FR3079027A1 - ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR MEASURING ONE OR MORE PHYSICAL DATA RELATING TO THE FLUID CONTAINED IN A FLUID CONTAINER - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic device (1) for measuring one or more physical data relating to the fluid contained in a fluid container, in particular the gas autonomy, comprising a first module (10) comprising connection means (14) for securing the first module (10) to a valve block (30), a sensor (13) for measuring at least one physical data relating to a fluid, and first electrical connection (11) and coupling means mechanical device (12), and a second module (20) comprising data processing means, an electric power source, a digital display (23), and second electrical connection means (21) and mechanical coupling means (22). . The first mechanical coupling means (12) of the first module (10) cooperate with the second mechanical coupling means (22) of the second module (20) for releasably securing the first and second modules (10, 20), to one another.

Description

The present invention relates to a fluid container, such as a pressurized gas cylinder, equipped with a valve block, with or without an integrated regulator, itself provided with an electronic device for supplying and / or displaying a or several physical data relating to the content of the container of pressurized fluid, in particular the gas autonomy.

Being able to evaluate quantities or physical data relating to the content of a fluid container, in particular the autonomy of a gas container, such as a medical or industrial gas cylinder, is extremely useful and important for the users.

For example, the gas autonomy, typically expressed in hours and minutes, makes it possible to know for how long a container considered will be able to be used again before it is completely empty and must be replaced by a new container full of gas.

Devices for measuring physical data relating to the content of a fluid container, in particular the gas autonomy, have already been proposed.

Thus, the document WO-A-2005/093377 describes a one-piece and compact electronic device for a gas container, in particular for a gas bottle, used to determine in particular the gas autonomy of the container. It consists of a housing comprising one (or more) sensor, an electronic card to process the signals from the sensor, a source of electric current and a display screen for information, in particular on the gas autonomy of the container. This electronic device is generally fixed by screwing or the like on the valve block equipping the container.

However, it has been observed in practice that electronic devices of this type pose several problems.

Indeed, some of these one-piece electronic devices are larger and bulky than others, especially when they have to display several physical data and possibly other useful information. However, the larger their size, the more their mounting on the valve block is restrictive and complicated, sometimes even impossible, especially when the assembly must be protected by a cramped protective cover. Assembly is even more complicated when it has to be automated on the assembly line.

In addition, many of these electronic devices must be positioned on the top of the valve block, to make it easier to read the information they display, thus being more exposed to shocks. However, in the event of a violent impact, for example in the event of a fall, the risk of leakage and ejection of parts under the effect of the high gas pressure to which they are subjected is significant, which creates risks of injury for the users.

In addition, their current design requires their complete disassembly when a repair or maintenance operation must be carried out, in particular an intervention on their electronic card or their display screen, or even a simple replacement of the ) pile (s) they contain. However, such a complete disassembly is tedious, generates an immobilization of the containers on which they are mounted for disassembly of the valve block device. However, this creates the risk of injury to maintenance personnel because the complete disassembly of the device exposes them to high residual gas pressure.

The present invention aims to solve all or part of the aforementioned problems by proposing an improved electronic device for measuring one or more physical data relating to the content of a fluid container, in particular the autonomy of a gas container, in particular an electronic device allowing easier maintenance and an increased level of security.

The solution of the invention then relates to an electronic device for measuring one or more physical data relating to the fluid contained in a fluid container, in particular the gas autonomy, comprising:

- a first module comprising:

o connection means to allow the first module to be secured to a tap block, o at least one sensor used to measure at least one physical datum relating to a fluid, o first electrical connection means and o first mechanical coupling means , and

- a second module comprising:

o data processing means configured to process at least one data coming from the sensor of the first module, o at least one source of electric current, o a digital display, o second means of electrical connection and o second means of mechanical coupling , and in which the first mechanical coupling means of the first module cooperate with the second mechanical coupling means of the second module in order to detachably secure the first and second modules to each other.

In other words, the first and second mechanical coupling means make it possible to ensure a reversible coupling, that is to say a coupling and a decoupling, of the first and second modules, one with the other.

Depending on the case, the electronic device according to the invention may include one or more of the following technical characteristics:

- the first module includes a first box.

- the second module includes a second box.

- The first and second boxes each form an outer shell or carcass.

- The first housing and / or the second housing are made of plastic type polymer, for example ABS-PC.

- The connection means of the first module are arranged at a connection end piece carried by the first case and projecting away from said first case, that is to say that the connection end protrudes at the outer peripheral surface of the first box.

- The connection means of the first module comprise a recess arranged in the wall of the connection end piece. This recess is intended to receive a key or pin, when the electronic device is inserted in a housing of the valve block.

- the connection piece includes an internal fluid passage.

- the internal passage is arranged axially in the connection piece.

the connection end piece includes a free end at which the internal passage opens, that is to say that an inlet opening of the internal passage is located at the end of the free end of the end piece connection.

- The first electrical connection means and the second electrical connection means comprise electrical contactors.

- The first electrical connection means cooperate with the second electrical connection means to ensure an electrical connection between them, when the first and second modules are secured to each other.

- The first module comprises at least one pressure sensor and / or at least one temperature sensor.

- The electric current source of the second module comprises at least one cell or battery.

- the digital display includes a digital screen.

- the digital display is a liquid crystal display.

- the digital display includes a monochrome or color screen.

- the digital display is embedded in the wall of the second housing.

- The first mechanical coupling means of the first module comprise wall elements, for example rails, preferably linear rails.

- The first mechanical coupling means are arranged at the upper surface of the first housing of the first module.

- The second mechanical coupling means of the second module comprise oblong housings, i.e. grooves or grooves.

- The second mechanical coupling means are arranged at the lower surface of the second housing of the second module.

- The second mechanical coupling means of the second module further include stop stops arranged in the grooves.

- It further comprises locking means, for example clips or the like.

- when coupled, the two modules come to rest against each other according to a PC contact plane, defined by the contact zone between the lower surface of the second housing of the second module and the upper surface of the first housing of the first module.

the two modules, once coupled to each other, are held in an integral position, ie locked one inside the other, by locking means, for example one or more retractable studs cooperating with blind cavities, so as to avoid their untimely decoupling, preferably the studs are housed in the blind cavities.

- The studs are mounted on springs housed in blind housings drilled in the body of the first module, preferably the studs are mounted on springs.

- the blind cavities are fitted in the second module.

- It preferably includes, within the second module, data transmission means, for example a modem or the like and a transmitting antenna, electrically connected to the data processing means so as to be able to transmit all or some of the measurements remotely or data, for example to a remote server or to a mobile device, for example a multifunction phone (smartphone) or a digital tablet.

The invention also relates to a valve block for a pressurized fluid container comprising an electronic device according to the invention, in particular a valve block with integrated regulator (RDI).

The invention further relates to a container of pressurized fluid, in particular a gas cylinder, equipped with a valve block according to the invention.

The invention also relates to the use of a fluid container according to the invention for storing or dispensing a fluid, in particular a pressurized gas.

The invention finally relates to the use of an electronic device according to the invention for measuring one or more physical data relating to the fluid contained in a fluid container according to the invention, in particular a physical data of autonomy.

In general, the electronic device of the invention which is in the form of two modules designed to be able to couple and / or decouple, as required, solves most of the problems of monoblock devices of the art and has the following advantages in particular:

- ability to be easily integrated into existing production lines,

- increased safety by preventing the user from being subjected to the high gas pressure prevailing in the valve block on which it is mounted since the first module always remains in position, in particular in the event of maintenance of the elements of the second module, such as replacement of batteries, intervention on the electronic card or other,

- simple and quick assembly and disassembly,

- possibility of replacing only part of the device in case of deterioration, in particular the second module containing fragile elements, such as the electronic card,

- guarantee of the solidity of the connection between the pressure sensor and the valve block, even in the event of impact and / or fall,

- reduced mechanical dimensions,

- guarantee of good data transmission from the pressure sensor to the electronic card calculation system and the electronic display ...

The invention will now be better understood thanks to the following detailed description, given by way of illustration but not limitation, with reference to the appended figures among which:

- Figure 1 shows schematically a valve block for a gas cylinder equipped with an electronic device according to the prior art,

- Figure 2 shows schematically (side view) an embodiment of an electronic device according to the invention where the first and second modules are coupled to each other,

- Figure 3 shows schematically the first module of the electronic device of Figure 2,

- Figure 4 shows schematically the second module of the electronic device of Figure 2,

- Figure 5 shows schematically the coupling of the first module of Figure 3 to the second module of Figure 4,

FIG. 6 is a sectional diagram of the electronic device of FIG. 2,

FIG. 7 is a sectional diagram of the electronic device of FIG. 2 after its fluid connection to a tap block,

- Figure 8 shows schematically a valve block equipped with an electronic device according to the invention, mounted on a gas cylinder,

FIG. 9 is a diagram of the main elements of the second module of the electronic device in FIG. 2, and

- Figures 10 and 11 show schematically the fixing pads of the first module of the electronic device of Figure 2.

Figure 1 shows schematically a valve block 30 for a fluid container equipped with an electronic device 31 according to the prior art. It makes it possible to determine the gas autonomy of a container of fluid, in particular of a gas bottle. This electronic device 31 consists of a single monobloc housing 32 comprising one (or more) sensor, an electronic card for processing the signals from the sensor, a source of electric current and a screen 33 for displaying information. This electronic device 31 is fixed by screwing or the like to the valve block 30.

FIG. 2 represents an embodiment of an electronic device 1 according to the invention comprising a first and a second module 10, 20 reversibly coupled to each other, that is to say that the first and second modules 10, 20 can be dissociated or detached from one another after their coupling. The first module 10 is also called "lower module" and the second module 20 is also called "upper module".

The electronic device 1 makes it possible to carry out measurements of one or more data or physical quantities relating to the fluid contained in a fluid container, in particular the gas autonomy of a gas cylinder.

According to the invention, the first module 10, shown isolated in Figure 3, is in the form of a first rigid housing 16, for example of plastic type polymer, comprising a connection end piece 15, also called connection, projecting away from said first housing 16, that is to say projecting from the surface of the housing 16.

This connection endpiece 15 carries connection means 14, for example a key or pin 38 (cooperating with a recess 14 formed in the side wall of the endpiece 15 and / or in the valve block 30, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, making it possible to mechanically connect and fix the first module 10 to a valve block 30 mounted on a gas cylinder, for example, of course, other connection systems can be used, for example threads.

In all cases, the end piece 15 of the electronic device 1 of the invention therefore comes to be housed in a dedicated housing 32 of the valve block 30, as illustrated in FIG. 7, and is retained there by the pin 31 or the like which comes s '' insert into the recess 14 arranged, astride, in the side wall of the nozzle 15 and in the valve block 30

The fluid tightness is ensured by an O-ring 39 or the like arranged around the end piece 15 of the electronic device 1.

In other words, the connection means 31, 14 serve to secure the first module 10 to a valve block 30, for example an integrated expansion valve block (RDI), as illustrated in Figure 7.

The connection endpiece 15 furthermore comprises an internal passage 17 of fluid, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, preferably arranged axially in the endpiece 15 and opening out via an outlet orifice 18 at the free end 15a of the connection end piece 15. This internal passage 17 makes it possible to convey gas under pressure to one (or more) sensor 13, in particular a pressure sensor 13 arranged in the first housing 16 so as to allow the desired measurements to be made, by example of pressure or temperature measurements.

The first housing 16 of the first module 10 therefore comprises at least one sensor 13 (FIG. 7) used to measure at least one physical datum relating to a fluid.

Furthermore, the box 16 is also equipped with first electrical connection means 11, such as electrical or optical contactors, and first mechanical coupling means 12 serving for the reversible fixing of the first module 10 with the second module 20, as detailed below. -after.

The sensor 13 is preferably carried by an electronic card positioned in the volume 19 of FIG. 7.

Figure 4 shows, for its part, the second module 20 of the electronic device 1 of Figure 2. As can be seen, it comprises a second rigid housing 26, for example of plastic type polymer, having here a rectangular shape of section square; of course, it could have another form.

As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 9, the second box 26 contains data processing means 40, 41, for example an electronic card 40 with microcontroller 41, configured to process the measurements or other data (arrow 42) coming from the sensor or sensors 13 arranged in the first module 10, as explained above, as well as a source of electric current 43, for example one or more electric cells or batteries or solar cells.

Furthermore, the second box 26 of the module 20 also includes a digital display 23 making it possible to display data and other measurements, for example gas autonomy, which are transmitted to it (arrow 44) by the data processing means 40, 41.

Also provided are second electrical connection means 21, such as electrical or optical contactors, and second mechanical coupling means 22, serving for the reversible coupling of the first and second module 10, 20, with each other, as detailed below. The digital display 23 is preferably embedded in the rigid wall of the second case 26.

The electric current source 43 supplies electric current not only to the electronic card 40 and the microcontroller 41 but also to the digital display 23 and the sensor 13 of the first module 10, via the electrical connection means 11,21.

Indeed, when the two modules 10, 20 are coupled to each other, as shown in Figure 2, the first and second electrical connection means 11,21 are in contact with each other so as to ensure an electrical connection between them and the supply of electric current to the first housing 16 so as to supply the sensor (s) 13, in particular a pressure sensor, arranged in said first housing 16 of the first module 10.

According to the invention, the first mechanical coupling means 12 of the first module 10 and the second mechanical coupling means 22 of the second module 20 are designed to cooperate together and thus ensure mechanical coupling of the two modules 10, 20 one with the 'other. However, it is essential, in the context of the present invention, that this coupling be reversible, that is to say that once coupled, the two modules 10, 20 can be decoupled, that is to say detached from each other, when a user wishes, for example if a maintenance operation of the second module 20 must take place.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, we see that the second mechanical coupling means 22 and the second electrical connection means 21 of the second module 20 are arranged on the underside 20a of the second module 20, while the digital display 23 is in turn arranged on the upper face 20b of the second module 20; the lower face 20a of the second module 20 being that located on the side of the first module 10, when they are coupled to one another, while the upper face 20b of the second module 20 being that facing the user when a user reads the indications displayed on the digital display 23.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, it can be seen that, in this embodiment, the first mechanical coupling means 12 of the first module 10 comprise oblong housings, also called grooves or linear grooves 12a, 12b, while the second coupling means mechanics 22 of the second module 20 are configured in the form of linear rails 22a, 22b.

When assembling the modules 10, 20, one with the other, in a translational movement (arrow T), ie sliding insertion, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the rails 22a, 22b of the second module 20 are inserted and slide in the grooves 12a, 12b of the first module 10 so as to secure the two modules 10, 20. The translational movement, therefore the insertion of the second module 20 in the first module 10, is stopped by stops located in the grooves 12a, 12b, as visible in Figure 3.

The rails 22a, 22b are carried by the outer wall of the lower surface 20a of the second housing 26 and, in the same way, the grooves 12a, 12b are carried the upper surface 10a of the first housing 16. The rails 22a, 22b and / or the grooves or housings 12a, 12b may be formed by wall elements, for example wall portions shaped to form said rails and / or said grooves, or else be added, that is to say be or be part independent elements which are fixed, by screwing, gluing, welding or other, to said walls of said lower surface 20a of the second housing 26 and upper surface 10a of the first housing 16.

Other mechanical coupling systems can of course be used in place of the aforementioned linear rails and grooves, for example rotary rails and grooves, interlocking mechanisms, etc. which can also be adjustable along one or more axes ( X, Y, Z ...) or, conversely, not adjustable ...

As can be seen in FIG. 7, after their coupling, the two modules 10, 20 come to rest against one another according to a contact plane PC, defined by the contact zone between the lower surface 20a of the second housing 26 and the upper surface 10a of the first box 16. In all cases, the high pressure is confined in the HP zone of FIG. 7, that is to say in the first box 16 of the first module 10, even after decoupling and dissociation of the two modules 10, 20 from one another.

In other words, thanks to the present invention, it is now possible to dissociate, that is to say separate, the parts of the electronic device 31 subjected to the gas under pressure, typically the first module 10, from those including the calculation system, display, energy source ..., typically the second module 20.

Once coupled to each other, the modules 10, 20 are preferably held in an integral position, ie locked / blocked one inside the other, by locking means 29, for example one or more clips or studs retractable, so as to avoid inadvertent decoupling.

Thus, Figures 10 and 11 show schematically an embodiment of locking means 29 based on two fixing studs 50 allowing the first module 10 to be joined to the second module 20. These studs 50 are mounted on springs 51 and are housed in blind housings 52 drilled in the body of the first module

10. As illustrated in FIG. 11, to ensure that the first and second modules 10, 20 are kept in an integral position, that is to say locked one inside the other, these studs are housed in blind cavities 53 arranged in the second module 20. Of course, one could provide a higher or lower number of fixing pads 50 and blind cavities 53, depending on the desired embodiment.

In addition, the locking means 29 can comprise one or more locking systems so as to reinforce the locking and minimize the risk of untimely dissociation.

Optionally, the electronic device 31 according to the invention can also comprise, preferably within its second module 20, data transmission means (not shown), for example a modem or the like and a transmitting antenna, electrically connected to the means data processing 40, 41, typically an electronic card 40 with microcontroller 41, so as to be able to transmit all or part of the measurements or data remotely, for example to a remote server or to a mobile device, for example a multifunction telephone ( smartphone) or a digital tablet.

Figure 8 shows schematically a fluid container 36, namely here a gas cylinder, equipped with a valve block 30, in particular an RDI, provided with an electronic device 31 according to the invention so as to be able to determine the autonomy in gas from the fluid container 36, in particular when the fluid container 36 delivered from the gas via its outlet connector 35.

The valve block 30 and the electronic device 31 are protected by a protective cover or "cap" 37.

The valve block 30 houses a first withdrawal circuit 33 (FIG. 7) comprising a first upstream end communicating with the internal storage volume of the pressurized gas bottle 36 and a second downstream end comprising the outlet connector 35 which is intended to be connected to a user body of the withdrawn gas. The first withdrawal circuit 33 comprising a member for regulating the flow rate and / or the pressure of the fluid withdrawn between the upstream and downstream ends.

Furthermore, the valve block 30 also includes a manual control member of the regulating member, the control member being mounted movable relative to the body of the valve block 30 and cooperating with the regulating member to control the flow rate and / or the fluid pressure allowed to flow from the upstream end to the downstream end, ie towards the outlet connector 35, according to the position of the control member relative to the body.

The electronic device 1 for indicating data (s) relating to the content of the pressurized gas present in the bottle 36 is connected to the tap 30 and makes it possible to transmit to the data processing means 40, 41, a signal representative of the flow rate and / or fluid pressure imposed by the regulator. The data relating to the fluid can then be displayed on the digital display 23.

A fluid container 36 fitted with the electronic device 1 according to the invention can be used to store and / or supply a gas under pressure, in particular a medical gas chosen from oxygen, air, an N2O / O2 mixture, a NO / O2 mixture, N2 / O2 mixture, He / O2 mixture .....

Claims (14)

claims 1. Electronic device (1) for measuring one or more physical data relating to the fluid contained in a fluid container, in particular the gas autonomy, comprising: a) a first module (10) comprising: - connection means (14) to allow the first module (10) to be secured to a tap block (30), - at least one sensor (13) used to measure at least one physical datum relating to a fluid, - first electrical connection means (11) and - first mechanical coupling means (12), and b) a second module (20) comprising: - data processing means (40, 41) configured to process at least one data coming from the sensor (13) of the first module (10), - at least one source of electric current, - a digital display (23), - second electrical connection means (21) and - second mechanical coupling means (22), and in which the first mechanical coupling means (12) of the first module (10) cooperate with the second mechanical coupling means (22) of the second module (20) to secure, detachably, the first and second modules (10, 20), to one another. 2. Electronic device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first module (10) comprises a first housing (16) and the second module (20) comprises a second housing (26). 3. Electronic device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection means (14) of the first module (10) are arranged at a connection end piece (15) carried by the first housing (16) and projecting away from said first housing (16). 4. Electronic device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the connection end piece (15) comprises an internal fluid passage (17), preferably an internal passage (15a) arranged axially and opening out via an orifice outlet (18) at a free end (15a) of the connection end piece (15). 5. Electronic device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first electrical connection means (11) and the second electrical connection means (21) comprise electrical contactors. 6. Electronic device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 5, characterized in that the first electrical connection means (11) cooperate with the second electrical connection means (21) to ensure an electrical connection between them, when the first and second modules (10, 20) are secured to one another. 7. Electronic device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first module (10) comprises at least one pressure sensor (13) or at least one temperature sensor. 8. Electronic device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electric current source of the second module (20) comprises at least one cell or battery. 9. Electronic device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the digital display of the second module (20) comprises a digital screen (23). 10. Electronic device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: - The first mechanical coupling means (12) of the first module (10) comprise rails (12a, 12b) and / or - The second mechanical coupling means (22) of the second module (20) include grooves (22a, 22b). 11. valve block (30) for pressurized fluid container (36) comprising an electronic device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular a valve block (30) with integrated regulator (RDI). 12. A container of pressurized fluid (36), in particular a gas cylinder, equipped with a valve block (30) according to claim 11. 13. Use of a fluid container (36) according to claim 12 for storing or dispensing a fluid, in particular a pressurized gas. 14. Use of an electronic device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 for measuring one or more physical data relating to the fluid contained in a fluid container (36) according to claim 12, in particular a physical data d 'autonomy.