VALVE FOR A PRESSURIZED LIQUID CONTAINER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of fluid storage and distribution, particularly of pressurized fluids, and specifically to tanks intended to contain fuels for supplying chemical energy to all types of fixed or mobile equipment (vehicles on roads, railways, at sea, in the air, and in space). More particularly, the invention relates to a valve for a fluid tank, especially one containing a pressurized fluid.

[0002] Such a valve is known from WO2016 / 156519A1.

[0003] In vehicles using multiple pressure tanks, for example, from two to twelve tanks for storing hydrogen compressed to 700 bar (abbreviated as H70 in ANSI HGV 3.1) or 350 bar (abbreviated as H35 in ANSI HGV 3.1) or for storing natural gas compressed to 200 bar (abbreviated as CNG), each tank is equipped with a shut-off valve and, as required, a temperature and / or pressure sensor.

[0004] These valves allow: to isolate the pressurized fluid tanks from the pressure regulation circuit when fluid supply is not required by the vehicle, to supply a fluid consumption system such as, for example, a fuel cell or an internal combustion engine, when fluid supply is required for the operation of the vehicle, to carry out the tank filling operations via a specific filling interface connected to a filling station.

[0005] Each of these components is managed by a central computer or control modules that handle all or part of them. Depending on the number of components, the design of these computers must be adapted to the intended application. Furthermore, these components have specific communication interfaces that are not necessarily present on the computers already installed in the vehicle. These adaptations result either in additional costs to design the computer to precisely meet the requirements (custom development), or in additional costs due to the necessary oversizing of a generic computer.

[0006] The invention aims in particular to provide a system comprising fluid reservoirs, in particular pressurized, managed by a central computer, not requiring the adaptations mentioned above.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a valve for a fluid reservoir, particularly a pressurized fluid. The valve comprises an internal part configured to be arranged inside the reservoir, the internal part comprising at least a portion of a sensor for measuring at least one parameter characterizing the fluid, and the valve is capable of receiving information from a computer external to the valve. The valve further comprises an external part configured to be arranged outside the reservoir, the external part comprising an internal computer including: a first acquisition means configured to acquire data from at least one sensor, a communication means using a wired digital communication interface capable of communicating bidirectionally with the external computer, a control means configured to take into account information received from the external computer and data from at least one sensor to control at least one actuator of the valve, the at least one actuator being connected to the control means by at least one electrical connection, and a means for measuring at least one current parameter in the electrical connection.

[0008] Thus, the valve is made autonomous, able to be adapted to the management of different equipment, without requiring an adjustment of the external computer to the valve, or the development of costly additional interfaces.

[0009] A wired digital interface is, for example, a wired digital interface or a fiber optic digital interface. A wired digital interface is, for example, a CAN, FlexRay, or LIN type interface. Since the electrical system of a motor vehicle is wired, a wired digital communication interface allows the communication module to be connected to other components of the vehicle's electrical system, for example, to the vehicle's computer. Furthermore, a wired digital interface offers better digital security than a wireless digital interface, such as Wi-Fi. Indeed, with a wireless digital interface, it would be easier to hack the communication between the external computer and the valve, for example, to cause an uncontrolled opening of the valve.

[0010] Furthermore, the fact that at least one valve actuator is connected to the control system via at least one electrical connection, and that the valve includes a means for measuring at least one current parameter in the electrical connection, allows for a diagnosis of the valve's condition without requiring remote measurements. Such a diagnosis is free from the background noise generated by remote measurements, making it more reliable and thus improving safety. It should also be noted that remote measurements would require one or more additional sensors, resulting in an additional cost for diagnosing the valve's condition.

[0011] For example, "part of a sensor" means a sensitive element of the sensor, a sensor housing, an electrical connection of the sensor, a thermowell for the sensor (when the sensor is a temperature sensor), etc.

[0012] The fluids in question are, for example, gasoline, diesel, compressed hydrogen, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (abbreviated as LPG) or biogas, for example biomethane.

[0013] The term "internal part" refers to the portion of the valve that is configured to be located inside the tank and is in contact with the fluid contained within the tank. The term "external part" refers to the portion of the valve that is configured to be located outside the tank and is never in contact with the fluid contained within the tank.

[0014] Therefore, the internal computer, which is integrated into the external part, is also isolated from the fluid in the tank. This prevents the internal computer from being exposed to any potential physical or chemical stresses due to contact with the fluid.

[0015] Depending on other optional features of the fluid reservoir valve, taken alone or in combination: The valve is a solenoid valve. This allows the valve to be controlled electrically. The first acquisition means is configured to acquire data from at least one sensor associated with the tank, for example, a sensor for measuring tank integrity, such as a fiber Bragg sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an accelerometer, or a strain gauge. At least one parameter being measured is temperature or pressure, and the first acquisition means is configured to acquire data from the temperature or pressure sensor. The temperature sensor is, for example, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor or a Pt100 or Pt1000 platinum resistance thermometer.Data acquisition from the temperature and / or pressure sensor is managed via an analog or digital communication interface, for example, a LIN (Local Interconnect Network), SENT (Single Edge Nibble Transmission), CAN (Controller Area Network), FlexRay, or Ethernet interface. At least one measured parameter is temperature, and the first acquisition method is configured to acquire data from the temperature sensor. In one embodiment of the invention, the valve comprises both a pressure sensor component and a temperature sensor component.The valve actuator is controlled by a control device that acts on a valve actuator, for example, a solenoid operating with constant or pulsed direct current, such as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation). Alternatively, the solenoid operates in peak-and-hold mode. The internal control unit includes one or more valve actuator control modules. The internal control unit includes a processing module that handles data from the sensor (at least partially integrated into the valve), data from at least one valve actuator, and constructs and incorporates the information exchanged with the external control unit. "Constructing" refers to formatting the data processed by the processing module into a format usable by the external control unit.The communication device is capable of transmitting information about the tank's status to the external computer, such as the tank level, tank integrity, valve open / closed status, valve integrity, tank temperature, tank pressure, and general tank information like its manufacturing date, volume, nominal operating pressure, and the type of pressurized fluid (H35, H70, CNG, etc.). The communication device is also capable of receiving and executing requests from the external computer concerning the tank. These requests might include, for example, a request to make the fluid available (for a fuel cell or internal combustion engine, for instance), a request to refuel at a station, a request to isolate the tanks in case of an accident, or any other specific need.The internal computer includes a second data acquisition system configured to acquire, store, and communicate data concerning the tank's service life, such as the tank's operating time (e.g., the number of years the tank has been in use) and / or the number of tank refilling cycles. Regulations limit the operating time of tanks (fifteen years for hydrogen storage systems, a maximum of twenty years for CNG storage systems) and the number of refilling cycles (a minimum of 5,000 for hydrogen storage systems and a minimum of 15,000 for CNG storage systems).Generally, the usage limit of a fuel tank is indicated on a label affixed to the tank and the fuel filler flap of the vehicle equipped with that tank. This is by design to ensure that the maximum number of refueling cycles defined by the tank manufacturer is sufficient for the entire lifespan of the vehicle (fifteen or twenty years). This visual indication of the tank's usage limit has the drawback of being based on a material that is easily degraded and easily overlooked, meaning that nothing prevents refueling cycles from continuing beyond the prescribed limit. Managing and communicating tank usage data via the valve to the external control unit makes this information more reliable and prevents, for example, the vehicle from starting when the prescribed limit is reached.

[0016] The invention also relates to a reservoir comprising a valve as described above.

[0017] Advantageously, the internal part of the valve is arranged inside the tank and the external part of the valve is arranged outside the tank.

[0018] The invention also relates to a system comprising several tanks as described above, and an external control unit connected to the valves of said tanks. Thus, a variable number of tanks can be integrated into the vehicle without requiring adjustment of the external control unit to the valves, or the development of additional interfaces.

[0019] Depending on an optional feature of the system, the tanks are connected to at least one single fluid collector.

[0020] The invention also relates to a method for managing a system as described above, comprising the steps of: acquisition by the internal computer of data from at least one sensor, bidirectional communication with the external computer, consideration of information received from the external computer and data from at least one sensor.

[0021] The storage of fluids, particularly pressurized and highly flammable fluids, is associated with risks to user safety. One of the major risks is filling a damaged tank, which can lead to rupture and explosion. Currently, this risk is primarily addressed in the tank's user manual, which recommends avoiding tank use after an accident and stresses the need to inspect the system. However, these instructions are not always followed, and accidents do occur. The applicant has determined that safety would be greatly improved by preventing tank filling when a safety risk is detected.

[0022] Thus, another object of the invention is to provide a robust means of preventing the filling of a tank when a safety risk is detected.

[0023] To this end, the invention also relates to a filling circuit for one or more fluid reservoirs, particularly those under pressure, comprising: an automatic obstruction device intended to obstruct the filling circuit in a manner at least partially sealed against the fluid, so as to prevent the filling of the tank(s) when a predetermined event occurs, the automatic obstruction device comprising at least one movable element, capable of being moved between a non-obstruction position of the filling circuit, in which the at least one movable element is capable of being positioned so as to offer a resistance to the fluid compatible with the filling of the tank, and an obstruction position of the filling circuit, in which the at least one movable element is capable of being positioned at least partially in at least a portion of the filling circuit, so as to offer a resistance to the fluid incompatible with the filling of the tank, at least one orifice located in at least one wall of the at least a portion of the filling circuit,capable of allowing at least one moving element to pass through the filling circuit, so that at least one moving element can reach the obstruction position.

[0024] The automatic obstruction device also includes: at least one retaining element of at least one movable element, capable of retaining the at least one movable element in a non-obstruction position, of hermetically sealing said fluid at least one orifice, and of being deformed or displaced so as to allow the at least one movable element to move towards the obstruction position, at least one first means of displacement or modification of the at least one retaining element so as to allow the displacement of the at least one movable element towards the obstruction position, the at least one first means of displacement or modification being capable of being controlled by a control device.

[0025] An obstruction device is said to be "automatic" if it is activated independently of the will of a user.

[0026] An element is said to be "mobile" if at least a part of it is capable of moving relative to the rest of the filling circuit according to the invention. The movement of the mobile element may be an expansion movement.

[0027] The term "moving element" refers to the assembly consisting of the moving element and its annexes, such as a connection with the first means of movement. The predetermined event is the detection of a safety fault in at least one of the tanks. This prevents the faulty tank(s) from being filled. The at least one moving element and the at least one retaining element form a single unit. This simplifies the construction of the automatic shut-off device by reducing the number of its components.

[0028] In one embodiment, the moving element is a casing capable of inflating under the pressure of a second fluid. The moving element also constitutes the retaining element, which, in the deflated state, is held in a non-obstruction position. It is assembled at the orifice in such a way as to seal it airtight against the fluid, and is deformed to allow the moving element to move to the obstruction position. In this embodiment, the first means of movement is a device that produces the second fluid (for example, a water pump).

[0029] In another embodiment, the moving element and the retaining element form a single unit whose cross-section and material (e.g., rubber) are suitable for retaining it within the orifice while providing a fluid-tight seal. The moving / retaining element is associated with a propulsion device (the first means of movement, for example, a pyrotechnic propulsion device), which enables its movement to the obstruction position. In a variant of the embodiment, the moving / retaining element is associated with an actuator (the first means of movement, for example, the rod of a cylinder), which enables its movement to the obstruction position.

[0030] The invention also relates to a filling circuit for one or more reservoir(s) of a fluid, in particular under pressure, comprising a device as described above.

[0031] Thus, the tank filling system is automatically deactivated, regardless of user input, greatly reducing the risk of unintended tank filling. The automatic shut-off device can address safety issues related to accidents or when the maximum tank usage time and / or the maximum number of tank filling cycles are reached.

[0032] Preferably, the tank(s) are connected in a leak-proof manner to the filling circuit. This allows the tank(s) to be filled under pressure with a fluid, for example hydrogen or CNG.

[0033] In the non-obstruction position of the filling circuit, the filling circuit offers minimal resistance to the passage of fluid, compatible with the filling of tanks.

[0034] Optionally, the automatic obstruction device also includes at least one second means of moving at least one moving element to the obstruction position when at least one moving element has been released from at least one retaining element.

[0035] Preferably, the movement of at least one moving element is in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal direction of said at least one portion of the filling circuit.

[0036] Advantageously, the automatic obstruction device further includes at least one locking element in the obstruction position of at least one moving element.

[0037] The filling circuit includes a valve for each tank, itself comprising an inlet pipe upstream of the valve and an outlet pipe downstream of the valve. At least one orifice in at least one wall of the filling circuit may be located in the inlet pipes upstream of the valves, in a dedicated filling pipeline located upstream of the valve inlet pipes, in a filling interface of the filling circuit connected to a filling station, or in outlet pipes downstream of the valve. The filling station is not part of the filling circuit as defined in the invention.

[0038] The terms "downstream" and "upstream" should be considered according to the position in the filling circuit. A position close to the filling station is referred to as "upstream" and a position closer to the reservoir is referred to as "downstream".

[0039] Advantageously, at least one orifice is located in at least one side wall of at least one portion of the filling circuit.

[0040] Optionally, the automatic obstruction device further includes a guide, for example a hollow body, in which at least one movable element can be moved to move from the non-obstruction position to the obstruction position.

[0041] Advantageously, the second means of displacement is an elastic element acting between the moving element and a distal bearing surface of the guide. The terms "distal" and "proximal" are to be considered according to the position relative to the filling circuit. A position close to the circuit is described as "proximal" compared to a more distant position, which is described as "distal."

[0042] Advantageously, at least one portion of the filling circuit in which at least one orifice is located includes at least one clearance arranged opposite at least one orifice, diametrically opposite to at least one orifice, clearance in which at least one moving element can partially lodge itself in an obstruction position.

[0043] At least one moving part of at least one automatic blocking device can be returned from the blocked position to the unblocked position by means of a release tool. The use of such a tool may require specific authorization. Thus, subject to the necessary checks, the tanks can be refilled and used.

[0044] The invention also relates to an assembly of a filling circuit for one or more reservoir(s) of a fluid as described above, the reservoir(s) and a control device.

[0045] The control device can be a computer or a mechanical system changing state, for example due to aging, time of use, or the number of use cycles.

[0046] The computer can be a central computer, external to the valves, or a computer internal to each valve.

[0047] The invention also relates to an automatic obstruction device comprising the characteristics of an automatic obstruction device described above.

[0048] The invention also relates to a method for securing one or more fluid reservoirs forming part of an assembly as described above, comprising the steps of: taking into account by the control device a safety fault information of at least one of the tanks, transmission by the control device of an obstruction order to at least one automatic obstruction device, taking into account the order by at least one automatic obstruction device, transition of at least one automatic obstruction device from the non-obstruction position to the obstruction position. Brief description of the figures

[0049] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 is a functional diagram of a valve according to one embodiment and of a computer external to the valve, [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 is a schematic side view of the valve of the figure 1and part of a tank for which it is intended, an automatic blocking device for the filling circuit according to an embodiment of another object of the invention being positioned in the inlet pipe upstream of the valve; [ Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 is a schematic view of a system comprising several tanks according to an embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 4 ] there figure 4 is a schematic view of a fluid tank(s) filling circuit according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the automatic obstruction device is in the non-obstruction position, [ Fig. 5 ] there figure 5 is a schematic view of the same filling circuit with the automatic blocking device in the blocked position, [ Fig. 6 ] there figure 6is a schematic view of a valve in a filling circuit according to an embodiment of the invention in which the automatic blocking device is positioned in a dedicated filling pipe located upstream of the valve's inlet pipe, [ Fig. 7 ] there figure 7 is a schematic view of a filling circuit according to an embodiment of the invention in which the automatic obstruction device is positioned in a filling interface of the filling circuit connected to a filling station. Fig. 8 ] there figure 8 is a schematic view of a fluid tank(s) filling circuit according to another embodiment of the invention, in which the automatic blocking device is in the blocked position, [ Fig. 9 ] there figure 9is a schematic view of a fluid tank(s) filling circuit according to another embodiment of the invention, in which the automatic obstruction device is in the non-obstruction position. Detailed description

[0050] We have represented on the figure 1 The technical solutions of a valve 1 according to the invention. The figure 2This is a schematic representation of valve 1 for a reservoir 3 containing a fluid, particularly a pressurized fluid, for example, compressed hydrogen, of which only the upper end 30 is shown. Valve 1 is part of a filling circuit, not shown, for the fuel tank of a vehicle, also not shown. Valve 1 is a solenoid valve connected at its inlet to an inlet pipe 2 and at its outlet to an outlet pipe 4, which are connected respectively in valve 1 to an inlet valve 6 and at its outlet to an outlet valve 8. Valve 1 also includes a TPRD (Thermal and Pressure Release Device) 10. Valve 1 includes an internal portion arranged inside the reservoir 3, the internal portion comprising at least a part of a sensor for measuring at least one parameter characterizing the fluid. In this embodiment, the sensor is a temperature sensor 35 and the parameter being measured is the temperature of the fluid.The valve 1 further comprises an external part arranged outside the tank 3, the external part comprising an internal control unit 7. The valve 1 is capable of receiving information from an external control unit 5. The valve 1 comprises at least one actuator 100, and the internal control unit 7 comprises a power supply unit 12 for the internal control unit 7 and at least one actuator 100 of the valve 1. The power supply unit 12 is supplied with electricity from a vehicle battery 33 via electrical connection wires 14. The external control unit 5 and the battery 33 are part of the technical scope 37 of the vehicle, while the temperature sensor 35 and the actuator 100 are part of the technical scope 38 of the valve 1. The internal control unit 7 comprises a central processing unit 16, also called the "calculation module," which includes a microprocessor 28, as well as other modules.The central unit 16 processes the data from sensor 35, the data from actuator 100, and constructs and takes into account the information exchanged with the external computer 5. The other modules of the internal computer 7 are as follows: . a first means 9 for acquiring data from at least one sensor, a communication means 11 for communicating bidirectionally with the external computer 5, a control means 13 configured to control at least one actuator 100, the control means 13 being controlled by the central unit 16 taking into account information received from the external computer 5 via the communication means 11 and data from at least one sensor to control at least one actuator 100 of the valve 1. In this embodiment, the actuator 100 is a solenoid and the control means 13 acts on the solenoid operating at constant direct current and, in a variant, at pulsed direct current (Peak and Hold).

[0051] In this embodiment, the means 11 for communication with the external computer 5 is a module using a wired digital interface of the CAN, FlexRay, or LIN type. The module 11 and the external computer 5 are connected to each other by a wired connection 18.

[0052] At least one actuator 100 is connected to the control means 13 by at least one electrical connection 15. In the embodiment shown in the figures 1 to 3 The central unit 16 also includes: a means 17 for measuring at least one current parameter in the electrical connection 15, for example, to obtain information on the operation of at least one actuator 100; a second means 19 for acquiring, storing, and communicating data concerning the usage time of the tank 3, such as the tank's usage time and / or its number of filling cycles; a third means 20 for acquiring data from another sensor included at least partially in the valve 1, to measure at least one parameter characterizing the fluid; in this embodiment, this other sensor is a fluid pressure sensor 34; and a means 26 for controlling a device 21 capable of obstructing the tank's filling circuit, here at the inlet pipe of the valve 1, when a safety risk is detected. The device 21 is also the subject of the invention.The inlet pipe 2 includes an orifice 48, suitable for allowing a movable element of the device 21, not shown here, to pass into the inlet pipe 2 of the valve 1.

[0053] In this embodiment, the second acquisition means 19 is also configured to acquire data from at least one sensor 25 associated with the tank 3, enabling the measurement of its integrity. This is, for example, a sensor enabling the measurement of the tank's integrity, such as a fiber Bragg sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an accelerometer, or a strain gauge.

[0054] There figure 3 represents a system 22 according to the invention, comprising in this embodiment a filling chute 24, a safety valve 29 and twelve fluid reservoirs 3, each equipped with a valve 1 according to the invention. Each valve 1 has an outlet valve 8 (see figure 2The outlet valve 8 is a solenoid valve controlled by at least one actuator 100, which is driven by the control means 13 of the internal computer 7. The outlet pipe 4 of the outlet valve 8 connects the reservoir 3 to a single fluid manifold 23, via the filling circuit 40 and the safety valve 29. The manifold 23 is equipped with a pressure regulator 36 and a safety pressure sensor 27; its role is to direct the fluid to the vehicle's fluid consumption system, not shown, for example, a fuel cell or an internal combustion engine. The safety valve 29 is a solenoid valve connected to the pressure regulator 36; it is controlled by the external computer 5 and allows the filling circuit 40 to be isolated from the manifold 23 during the filling of the reservoirs.The safety valve 29 also allows the filling circuit 40 to be isolated from the manifold 23 when the manifold 23 malfunctions, for example, if it leaks. The filling chute 24 is connected to the filling circuit 40 and, via the inlet pipes 2, allows the fluid tanks 3 to be filled at the filling station. An infrared communication device 31 associated with the filling chute 24 allows the external computer 5 to transmit information to the filling station via an electrical connection 32. The information transmitted includes, for example, the pressure, temperature, and volume of the tanks.

[0055] THE Figures 4 and 5schematically represent a filling circuit 40 for one or more fluid reservoirs. Arrow 42 symbolizes the fluid flow during the filling circuit 40. The filling circuit 40 includes an automatic shut-off device 21 capable of at least partially sealing the filling circuit 40 against the fluid, thus preventing the filling of the reservoir(s). The automatic shut-off device 21 includes at least one movable element 44, capable of being moved between a non-obstruction position of the filling circuit, shown in the diagram. figure 4 , wherein at least one movable element 44 is positioned so as to offer a resistance to the fluid compatible with the filling of the tank, and an obstruction position of the filling circuit 40, represented in figure 5, wherein at least one movable element 21 is positioned at least partially in at least a portion 46 of the filling circuit 40, so as to offer a resistance to the fluid incompatible with the filling of the tank, which is symbolized on the figure 5 by stopping arrow 42 before this portion 46 of the filling circuit 40.

[0056] The filling circuit 40 also includes at least one orifice 48 located in at least one wall 50 of at least one portion 46 of the filling circuit 40, adapted to allow at least one movable element 44 to pass into the filling circuit 40, so that the at least one movable element 44 can reach the obstruction position. In this embodiment, the wall 50 in which the orifice 48 is located is a lateral wall of the portion 46 of the filling circuit 40.

[0057] The automatic obstruction device 21 also includes: at least one retaining element 52 of at least one movable element 44, capable of retaining the movable element 44 in the non-obstruction position, of hermetically sealing said fluid said at least one orifice 48, and of being deformed or displaced so as to allow the movement of at least one movable element 44 towards the obstruction position, at least one first means 54 of displacement or modification of at least one retaining element 52 so as to allow the movement of at least one movable element 44 towards the obstruction position, at least one first means 54 of movement or modification being capable of being controlled by a control device 51.

[0058] In the method of implementation of Figures 4 and 5The portion 46 of the filling circuit 40, in which the orifice 48 is located, includes in the wall 50 a recess 58 arranged opposite the orifice 48, diametrically opposed to the orifice 48, in which the moving element 44 can at least partially lodge in an obstructed position. The recess 58 provides a receiving seat for the free end 60 of the moving element 44.

[0059] In the method of implementation of Figures 4 and 5The automatic obstruction device 21 further comprises a guide 62, which is a hollow body including a distal bearing surface 63. The movable element 44 is moved within the guide 62 to move from the unobstructed position to the obstructed position. The automatic obstruction device 21 further comprises a second means 64 for moving the movable element 44 to the obstructed position once it has been released from the retaining element 52. The second means 64 for moving the movable element 44 is shown in the Figures 4 and 5 is an elastic element, more precisely a spring, which acts between the moving element 44 and the distal bearing surface 63.

[0060] In the Figures 4 and 5 , the movement of the moving element 44 is carried out in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the portion 46 of the filling circuit 40 in which the orifice 48 is located.

[0061] The automatic obstruction device 21 further includes a locking element in the obstruction position, not shown.

[0062] The movable element 44 can be moved between the obstruction position and the non-obstruction position under the action of an unlocking tool, not shown.

[0063] For the sake of simplicity, the moving element, the retaining element and the first means of movement of the automatic obstruction device 21 are not shown in the embodiments of figures 2 , 6 and 7 .

[0064] In the implementation of the figure 2 The orifice 48 of the filling circuit 40 is located in the inlet pipe 2 upstream of the valve 1. The control device 51 is the internal computer 7 of the valve 1.

[0065] In the implementation of the figure 6The orifice 48 of the filling circuit 40 is located in a pipe 76, for example, dedicated to filling, situated upstream of the inlet pipe 72 of a valve 71 of the prior art. The control device 51 is a computer external to the valve, not shown. In another embodiment, identical in all respects to this embodiment, the valve could be the valve according to the invention, comprising an internal computer.

[0066] In the implementation of the figure 7The orifice 48 of the filling circuit 40 is located in a filling interface 78 of the filling circuit 40, which is connected to the filling station (not shown) via the filling chute 24. In another embodiment, identical in all respects to this embodiment, the valve could be the valve according to the invention, comprising an internal computer. The assembly of the tanks and the external computer constitutes, in this embodiment, a system within the meaning of the invention.

[0067] There figure 8 represents an embodiment of the filling circuit according to the invention, distinct from the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5 in that the movable element 144 of the automatic obstruction device 121 is a casing which is represented on the figure 8inflated under the pressure of a non-compressible fluid, for example, water. It is connected to a water pump 154, controlled by the control device 51; the water pump could be replaced by another fluid injection device, for example, a piston. The water pump 154 ​​constitutes a first means of displacement within the meaning of the invention. In the unobstructed position, not shown, the volume of the casing 144 is very small. The casing 144 is located outside the filling circuit 40. When the water pump 154 ​​is activated, the casing 144 undergoes an expansion movement that allows it to move from the unobstructed position to the obstructed position shown in figure 8In this embodiment, the movable element 144 also acts as the retaining element, since in its deflated state, it is held in a non-obstruction position. Alternatively, the water could be replaced by an oil, for example, engine oil.

[0068] Alternatively, the fluid could be compressible, such as air or another gas like carbon dioxide or nitrogen. In this variant, the casing 144 could be the casing of a "mini airbag" inflated by the gas injected through a chemical reaction.

[0069] There figure 9 represents an embodiment of the filling circuit according to the invention, distinct from the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5in that the moving element 244 of the automatic obstruction device 221 is a part whose cross-section and material, here rubber, allow it to be retained in the orifice 48, outside the filling circuit 40, while sealing this orifice 48 airtight against the fluid. Activation of a pyrotechnic device 254 allows the moving element 244 to be propelled from the unobstructed position, shown in the figure 9 , towards the obstruction position, not shown, in which the free end 260 of the moving element 244 is in the clearance 58. The moving element and the retaining element form a single element 244 capable of being retained in the non-obstruction position when the pyrotechnic device 254, which constitutes a first means of movement within the meaning of the invention, has not yet been activated. List of references

[0070] 1: Valve including an internal computer, 2: Inlet pipe to the valve, 3: Tank, 4: Outlet pipe of the valve, 5: Computer external to the valve, 6: Inlet valve, 7: Internal computer, 8: Outlet valve, 9: First means for acquiring data from a sensor, 10: TPRD decompression device, 11: Means of communication with the external computer, 12: Power supply unit, 13: Means of controlling the valve actuator, 14: Electrical connection, 15: Electrical connection between the valve and the actuator, 16: Central unit, 17: Means of measuring at least one current parameter in electrical connection 15, 18: Connection between the communication means and the external computer, 19: Second means for acquiring, storing, and communicating data concerning the tank's usage time, 20: Third means for acquiring data from another sensor.21: means for preventing tank filling in case of a safety risk (automatic shut-off device), 22: system comprising several tanks and an external computer, 23: single fluid collector, 24: filler neck, 25: sensor for measuring tank integrity, 26: means for controlling an automatic shut-off device for the tank filling circuit, 27: safety pressure sensor, 28: microprocessor, 29: safety valve, 30: upper end of the tank, 31: infrared communication device, 32: electrical connection, 33: vehicle battery, 34: pressure sensor, 35: temperature sensor, 36: pressure regulator, 37: technical perimeter of the vehicle, 38: technical perimeter of the valve, 40: filling circuit, 42: arrow symbolizing fluid flow in the filling circuit, 44: moving element,46: Portion of the filling circuit in which the moving element is positioned in the obstruction position, 48: Orifice, 50: Wall of the portion of the filling circuit in which the orifice is located, 51: Control device, 52: Retaining element, 54: First means for moving or modifying the retaining element, 58: Clearance, 60: Free end of the moving element, 62: Guide, 64: Second means for moving the moving element, 71: Prior art valve, 72: Inlet pipe to valve 71, 74: Outlet pipe of valve 71, 76: Dedicated filling line, 78: Filling interface of the filling circuit, 100: Actuator, 121: Automatic obstruction device, 144: Moving element, 154: Air pump, 221: Automatic obstruction device, 244: Moving element, 254 : pyrotechnic device, 260: free end of the moving element,

Claims

1. Valve (1) for a fluid reservoir (3), comprising an inner portion configured to be arranged inside the reservoir (3), the inner portion comprising at least one portion of a sensor (34, 35) for measuring at least one parameter characterizing the fluid, the valve (1) being capable of receiving information from a computer (5), external to the valve (1), characterized in that the valve (1) further comprises an outer portion configured to be arranged outside the reservoir (3), the outer portion comprising an internal computer (7) comprising: - a first acquisition means (9) configured to acquire data from the at least one sensor (34, 35), - a communication means (11) using a wired digital communication interface capable of communicating bidirectionally with the external computer (5), - a control means (13) configured to take into account information received from the external computer (5) and data from the at least one sensor (34, 35) for controlling at least one actuator (100) of the valve (1), the at least one actuator (100) being connected to the control means (13) by at least one electrical connection (15), and - a means (17) for measuring at least one current parameter in the electrical connection (15).

2. Valve (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first acquisition means (9) is configured to acquire data from at least one sensor (25) associated with the reservoir (3), for example a sensor making it possible to measure the integrity of the reservoir (3), such as a Bragg fiber sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an accelerometer, or a strain sensor.

3. Valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal computer (7) comprises a second acquisition means (19) configured to acquire, store and communicate data concerning the duration of use of the reservoir (3), such as the time of use of the reservoir (3) and / or the number of reservoir filling cycles (3).

4. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a portion of a pressure sensor (34) and a portion of a temperature sensor (35).

5. Reservoir (3) comprising a valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

6. Reservoir (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein the inner portion of the valve (1) is arranged inside the reservoir (3) and the outer portion of the valve (1) is arranged outside the reservoir (3).

7. System (22) comprising several reservoirs (3) according to claim 5 or 6 and a computer (5) external to the valves (1) of said reservoirs (3).

8. System (22) according to the preceding claim, wherein the reservoirs (3) are connected to at least one single fluid manifold (23).

9. Method for managing a system (22) according to claim 7 or 8, comprising the steps of: - acquisition by the internal computer (7) of data from the at least one sensor (34, 35), - two-way communication with the external computer (5), - taking into account of the information received from the external computer (5) and the data from the at least one sensor (34, 35).

10. Circuit (40) for filling one or more reservoir(s) (3) with a fluid, comprising: - one or more valve(s) (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, - an automatic obstruction device (21, 121, 221) intended to obstruct the filling circuit (40) in an at least partially fluid-tight manner, so as to prevent the filling of the reservoir(s) (3) when a predetermined event occurs, the automatic obstruction device (21, 121, 221) comprising at least one movable element (44, 144, 244), capable of being moved between a position of non-obstruction of the filling circuit (40), in which the at least one movable element (44, 144, 244) is positioned so as to offer resistance to the fluid compatible with the filling of the reservoir (3), and a position of obstruction of the filling circuit (40), in which the at least one movable element (44, 144, 244) is positioned at least partly in at least a portion (46) of the filling circuit (40), so as to offer resistance to the fluid incompatible with the filling of the reservoir (3), - at least one orifice (48) located in at least one wall (50) of the at least one portion (46) of the filling circuit (40), capable of allowing the at least one movable element (44, 144, 244) to pass into the filling circuit (40), so that the at least one movable element (44, 144, 244) can reach the obstructing position, the automatic obstruction device (21, 121, 221) further comprising: - at least one retaining element (52, 144, 244) of the at least one movable element (44, 144, 244), capable of - retaining the at least one movable element (44, 144, 244) in the non-obstructing position, - sealing said fluid at least one orifice (48) in a fluid-tight manner, and - being deformed or moved so as to allow the movement of the at least one movable element (44, 144, 244) toward the obstructing position, - at least one first means (54, 154, 254) for moving or modifying the at least one retaining element (52, 144, 244) so as to allow the movement of the at least one movable element (44, 144, 244) toward the obstructing position, the at least one first movement or modification means (54, 154, 254) being able to be controlled by a control device (51).

11. Assembly of a circuit (40) for filling one or more reservoir(s) (3) with a fluid according to the preceding claim, the reservoir(s) (3) and a control device (51).

12. Assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the control device (51) is a computer.

13. Assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the computer is the internal computer (7).

14. Method for securing one or more fluid reservoir(s) (3) forming part of an assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising the steps of: - taking into account by the control device (51) of safety defect information of at least one of the reservoirs (3), - transmission of an obstruction order by the control device (51) to at least one automatic obstruction device (21, 121, 221), - taking into account of the order by the at least one automatic obstruction device (21, 121, 221), - passage of at least one automatic obstruction device (21, 121, 221) from the non-obstructing position to the obstructing position.