EP2153110B1 - Method for controlling an electronic pressure gauge and pressure gauge therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a method for controlling an electronic manometer for measuring pressure (p) inside a pressurized gas receptacle. The manometer comprises at least one pressure sensor, an electronic unit designed for the acquisition, storage and processing of data, and at least one information device device capable of transmitting at least one item of information (p).

Description

The present invention relates to a method for controlling an electronic manometer and a corresponding pressure gauge.

The invention more particularly relates to a method for controlling an electronic pressure gauge for measuring the pressure inside a container, in particular a pressurized gas bottle, said manometer comprising at least one pressure sensor, an electronic unit configured for acquiring, storing and processing data and at least one information device capable of transmitting at least one piece of information.

Such a manometer is described for example in the document FR2868160A1 .

Because of their multiple reuse, the fluid bottles are successively confronted with many cases of use with users with different needs.

The information displayed or transmitted by the individual manometers measuring the pressure in bottles is not adapted to the use situations.

To solve this problem, such electronic manometers require multiple human interventions (actuation of buttons, sensors or other actuators). Therefore, such manometers must provide actuating means, interrogation or configuration that increase the structure and therefore the cost of such devices. In addition, interventions on such electronic manometers can be the cause of handling error and increase the power consumption of the manometer.

The document WO01 / 6934 A1 , considered as reflecting the closest prior art, describes a method for controlling the contents of a liquefied gas cylinder (propane type) only when it is used via a pressure sensor associated with an electronic device to signal the level of product remaining according to pressure measurements compared to predefined thresholds.

An object of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art noted above.

• au moins une étape de mesure de la pression dans le récipient par le capteur de pression,
• une étape de modification automatique du mode de fonctionnement du manomètre et/ou des informations transmises par le manomètre pour adapter ledit mode de fonctionnement ou lesdites informations à l'état de fonctionnement courant du récipient parmi une pluralité d'états de fonctionnement prédéfinis, lesdits états de fonctionnement étant prédéfinis par des valeurs de seuil de pression de référence préétablies, lesdits états de fonctionnement étant liés chronologiquement de façon à former un cycle chronologique,
• l'étape de modification étant réalisée suite à la détection d'un basculement d'un premier état de fonctionnement vers un second état de fonctionnement, c'est-à-dire lorsque les valeurs de pression mesurées lors du premier état de fonctionnement et comparées aux valeurs de seuil de pression de référence préétablies correspondent au second état de fonctionnement et que le second état de fonctionnement est le suivant dans le cycle chronologique et en que les états de fonctionnement prédéfinis sont liés chronologiquement selon un cycle chronologique en boucle fermée, le manomètre étant relié au récepient et est apte à mesurer la pression au sein du récipient durant tout le cycle chronologique en boucle fermée.

For this purpose, the method according to the invention, moreover in conformity with the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that it comprises:

• at least one step of measuring the pressure in the container by the pressure sensor,
• a step of automatically modifying the mode of operation of the manometer and / or the information transmitted by the pressure gauge to adapt said mode of operation or said information to the current operating state of the container among a plurality of predefined operating states, said states of operation being predefined by pre-established reference pressure threshold values, said operating states being linked chronologically so as to form a chronological cycle,
• the modification step being carried out following the detection of a switchover from a first operating state to a second operating state, that is to say when the pressure values measured during the first operating state and compared pre-established reference pressure threshold values correspond to the second operating state and that the second operating state is the next in the chronological cycle and that the predefined operating states are linked chronologically in a closed-loop chronological cycle, the pressure gauge being connected to the receiver and is able to measure the pressure within the container during the entire closed-loop chronological cycle.

• - la succession des états de fonctionnement prédéfinis en boucle fermée s'opère selon un sens unique de déroulement,
• - le procédé comporte une au moins deux, et de préférence au moins trois états prédéfinis de fonctionnement,
• - le procédé comporte trois états de fonctionnement prédéfinis par trois valeurs distinctes de seuil de pression de référence,
• - lorsque la pression mesurée redescend en dessous d'un premier seuil haut pour être ensuite être comprise entre un premier seuil bas et ledit premier seuil haut, l'unité électronique commute automatiquement le manomètre dans un état de fonctionnement dit d' « utilisation » durant lequel le manomètre réalise au moins l'une des étapes de fonctionnement suivantes :
  • * acquisition régulière des valeurs mesurées par le capteur de pression à des intervalles de temps séparés d'une première fréquence d'acquisition,
  • * affichage électronique d'au moins une information parmi : la pression mesurée, un volume restant dans le récipient calculé, une durée d'autonomie dans le récipient calculée,
  • * transmission régulière sans fil, du type radio fréquence, à une première fréquence de transmission, d'au moins une information parmi : la pression mesurée, une information d'autonomie (volume ou durée).
• - lorsqu'au cours de l'état de fonctionnement dit d' « utilisation » la variation de pression mesurée est décroissante, le manomètre réalise un calcul régulier, à une première fréquence de calcul, d'une durée d'autonomie restante en gaz à partir de la variation de pression mesurée,
• - lorsqu'au cours de l'état de fonctionnement dit d' « utilisation » la variation de pression est nulle pendant une durée déterminée, l'unité électronique définit un état de fonctionnement dit de «non-utilisation ou non-débit » durant lequel le manomètre réalise au moins l'une des étapes de fonctionnement suivantes :
  • * acquisition régulière des valeurs mesurées par le capteur de pression à des intervalles de temps séparés d'une deuxième fréquence d'acquisition,
  • * calcul d'une durée d'autonomie restante en gaz à partir d'une utilisation précédente du récipient ou sur la base d'une utilisation prédéfinie typique ou standard,
  • * affichage électronique d'au moins une information parmi : la pression mesurée, un volume restant dans le récipient calculé, une durée d'autonomie dans le récipient calculée,
  • * transmission régulière sans fil, du type radio fréquence, à une seconde fréquence de transmission d'au moins une information parmi : la pression mesurée à des intervalles de temps, une information d'autonomie (volume ou durée).
• - à partir d'un état d'utilisation, lorsque la pression mesurée devient inférieure au premier seuil bas l'unité électronique détecte ou définit un état de fonctionnement dit de « remplissage » durant lequel le manomètre réalise au moins l'une des étapes de fonctionnement suivantes :
  • * acquisition régulière des valeurs mesurées par le capteur de pression à des intervalles de temps séparés d'une troisième fréquence d'acquisition,
  • * affichage électronique d'au moins une information parmi : la pression mesurée, un volume restant dans le récipient calculé,
  • * transmission régulière sans fil, du type radio fréquence, à une troisième fréquence de transmission d'au moins une information parmi : la pression mesurée à des intervalles de temps, une information d'autonomie telle que le volume par exemple.
• - le manomètre électronique comprend une alimentation électrique propre indépendante d'un réseau filaire et en ce qu'il comporte une étape de mesure et d'affichage ou de transmission de l'état de fonctionnement de l'alimentation électrique,
• - le procédé comporte une étape de comparaison de l'état de fonctionnement ou de l'autonomie de l'alimentation électrique avec des conditions minimales et, lorsque l'état de fonctionnement ou de l'autonomie de l'alimentation électrique ne satisfait pas les conditions minimales, une étape de commutation automatique du manomètre dans un état de fonctionnement dit «dégradé» dans lequel le manomètre réalise au moins l'une des étapes de fonctionnement suivantes :
  • * interruption du calcul régulier d'une durée d'autonomie,
  • * affichage électronique d'au moins un message d'alerte,
  • * transmission régulière sans fil, du type radio fréquence, d'un message d'alerte.
• - le manomètre électronique comprend un port ou une interface de communication apte à recevoir des données de configuration de l'unité électronique et en ce que le procédé comprend une étape de configuration de l'unité électronique pour commuter le manomètre dans un mode de fonctionnement forcé dit « inactif » quelles que soient les valeurs mesurées de pression et éventuellement de variation de pression, dans l'état inactif le manomètre procédant à l'interruption d'au moins l'une des étapes suivantes :
  • * l'acquisition des valeurs mesurées par le capteur de pression,
  • * l'affichage électronique,
  • * la transmission de données sans fil,
  • * aucune action dans l'attente d'un événement de réveil pour sortir de cet état inactif.
• - le manomètre électronique comprend un port ou une interface de communication apte à recevoir des données de configuration de l'unité électronique, le procédé comportant une étape de comparaison du mode de fonctionnement actuel du récipient avec une pluralité de mode de fonctionnements prédéfinis et en ce qu'il comporte une étape d'autorisation d'un changement de configuration de l'unité électronique uniquement lorsque le mode fonctionnement correspond à un ou des modes de fonctionnement prédéfinis autorisant un tel changement de configuration,
• - le manomètre électronique comprend un capteur de température du gaz à l'intérieur d'un récipient et/ou la température ambiante à proximité du manomètre
• - le procédé comporte une étape d'affichage et/ou transmission de la valeur mesurée de température à une quatrième fréquence de transmission,
• - le procédé comporte une étape de calcul d'un volume d'autonomie en gaz dans le récipient à partir de la pression mesurée, le volume d'autonomie calculé étant corrigé en fonction de la température mesurée,
• - le procédé comporte une étape de mesure ou de calcul de la variation de pression mesurée et une étape de comparaison de la variation de pression courante avec des valeurs de référence prédéterminées pour déterminer le mode de fonctionnement et/ou modifier automatiquement le mode de fonctionnement du manomètre et/ou des informations transmises par le manomètre en fonction de la variation de pression courante,
• - à partir d'un état de vide ou en cours de remplissage, lorsque la pression mesurée devient supérieure à un second seuil haut, le manomètre est commuté dans un état de fonctionnement dit plein en attente de refroidissement dans lequel le manomètre réalise l'une plusieurs des étapes de fonctionnement précédemment décrites,
• - les informations sont transmises par l'un au moins des systèmes parmi : un écran d'affichage, un ou des voyants lumineux, un avertisseur sonore, un haut-parleur, une ou plusieurs radio émettrices,
• - la première fréquence d'acquisition est supérieure ou égale ou inférieur à la seconde fréquence d'acquisition,
• - la première fréquence de calcul est supérieure ou inférieur ou égale ou supérieure à la seconde fréquence de calcul,
• - la première fréquence de transmission est supérieure ou égale ou inférieur à la seconde fréquence de transmission,
• - la troisième fréquence de transmission est supérieure ou égale ou inférieure à la première fréquence de transmission,
• - la quatrième fréquence de transmission est supérieure ou égale ou inférieure à la première fréquence de transmission,
• - la source d'énergie comprend au moins l'un des éléments parmi : une pile, un accumulateur électrique, une cellule photovoltaïque, un système de courant par induction,
• - l'unité électronique commute automatiquement le manomètre de l'état d'utilisation vers l'état vide ou de remplissage lorsque la pression mesurée devient inférieure au premier seuil bas,
• - l'unité électronique commute automatiquement le manomètre de l'état de ou de remplissage vers l'état de refroidissement lorsque la pression mesurée devient supérieure au second seuil haut,
• - l'unité électronique commute automatiquement le manomètre de l'état de remplissage ou de refroidissement vers l'état d'utilisation ou de veille lorsque la pression mesurée devient inférieure au premier seuil haut,
• - le manomètre peut comporter un système de reconnaissance d'un utilisateur ou d'un type d'utilisateur (identifiant par exemple avec type d'utilisateur ou niveau d'accès parmi plusieurs types ou niveaux prédéfinis) le manomètre autorisant des changements de configuration et/ou d'utilisation en fonction de l'utilisateur ou du type d'utilisateur transmettant des données de commande,
• - la nature de la configuration peut être conditionnée à un ou des identifiants et/ou à un ou des types d'utilisateurs prédéfinis (par exemple un niveau d'accès ou d'autorisation autorise ou non la modification d'un ou plusieurs paramètres),
• - chaque utilisateur du paramétrage peut posséder un identifiant propre comportant un niveau d'accès,
• - les niveaux d'accès suivant peuvent être envisagés : fabricant du manomètre, monteur du manomètre sur récipient, gazier, opérateur de maintenance, opérateur (centre) de remplissage, opérateur de logistique, utilisateur du manomètre,
• - l'unité électronique enregistre l'identifiant d'un utilisateur notamment ayant opéré un changement de configuration.

Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features:

• the succession of the predefined operating states in closed loop operates in a single direction of unwinding,
• the method comprises at least two, and preferably at least three predefined operating states,
• the method comprises three operating states predefined by three distinct values of reference pressure threshold,
• when the measured pressure falls below a first upper threshold and then falls between a first low threshold and said first high threshold, the electronic unit automatically switches the pressure gauge into a so-called "use" operating state during which the manometer performs at least one of the following operating steps:
  • regular acquisition of the values measured by the pressure sensor at time intervals separated by a first acquisition frequency,
  • electronic display of at least one of: the measured pressure, a volume remaining in the calculated container, an autonomy time in the calculated container,
  • * Regular wireless transmission, of the radio frequency type, at a first transmission frequency, of at least one of: the measured pressure, an autonomy information (volume or duration).
• when, during the so-called "use" operating state, the measured pressure variation is decreasing, the pressure gauge carries out a regular calculation, at a first calculation frequency, of a duration of remaining gas autonomy at from the measured pressure variation,
• when, during the so-called "use" operating state, the pressure variation is zero during a determined period of time, the electronic unit defines a "non-use or non-flow" operating state during which the manometer performs at least one of the following operating steps:
  • regular acquisition of the values measured by the pressure sensor at time intervals separated by a second acquisition frequency,
  • * calculating a remaining gas remaining time from a previous use of the container or on the basis of a typical or standard predefined use,
  • electronic display of at least one of: the measured pressure, a volume remaining in the calculated container, an autonomy time in the calculated container,
  • * Regular wireless transmission, of the radio frequency type, at a second transmission frequency of at least one of: the pressure measured at time intervals, information autonomy (volume or duration).
• - from a state of use, when the measured pressure becomes lower than the first low threshold the electronic unit detects or defines a so-called "filling" state of operation during which the pressure gauge carries out at least one of the steps of following operation:
  • regular acquisition of the values measured by the pressure sensor at time intervals separated by a third acquisition frequency,
  • electronic display of at least one of: the measured pressure, a volume remaining in the calculated container,
  • regular wireless transmission, of the radio frequency type, at a third transmission frequency of at least one of: the pressure measured at time intervals, an autonomy information such as the volume for example.
• the electronic manometer comprises a clean power supply independent of a wired network and in that it comprises a step of measuring and displaying or transmitting the operating state of the power supply,
• the method comprises a step of comparing the operating state or the autonomy of the power supply with minimum conditions and, when the operating state or the autonomy of the power supply does not satisfy the minimum conditions, a step of automatic switching of the manometer in a "degraded" operating state in which the manometer performs at least one of the following operating steps:
  • * interruption of the regular calculation of a duration of autonomy,
  • * electronic display of at least one alert message,
  • * Regular wireless transmission, of the radio frequency type, of an alert message.
• the electronic manometer comprises a port or a communication interface able to receive configuration data from the electronic unit and in that the method comprises a step of configuring the electronic unit to switch the manometer in a forced operating mode said "inactive" regardless of the measured values of pressure and possibly of pressure variation, in the inactive state the manometer interrupting at least one of the following steps:
  • * the acquisition of the values measured by the pressure sensor,
  • * the electronic display,
  • * wireless data transmission,
  • * No action waiting for a wake up event to exit this idle state.
• the electronic manometer comprises a port or a communication interface capable of receiving configuration data from the electronic unit, the method comprising a step of comparing the current operating mode of the container with a plurality of predefined operating modes and in that it includes a step of authorizing a configuration change of the electronic unit only when the operating mode corresponds to one or more predefined operating modes allowing such a configuration change,
• the electronic manometer comprises a gas temperature sensor inside a container and / or the ambient temperature close to the manometer
• the method comprises a step of displaying and / or transmitting the measured temperature value at a fourth transmission frequency,
• the method comprises a step of calculating a volume of gas autonomy in the container from the measured pressure, the calculated range volume being corrected as a function of the measured temperature,
• the method comprises a step of measuring or calculating the measured pressure variation and a step of comparing the current pressure variation with predetermined reference values to determine the operating mode and / or automatically modifying the operating mode of the manometer and / or information transmitted by the pressure gauge according to the current pressure variation,
• from a state of vacuum or during filling, when the measured pressure becomes greater than a second high threshold, the pressure gauge is switched to a so-called full cooling operating state in which the pressure gauge carries out one of several of the operating steps previously described,
• the information is transmitted by at least one of: a display screen, one or more indicator lights, a buzzer, a loudspeaker, one or more radio transmitters,
• the first acquisition frequency is greater than or equal to or less than the second acquisition frequency,
• the first calculation frequency is greater than or less than or equal to or greater than the second calculation frequency,
• the first transmission frequency is greater than or equal to or less than the second transmission frequency,
• the third transmission frequency is greater than or equal to or less than the first transmission frequency,
• the fourth transmission frequency is greater than or equal to or less than the first transmission frequency,
• the energy source comprises at least one of: a battery, an electric accumulator, a photovoltaic cell, an induction current system,
• the electronic unit automatically switches the pressure gauge from the operating state to the empty or filling state when the measured pressure becomes lower than the first low threshold,
• the electronic unit automatically switches the pressure gauge from the filling state to the cooling state when the measured pressure becomes greater than the second high threshold,
• the electronic unit automatically switches the gauge from the filling or cooling state to the use or standby state when the measured pressure falls below the first high threshold,
• the manometer may comprise a system for recognizing a user or a type of user (identifying, for example, with type of user or level of access among several types or predefined levels), the manometer allowing changes in configuration and / or of use according to the user or the type of user transmitting control data,
• the nature of the configuration may be conditioned to one or more identifiers and / or to one or more predefined types of users (for example, an access or authorization level may or may not allow the modification of one or more parameters) ,
• each user of the parameterization can have an own identifier including a level of access,
• - the following access levels can be envisaged: pressure gauge manufacturer, container manometer fitter, gas generator, maintenance operator, filling (center) operator, logistics operator, manometer user,
• - The electronic unit records the identifier of a user including having made a configuration change.

• la figure 1 représente une vue schématique et partielle illustrant un exemple de structure et de fonctionnement d'un manomètre électronique selon une réalisation possible de l'invention,
• les figures 2 et 3 représentent, respectivement sous la forme d'un graphique et d'une courbe fermée, un exemple de cycle de variation de pression à l'intérieur d'une bouteille de gaz lors d'un cycle complet d'utilisation.

Other particularities and advantages will appear on reading the following description, made with reference to the figures in which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic and partial view illustrating an example of structure and operation of an electronic manometer according to a possible embodiment of the invention,
• the Figures 2 and 3 represent, respectively in the form of a graph and a closed curve, an example of a cycle of variation of pressure inside a gas cylinder during a complete cycle of use.

The invention applies preferentially to gas cylinder taps with or without integrated expansion valves, industrial or medical type on which is mounted an electronic pressure measurement system (electronic manometer).

• un ou plusieurs capteurs 14 de pression P,
• une unité 44 de traitement électronique (type microprocesseur par exemple),
• un système 54 d'alimentation électrique sans fil (indépendant d'un réseau extérieur) tel qu'une pile, un accumulateur, une cellule photovoltaïque, un système par induction ou équivalent,
• au moins un système 34 d'information et/ou de communication comprenant par exemple au moins l'un des éléments parmi: un ou des écrans, un ou des voyants, un avertisseur sonore, un haut-parleur, une ou plusieurs Radio émettrice/réceptrice.

As represented in figure 1 , the electronic manometer can comprise within the same housing:

• one or more pressure sensors P,
• a unit 44 of electronic processing (microprocessor type for example),
• a wireless power supply system 54 (independent of an external network) such as a battery, an accumulator, a photovoltaic cell, an induction system or the like,
• at least one information and / or communication system 34 comprising, for example, at least one of: one or more screens, one or more LEDs, a buzzer, a speaker, one or more transmitter radio / receptor.

• un ou plusieurs capteurs 24 de température T,
• un capteur de mouvement ou de déplacement,
• un capteur de luminosité ou un capteur sonore,
• un ou plusieurs boutons (une interface de saisie),
• un récepteur radio.

The manometer 1 may also include at least one of:

• one or more sensors 24 of temperature T,
• a motion or displacement sensor,
• a light sensor or a sound sensor,
• one or more buttons (an input interface),
• a radio receiver.

According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the mode of operation of the manometer and / or the information supplied by the latter are automatically adapted to the current operating state detected in real time and compared with predefined operating modes. The predefined operating modes are based on a typical pressure variation cycle that the gauge is likely to measure during a typical use cycle of the container.

The cycle of use of a gas cylinder can be represented symbolically according to a pressure curve ( figure 2 ) or a pressure loop ( figure 3 ).

Starting for example from a full gas cylinder, it is possible to isolate a first zone A during which the bottle is for example in a "final" user.

In this utilization zone A, the pressure P measured by the sensor is between a first low threshold S1 and a first high threshold S2 (for example 205 bar). Depending on the need, the user withdraws gas from the cylinder continuously or not, which lowers the pressure inside (negative pressure variation).

The figure 2 illustrates different types of pressure drops (a steady and continuous decline or several successive slopes). This may correspond to several different flow rates or levels representative of the withdrawal flow pauses.

The pressure gauge comes out of this first state of use (at the end user or when it is purged at the factory before refilling for example) when the pressure measured by the gauge 1 drops below the first low threshold S1 order, for example, 10 bar or 5 bar).

Therefore the manometer detects or defines a second state in which the bottle is called "empty" or being filled.

Thus, when the pressure gauge is in the use zone A and the measured pressure falls below the first low threshold S1, the gauge detects the passage into a second empty state or during filling (zone B - C). The transition from zone A (use) to zone B-C (vacuum or filling) is detected and preferably taken into account even if the measured pressure decreases or rises (compared to the low threshold S1) or remains stable.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3 Zone B illustrates an empty bottle or almost, the pressure is then zero or almost. The bottle is, for example, either at the end user, transported or back to a filling station of a gas.

In the following zone C the bottle is being filled with compressed gas (positive pressure variation). Because of the compression there is heating of the gas during this operation (for understanding, this is simplified here in one line).

The manometer detects the output of this second state (empty or during filling) when the measured pressure passes above a second high pressure threshold S3 (example: 210 bar). It should be noted that this second high threshold S3 is not necessarily the highest pressure reached during filling.

Then (zone D), the filling is finished, the gas heated in the previous step will gradually return to room temperature. As the pressure is proportional to the temperature, the measured pressure P will slowly go down to the nominal pressure of use of the bottle.

Thus, at the end of filling and cooling, or from the beginning of the first use, the apparatus exits the filling / cooling state when the pressure P returns below the first high threshold S2 (for example: 205 bar) .

Cycle A to D can then start again.

By means of this pressure representation, the manometer 1 can then detect with certainty the use (state) in progress and the type of user using the pressure vessel.

• afficher ou transmettre automatiquement les informations spécifiques pertinentes à l'état en cours
• envoyer des signaux d'alerte ou non en fonction des données mais aussi de l'état de fonctionnement.

The system can then adapt the data display and the manometer operation to the detected state. For example, the pressure gauge can

• display or automatically transmit specific information relevant to the current state
• send warning signals or not depending on the data but also the operating status.

The behavior of the pressure gauge and the information presented or transmitted to the user can thus adapt automatically depending on the context and use in progress, without human intervention by a button, a sensor or other actuator which increases the ergonomics of the system.

The fact of being able to overcome the above technical means (buttons, sensors ...), it is possible to simplify the design of the manometer, its cost and improve its sealing and reliability.

The system thus proposes a definition of several operating states, the chronology between these states, the passage from one to the other and the detection of the present state of the container whose pressure is measured.

The system also proposes an adaptation of the manometer behavior to the detected state.

This system or method can be applied in a particular and different way to a multitude of industrial and medical applications.

The electronic unit 44 can thus comprise stored parameters (re-parameterizable or not) defining different operating states and modes of operation / communications (also re-parametriable or not) specially adapted to these states.

The pressure gauge 1 may comprise a port (radio) or a communication interface adapted to receive in particular data configuration / parameterization of the electronic unit.

The electronic unit may include an "inactive" stored state in which the manometer provides minimal functions for minimal power consumption. In this inactive state, the display, the acquisition of the pressure data, the data transmission can be inhibited. This inactive state can be adopted for example via a communication interface or automatically when the state of the power supply appears insufficient.

Even if the time interval is shortened between two measurements or two operations performed by the manometer, it can be configured to turn off almost completely, only to reappear after a time interval (ten seconds for example).

Thus, the device is almost off for about ten or ten seconds while it is only lit for a few tens of milliseconds each period of use. During the off phase, for example, only the display (to avoid flashing), the radio reception and the time counter that determines the time of the alarm are active.

• l'affichage de données est activé,
• il y a transmission sans fil de données (pression, autonomie...), par exemple toutes les heures,
• la modification des paramétrages mémorisée (re-paramétrage) est possible,
• l'acquisition des données de pression P mesurées est réalisée par exemple toutes les 30 secondes,
• un affichage ou transmission sans fil de l'autonomie restante lors de la précédente utilisation (fonction de la pression et du volume de la bouteille mémorisé ou paramétré),
• l'acquisition des données de température T mesurées est réalisée par exemple toutes les 60 secondes,
• l'état de la batterie est vérifié périodiquement à des intervalles inférieurs à 24 heures.

The electronic unit may comprise a stored state of "standby" in which the manometer is able to operate but is not withdrawn. This standby state can correspond to a "sub-state" of the zone A of use. In this state, the manometer is switched into an operating mode in which for example at least one of the following actions are performed:

• the data display is activated,
• there is wireless transmission of data (pressure, autonomy ...), for example every hour,
• modification of the stored settings (re-parameterization) is possible,
• the acquisition of the measured pressure data P is carried out for example every 30 seconds,
• a display or wireless transmission of the remaining range during the previous use (depending on the pressure and volume of the stored or parameterized bottle),
• the acquisition of the measured temperature data T is carried out for example every 60 seconds,
• the condition of the battery is checked periodically at intervals of less than 24 hours.

The electronic unit may have a stored state of "use" (area A above when the pressure decreases). This state can correspond to a second sub-state of the zone A of use.

• l'affichage de données est activé,
• il y a transmission sans fil de données (pression, autonomie...), par exemple toutes les minutes,
• la modification des paramétrages mémorisée (re-paramétrage) est impossible,
• l'acquisition des données de pression P mesurées est réalisée par exemple toutes les 10 secondes,
• un calcul d'autonomie restante (fonction de la pression et du volume mémorisé ou paramétré de la bouteille) est réalisé toutes les 10 à 30 secondes et communiqué (affiché ou envoyé sans fil),
• l'acquisition des données de température T mesurées est réalisée par exemple toutes les 60 secondes ou moins,
• l'état de la batterie est vérifié périodiquement à des intervalles inférieurs à 24 heures.

In this state, the manometer is in a mode of operation in which, for example, at least one of the following actions is performed:

• the data display is activated,
• there is wireless transmission of data (pressure, autonomy ...), for example every minute,
• modification of the stored settings (re-parameterization) is impossible,
• the acquisition of the measured pressure data P is carried out for example every 10 seconds,
• a calculation of remaining battery life (depending on the pressure and the stored or set volume of the bottle) is performed every 10 to 30 seconds and communicated (displayed or sent wirelessly),
• the acquisition of the measured temperature data T is carried out for example every 60 seconds or less,
• the condition of the battery is checked periodically at intervals of less than 24 hours.

• l'affichage de données est activé,
• il y a transmission sans fil de données (pression, autonomie...), par exemple toutes les minutes,
• la modification des paramétrages mémorisée (re-paramétrage) est possible,
• l'acquisition des données de pression P mesurées est réalisée par exemple toutes les 10 secondes,
• l'acquisition des données de température T mesurées est réalisée par exemple toutes les 60 secondes ou moins,
• l'état de la batterie est vérifié périodiquement à des intervalles inférieurs à 24 heures.

The electronic unit may also include a stored state of "filling" (zone C above when the pressure increases) in which, for example, at least one of the following actions is performed:

• the data display is activated,
• there is wireless transmission of data (pressure, autonomy ...), for example every minute,
• modification of the stored settings (re-parameterization) is possible,
• the acquisition of the measured pressure data P is carried out for example every 10 seconds,
• the acquisition of the measured temperature data T is carried out for example every 60 seconds or less,
• the condition of the battery is checked periodically at intervals of less than 24 hours.

• A : utilisation,
• B-C : vide ou en cours de remplissage,
• D : fin de remplissage /refroidissement.

In summary, the system can define three linked states in a loop:

• A: use,
• BC: empty or being filled,
• D: end of filling / cooling.

• en débit = soutirage = utilisation, et
• en arrêt.

The state A of use can itself be decomposed in two "under states":

• in flow = withdrawal = use, and
• stopped.

The system can define and detect another state independent of the cycle: a state of standby corresponding for example to a storage state (manometer stopped or disassembled for example).

The system can define and detect yet another state independent of the so-called "degraded" cycle.

The invention is in no way limited to the examples described above. Thus, the parameters, information transmitted, states and modes of operation can be adapted and modified according to all the possible combinations according to the needs of an application.

Similarly, the invention relates to a manometer comprising elements for implementing all or part of the functions or steps described above.

The manometer can also be used in particular for measuring the pressure in a line of a gas network or on removable pressure reducers.

Claims (15)

1. Method for controlling an electronic manometer for measuring the pressure (P) inside a pressurized gas receptacle, particularly a pressurized gas bottle, said manometer (1) comprising at least one pressure sensor (14), an electronic unit (44) designed for the acquisition, storage and processing of data, at least one information device (34) capable of transmitting at least one item of information (P), the method comprising:

   - at least one step of measuring the pressure (P) in the receptacle by the pressure sensor (14),

   - a step of automatic modification of the operating mode of the manometer (1) and/or the information (P) transmitted by the manometer (1) in order to adapt said operating mode or said items of information (P) to the current operating state (A, B-C, D) of the receptacle from a plurality of predefined operating states (A, B-C, D), said operating states (A, B, C, D) being predefined by pre-established reference pressure-threshold values (S1 to S3), said operating states (A, B-C, D) being linked chronologically so as to form a chronological cycle,

   - the modification step being carried out following the detection of a switchover from a first operating state (A, B-C, D) to a second operating state, that is to say when the pressure values (P) measured during the first operating state and compared with the pre-established reference pressure-threshold values (51 to S3) correspond to the second operating state and the second operating state is the next in the chronological cycle,
   characterized in that the predefined operating states (A, B-C, D) are chronologically linked according to a closed-loop chronological cycle, and in that the manometer (1) is connected to the receptacle and is capable of measuring the pressure within the receptacle throughout the closed-loop chronological cycle.
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the operating states of the closed-loop chronological cycle comprise a state called the usage state during which the gas is capable of being drawn off from the receptacle fitted with the manometer and a state called the filling state during which the receptacle fitted with the manometer is filled with compressed gas.
3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the succession of predefined operating states (A, B-C, D) in a closed loop proceeds in a single direction.
4. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least two, and preferably at least three predefined operating states (A, B-C, D).
5. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises three operating states (A, B-C, D) predefined by three distinct reference pressure-threshold values (S1 to S3).
6. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, when the measured pressure (P) again descends below a first high threshold (S2) in order then to be between a first low threshold (S1) and said first high threshold (S2), the electronic unit (44) automatically switches the manometer to an operating state (A) called "usage" during which the manometer (1) carries out at least one of the following operating steps:

   - regular acquisition of the values measured by the pressure sensor (14) at time intervals separated by a first acquisition frequency,

   - electronic display of at least one item of information from: the measured pressure, a calculated volume remaining in the receptacle, a calculated period of autonomy in the receptacle,

   - regular wireless transmission, of the microwave type, at a first transmission frequency, of at least one item of information from: the measured pressure (P), an item of autonomy information (volume or time remaining).
7. Method according to Claim 6, characterized in that when, during the operating state (A) called "usage", the measured pressure variation (dP) decreases, the manometer (1) carries out a regular calculation, at a first calculation frequency, of a remaining autonomy time in gas based on the change in measured pressure.
8. Method according to either one of Claims 6 or 7, characterized in that when, during the operating state (A) called "usage", the change in pressure (dP) is zero for a determined period, the electronic unit (44) defines an operating state (A) called "non-usage or no-flow" during which the manometer (1) carries out at least one of the following operating steps:

   - regular acquisition of the values measured by the pressure sensor (14) at time intervals separated by a second acquisition frequency,

   - calculation of a period of autonomy remaining in gas based on a previous use of the receptacle or on the basis of a typical or standard predefined usage,

   - electronic display of at least one item of information from: the measured pressure, a calculated volume remaining in the receptacle, a calculated period of autonomy in the receptacle,

   - regular wireless transmission, of the microwave type, at a second transmission frequency, of at least one item of information from: the pressure (P) measured at time intervals, an item of autonomy information (volume or time remaining).
9. Method according to any one of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, based on a state of usage, when the measured pressure (P) becomes less than the first low threshold (S1), the electronic unit (44) detects or defines an operating state (A) called "fill" during which the manometer (1) carries out at least one of the following operating steps:

   - regular acquisition of the values measured by the pressure sensor (14) at time intervals separated by a third acquisition frequency,

   - electronic display of at least one item of information from: the measured pressure, a calculated volume remaining in the receptacle,

   - regular wireless transmission, of the microwave type, at a third transmission frequency of at least one item of information from: the pressure (P) measured at time intervals, an item of autonomy information such as the volume remaining for example.
10. Method according to Claim 9, characterized in that when, based on a fill state (A), the measured pressure passes above a second high pressure threshold (S3), the electronic unit (44) automatically switches the manometer to exit the latter state called fill.
11. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the electronic manometer comprises a specific electric power supply independent of a wire network and in that it comprises a step of measuring and displaying or transmitting the operating state of the electric power supply.
12. Method according to Claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a step of comparing the operating state or the autonomy of the electric power supply with minimal conditions and, when the operating state or the autonomy of the electric power supply does not satisfy the minimal conditions, a step of automatic switching of the manometer into an operating state called "degraded" in which the manometer (1) carries out at least one of the following operating steps

    - interruption of the regular calculation of a period of autonomy,

    - electronic display of at least one warning message,

    - regular wireless transmission, of the microwave type, of a warning message.
13. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the electronic manometer comprises a port or a communication interface capable of receiving configuration data of the electronic unit (44) and in that the method comprises a step of configuring the electronic unit (44) in order to switch the manometer into a forced operating mode called "inactive" irrespective of the measured values of pressure (P) and if necessary of change in pressure (dP), in the inactive state the manometer (1) interrupting at least one of the following steps:

    - the acquisition of the values measured by the pressure sensor (14),

    - the electronic display,

    - the wireless transmission of data,

    - no action while awaiting a reactivation event in order to come out of this inactive state.
14. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the electronic manometer comprises a port or a communication interface capable of receiving configuration data of the electronic unit (44), the method comprising a step of comparing the current operating mode (A, B-C, D) of the receptacle with a plurality of predefined operating modes and in that it comprises a step of authorizing a change of configuration of the electronic unit (44) only when the operating mode (A, B-C, D) corresponds to one or more predefined operating modes authorizing such a change of configuration.
15. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the method comprises a step of measuring or of calculating the measured pressure variation and a step of comparing the current pressure variation with predetermined reference values in order to determine the mode of operating and/or automatically modifying the mode of operating the manometer and/or the information transmitted by the manometer according to the current pressure variation.

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