates with a flow adjustment device arranged in the valve body to adjust the flow rate to the desired gas flow rate value.

- The flow adjustment device comprises a disc with calibrated holes arranged in the gas path in the valve body.

- the gas outlet connector is arranged in the center of the rotating flywheel, i.e., they are arranged coaxially with each other.

- The data processing equipment includes a time counter.

- the container has an internal volume between 1 and 20 L, normally between 2 and 15 L (water equivalent).

- The electronic device's digital display is configured to show information, in particular a gas autonomy, a gas pressure, a gas volume, or an alert icon, for example, an autonomy alert or the closure of a tube, or others.

- The data processing means are configured to activate an audible and visual alert if an alert is triggered, specifically a lock alert or a battery life alert.

- also includes data storage media.

- the storage media comprise an EEPROM or similar type of memory

- The data storage media are arranged on an electronic card, preferably on the main electronic card that carries the main microprocessor.

- the electronic device is fixed to the body of the gas distribution valve, specifically by means of screws or by means of a pin system.

- The electrical power supply electrically powers the main data processing media, typically the main circuit board, the microprocessor(s), and all electrically powered components such as the digital display device, the pressure and temperature sensor, and/or an alert LED.

- The fluid distribution valve is protected by a protective cover comprising a rigid cover body arranged around said fluid distribution valve.

- The power source is located in a compartment of the protective cover.

- The housing of the electronic device comprising the digital display device is housed in an opening arranged in the cover body.

- The cover body defines an internal volume sized to house the gas distribution valve. - The cover body is made of polymeric material, metal, or combinations of these.

- the cover body comprises one (or more) carrying handles, preferably the carrying handle is arranged so as to crown the cover, i.e., it is located substantially above the cover.

- The gas distribution valve is a valve with an integrated expander or RDI.

- The gas expansion devices are arranged in the internal gas circuit.

- The gas expansion means comprise an expansion valve and a valve seat. They allow the gas pressure to be reduced from the high pressure of the gas stored in the vessel, typically from several tens to hundreds of bar, to a lower preset operating pressure, typically from a few bar, for example from 2 to 5 bar abs.

- The fluid distribution valve is made of a copper alloy, such as brass.

- the cover body also comprises a hooking system designed to allow it to be hooked onto a support, in particular a hospital bed rail or a patient transport stretcher or similar.

- The cover body also includes a movable, preferably pivoting, latching system. - The fluid container is a pressurized gas cylinder.

- the fluid container contains a pressurized gas, in particular a medical gas.

- the fluid container, when full, contains a gas at a pressure of at least 130 to 200 bar abs, 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 or materials.

- the fluid container contains a gas or a gaseous mixture, such as oxygen, a mixture of NO/N<2>, O<2>/N<2>O or He/O<2>, air or other.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to the use of a gas container according to the invention, for storing or supplying a pressurized gas, in particular a medicinal gas selected from oxygen or a gas mixture N<2>O/O<2>, NO/N<2>, He/O<2>, medicinal air or other medicinal gas.

The invention will now be better understood thanks to the following detailed description, given for illustrative, but not limiting, purposes, with reference to the accompanying figure, namely:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a fluid container equipped with a gas distribution valve with an electronic device,

Figure 2 represents one embodiment of a fluid container 1 of the pressurized gas cylinder type,

Figure 3 is a diagram (front view) of an embodiment of a part of a gas distribution valve with an electronic device according to the invention,

Figure 4 is a diagram (3/4 view) of a part of the valve in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve in Figure 3 and Figure 4, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional diagram of the pressure sensor that equips the valve in Figure 3 to Figure 5.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a pressurized fluid container 1, while Figure 2 shows an embodiment of said fluid container 1, i.e., in this case, a pressurized gas cylinder with a shaft AA.

The fluid container 1 comprises a container body 1-1 defining 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., a full container) exceeding 100 bar abs, typically at least 150 bar abs, or even exceeding 200 bar abs, with a maximum pressure typically ranging from 130 to 300 bar abs. The container body 1-1 is generally made of metal or metal alloy, such as steel or aluminum alloy, or of composite materials.

The container body 1-1 carries a fluid distribution valve 3, preferably an RDI, i.e., a valve with integrated expander, traversed by an internal fluid circuit in fluidic communication with the internal volume 2 of the container 1.

The 3-1 valve body is preferably made of brass or stainless steel. The internal fluid circuit (not visible), comprising one or more gas conduits arranged in the vessel body 1-1, for example drilled or machined, connects and extends between a fluid inlet orifice in fluidic communication with the internal volume 2 of the vessel body 1-1 and one or more fluid outlet orifices carried by one or more fluid distribution nozzles 11 (see Figure 2, such as a flow outlet connector). This fluid circuit carries the fluid, in this case gas, from the vessel 1 through the body of the gas distribution valve 3 to the fluid distribution nozzle 11, to which a flexible gas line (not shown) is usually fluidically connected. This line serves to carry the gas to another device (not shown) using gas, i.e., a medical apparatus or device that uses the gas supplied by the valve 3, for example, a breathing mask that distributes gas to a patient at a flow rate prescribed by a physician or equivalent for a course of treatment.

The gas cylinder or container 1 with shaft AA in Figure 2 comprises a generally cylindrical container body 1-1 with a neck at its upper end that carries the valve 3, i.e., it is ogive-shaped. The neck includes the fluid outlet orifice that communicates with the internal volume 2 of the container 1 and allows gas to be drawn from internal volume 2 or, conversely, filled when it is empty. The gas distribution valve 3 is mounted, usually screwed on, at the level of the orifice in the neck of the gas cylinder 1.

The fluid stored in container 1, i.e., stored in its internal volume 2, is normally a gas or a gaseous mixture, for example of medical quality (i.e., a medicinal gas), such as oxygen, air, a mixture of NO/N<2>, O<2>/N<2>O or He/O<2>, or any other gas or gaseous mixture.

The gas distribution valve 3 comprises pressure measuring means 4 that allow measuring (at least) the gas pressure within the internal circuit 3-2 of the valve body 3-1, as illustrated in Figure 5. They normally comprise a pressure sensor 4-1 having a pressure tap 41, i.e., a branch, fluidly connected to the internal circuit 3-2 of the valve body 3-1, as schematically shown in Figure 6.

Advantageously, a combined pressure and temperature sensor 4-1 is used to measure both the pressure and temperature of the gas within the internal gas circuit 3-2 that carries the gas from the internal volume 2 of the vessel 1. It is configured to measure temperatures between -40 °C and 70 °C and pressures between 0 and at least 150 bar abs.

The pressure and preferably temperature measuring means 4 are configured to supply the pressure and preferably temperature measurements (i.e., measurement signals or values) to the main microprocessor-based data processing means 5 comprising one or more main microprocessors 5-1 implementing one or more algorithms, for example an electronic board carrying one or more main microprocessors 5-1 implementing one or more calculation algorithms or similar, preferably a microcontroller, as outlined in Figure 1.

More precisely, the pressure and, optionally, temperature measurements or data made by sensor 4-1 are processed by an electronic component integrated into sensor 4-1, for example, an additional or secondary electronic board with one or more additional or similar microprocessors.

Next, these measurements (i.e., signals or values) or data are sent to the main data processing means 5 comprising the main microprocessor 5-1 to be used there, i.e., to be computerized, specifically to determine, calculate or deduce from them a gas pressure or autonomy.

An internal time counter can also be provided to the main data processing media 5.

The main data processing means 5 are arranged in the outer housing 7-1 of an electronic device 7, for example, a digital pressure gauge, connected to the fluid distribution valve 3. The electronic device 7 also includes display means 6, such as a digital display device, for example, an LCD screen or similar, which serves to display various information, such as the volume or pressure of gas in the vessel 1 or even the gas autonomy (in hours and minutes, for example), which are obtained specifically by processing the pressure and/or temperature measurements by means of the main data processing means 5, or even to display an alarm message. For example, the digital display device 6 comprises a screen with a height of approximately 29 to 37 mm and a width of approximately 39 to 43 mm.

The 7-1 casing of the electronic device 7 can be made of polymer or metal.

It is also possible to provide, in the 7-1 housing, one or more buttons 8 or selection keys that can be activated by a digital press by the user to make choices, scroll through one or more menus, confirm an alarm, or other.

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

The storage media 9 can also record other data, such as, for example, the time elapsed between successive moments, pressure and/or temperature measurements, etc., or other parameters, such as the selector position, cylinder configuration, filling pressure, alerts, etc.

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

The body 10 of the cover 13 defines an internal volume sized to house the gas distribution valve, i.e., in this case a valve with integrated expander or RDI, and also comprises one (or more) carrying handles 16 arranged herein to crown the cover 13, i.e., located substantially above the body 10 of the cover 13, while being connected to the body 10 by, in this case, two support posts 17 projecting substantially upwards. The body 10 of the cover may also comprise a latching system 18 (not fully visible), preferably a pivoting latch, designed to allow it to be attached to a support, in particular a hospital bed rail or a patient transport stretcher or the like.

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

The electrical power supply serves to power the components of the electronic device 7 that require electrical current to function, specifically the data processing means 5 with a main microprocessor 5-1, the display screen 6, the memory 9, etc. The electrical power supply is connected to the electronic device 7 by means of electrical connections, for example, wires or similar.

The main data processing means 5 are also configured to control the audible alert means and/or the visual alert means, preferably both, to activate at least one audible alert and/or one visual alert, preferably both, in case of detection of a malfunction, in particular a pinch, or an excessively low amount of gas or autonomy.

As illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 4, a user-operated flow 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 supplied by the outlet nozzle 11. For example, a rotary handwheel that can be rotated between several offset angular positions, each corresponding 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 rates could be: 0, 0.5, 1.2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 22, and 25 L/min, or any other value.

In this case, the desired flow rate value selected by the user by operating the flow selection device 12 appears in a reading window 14 located above the flow selection device 12, for example, a cutout arranged in the body 10 of the protective cover 13 arranged around the valve 3 and which serves to protect it against impacts or other external attacks.

The flow selection device 12 also cooperates with a flow adjustment device (not visible) arranged in the valve body 3-1 to adjust the flow rate to the desired gas flow rate value; for example, the flow adjustment device may be a disc with calibrated holes arranged in the gas path in the valve body 3. Such an arrangement is itself known.

Once the desired gas flow rate has been selected, the position of the flow selection device 12, for example, the angular position of the rotary handwheel, can be determined by one or more position sensors 19, visible in Figure 3. These sensors are electrically connected to the data processing means 5 of the electronic device 7 to supply them with position information. This then allows the data processing means 5, which processes position information, to know the desired gas flow rate value selected by the user.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the flow outlet connector 11 is centrally located and coaxial 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 connector 11 carries a gas distribution port 11-1, which forms an outlet of the internal conduit 3-2 of the valve body 3-1.

Preferably, as shown in Figure 5, the flow outlet nozzle or connector 11 comprises, upstream of the outlet opening 11-1, means for controlling the gas outlet 11-2, normally a valve that moves axially in the connection 11 and cooperates with a valve seat, sealing means, such as one or more O-rings, and an elastic means, such as a spring or the like, that normally repels the valve against the seat to ensure gas tightness when the gas is not being drawn, i.e., not being distributed.

According to the invention, as illustrated in Figure 3, it must be possible to replace the electronic device 7 fixed to the body 3-1 of the fluid, i.e., gas, distribution valve 3 when it is damaged or defective, without risk or limiting the risk of deteriorating or damaging the pressure measuring means 4, normally a pressure or pressure and temperature sensor 4-1, cooperating with this electronic device 7, when these pressure measuring means 4 are still functioning normally and do not need to be replaced.

To this end, according to the invention, the pressure measuring means 4, normally a pressure sensor 4-1, preferably a pressure and temperature sensor, are arranged on or in the valve body 3-1 separately from the electronic device 7 by being electrically connected only to the electronic device 7 by means of electrical connection means 20, as illustrated in Figures 3 to 5.

As can be seen in Figures 3 to 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 into the valve body 3-2, which opens, i.e., is open (in 21-2), at the level of the external peripheral surface of the valve body 3-2, in order to accommodate the pressure measuring means 4 there.

Furthermore, the sensor housing 21 communicates fluidly, at its bottom 21-1, via a measuring port 22, with the internal gas circuit 3-2 to allow pressure and, preferably, gas temperature measurements to be taken there. The measuring port 22 is located at the bottom 21-1 of the sensor housing 21.

The pressure measuring means 4, i.e. the additional electronic component integrated into the sensor 4 1, comprising additional data processing means 42 with additional microprocessors 4-7, are electrically connected to the main data processing means 5 of the electronic device 7, normally to one or more other main electronic boards comprising one or more main microprocessors, by means of electrical connection means 20 of the electrical foil type 20-1, as illustrated in Figure 5.

The electrical foil 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 20-1B to the pressure measuring means 4, normally to a foil connector 4-7 of the sensor 4-1 that is disposed in the sensor housing 21.

This electrical foil 20-1, also called foil cable or similar, comprises several thin electrical wires or cables, i.e., of small dimension/section, arranged parallel to each other and fixed together to form a ribbon or a small band of cables, for example, between 2 and 20 cables, normally from 4 to 15 cables.

The electrical foil 20-1 is flexible. To facilitate its connection to the sensor 4-1 and the electronic device 7, its ends 20-1A and 20-1B are preferably provided with electrical connectors, such as connecting strips or the like. It may be made of a polymer or similar material.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of the pressure and temperature sensor 4-1 of the pressure measuring means 4. It comprises a sensor body 40 traversed by an internal conduit 41, for example an axial conduit, i.e., an individual conduit or branch. The internal conduit 41 is fluidically connected to the internal gas circuit 3-2 that passes through the body 3-1 of the fluid distribution valve 3, such that a portion of the pressurized gas (arrow G) carried by the internal gas circuit 3-2 fills this internal conduit 41 to enable the desired pressure and temperature measurements to be made.

For this purpose, means 4-4 with a membrane, such as a soft membrane, and means 4-5 with a temperature probe, such as a temperature probe, can be used. For example, the membrane can be placed in contact with the gas conveyed by the internal conduit 41 to measure the gas pressure, and the temperature probe can be placed, for example, behind the membrane, to measure the temperature of the gas supplied by the internal conduit 41. The measurements taken, i.e., the data, can be supplied and processed by an additional microprocessor 4-6. All these elements can be arranged on a secondary electronic board 4-3 to constitute all or part of the integrated electronics of the sensor 4-1, i.e., the additional data processing means 42.

It can be observed that the secondary electronic board 4-3 can also carry a 4-7 foil connector to allow electrical connection of the 20-1 foil.

The pressure measuring means 4 comprise a cover or cap 44, which serves to protect the fragile components of the sensor 4, normally the additional data processing means 42.

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

In fact, the pressure measuring means 4, normally the pressure sensor 4-1, are no longer coupled or connected directly to the electronic device 4, but are fixed to the valve body 3-1 separately from the electronic device 7, i.e., at a distance from the latter by being arranged in a machined sensor housing 21, for example, perforated, in the valve body 3-1 and connected to the data processing means 5 of the electronic device 7 through one or more connecting cables, i.e., the foil 20-1 comprises several thin cables grouped together and equipped at their ends 20-1 A, 20-1B with connectors at their ends.

Therefore, it is sufficient to disconnect the sheet 20-1 that connects the pressure (and temperature) sensor 4-1, in particular the additional data processing means 42, to the electronic device 7, via the connectors of sheet 20-1, in order to perform the required maintenance, i.e., the replacement of the electronic device 7, without having to also disassemble the sensor 4-1.

The electrical connection connectors complementary to those of sheet 20-1 are arranged in the pressure sensor 4-1 or in the additional data processing means 42, such as the additional electronic card, and in the electronic device 7, in particular in the main electronic card, to allow the connectors located at the ends 20-1 A, 20-1B of sheet 20-1 to be connected to it.

Thanks to the use of the 20-1 sheet, there is no longer any risk of damaging the pressure sensor 4-1 or its assembly, nor of causing premature leakage. Therefore, it is 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.

The container according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in storing a medicinal gas selected from oxygen, a gaseous mixture N<2>O/O<2>, NO/N<2> or He/O<2>, or medicinal air, advantageously medical grade oxygen.

Claims (15)

1. A pressurized fluid container (1), in particular a gas cylinder, comprising a container body (1-1) having an internal volume (2) for holding a pressurized fluid and equipped with a fluid distribution valve (3) comprising: - a valve body (3-1) comprising an internal fluid circuit (3-2) for conveying pressurized fluid from the internal volume of the container body (1-1), - pressure measuring means (4) configured to measure at least the fluid pressure 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 perform one or more pressure measurements therein, and - an electronic device (7) comprising main data processing means (5) with at least one main microprocessor (5-1) configured to process the pressure measurement(s) made by the pressure measuring means (4), characterized by: - the electronic device (7) comprises an external rigid housing (7-1), the main 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 additional 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 electrically connected to the electronic device (7) only by means of electrical connection means (20) comprising a flexible electrical foil (20-1) comprising at least 4 electrical wires connecting the additional data processing means (42) of the pressure measuring means (4) to the main data processing means (5) of the electronic device (7) to supply 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 any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure measuring means (4) comprise a combined pressure and temperature sensor (4-1) for performing pressure and temperature measurements of the fluid. 4. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the main data processing means (5) of the electronic device (7) comprise at least one main microprocessor arranged on a main electronic board. 5. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical sheet (20-1) is connected through a first end (20-1A) to the main data processing means (5) of the electronic device (7) and through a second end (20-1B) to the pressure measuring means (4). 6. Container according to claim 5, characterized in that the electrical foil (20-1) is connected through the second end (20-1B) to a connector (4-7) of the sensor foil (4-1) of the pressure measuring means (4). 7. Container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pressure measuring means (4) are arranged in a sensor housing (21) arranged in the valve body (3-1). 8. Container according to claim 7, characterized in that the sensor housing (21) is fluidically connected to the internal fluid circuit (3-2) of the valve body (3-1). 9. Container according to claim 8, characterized in that the sensor housing (21) is fluidically communicated with the internal fluid circuit (3-2) of the valve body (3-1) through a measuring port (22) disposed in a bottom (21-1) of the sensor housing (21). 10. Container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the main 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 supplied by the pressure measuring means (4). 11. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that: - at least one main microprocessor (5-1) is arranged on a main electronic board and/or - at least one additional microprocessor (4-7) is arranged on an additional electronic board. 12. Container according to claim 3, characterized in that the combined pressure and temperature sensor (4-1) is configured to measure temperatures between -40 °C and 70 °C and pressures between 0 and at least 150 bar abs. 13. Container according to claim 2, characterized in that the sheet (20-1) comprises from 4 to 15 electrical wires arranged in parallel with each other. 14. Container according to claims 1 and 10, characterized in that the electronic device (7) comprises a digital display device for showing the residual gas pressure and/or gas autonomy determined by the main data processing means (5) of the electronic device (7). 15. Use of a container (1) according to any of the preceding claims, for storing or supplying a pressurized gas, in particular a medical gas, selected from oxygen, air or a gas mixture N<2>O/O<2>, NO/N<2> or He/O<2>.