Vehicle for transporting flammable fluids

Abstract

A vehicle for transporting flammable fluids comprises a towing unit, a tank mounted on a support device towed by the towing unit, a fluid circuit comprising a set of valves for filling and / or discharging the fluids connected to the tank, an electrical circuit comprising at least one electrical component of the support device and a power supply removably connected to the electrical circuit through a port of a connection interface comprising a cover mobile between a first position blocking the passage to the port so as to prevent the electrical connection between the power supply and the electrical circuit and a second position not blocking the passage to the port so as to enable the electrical connection between the power supply and the electrical circuit, the vehicle further comprising a switch connected to the fluid circuit and switchable between a first state enabling the operation of the set of valves to allow the filling or the discharge and a second state preventing the operation of the set of valves to prevent the filling or the discharge, in the first position the cover switches the switch to the first state or allows it to switch to the first state, in the second position the switch is automatically switched to the second state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle for transporting flammable fluids.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a vehicle for transporting flammable fluids, particularly liquefied fluids such as hydrogen, the vehicle comprising a traction unit and a tank mounted on a support device towed by the traction unit, the vehicle comprising a fluid circuit connected to the tank for filling and / or discharging fluid, the fluid circuit comprising a set of pneumatic valves, the vehicle comprising an electrical circuit comprising at least one electrical component of the support device towed by the traction unit, the vehicle comprising a power source detachably connected to the circuit via at least one connection port at a connection interface.

[0003] This invention relates in particular to semi-trailers, cryogenic or non-cryosensitive vehicles for transporting flammable gases or liquids such as hydrogen, natural gas, ethylene, etc.

[0004] However, the present invention can be applied to any type of explosive environment (ATEX, NFPA, or others). Background Technology

[0005] When a semi-trailer is unloading (emptying) a facility or tank located in an explosive atmosphere (ATEX) zone, the power supply to the downstream section (lights) must be disconnected because the section does not meet ATEX safety requirements.

[0006] The electrical connection between the power source (tractor) and the rear of the vehicle typically uses a set of cables and one or more electrical sockets (e.g., with 15 pins or 7 pins).

[0007] Therefore, when loading or unloading flammable liquids or gases on a semi-trailer, the loading or unloading environment must ensure ATEX safety. In other words, the electrical system on the road segment must be neutralized during these operations on the traction unit or semi-trailer.

[0008] In known configurations, this safety procedure is essentially the responsibility of the operator, which introduces risks. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to overcome all or some of the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] Therefore, according to the general definition / definition provided in the preceding section, the basic features of the vehicle according to the invention are as follows: the connection interface includes a cover movable between a first position and a second position, the first position blocking the passage to the connection port to prevent electrical connection between the power supply and the circuit, and the second position not blocking the passage to the connection port to enable electrical connection between the power supply and the circuit; the vehicle also includes a switch connected to a fluid circuit and switchable between a first state and a second state, the first state enabling operation of a set of pneumatic valves in the fluid circuit to allow filling or discharging, and the second state preventing operation of the set of pneumatic valves in the fluid circuit to prevent filling or discharging; wherein, in the first position of the movable cover, the movable cover switches the switch to its first state or allows the switch to be switched to its first state; when the movable cover is in its second position, the switch automatically switches to its second state.

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

[0012] - The vehicle includes a reset component, such as a spring, for forcing the switch into its second state;

[0013] - In the first position of the movable cover, the movable cover applies a force, such as a thrust, to the switch against the force of the reset component and places and holds the switch in its first state;

[0014] - This switch is pneumatic;

[0015] -The cover is capable of rotating and / or translating between its first position and its second position;

[0016] - In the second state of the switch, the switch opens at least a portion of the fluid circuit to prevent pressurization and pneumatic control of at least one valve in the fluid circuit;

[0017] -The traction unit includes a power source or the traction unit forms a power source, wherein the power source is connected to the connection port of the connection interface via a set of cables;

[0018] - The at least one electrical component includes the vehicle's indicator lights.

[0019] The present invention may also relate to any alternative apparatus or method that falls within the scope of the claims and includes any combination of the features mentioned above or below. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following description, which is in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1Perspective, schematic, and partial views of an example of a vehicle structure according to the present invention are shown;

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic partial front view of the vehicle details is shown, illustrating an example of the structure and operation of the vehicle's electrical and fluid circuits in a first operating configuration;

[0023] Figure 3 A schematic partial front view of the vehicle details is shown, illustrating an example of the structure and operation of the vehicle's electrical and fluid circuits in a second operating configuration;

[0024] Figure 4 Another schematic partial view showing vehicle details illustrates an example of the structure and operation of the vehicle's electrical and fluid circuits. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The vehicle 1 shown in the figure includes, for example, a towing unit (truck) 2 and a storage tank 4 mounted on a support 13 towed by the towing unit 2. The support 13 can be removed from the truck (attached trailer), for example.

[0026] Vehicle 1 includes a fluid circuit 5 connected to storage tank 4 for filling and / or discharging fluid. Fluid circuit 5 typically includes a set of valves 12, 14, preferably pneumatic valves. All or some of the valves in this set are housed, for example, in a control cabinet.

[0027] The vehicle 1 also includes a circuit 6, which includes at least one electrical component 16 of the support device 13 towed by the traction unit 2. This at least one electrical component may in particular include the vehicle's rear indicator light or any other suitable component, such as an anti-lock braking system (ABS) type brake control system.

[0028] Vehicle 1 includes a power source 2 (e.g., a battery), which is detachably connected to circuit 6 via at least one connection port 9 at connection interface 3. For example, traction unit 2 includes a power source, which is connected to a rear section via a set of cables 7 connected at connection interface 3 including connection ports (sockets) 9.

[0029] According to an advantageous feature, the connection interface 3 includes a cover 8 (or a flap / valve) that is movable between a first position and a second position. The first position blocks the passage to the connection port 9 to prevent electrical connection between the power supply 2 and the circuit 6 (see [link]). Figure 2 The second position does not obstruct the path to connection port 9 to achieve electrical connection between power supply 2 and circuit 6 (see [reference]). Figure 3 ).

[0030] For example, in the first position of the cover 8, the cover 8 is placed in front of one or more sockets 9, while in the second position of the cover 8, the cover 8 is placed to the side.

[0031] Vehicle 1 also includes a switch 10 connected to the fluid circuit 5, which can be in a first state (see...) Figure 2 ) and the second state (see Figure 3 The system switches between two states: a first state allows operation of the pneumatic valves 12 and 14 of the fluid circuit 5 to allow filling or discharging, and a second state prevents operation of the pneumatic valves 12 and 14 of the fluid circuit 5 to prevent filling or discharging.

[0032] In the first position of the movable cover 8, the movable cover 8 switches the switch 10 to its first state or allows the switch to be switched to its first state, and when the movable cover 8 is in its second position, the switch 10 automatically switches to its second state.

[0033] As shown in the figure, the cover 8 can be rotated manually. Of course, any other type of movement (translation, etc.) between the first and second positions of the cover can be provided.

[0034] For example, a reset member 11, such as a spring, pushes the switch 10 to its second state. In the first position of the movable cover 8, the movable cover 8 applies a force, such as a push, against the force of the reset member 11 on the switch 10 and places and holds the switch 10 in its first state.

[0035] Preferably, the switch 10 is pneumatic.

[0036] like Figure 3 As illustrated, for example, in the second state of switch 10, switch 10 opens at least a portion of fluid circuit 5 to prevent pressurization and pneumatic control of at least one valve 12, 14 of fluid circuit 5. Filling or discharging is prevented by disabling the control valves 12, 14 of fluid circuit 5.

[0037] Therefore, in the case of loading and unloading fluids (ATEX atmosphere, i.e., explosive / explosive), the operator must move the cover 8, which obstructs the opening of the electrical socket 9 and thus prevents the circuit from being connected via the male plug of the traction unit 2. The switch 10 acts as a pneumatic sensor and actuates the opening of the pneumatic unloading or loading valves 12, 14 located at the rear of the vehicle 1.

[0038] This allows the fluid to be transported safely (circuit 6 is not energized).

[0039] To return to the road, electrical outlet 9 must be connected to supply power to the electrical circuits of vehicle 1.

[0040] Then, switch 10 is deactivated, and pneumatic valves 12 and 14 are closed and deactivated, thereby ensuring that no hydrogen is present.

Claims

1. A vehicle for conveying a flammable fluid, the vehicle comprising a traction unit (2) and a storage tank (4) mounted on a support device (13) towed by the traction unit (2), the vehicle (1) comprising a fluid circuit (5) connected to the storage tank (4) for filling and / or discharging the fluid, the fluid circuit (5) comprising a set of pneumatic valves (12, 14), the vehicle (1) further comprising a circuit (6) comprising at least one electrical component (16) of the support device (13) towed by the traction unit (2), the vehicle (1) comprising a power source detachably connected to the circuit (6) via at least one connection port (9) for connection to a connection interface (3), Its features are, The connection interface (3) includes a cover (8) movable between a first position and a second position. The first position blocks the path to the connection port (9) to prevent electrical connection between the power source and the circuit (6). The second position does not block the path to the connection port (9) to allow electrical connection between the power source and the circuit (6). The vehicle (1) also includes a switch (10) connected to the fluid circuit (5) and switchable between a first state and a second state. The first state enables the... The operation of the set of pneumatic valves (12, 14) of the fluid circuit (5) to allow filling or discharging, the second state prevents the operation of the set of pneumatic valves (12, 14) of the fluid circuit (5) to prevent filling or discharging, wherein in the first position of the movable cover (8), the cover (8) switches the switch (10) to its first state or the cover (8) allows the switch (10) to be switched to its first state, wherein when the movable cover (8) is in its second position, the switch (10) automatically switches to its second state.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flammable fluid is a liquefied fluid.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquefied fluid is liquefied hydrogen.

4. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a reset component (11) for forcing the switch (10) into its second state.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The reset component is a spring.

6. The vehicle according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, In the first position of the movable cover (8), the cover (8) applies a force to the switch (10) against the force of the reset member (11) and places and holds the switch (10) in its first state.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The force exerted by the cover (8) on the switch (10) is a thrust.

8. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The switch (10) is pneumatic.

9. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The cover (8) is capable of moving between its first position and its second position by rotation and / or translation.

10. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, In the second state of the switch (10), the switch (10) opens at least a portion of the fluid circuit (5) to prevent pressurization and pneumatic control of at least one pneumatic valve (12, 14) of the fluid circuit (5).

11. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The traction unit (2) includes a power source or the traction unit (2) forms a power source, wherein the power source is connected to the connection port (9) of the connection interface (3) via a set of cables (7).

12. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The at least one electrical component includes the vehicle's indicator lights.

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