Hydraulic manifold
By using check valves and branch pipe design in the hydraulic manifold, the tanks with similar thermal characteristics are grouped together, which solves the problem of the solenoid valves in the hydraulic manifold inability to open, and achieves pressure balance and reliable tank-manifold connection.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510121592.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-31
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-01
AI Technical Summary
The existing hydraulic manifolds are difficult to open the solenoid valve under high pressure differential conditions, and the thermal characteristics and size differences of different tanks lead to the problem that the solenoid valve cannot be opened correctly.
The hydraulic manifold design is adopted, and the tanks with similar thermal characteristics are grouped together with the filling and drain pipes through branch pipes. Combined with a semi-direct solenoid valve, the pressure balance between the tank and manifold is ensured and high pressure difference is avoided.
Reliable opening of the solenoid valve under high pressure difference is achieved, ensuring the pressure balance between the tank and the manifold, and avoiding the problem of the solenoid valve being unable to open due to thermal characteristics and size differences.
Smart Images
Figure CN120402440A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a hydraulic manifold of a type adapted to place a plurality of (in particular pressurized gas, more particularly hydrogen) tanks in communication in order to converge and centralize the filling and / or emptying of said tanks. Background Art
[0002] It is known practice to connect a plurality of basic tanks to a manifold in order to pool and centralize the filling and emptying of the tanks so as to form a large modular aggregate tank.
[0003] Valves (preferably solenoid valves) are typically installed at the inlets of each of the basic tanks such that the basic tanks can be isolated from the aggregate tank, thereby controlling which one or more of the basic tanks are emptied.
[0004] It is well known that the manifold forms a common mixing volume to which the individual tanks are connected.
[0005] It is common practice to use semi-direct solenoid valves at the inlets of the basic tanks. Such semi-direct solenoid valves are advantageous because of their excellent cost / performance ratio. However, when the pressure difference between the upstream side (on the tank side) and the downstream side (on the manifold side) of the solenoid valve is very high, it may be difficult to open the solenoid valve, and even if the electrical control unit requests opening, the solenoid valve may be difficult to fully open or may refuse to open. Such a pressure difference may arise due to a significant difference in the filling and / or emptying of one tank relative to the other tanks, or due to the thermal stresses unevenly experienced by these tanks due to their respective thermal characteristics and / or dimensions being different.
[0006] Additionally, it is desirable to have a hydraulic manifold that allows for the connection of potentially different basic tanks and divides the pressure among a series of tanks having similar respective thermal characteristics and / or dimensions such that the pressure difference between the upstream and downstream of the solenoid valve does not reach an excessive value that could prevent its proper opening. Summary of the Invention
[0007] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a hydraulic manifold for fluidly connecting at least two series of tanks, the hydraulic manifold comprising at least one filling inlet and at least one draining outlet, a filling pipe, a draining pipe and a number of branch pipes equal to the number of series of tanks present, the filling pipe comprising a connection to the at least one filling inlet and a connection to the inlet of each of the branch pipes, the draining pipe comprising a connection to the outlet of each of the branch pipes and a connection to the at least one draining outlet, a first branch pipe comprising at its inlet a connection to the filling pipe via a first upstream check valve running in the direction from the filling pipe to the first branch pipe and at its outlet a connection to the draining pipe via a first downstream check valve running in the direction from the first branch pipe to the draining pipe and further comprising between the first upstream check valve and the first downstream check valve at least one first connection to at least one tank of the first series, and at least one second branch pipe comprising at its inlet a connection to the filling pipe via a second upstream check valve running in the direction from the filling pipe to the second branch pipe and at its outlet a connection to the draining pipe via a second downstream check valve running in the direction from the second branch pipe to the draining pipe and further comprising between the second upstream check valve and the second downstream check valve at least one second connection to at least one tank of the at least one second series.
[0008] Specific features or embodiments that can be used alone or in combination are:
[0009] - Each tank is connected to the hydraulic manifold via a semi-direct solenoid valve,
[0010] - A series of tanks groups together tanks having similar thermal characteristics,
[0011] - Tanks having similar thermal characteristics are tanks having substantially the same diameter-to-length ratio,
[0012] - The hydraulic manifold is made in one piece,
[0013] - The hydraulic manifold has a modular design with a base module and at least one additional module, the base module comprising a filling pipe, a draining pipe and a first branch pipe, the filling pipe comprising a connection to the filling inlet, a connection to the inlet of the first branch pipe and a first upstream extension connection, the draining pipe comprising a connection to the outlet of the first branch pipe, a connection to the draining outlet and a first downstream extension connection, the first branch pipe remaining unchanged, the additional module comprising an unchanged second branch pipe, the additional module further comprising at its inlet a second upstream extension connection complementary to the first upstream extension connection and at its outlet a second downstream extension connection complementary to the first downstream extension connection,
[0014] - The branch pipes comprise pressure sensors. Description of the Drawings
[0015] The present invention will be better understood by reading the following description given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0016] Figure 1 A manifold according to the present invention is shown in perspective.
[0017] Figure 2 A one-piece manifold according to the present invention is shown in perspective.
[0018] Figure 3 A modular manifold according to the present invention is shown in perspective.
[0019] Figure 4 A manifold connected to a tank is shown schematically. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] With reference Figures 1 to 4 , the present invention relates to a hydraulic manifold 1. This hydraulic manifold 1 is intended to put at least two series of tanks 2-5 in fluid communication. For this purpose, the manifold 1 forms a closed container adapted to contain a fluid (such as a pressurized gas, preferably hydrogen). The container includes at least one filling inlet 6 so that the container can be filled. The container also includes at least one evacuation outlet 7 so that the container can be emptied.
[0021] According to one feature, the manifold 1 also includes a filling pipe 8, an evacuation pipe 9 and a number of branch pipes 10, 14 equal to the number of series of the existing tanks 2-5. The container is formed by connecting the filling pipe 8, the evacuation pipe 9 and the at least two branch pipes 10, 14 in a sealed manner. The branch pipes 10, 14 are substantially linear pipes, including two openings, one opening at each end, called the inlet and the outlet. Each series of tanks 2-5 has one branch pipe 10, 14. The tanks 2-5 are arranged in series, and one series includes 1 to n tanks 2-5. The branch pipes 10, 14 are connected in parallel via the filling pipe 8 and the evacuation pipe 9.
[0022] The filling pipe 8 includes a connection to the at least one filling inlet 6. Each filling inlet 6 can be connected to a fluid supplier. The filling pipe 8 also includes a connection to the inlet of each of the branch pipes 10, 14. Thus, the filling pipe 8 can be filled via one of its filling inlets 6 and then fill the branch pipes via the corresponding inlets of the branch pipes 10 and 14.
[0023] In a dual manner, the evacuation pipe 9 includes a connection to the outlet of each of the branch pipes 10, 14. The evacuation pipe 9 also includes a connection to the at least one evacuation outlet 7. Each evacuation outlet 7 can be connected to a fluid consumer. Thus, the branch pipes 10, 14 can supply the evacuation pipe 9, and then the evacuation pipe can convey the fluid via one of its evacuation outlets 7.
[0024] The first branch pipe 10 includes, at its inlet, a connection portion with the filling pipe 8 and, at its outlet, a connection portion with the evacuation pipe 9. In order to isolate and protect the first branch pipe 10, the inlet connection is achieved via a valve 11, which is referred to as the first upstream check valve 11 since it is located upstream of the first branch pipe 10. The first upstream check valve 11 is oriented to operate in the direction from the filling pipe 8 to the first branch pipe 10. Similarly, the outlet connection is achieved via a valve 12, which is referred to as the first downstream check valve 12 since it is located downstream of the first branch pipe 10. The first downstream check valve 12 is oriented to operate in the direction from the first branch pipe 10 to the evacuation pipe 9.
[0025] The first branch pipe 10 further includes at least one first connection portion 13 located between the first upstream check valve 11 and the first downstream check valve 12. The at least one first connection portion 13 fluidly connects the tanks 2-5 to the manifold 1. The first series of tanks 2-5 can thus be connected to the first branch pipe 10.
[0026] The at least one second branch pipe 14 includes, at its inlet, a connection portion with the filling pipe 8 and, at its outlet, a connection portion with the evacuation pipe 9. In order to isolate and protect the at least one second branch pipe 14, the inlet connection is achieved via a valve 15, which is referred to as the second upstream check valve 15 since it is located upstream of the second branch pipe 14. The second upstream check valve 15 is oriented to operate in the direction from the filling pipe 8 to the second branch pipe 14. Similarly, the outlet connection is achieved via a valve 16, which is referred to as the second downstream check valve 16 since it is located downstream of the second branch pipe 14. The second downstream check valve 16 is oriented to operate in the direction from the second branch pipe 14 to the evacuation pipe 9.
[0027] The at least one second branch pipe 14 further includes at least one second connection portion 17 between the second upstream check valve 15 and the second downstream check valve 16. The at least one second connection portion 17 allows the tanks 2-5 to be fluidly connected to the manifold 1. A second series of tanks 2-5 can thus be connected to the second branch pipe 14.
[0028] This makes it possible to separate the first series of tanks from the second series in terms of pressure. Each branch pipe 10, 14 allows the tanks 2-5 within one series to be grouped together and isolated from and protected against the tanks of the other series. The check valves 11, 12, 15, 16 separating the branch pipes 10, 14 from one another allow the tanks 2-5 to be protected from one series to the next, preventing high pressures generated in one series from disturbing another series with a lower pressure.
[0029] Each tank 2-5 is connected to the hydraulic manifold 1 via the connecting parts 13, 17 through the solenoid valves 18. Such solenoid valves 18 make it possible to isolate the associated tanks 2-5 and thus selectively control the filling and / or emptying of the tanks. According to another feature, the solenoid valve 18 is a semi-direct solenoid valve. Semi-direct solenoid valves 18 are commonly used because they offer a favorable cost-performance ratio. Such solenoid valves 18, due to their two-stage operation, can remain either not fully open or fully closed in the presence of a significant backpressure downstream (i.e., on the side of the manifold 1, opposite to the tanks 2-5). To eliminate this drawback, it is important to ensure that the pressure downstream of the solenoid valve 18 is not too high relative to the pressure in the tanks 2-5.
[0030] When filling or emptying, the pressure between the tanks 2-5 and the manifold 1 is substantially equal, and the above problem does not occur.
[0031] According to the prior art, this problem is more likely to occur in the following cases. At least two tanks 2-5 are freely connected to the manifold 1 without valves. The two tanks 2-5 have different respective thermal characteristics and / or dimensions. Therefore, when there are thermal variations, such as due to exposure to sunlight or due to temperature changes for any other reason, the pressure in one tank 2-5 varies differently from the pressure in the other tank 2-5.
[0032] After filling or emptying, there is a period of heat exchange between the tanks 2-5 and the ambient air, as well as between the manifold 1 and the ambient air. At the end of this exchange, the internal pressures between the manifold 1 and the tanks 2-5 are different. As a result, the pressure difference between the ends of the solenoid valves 18 is different between the tanks 2-5 with different respective thermal characteristics and / or dimensions. According to the emptying command, the opening of the solenoid valve 18 with the largest pressure difference is blocked or hindered.
[0033] According to the present invention, the manifold 1 allows the pressure sections to be separated in each branch pipe 10, 14 by means of its check valves 11, 12, 15, 16. Therefore, by connecting only the tanks 2-5 with similar thermal characteristics to the same branch pipes 10, 14, this problem is avoided.
[0034] Therefore, according to another feature, a series of tanks (i.e., the tanks 2-5 connected to the same branch pipes 10, 14) advantageously group together the tanks 2-5 with similar thermal characteristics.
[0035] The thermal characteristic here refers to any characteristic that can actively or passively cause a pressure change in the tank 2-5.
[0036] For example, cans 2-5 having similar thermal characteristics (advantageously grouped within the same series) are cans having similar dimensions. These dimensions can be selected differently. When subjected to temperature variations, cans of the same diameter, length, volume, or exchange surface selected as needed exhibit a comparable pressure variation and can therefore potentially be used together, allowing the solenoid valve 18 to operate correctly. Within a given temperature range, these different dimensional criteria can be used to group cans 2-5 together in a series connected to the same branch pipes 10, 14.
[0037] More precisely, according to a preferred criterion, the diameter-to-length ratio of cans 2-5 is used to group cans 2-5 together in a series.
[0038] The manifold 1 has multiple possible embodiments.
[0039] According to a first embodiment more particularly shown in Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 4 the manifold 1 is made in one piece.
[0040] In Figure 3 another embodiment more particularly shown in, the manifold 1 has a modular design, with a base module 20 and at least one additional module 21. By adding additional modules 21, as many additional branch pipes 14 can be added as needed.
[0041] The base module 20 includes a filling pipe 8, an emptying pipe 9, and a first branch pipe 10. The filling pipe 8 includes a connection to the filling inlet 6, a connection to the inlet of the first branch pipe 10, and a first upstream extension connection 22. The emptying pipe 9 includes a connection to the outlet of the first branch pipe 10, a connection to the emptying outlet 7, and a first downstream extension connection 23. The first branch pipe 10 is unchanged from the previous description. The first branch pipe includes a first upstream check valve 11, a second downstream check valve 12, and at least one first can connection 13 between the two valves 11, 12.
[0042] The additional module 21 includes a second branch pipe 14, which is unchanged from the previous description. The second branch pipe includes a second upstream check valve 15, a second downstream check valve 16, and at least one second can connection 17 between the two valves 15, 16. The additional module 21 also includes, at its inlet, a second upstream extension connection 24 complementary to the first upstream extension connection 22 so as to be able to connect the additional module to the first upstream extension connection, thereby creating a fluid connection. Similarly, the additional module 21 includes, at its output, a second downstream extension connection 25 complementary to the first downstream extension connection 23 so as to be able to connect the additional module to the first downstream extension connection, thereby creating a fluid connection.
[0043] In the case of multiple additional modules 21, the upstream connection part 24 or the downstream connection part 25 of the previous additional module 21 is connected to the upstream connection part 24 or the downstream connection part 25 of the subsequent additional module 21. The additional modules 21 are connected in parallel.
[0044] According to another feature, the branch pipes 10, 14 include pressure sensors 26. Such pressure sensors 26 are used for filling and / or emptying control purposes, or for safety purposes to check that the pressure does not become too high.
[0045] The present invention has been described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description. This must be regarded as illustrative and given by way of example, rather than limiting the present invention solely to this description. Many alternative embodiments may be adopted.
[0046] List of reference numerals
[0047] 1: Manifold,
[0048] 2 - 5: Tanks,
[0049] 6: Filling inlet,
[0050] 7: Emptying outlet,
[0051] 8: Filling pipe,
[0052] 9: Emptying pipe,
[0053] 10: First branch pipe,
[0054] 11: First upstream check valve,
[0055] 12: First downstream check valve,
[0056] 13: First tank connection part,
[0057] 14: Second branch pipe,
[0058] 15: Second upstream check valve,
[0059] 16: Second downstream check valve,
[0060] 17: Second tank connection part,
[0061] 18: Solenoid valve,
[0062] 20: Basic module,
[0063] 21: Additional module,
[0064] 22: First upstream extension connection part,
[0065] 23: First downstream extension connection part,
[0066] 24: Second upstream extension connection part,
[0067] 25: Second downstream extension connection part,
[0068] 26: Pressure sensor.
Claims
1. A hydraulic manifold (1) for fluidly connecting at least two series of tanks (2 - 5), the hydraulic manifold comprising at least one filling inlet (6) and at least one draining outlet (7), characterized in that, The hydraulic manifold further includes a filling pipe (8), a draining pipe (9), and a number of branch pipes (10, 14) equal to the number of series of tanks (2 - 5) present. The filling pipe (8) includes a connection to the at least one filling inlet (6) and a connection to the inlet of each of the branch pipes (10, 14). The draining pipe (9) includes a connection to the outlet of each of the branch pipes (10, 14) and a connection to the at least one draining outlet (7). The first branch pipe (10) includes, at its inlet, a connection to the filling pipe (8) via a first upstream check valve (11) running in the direction from the filling pipe (8) to the first branch pipe (10), and at its outlet, a connection to the draining pipe (9) via a first downstream check valve (12) running in the direction from the first branch pipe (10) to the draining pipe (9), and further includes, between the first upstream check valve (11) and the first downstream check valve (12), at least one first connection (13) to the at least one first series of tanks (2 - 5). And at least one second branch pipe (14) includes, at its inlet, a connection to the filling pipe (8) via a second upstream check valve (15) running in the direction from the filling pipe (8) to the second branch pipe (14), and at its outlet, a connection to the draining pipe (9) via a second downstream check valve (16) running in the direction from the second branch pipe (14) to the draining pipe (9), and further includes, between the second upstream check valve (15) and the second downstream check valve (16), at least one second connection (17) to the at least one second series of tanks (2 - 5).
2. The hydraulic manifold (1) according to claim 1, wherein each tank (2 - 5) is connected to the hydraulic manifold (1) via a semi - direct solenoid valve (18).
3. The hydraulic manifold (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein a series of tanks groups together tanks (2 - 5) having similar thermal characteristics.
4. The hydraulic manifold (1) according to claim 3, wherein the tanks (2 - 5) having similar thermal characteristics are tanks having a substantially identical diameter - to - length ratio.
5. The hydraulic manifold (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hydraulic manifold is made in one piece.
6. The hydraulic manifold (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, said hydraulic manifold having a modular design with a base module (20) and at least one additional module (21), said base module (20) including a filling pipe (8), a drain pipe (9) and a first branch pipe (10), said filling pipe (8) including a connection to the filling inlet (6), a connection to the inlet of said first branch pipe (10) and a first upstream extension connection (22), said drain pipe (9) including a connection to the outlet of said first branch pipe (10), a connection to the drain outlet (7) and a first downstream extension connection (23), said first branch pipe (10) remaining unchanged, said additional module (21) including an unchanged second branch pipe (14), said additional module further including at its inlet a second upstream extension connection (24) complementary to said first upstream extension connection (22) and at its outlet a second downstream extension connection (25) complementary to said first downstream extension connection (23).
7. The hydraulic manifold (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the branch pipes (10, 14) include pressure sensors (26).