Syringe for gas reservoir and reservoir fitted with such syringe

Abstract

The invention relates to a syringe (1) for a gas reservoir (10), comprising a tube (2) intended for fluidly connecting a filling station to a reservoir (10) to be filled, the syringe (1) comprises a tube (2) extending along a main axis (X) and comprising an inlet orifice (21) intended for receiving a flow of pressurized gas from a filling station and an outlet orifice (22) intended for delivering the flow of gas towards a reservoir (10) to be filled, the syringe (1) further comprising a movable member (3) arranged inside the tube (2), the movable member (3) is configured to be movable relative to the outlet orifice (22) between a first extreme position, in which the movable member (3) provides a minimum passage cross-section for the outlet orifice (22), and a second extreme position, in which the movable member (3) provides a maximum passage cross-section for the outlet orifice (22), characterized in that the movable member (3) comprises a deflection wall (31), in which the deflection wall (31) deflects from the outlet orifice (22). The deflecting wall is disposed facing the inlet orifice (21) and forms an acute angle (alpha) with the main axis (X) of the tube. The invention also relates to a reservoir (10) comprising the syringe described above.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a syringe for a gas reservoir and also to a gas reservoir equipped with such a syringe. Background Art

[0002] During the filling of a gas reservoir, in particular a gaseous hydrogen reservoir, the speed of the gas injected at the outlet of the injector (called the injection speed) is responsible for a good thermal homogenization of the gas in the reservoir: the higher the injection speed, the better the injected gas will mix with the gas in the reservoir; and therefore the better the thermal homogenization of the gas in the reservoir.

[0003] Thermally uniform gas is desirable to avoid hot spots that would damage the reservoir walls. In particular, for composite reservoirs, standard SAE J2601 specifies temperatures below 85°C.

[0004] The filling mass flow of the gas reservoir must not exceed a certain level specified by the standard. For example, for a reservoir of a light vehicle, the maximum mass flow is limited to 60 g / s. In addition, the filling must be such that the temperature of the gas present in the reservoir does not exceed a certain threshold, which is set by standard SAE J2601 at 85 ° C.

[0005] Therefore, for filling at a fixed mass flow rate, the injection speed will decrease in proportion to the increase in density and pressure of the gas present in the reservoir. As the speed decreases, the gas is no longer well mixed. This leads to thermal gradients or thermal stratification in the reservoir and the risk of hot spots, resulting in temperatures above the thresholds set by the standards. Summary of the invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages listed above.

[0007] To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a syringe for filling a gas reservoir, the syringe comprising a tube intended for connecting a gas station fluid to a reservoir to be filled, the tube extending along a main axis and comprising an inlet orifice intended for receiving a gas flow from said gas station and an outlet orifice intended for conveying said gas flow towards said reservoir to be filled.

[0008] According to the present invention, the syringe comprises a movable member, which is configured to be movable inside the tube relative to the outlet orifice between a first extreme position and a second extreme position, in which the movable member provides a minimum passage cross section for the outlet orifice, and in which the movable member provides a maximum passage cross section for the outlet orifice.

[0009] Thus, by introducing a member that can move relative to the outlet orifice, the present invention enables the cross-sectional area of the passage leading towards / to the outlet orifice to be changed. This enables the gas injection rate into the reservoir to be maintained at a sufficient level when the gas density in the reservoir increases. A sufficient rate helps the gas mixing in the reservoir and thus helps to limit the risk of hot spots occurring.

[0010] Other embodiments of the present invention include at least one of the following features:

[0011] - The movable member includes a deflecting wall that is arranged facing the inlet orifice and forms an acute angle with the main axis of the tube;

[0012] - The movable member includes a slider that extends along the main axis of the tube;

[0013] - The slider is configured to be translatable along the main axis of the tube in the tube;

[0014] - The slider includes a head provided with a passage;

[0015] - The passage includes an inner surface that forms at least a part of the deflecting wall;

[0016] - The angle between the deflecting wall arranged facing the inlet orifice and the main axis of the tube is in the range of 5° to 50°;

[0017] - The inlet orifice opens into the tube in a direction parallel to the main axis of the tube;

[0018] - The outlet orifice opens into the tube in a direction transverse to the main axis, for example in a direction forming an angle in the range of 5° to 50° with the main axis;

[0019] - The passage formed in the slider is configured to be at least partially aligned with the outlet orifice of the tube to allow gas to flow from the filling station to the reservoir to be filled;

[0020] - The syringe includes a support for mounting the slider in the tube;

[0021] - The support is configured to be fastened to the end of the tube opposite / to the inlet orifice;

[0022] - The syringe includes an element for returning the slider to its first position;

[0023] - The syringe includes an alignment member for forming the alignment between the passage on the slider and the outlet orifice of the tube;

[0024] - The alignment member is positioned around the support and abuts against one end of the tube;

[0025] - The tube includes at least one vent located downstream of the outlet orifice;

[0026] - The tube is provided with a stop intended to limit the travel of the slider towards the inlet orifice of the tube in a first position of the slider;

[0027] - The stop is located at the end of the tube inlet orifice;

[0028] - The movable member includes a tongue disposed inside the tube and inclined with respect to the main axis;

[0029] - The tongue is configured to move by bending about an axis perpendicular to the main axis of the tube;

[0030] - The tongue has a first edge fastened to the inner wall of the tube and a free edge extending into the outlet orifice;

[0031] - The free edge of the tongue is configured to move relative to the outlet orifice in a manner translatable in a direction perpendicular to the main axis, and / or to move in a manner rotatable about the bending axis of the tongue;

[0032] - The inlet orifice and the outlet orifice each have the shape of a passage whose axis coincides with the main axis of the tube.

[0033] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a reservoir comprising a syringe according to any one of the above embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Further specific features and advantages will become apparent by reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic view showing an example of a reservoir equipped with a syringe according to the invention.

[0036] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a syringe according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a syringe according to a second embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] As Figure 1 shown, the invention relates to a reservoir 10 including a syringe 1. The syringe 1 is disposed at the neck 20 of the reservoir 10. In addition, the syringe 1 is held in place at the neck 20 by a support 30.

[0039] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the syringe 1 includes a tube 2 which is intended to fluidly connect a station to a reservoir 10 to be filled. In particular, the tube 2 extends along a main axis X and includes an inlet orifice 21 intended to receive a gas flow from the station, and an outlet orifice 22 intended to convey said gas flow towards the reservoir 10 to be filled.

[0040] According to the invention, the syringe 1 includes a member 3 which is capable of moving inside the tube 2 and is configured to occupy the following extreme positions relative to the outlet orifice 22: a first position, in which the movable member 3 provides a minimum passage cross-section for the outlet orifice 22; a second position, in which the movable member 3 provides a maximum passage cross-section for the outlet orifice 22. In other words, the movable member 3 enables the passage cross-section towards the outlet orifice 22 to be changed (in particular reduced).

[0041] Advantageously, the movable member 3 includes a deflection wall 31 arranged facing the inlet orifice 21. The deflection wall 31 forms an angle α with the main axis X of the tube 2 in the range of 5° to 50°. The deflection wall 31 of the movable member 3 enables the flow trajectory of the gas from the inlet orifice 21 to be deflected.

[0042] The reduction of the passage cross-section towards the outlet orifice 22 combined with the deflection of the gas flow trajectory enables a sufficient gas injection level to be maintained at the outlet orifice 22 of the syringe and / or the injection speed of the gas to be increased. Due to the control of the injection speed, the gas flow injected into the reservoir 10 to be filled is mixed with the gas present in said reservoir, thereby preventing the formation of hot spots in said reservoir.

[0043] In a first embodiment, as Figure 2 shown, the member 3 includes a slider 3A extending along the main axis X of the tube 2. The slider 3A is configured to translate inside the tube 2 along the main axis X of the tube 2.

[0044] According to this first embodiment, the slider 3A includes a head 32 provided with a passage 33 which forms an angle α with the main axis X of the tube 2 in the range of 5° to 50°. The slider 3A further includes a guide portion 34 connected to the head 32. In particular, the diameter of the head 32 is close to the inner diameter of the tube 2. The guide portion 34 is in the form of a prism having a hexagonal cross-section, a square cross-section or a rectangular cross-section.

[0045] In addition, the axis of the inlet orifice 21 of the tube 2 coincides with the main axis X of the tube 2. The outlet orifice 22 of the tube 2 has an axis Y1 which forms an angle β with the main axis X of the tube in the range of 5° to 50°.

[0046] Thus, the passage 33 formed at the slider 3A is configured to align with the outlet orifice 22 of the tube 2 to ensure that gas can flow from the station to the reservoir 10 to be filled. The passage 33 formed at the slider 3A includes an inner wall forming a deflecting wall 31.

[0047] Advantageously, the syringe 1 includes a support 4 that allows the slider 3A to be mounted in the tube 2. In particular, the support 4 is fastened to the end 24 of the tube 2 opposite to / relative to the inlet orifice 21 of the tube 2. In addition, the support 4 includes a passage 41 configured to receive the guide portion 34. The passage 41 has a geometry complementary to that of the guide portion 34, i.e., a cross-section having a hexagonal, square, or rectangular shape.

[0048] Thus, the support 4 prevents any rotation of the slider 3A relative to the tube 2.

[0049] In the example shown, the support 4 includes a threaded cylindrical body that mates with the tube 2 by being threaded onto the tube 2. As a variant, other fastening methods between the support 4 and the tube 2 can be envisaged.

[0050] Advantageously, the syringe 1 includes an elastic return element 5 that connects the slider 3A to the support 4.

[0051] In the example shown, the return element 5 is a spring that is disposed between the head 32 of the slider 3A and the support 4 around the guide portion 34 of the slider 3A. More specifically, the spring 5 has a first coil fastened to the head 32 of the slider 3A and a second coil fastened to the support 4.

[0052] Advantageously, the syringe 1 includes an alignment member 6 that enables the passage 33 formed on the slider 3A to be aligned with the outlet orifice 22 of the tube 2. The alignment member 6 is positioned around the support 4 and abuts against the end 24 of the tube 2. Thus, the alignment member 6 enables the position of the support 4 relative to the tube 2 to be blocked / locked.

[0053] In the example shown, the alignment member 6 is a nut having a hexagonal cross-section, a square cross-section, or a rectangular cross-section.

[0054] In the nominal position, the head 32 of the slider 3A presses against the stop 24 of the tube 2. The passage 33 formed at the head 32 of the slider 3A is offset relative to the outlet orifice 22 in the main direction X of the tube, leaving a minimum channel cross-section towards the outlet orifice 22.

[0055] When gas is allowed to enter syringe 1, its pressure drives slide member 3A towards support member 4, thereby fully opening outlet orifice 22. In reservoir 10 to be filled, the density of the gas is lower and the pressure difference relative to the injected gas flow is relatively high. The gas flows from the syringe to reservoir 10 at a sufficient speed.

[0056] Then, as the injection continues, for the same mass flow rate delivered by syringe 1, the gas density in reservoir 10 increases. Consequently, the volume input decreases and the pressure difference relative to the injected gas flow also decreases.

[0057] Then slide member 3A is driven to move in the reverse direction from support member 4 towards the stop of the tube. The return of slide member 3A to its nominal position reduces the passage cross-section of outlet orifice 22 and enables the injection speed of the gas injected into reservoir 10 to be maintained.

[0058] Due to return element 5, it is possible for slide member 3A to return to its nominal position.

[0059] It should be noted that in this embodiment, tube 2 includes at least one vent 23 located downstream of outlet orifice 22 and upstream of support member 4.

[0060] Vent 23 is used to prevent the gas located between slide member 3A and support member 4 from being trapped. In addition, vent 23 allows gas to pass between the inside of tube 2 and reservoir 10 in order to balance the pressure. Therefore, due to the presence of vent 23, slide member 3A can move freely in tube 2.

[0061] In another embodiment, as Figure 3 shown, movable member 3 includes a deformable tongue 3B which is fastened obliquely inside tube 2.

[0062] Tongue 3B has two opposite faces, including a first face 35 facing inlet orifice 21 and a second face 36 facing outlet orifice 22. First face 35 is formed as a deflection wall 31 of tongue 3B.

[0063] Furthermore, tongue 3B has a first edge 37 fastened to the inner wall of tube 2 and a free edge 38 extending into outlet orifice 22. The free edge 38 of tongue 3B is configured to be able to translate forward and backward in a direction Y2 perpendicular to the main axis X of tube 2 relative to outlet orifice 22 of tube 2. Therefore, the translation of free edge 38 enables the passage cross-section of outlet orifice 22 to be reversibly changed.

[0064] As the tongue 3B bends around the first edge 37 and around the direction Z perpendicular to the main axis X of the tube 2, a translation of the free edge 38 in the forward direction is obtained. The bending is caused by the force of the gas passing through the syringe. The translation of the free edge 38 in the backward direction is obtained by the elastic return of the tongue 3B to the nominal configuration (i.e., the configuration in which there is no gas in the syringe 1 or when the force caused by the gas is relatively small).

[0065] In other words, the tongue 3B is configured to reversibly pass through a first configuration and a second configuration by bending deformation, in the first configuration, the tongue 3B and the inner wall of the tube 2 provide a minimum channel cross-section for the outlet orifice 22, and in the second configuration, the tongue 3B and the inner wall of the tube 2 provide a maximum channel cross-section for the outlet orifice 22.

[0066] In particular, in the first configuration of the tongue, the tongue 3B forms a minimum angle α with the main axis X of the tube 2. In the second configuration of the tongue, the tongue 3B forms a maximum angle α with the main axis X of the tube 2.

[0067] Advantageously, the tube 2 is equipped with a check valve 7. Thus, during the evacuation of the reservoir, the gas flow can circulate in the reservoir 10 towards the syringe 1, even in the case where the tongue 3B is pushed too far towards the tube 2 and thus blocks the minimum channel cross-section of the outlet orifice 22.

Claims

1. A syringe (1) for a gas reservoir (10), the syringe comprising a tube (2) intended to fluidly connect a filling station to the reservoir (10) to be filled, the tube (2) extending along a main axis (X) and comprising an inlet orifice (21) intended to receive a pressurized gas flow from the filling station and an outlet orifice (22) intended to convey the gas flow towards the reservoir (10) to be filled, the syringe (1) further comprising a movable member (3) disposed inside the tube (2), the movable member being configured to be movable between a first extreme position and a second extreme position relative to the outlet orifice (22), in the first extreme position, the movable member (3) providing a minimum passage cross-section for the outlet orifice (22), and in the second extreme position, the movable member (3) providing a maximum passage cross-section for the outlet orifice (22), characterized in that, The movable member (3) includes a deflecting wall (31) which is arranged facing the inlet orifice (21) and forms an acute angle (α) with the main axis (X) of the tube.

2. The syringe (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable member (3) includes a slider (3A) extending along the main axis (X) of the tube (2), and the slider (3A) is configured to be translatable in the tube (2) along the main axis (X) of the tube (2).

3. The syringe (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The slider (3A) includes a head (32) provided with a passage (33), and the passage (33) includes an inner surface (31) forming at least a part of the deflecting wall, and the angle (α) is in the range of 5° to 50°.

4. The syringe (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The inlet orifice (21) opens into the tube (2) parallel to the main axis (X) of the tube (2), and the outlet orifice (22) opens into the tube transversely to the main axis (X), for example, the outlet orifice opens into the tube in a direction (Y1) forming an angle (β) in the range of 5° to 50° with the main axis (X).

5. The syringe (1) according to the combination of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that, The passage (33) formed at the slider (3A) is configured to be at least partially aligned with the outlet orifice (22) of the tube (2) so as to allow gas to flow from the filling station to the reservoir (10) to be filled.

6. The syringe (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The syringe includes a support (4) for mounting the slider (3A) in the tube (2), and the support (4) is configured to be fastened to an end portion (24) of the tube (2) opposite to the inlet orifice (21).

7. The syringe (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The syringe includes an element (5) for returning the slider (3A) to its first extreme position.

8. The syringe (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The syringe includes an alignment member (6) for aligning the passage (33) formed on the slider (3A) with the outlet orifice (22) of the tube (2), and the alignment member (6) is positioned around the support (4) and abuts against an end portion (24) of the tube (2).

9. The syringe (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The tube (2) includes at least one vent (23) located downstream of the outlet orifice (22).

10. The syringe (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that, The tube (2) is provided with a stop which is intended to limit the travel of the slider (3A) towards the inlet orifice (21) of the tube (2) in the first extreme position of the slider (3A), and the stop is located at the end of the inlet orifice (21) of the tube (2).

11. The syringe (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The movable member (3) includes a tongue (3B) disposed inside the tube (2) inclined with respect to the main axis (X), and the tongue (3B) is configured to be movable by bending about a bending axis (Z) perpendicular to the main axis (X) of the tube (2).

12. The syringe (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The tongue (3B) has a first edge (37) fastened to the inner wall of the tube (2) and a free edge (38) extending into the outlet orifice (22), and the free edge (38) is configured to be movable relative to the outlet orifice (22) in a translational manner in a direction (Y2) perpendicular to the main axis (X), and / or in a rotational manner about the bending axis (Z).

13. The syringe (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The inlet orifice (21) and the outlet orifice (22) each have the shape of a channel, the axis of which coincides with the main axis (X) of the tube (2).

14. A reservoir (10) comprising a syringe (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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