Station for filling gas tanks

Abstract

The invention relates to a station for filling gas tanks, the station comprising a gas source, a circuit comprising an upstream end connected to the source and a downstream end comprising a hose portion, the end of the hose portion being intended to be connected to the tank to be filled, the circuit comprising, between the source and the downstream end, an automatically disengaging breakaway coupling arranged along a working axis, which ensures automatic disengagement from the circuit when it is subjected to a determined tension along its working axis, the station comprising a dispenser housing, the coupling being arranged in the housing with a determined orientation of the working axis, the hose portion at least partially protruding from the housing, the housing comprising a guide member for guiding an area of ​​the hose portion, comprising a deflecting wall assembly converging towards a central channel area, thereby ensuring local retention of the hose portion, the portion of the circuit situated between the coupling and the guide member being oriented along the working axis, the deflecting wall assembly being configured to transfer at least a portion of the tension on the hose portion along the working axis, the tension being oriented transversely to the working axis of the breakaway coupling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas tank filling station.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a filling station for gas tanks, comprising a gas source, a circuit comprising an upstream end connected to said source and a downstream end comprising a hose portion, the end of the hose portion being intended to be connected to the tank to be filled, the circuit comprising, between the gas source and the downstream end, an automatically disengaging breakaway / detachable coupling arranged along a working axis, said breakaway coupling ensuring automatic disengagement / disconnection from the circuit in the event of a determined tension being applied to said breakaway coupling along its working axis, said station comprising a dispenser housing in which the breakaway coupling is arranged in a determined orientation relative to the working axis, at least a portion of the hose portion at the downstream end of the circuit protruding from the dispenser housing, the dispenser housing comprising a guide member for guiding an area of ​​the hose portion. Background Art

[0003] When filling a vehicle's gaseous (or liquid) hydrogen tank, the end nozzle is connected to the vehicle. The user needs to remember to disconnect the nozzle at the end of the filling. If he forgets and drives away with the nozzle connected, the hose may be torn off and the dispenser may be damaged.

[0004] A disconnect system is necessary to avoid damage to the hose and dispenser. Many systems use a "breakaway" coupling that disconnects the circuit if the vehicle is started with the nozzle still connected. Disconnection is automatic, regardless of whether the system is under pressure or not. Breakaway couplings are reusable and can be reconnected safely.

[0005] Known systems require that tension be applied on the working axis of the breakaway coupling system (or at a small angle, ie between 0 and 30 degrees).In known safety systems, the breakaway coupling is integrated into the nozzle.

[0006] In another known configuration, known as a "fixed installation," the breakaway coupling is typically fixed in a vertical position at a height of 2-3 meters from the ground via a downward-facing hose connection. However, when the nozzle is pulled out, large angles relative to the vertical, and therefore relative to the axis of the breakaway coupling, are possible. This angle is typically greater than 45 degrees. This exceeds the optimal operating conditions for the breakaway system and can lead to failure, resulting in a hazardous situation.

[0007] In another known configuration, a breakaway coupling is arranged linearly between two hoses: the one connecting it to the dispenser and the one connecting it to the vehicle. The advantage of this system is that it automatically aligns when the hoses are pulled, ensuring proper function of the breakaway system. However, the hose connecting the breakaway coupling to the dispenser is constantly in motion as the user manipulates the nozzle. This can cause wear on the second hose. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to overcome all or some of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] To this end, an essential feature of the station according to the invention, which otherwise corresponds to the general definition provided in the above-mentioned preamble, is that the guide member comprises a deflecting wall assembly which converges towards a central channel area, thereby ensuring local retention of the hose portion, the portion of the circuit located between the breakaway coupling and the guide member being oriented at least substantially along the working axis of the breakaway coupling, the deflecting wall assembly of the guide member being further configured to transfer at least a portion of the tension on the hose portion, oriented transversely to the working axis of the breakaway coupling, along the working axis of the breakaway coupling.

[0010] This provides a breakaway coupling that can be housed in a rigid and fixed manner in the dispenser of the station. Furthermore, any pull-out of the hose is always on the working axis of the breakaway coupling, regardless of the direction the vehicle is moving in (forward or backward) without first disengaging it, and regardless of the filling side of the vehicle (left or right).

[0011] Additionally, embodiments of the present invention may include one or more of the following features:

[0012] - the turning wall assembly comprises one or more curved walls having a radius of curvature in the range of 5 mm to 300 mm;

[0013] - the deflecting wall assembly comprises at least one fixed wall;

[0014] - the deflecting wall assembly comprises at least one movable wall, in particular a roller mounted on a movable shaft and rotating on the same;

[0015] - the deflecting wall assembly comprises at least two vertically oriented side walls forming lateral stops on either side of the hose portion;

[0016] - the deflecting wall assembly comprises at least one of: an upper wall oriented horizontally and forming a vertical stop above the hose portion; a lower wall oriented horizontally and forming a vertical stop below the hose portion;

[0017] - a breakaway coupling is arranged in the housing in an orientation parallel or substantially parallel to the working axis;

[0018] - the breakaway coupling is arranged in the housing at a height of 5 cm to 3 m, preferably 50 cm to 1 m from the ground;

[0019] The gas source comprises a fuel gas which comprises or consists of hydrogen in liquid and / or gaseous form.

[0020] The invention may also relate to any alternative device or method comprising any combination of the above or below features falling within the scope of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Further specific features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 Schematically shown is a partial side view illustrating one embodiment of the structure of a station according to the invention;

[0023] Figure 2 schematically shows a partial view in vertical section showing one embodiment of a detail of a station according to the invention;

[0024] Figure 3 Schematically shows Figure 2 a partial perspective view of one embodiment of a detail of a guide member;

[0025] Figure 4 A partial perspective view schematically shows an embodiment of the structure of a station according to the invention;

[0026] Figure 5 A partial perspective view of another embodiment of a part of a station according to the invention is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The illustrated gas tank filling station 1 comprises a gas source 2 and a circuit 3 comprising an upstream end 4 connected to the gas source 2 and a downstream end 5 comprising a hose portion the end of which is intended to be connected to a tank 6 to be filled (e.g. via a nozzle).

[0028] The circuit 3 also comprises an automatically disengaging breakaway coupling 7 mounted along the working axis between the source 2 and the downstream end 5. This breakaway coupling 7 is configured to automatically disengage / break the circuit 3 (and, if necessary, to split it in two) in the event of a determined tension being applied to the breakaway coupling 7 along its working axis.

[0029] The station 1 comprises a distributor housing 8 in which the breakaway coupling 7 is arranged (eg fixed) with a defined working axis orientation (eg horizontal in the example shown).

[0030] At least a portion of the hose portion of the downstream end 5 of the circuit protrudes from the distributor housing 8. Furthermore, the distributor housing 8 comprises a guide member 9 for guiding the area of ​​the hose portion. 。

[0031] The guide member 9 comprises a deflecting wall assembly 10 which converges towards the central area of ​​the hose channel and ensures local retention of the hose portion. The guide member 9 keeps the portion of the loop 3 between the breakaway coupling 7 and the guide member 9 at least substantially along the working axis of the breakaway coupling 7 (i.e. substantially horizontally in this embodiment, the term "substantially" meaning that, for example, small angles of zero to thirty degrees, and preferably zero to ten degrees, relative to the working axis are possible).

[0032] The deflecting wall assembly 10 of the guide member 9 is also configured to transfer at least a portion of the tension exerted on the hose portion along the working axis of the breakaway coupling 7, this tension being oriented transversely to the working axis of the breakaway coupling 7. In other words, in the event of tension at the downstream end of the circuit (when the vehicle is driven away without first disconnecting), even if the hose forms a large angle A with the working axis of the breakaway coupling 7, the guide member 9 forms a steering system, preferably a multi-directional steering system, that transfers forces to the working axis of the breakaway coupling 7 and, in particular, allows the hose to be disengaged from a portion of the distributor housing 8 around a corner. In other words, the hose portion preferably rests solely on the wall assembly of the guide member 9, regardless of the orientation of the downstream portion of the hose portion. For example, the guide member 9 may protrude from the face of the distributor housing 8 to which the guide member 9 is connected.

[0033] The safety of the station 1 is thus improved. In fact, when the vehicle moves forward or backward, the steering system allows the forces to be transferred to the working axis of the breakaway coupling 7. The station 1 is also more flexible because the system allows vehicles to approach in both directions, which is not possible safely with currently existing installations.

[0034] For example, the turning wall assembly 10 includes one or more curved walls having a radius of curvature of, for example, 5 mm to 300 mm (but not limited to this range). For example, the turning wall assembly 10 forms a converging pipe or a portion of a pipe (the radius of curvature gradually decreases toward the upstream end).

[0035] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the turning wall assembly 10 may include a torus cross-section (or a full torus).

[0036] The turning wall assembly 10 includes, for example, at least one fixed wall.

[0037] As an alternative thereto, or in combination therewith, the deflecting wall assembly 10 may comprise at least one movable wall, such as a roller mounted on a (movable or fixed) shaft and rotating about the shaft. Figure 4 As shown, the guide member 9 can comprise two vertically oriented deflecting side walls 10 forming a lateral stop on both sides of the hose portion, the two side walls 10 being each formed by a roller rotatable about a vertical axis.

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, the deflection wall assembly 10 may comprise an upper wall oriented horizontally and forming a vertical stop above the hose portion (in particular a roller rotatable about a horizontal axis) and / or a lower wall oriented horizontally and forming a vertical stop below the hose portion (in particular a roller rotatable about a horizontal axis).

[0039] This configuration makes it possible to transfer horizontal tension on the hose on opposite sides as well as upward or downward tension on the hose to the working axis of the breakaway coupling 7. This allows transfer of both vertical and horizontal components of tension.

[0040] Naturally, the working axis of the breakaway coupling 7 does not have to be horizontal.

[0041] Furthermore, the separate coupling 7 and the guide member 9 may be arranged at any height.

[0042] Preferably, the breakaway coupling 7 and the guide member 9 are fixed at a common coupling height for coupling the hose end to the tank (at the average height of the tank inlet / outlet, for example about 1 meter).

[0043] In case the breakaway coupling 7 is fixed at the level of the inlet of the tank to be filled, the horizontal wall 10 or rollers which transfer the vertical component of the force are optional. Thus, the guiding system can be further simplified.

[0044] Since the length of the hose is usually several meters, the height of the system can vary by tens of centimeters relative to the average height of the tank without affecting operation. Therefore, the maximum inclination angle of the hose at the outlet of the steering system is kept below the value recommended by the manufacturer of the breakaway coupling 7 and within the effective height of the guide member 9.

[0045] The invention allows reducing the number of components required (if necessary, only one guiding / steering direction or, in the case of a torus, only one guiding element). This structure therefore allows simplifying the structure and assembly and improving the efficiency of the safety system while reducing costs.

[0046] In particular, if the guide member 9 comprises a torus or a semi-torus, this provides flexibility with respect to the shape of the distributor housing 8 and the assembly position of the breakaway coupling 7 and the guide member 9 .

Claims

1. A station for filling gas tanks, comprising a gas source (2) and a circuit (3), the circuit comprising an upstream end (4) connected to the gas source (2) and a downstream end (5) comprising a hose portion, the end of which is intended to be connected to a tank (6) to be filled, the circuit (3) comprising an automatically disengaging disconnecting coupling (7) arranged along a working axis between the gas source (2) and the downstream end (5), the disconnecting coupling (7) ensuring automatic disconnection from the circuit (3) when the disconnecting coupling (7) is subjected to a determined tension along its working axis, the station (1) comprising a distributor housing (8), the disconnecting coupling (7) being arranged in the distributor housing (8) with a determined orientation relative to the working axis, at least a portion of the hose portion of the downstream end (5) of the circuit protruding from the distributor housing (8), the distributor housing (8) comprising a guide member (9) for guiding a region of the hose portion, characterised in that The guide member (9) comprises a deflecting wall assembly (10) which converges towards a central channel area, thereby ensuring local retention of the hose portion, the portion of the circuit (3) located between the breakaway coupling (7) and the guide member (9) being oriented at least substantially along the working axis of the breakaway coupling (7), the deflecting wall assembly (10) of the guide member (9) being further configured to transfer at least a portion of the tension on the hose portion oriented transversely to the working axis of the breakaway coupling (7) along the working axis of the breakaway coupling (7).

2. The station according to claim 1, characterized in that The turning wall assembly (10) comprises one or more curved walls, the radius of curvature of the curved wall being in the range of 5 mm to 300 mm.

3. A station according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The diverting wall assembly (10) includes at least one fixed wall.

4. The station according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The diverting wall assembly (10) includes at least one movable wall.

5. The station according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The deflecting wall assembly (10) comprises at least two vertically oriented side walls forming lateral stops on each side of the hose portion.

6. The station according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The deflecting wall assembly (10) comprises at least one of: an upper wall oriented horizontally and forming a vertical stop above the hose portion; and a lower wall oriented horizontally and forming a vertical stop below the hose portion.

7. The station according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The breakaway coupling (7) is arranged in the distributor housing (8) in an orientation parallel or substantially parallel to the working axis.

8. The station according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The separate coupling (7) is arranged in the distributor housing (8) at a height of 5 cm to 3 m from the ground.

9. The station according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The gas source (2) comprises a fuel gas which comprises or consists of hydrogen in liquid and / or gaseous form.

10. The station according to claim 4, characterized in that The deflecting wall assembly (10) includes a roller mounted on a movable shaft and rotating on the movable shaft.

11. The station according to claim 8, characterized in that The height is in the range of 50 centimeters to 1 meter.

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