Injector for a gas tank, and tank comprising such an injector

Abstract

Injector (1) for a gas tank (10), the injector comprising a pipe (2) intended to fluidically connect a filling station (100) and the tank to be filled (10), the pipe (2) extending along a main axis (X) and comprising an inlet orifice (21) intended to receive a flow of pressurized gas coming from the filling station (100) and an outlet orifice (22) intended to convey said flow to the tank to be filled (10), characterized in that it comprises a movable member (3) arranged inside the pipe (2) and configured to move relative to the outlet orifice (22), between a first extreme position in which the movable member (3) gives the outlet orifice (22) a minimum passage section, and a second extreme position in which the movable member (3) gives the outlet orifice (22) a maximum passage section.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an injector for a gas tank. The invention also relates to a gas tank equipped with such an injector.

[0002] During the filling of gas tanks, in particular hydrogen gas tanks, the speed of the gas injected at the outlet of the injector, called injection speed, is responsible for the good thermal homogenization of the gas in the tank: the higher the injection speed, the better the injected gas will mix the gas in the tank; and therefore the more thermally homogeneous the gas in the tank will be.

[0003] A thermally homogeneous gas is desirable to avoid hot spots that could damage the tank walls. In particular, for composite tanks, a temperature below 85°C is required by the SAE J2601 standard.

[0004] The gas tank is filled at a mass flow rate that must not exceed a certain level imposed by standards. For example, the maximum mass flow rate is limited to 60g / s for light vehicle tanks. Furthermore, the filling must be such that the temperature of the gas in the tank does not exceed a certain threshold, set at 85°C by the SAE J2601 standard.

[0005] Thus, for a fixed mass flow rate filling, the injection speed will decrease proportionally with the increase in the density and pressure of the gas present in the tank. With this decrease in speed, the gas is no longer sufficiently mixed. This results in thermal gradients or thermal stratification in the tank, and a risk of hot spots appearing, with a temperature higher than the threshold set by the standard.

[0006] One aim of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks listed above.

[0007] To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to an injector for filling a gas tank, the injector comprising a pipe intended to fluidically connect a gas station to the tank to be filled, the pipe extending along a main axis and comprising an inlet orifice intended to receive a flow of gas coming from the station and an outlet orifice intended to convey said flow to the tank to be filled.

[0008] According to the invention, the injector comprises a movable member configured to be in movement inside the pipe, and relative to the outlet orifice, between a first extreme position in which the movable member gives the outlet orifice a minimum passage section and a second extreme position in which the movable member gives the outlet orifice a maximum passage section.

[0009] Thus, by introducing a movable member relative to the outlet orifice, the invention makes it possible to modify the passage section towards this outlet orifice. This makes it possible to maintain the injection speed of the gas into the tank at a sufficient level when the density of the gas increases in the tank. A sufficient level of speed is conducive to mixing of gases in the tank, and thus helps to limit the risk of hot spots appearing.

[0010] Other embodiments of the invention include the features below: the movable member comprises a deflecting wall arranged opposite the inlet orifice and forming an acute angle with the main axis of the pipe; the movable member comprises a slide which extends along the main axis of the pipe; the slide is configured to be moved in translation in the pipe along the main axis of the pipe; the slide comprises a head provided with a channel; the channel comprises an internal surface forming at least part of the deflecting wall; the angle between the deflecting wall arranged opposite the inlet orifice and the main axis of the pipe is between 5 and 50°; the inlet orifice opens into the pipe parallel to the main axis of the pipe; the outlet orifice opens into the pipe transversely to the main axis, for example in a direction forming an angle with the main axis between 5 and 50°;the channel formed at the slider is configured to align at least in part with the outlet orifice of the pipe so as to allow a flow of gas from the filling station to the tank to be filled; the injector comprises a support for mounting the slider in the pipe; the support is configured to be fixed to one end of the pipe, located opposite the inlet orifice; the injector comprises a return element of the slider towards its first position; the injector comprises an alignment member between the channel formed on the slider and the outlet orifice of the pipe; the alignment member is positioned around the support and in abutment against one end of the pipe; the pipe comprises at least one vent opening located downstream of the outlet orifice; the pipe is provided with a stop intended to limit the travel of the slider towards the inlet orifice of the pipe in its first position;the stop is located at a threshold of the inlet orifice of the pipe; the movable member comprises a tongue arranged inside the pipe, obliquely relative to the main axis; the tongue is configured to be moved in flexion around an axis perpendicular to the main axis of the pipe; the tongue has a first edge fixed to an internal wall of the pipe and a free edge which opens into the outlet orifice; the free edge of the tongue is configured to be moved relative to the outlet orifice, in translation in a direction perpendicular to the main axis, and / or in rotation around the flexion axis of the tongue; the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice each have the shape of a passage having an axis which coincides with the main axis of the pipe. ;

[0011] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a reservoir comprising an injector according to any one of the embodiments described above.

[0012] Other features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the description below, given with reference to the following figures in which: [ Fig. 1 ] is a schematic view illustrating an example of a tank equipped with an injector according to the invention. [ Fig. 2 ] is a schematic sectional view illustrating the injector according to a first embodiment of the invention. [ Fig. 3 ] is a schematic sectional view illustrating the injector according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0013] As illustrated in [ Fig. 1 ], the invention relates to a reservoir 10 comprising an injector 1. The injector 1 is arranged at a neck 20 of the reservoir 10. Furthermore, the injector 1 is held in position at the neck 20 by means of a support 30.

[0014] With reference to the [ Fig. 2 ] And [ Fig. 3 ], the injector 1 comprises a pipe 2 intended to fluidically connect the station 100 to the tank to be filled 10. In particular, the pipe 2 extends along a main axis X and comprises an inlet orifice 21 intended to receive a flow of gas coming from the station 100, and an outlet orifice 22 intended to convey said flow to the tank to be filled 10.

[0015] According to the invention, the injector 1 comprises a member 3 movable inside the pipe 2 and configured to occupy the following extreme positions relative to the outlet orifice 22: a first position in which the movable member 3 gives the outlet orifice 22 a minimum passage section, and a second position in which the movable member 3 gives the outlet orifice 22 a maximum passage section. In other words, the movable member 3 makes it possible to modify (and in particular to reduce) the passage section towards the outlet orifice 22.

[0016] Advantageously, the movable member 3 comprises a deflecting wall 31 arranged opposite the inlet orifice 21. The deflecting wall 31 forms an angle α of between 5 and 50° with the main axis X of the pipe 2. The deflecting wall 31 of the movable member 3 makes it possible to deflect the trajectory of the flow of gas coming from the inlet orifice 21.

[0017] The reduction of the passage section towards the outlet orifice 21 in combination with the deviation of the trajectory of the gas flow makes it possible to maintain at a sufficient level and / or to increase the injection speed of the gas at the outlet orifice 22 of the injector. Thanks to the control of the injection speed, the flow of gas injected into the tank to be filled 10 ensures a mixing of the gas present in said tank, thus preventing the formation of hot spots in said tank.

[0018] In a first embodiment illustrated in [ Fig. 2 ], the member 3 comprises a slider 3A which extends along the main axis X of the pipe 2. The slider 3A is configured to be moved in translation in the pipe 2 along the main axis X of the pipe 2.

[0019] According to this first embodiment, the slider 3A comprises a head 32 which is provided with a channel 33 forming with the main axis X of the pipe 2 an angle α of between 5 and 50°. The slider 3A also comprises a guide 34 which is connected to the head 32. In particular, the head 32 has a diameter close to an internal diameter of the pipe 2. The guide 34 is in the form of a prism of hexagonal, square or rectangular section.

[0020] Furthermore, the inlet orifice 21 of the pipe 2 has an axis which coincides with the main axis X of the pipe 2. The outlet orifice 22 of the pipe 2 has an axis Y1 which forms with the main axis X of the pipe an angle β of between 5 and 50°.

[0021] Thus, the passage 33 formed at the slide 3A is configured to align with the outlet orifice 22 of the pipe 2 in order to ensure a flow of gas from the station 100 to the tank to be filled 10. The passage 33 formed at the slide 3A comprises an internal wall which forms the deflector wall 31.

[0022] Advantageously, the injector 1 comprises a support 4 allowing the slide 3A to be mounted in the pipe 2. In particular, the support 4 is fixed to one end 24 of the pipe 2, opposite the inlet orifice 21 of the pipe 2. Furthermore, the support 4 comprises a passage 41 configured to receive the guide 34. The passage 41 has a geometry complementary to that of the guide 34, i.e. a section of hexagonal, square or rectangular shape.

[0023] Thus, the support 4 prevents any rotation of the slide 3A relative to the pipe 2.

[0024] In the example illustrated, the support 4 comprises a threaded cylinder which cooperates by screwing with the pipe 2. Alternatively, other methods of fixing can be envisaged between the support 4 and the pipe 2.

[0025] Advantageously, the injector 1 comprises an elastic return element 5 connecting the slide 3A to the support 4.

[0026] In the example illustrated, the return element 5 is a spring which is arranged around the guide 34 of the slide 3A, between the head 32 of the slide 3A and the support 4. More specifically, the spring 5 has a first turn fixed to the head 32 of the slide 3A and a second turn fixed to the support 4.

[0027] Advantageously, the injector 1 comprises an alignment member 6 making it possible to align the channel 33 formed on the slide 3A and the outlet orifice 22 of the pipe 2. The alignment member 6 is positioned around the support 4 and in abutment against the end 24 of the pipe 2. The alignment member 6 thus makes it possible to block the position of the support 4 relative to the pipe 2.

[0028] In the example illustrated, the alignment member 6 is a nut of hexagonal, square or rectangular section.

[0029] In the nominal position, the head 32 of the slide 3A is pressed against a stop 24 of the pipe 2. The channel 33 formed at the level of the head 32 of the slide 3A is offset relative to the outlet orifice 22 along the main direction X of the pipe, leaving a minimum passage section towards the outlet orifice 22.

[0030] When gas is admitted into the injector 1, its pressure drives the slide 3A towards the support 4, thus allowing the outlet orifice 22 to be completely cleared. In the reservoir to be filled 10, the density of the gas is low and the pressure difference with respect to the injected gas flow is relatively high. The gas flows at sufficient speed from the injector to the reservoir 10.

[0031] Then, as the injection continues, the density of the gas in the tank 10 increases for the same mass flow rate delivered by the injector 1. Thus, the volumetric input decreases, as does the pressure difference relative to the injected gas flow.

[0032] The slider 3A is then driven in a reverse movement from the support 4 towards the stop 24 of the pipe. The return of the slider 3A to its nominal position reduces the passage section of the outlet orifice 22 and makes it possible to maintain the injection speed of the gas injected into the tank 10.

[0033] The return of the slide 3A to its nominal position is made possible by the return element 5.

[0034] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the pipe 2 comprises at least one vent opening 23 located downstream of the outlet orifice 22 and upstream of the support 4.

[0035] The vent opening 23 serves to prevent the gas located between the slider 3A and the support 4 from being trapped. In addition, the vent opening 23 allows the gas to pass between the pipe 2 and the inside of the tank 10, in order to balance the pressures. Thus, thanks to the presence of the vent opening 23, the slider 3A can move freely in the pipe 2.

[0036] In another embodiment illustrated in [ Fig. 3 ], the movable member 3 comprises a deformable tongue 3B which is fixed obliquely inside the pipe 2.

[0037] The tab 3B has two opposite faces, a first face 35 arranged opposite the inlet orifice 21, and a second face 36 arranged opposite the outlet orifice 22. The first face 35 forms the deflecting wall 31 of the tab 3B.

[0038] Furthermore, the tab 3B has a first edge 37 fixed to an internal wall of the pipe (2) and a free edge 38 which opens into the outlet orifice 22. The free edge 38 of the tab 3B is configured to move relative to the outlet orifice 22 of the pipe 2 in a back-and-forth translation along a direction Y2 perpendicular to the main axis X of the pipe 2. Thus, the translation of the free edge 38 makes it possible to reversibly modify the passage section of the outlet orifice 22.

[0039] The translation of the free edge 38 in the forward direction is obtained following a bending of the tab 3B around the first edge 37 and around a direction Z perpendicular to the main axis X of the pipe 2. The bending is induced by a force of the gas passing through the injector. The translation of the free edge 38 in the return direction is obtained by elastic return of the tab 3B to a nominal configuration (i.e. a configuration in the absence of gas in the injector 1 or when the force induced by the gas is relatively low).

[0040] In other words, the tab 3B is configured to be deformed by bending and reversibly pass from a first configuration in which the tab 3B and the internal wall of the pipe 2 give the outlet orifice 22 a minimum passage section, and a second configuration in which the tab 3B and the internal wall of the pipe 2 give the outlet orifice 22 a maximum passage section.

[0041] In particular, in its first configuration, the tab 3B forms a minimum angle α with the main axis X of the pipe 2. In its second configuration, the tab 3B forms a maximum angle α with the main axis X of the pipe 2.

[0042] Advantageously, the pipe 2 is equipped with a non-return valve 7. Thus, during the emptying of the tank, a flow of gas can circulate from the tank 10 to the injector 1 even if the tab (3B) is pushed too far towards the pipe 2, obstructing the minimum outlet passage section 22.

Claims

1. Injector (1) for a gas tank (10), the injector comprising a pipe (2) intended to fluidly connect a filling station (100) and the tank to be filled (10), the pipe (2) extending along a main axis (X) and comprising an inlet orifice (21) intended to receive a flow of pressurized gas coming from the filling station (100) and an outlet orifice (22) intended to convey said flow to the tank to be filled (10), the injector (1) also comprising a movable member (3) arranged inside the pipe (2) and configured to move relative to the outlet orifice (22), between a first extreme position in which the movable member (3) gives the outlet orifice (22) a minimum passage section, and a second extreme position in which the movable member (3) gives the outlet orifice (22) a maximum passage section, characterized in thatthe movable member (3) comprises a deflecting wall (31) arranged opposite the inlet orifice (21) and forming an acute angle (α) with the main axis (X) of the pipe.

2. Injector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable member (3) comprises a slider (3A) which extends along the main axis (X) of the pipe (2), the slider (3A) being configured to be moved in translation in the pipe (2) along the main axis (X) of the pipe (2).

3. Injector (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the slider (3A) comprises a head (32) provided with a channel (33), the channel (33) comprising an internal surface (31) forming at least part of the deflecting wall, the angle (a) being between 5 and 50°.

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

5. Injector (1) according to claims 3 and 4 together, characterized in that the channel (33) formed at the slider (3A) is configured to align at least in part with the outlet orifice (22) of the pipe (2) so as to allow a flow of gas from the filling station (100) to the tank to be filled (10).

6. Injector (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a support (4) for mounting the slider (3A) in the pipe (2), the support (4) being configured to be fixed to one end (24) of the pipe (2), located opposite the inlet orifice (21).

7. Injector (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in thatit comprises an element (5) for returning the slide (3A) to its first position.

8. Injector (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that it comprises an alignment member (6) between the channel (33) formed on the slide 3A and the outlet orifice 22 of the pipe 2, the alignment member (6) being positioned around the support (4) and in abutment against one end (24) of the pipe (2).

9. Injector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pipe (2) comprises at least one vent opening (23) located downstream of the outlet orifice (22).

10. Injector (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the pipe (2) is provided with a stop (24) intended to limit the travel of the slide (3A) towards the inlet orifice (21) of the pipe (2) in its first position, the stop (24) being located at a threshold of the inlet orifice (21) of the pipe (2).

11. Injector (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the movable member (3) comprises a tongue (3B) arranged inside the pipe (2), obliquely relative to the main axis (X), the tongue (3B) being configured to be moved in flexion around an axis (Z) perpendicular to the main axis (X) of the pipe (2).

12. Injector (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tab (3B) has a first edge (37) fixed to an internal wall of the pipe (2) and a free edge (38) which opens into the outlet orifice (22), the free edge (38) being configured to be moved relative to the outlet orifice (22) in translation along a direction (Y2) perpendicular to the main axis (X), and / or in rotation around the axis (Z).

13. Injector (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in thatthe inlet orifice (21) and the outlet orifice (22) each have the shape of a passage having an axis which coincides with the main axis (X) of the pipe (2).

14. Tank (10) comprising an injector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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