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. US2019 / 170260A1 discloses such an injector.

[0002] During the filling of gas tanks, particularly gaseous hydrogen tanks, the speed of the gas injected at the outlet of the injector, called the injection speed, is responsible for the proper thermal homogenization of the gas in the tank: the higher the injection speed, the better the injected gas will mix with 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 60 g / s for tanks in light vehicles. Furthermore, the filling process must be carried out in such a way 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, the injection velocity will decrease proportionally with the increase in the density and pressure of the gas in the tank. With this decrease in velocity, the gas is no longer sufficiently mixed. This results in thermal gradients or thermal stratification within the tank, and a risk of hot spots developing, with temperatures exceeding the threshold set by the standard.

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

[0007] Accordingly to a first aspect, the invention relates to an injector for filling a gas tank, the injector comprising a conduit intended to fluidly connect a gas station to the tank to be filled, the conduit extending along a main axis and comprising an inlet orifice intended to receive a flow of gas 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 motion 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 element relative to the outlet orifice, the invention allows the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage to this outlet to be modified. This makes it possible to maintain the gas injection velocity into the tank at a sufficient level when the gas density increases within the tank. A sufficient velocity promotes gas mixing within the tank and therefore helps to limit the risk of hot spots.

[0010] Other embodiments of the invention include the following features: The moving element comprises a deflecting wall disposed opposite the inlet orifice and forming an acute angle with the main axis of the pipe; the moving element comprises a slide extending along the main axis of the pipe; the slide is configured to be moved in translation within 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 disposed 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 of between 5 and 50° with the main axis;The channel formed at the level of the slide is configured to align at least partially with the outlet orifice of the pipe so as to allow gas to flow from the filling station to the tank to be filled; the injector includes a mounting bracket for the slide in the pipe; the bracket is configured to be fixed to one end of the pipe, located opposite the inlet orifice; the injector includes a return element for the slide to its first position; the injector includes an alignment member between the channel formed on the slide and the outlet orifice of the pipe; the alignment member is positioned around the bracket and abutted against one end of the pipe; the pipe includes at least one vent opening located downstream of the outlet orifice; the pipe is provided with a stop intended to limit the stroke of the slide towards the inlet orifice of the pipe in its first position;The stop is located at a threshold of the pipe's inlet orifice; the moving part comprises a tab disposed inside the pipe, obliquely to the main axis; the tab is configured to be moved in flexion about an axis perpendicular to the pipe's main axis; the tab has a first edge fixed to an internal wall of the pipe and a free edge that opens into the outlet orifice; the free edge of the tab is configured to be moved relative to the outlet orifice, in translation along a direction perpendicular to the main axis, and / or in rotation about the tab's flexion axis; the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice each have the form of a passage having an axis that coincides with the pipe's main axis.

[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, which refers 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 cross-sectional view illustrating the injector according to a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3 ] is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the injector according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0013] As illustrated in the [ Fig. 1 The invention relates to a reservoir 10 comprising an injector 1. The injector 1 is disposed 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 [ Fig. 2 ] And [ Fig. 3 ], the injector 1 includes a conduit 2 for fluidly connecting the station 100 to the filling tank 10. In particular, the conduit 2 extends along a main axis X and includes an inlet port 21 for receiving a gas flow from the station 100, and an outlet port 22 for conveying said flow to the filling tank 10.

[0015] According to the invention, the injector 1 comprises a movable element 3 within the conduit 2, configured to occupy the following extreme positions relative to the outlet orifice 22: a first position in which the movable element 3 gives the outlet orifice 22 a minimum passage area, and a second position in which the movable element 3 gives the outlet orifice 22 a maximum passage area. In other words, the movable element 3 allows modification (and in particular, reduction) of the passage area to the outlet orifice 22.

[0016] Advantageously, the movable member 3 includes a deflecting wall 31 positioned opposite the inlet orifice 21. The deflecting wall 31 forms an angle α between 5 and 50° with the principal axis X of the conduit 2. The deflecting wall 31 of the movable member 3 allows the trajectory of the gas flow from the inlet orifice 21 to be diverted.

[0017] Reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage to the outlet 21, in combination with the deflection of the gas flow path, allows the gas injection velocity at the injector outlet 22 to be maintained at a sufficient level and / or increased. By controlling the injection velocity, the gas flow injected into the tank to be filled 10 ensures mixing of the gas present in said tank, thus preventing the formation of hot spots within it.

[0018] In a first embodiment illustrated in the [ Fig. 2 ], the component 3 includes a slide 3A which extends along the main axis X of the conduit 2. The slide 3A is configured to be moved in translation within the conduit 2 along the main axis X of the conduit 2.

[0019] According to this first embodiment, the slide 3A comprises a head 32 which is provided with a channel 33 forming an angle α between 5 and 50° with the principal axis X of the conduit 2. The slide 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 conduit 2. The guide 34 is in the form of a prism with a hexagonal, square, or rectangular cross-section.

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

[0021] Thus, the passage 33 formed at the level of the slide 3A is configured to align with the outlet orifice 22 of the line 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 level of the slide 3A includes an internal wall which forms the deflector wall 31.

[0022] Advantageously, the injector 1 includes a support 4 for mounting the slide 3A in the pipe 2. In particular, the support 4 is fixed to one end 24 of the pipe 2, opposite the inlet port 21 of the pipe 2. In addition, the support 4 includes 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 hexagonal, square or rectangular cross-section.

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

[0024] In the illustrated example, the support 4 includes 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 includes an elastic return element 5 connecting the slide 3A to the support 4.

[0026] In the illustrated example, 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 coil fixed to the head 32 of the slide 3A and a second coil fixed to the support 4.

[0027] Advantageously, the injector 1 includes an alignment member 6 for aligning the channel 33 formed on the slide 3A and the outlet orifice 22 of the line 2. The alignment member 6 is positioned around the support 4 and abuts against the end 24 of the line 2. The alignment member 6 thus makes it possible to lock the position of the support 4 relative to the line 2.

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

[0029] In 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 head 32 of the slide 3A is offset from 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 injector 1, its pressure drives slide 3A towards support 4, thus fully opening outlet 22. In the reservoir 10, the gas density is low, and the pressure difference relative to the injected gas flow is relatively high. The gas flows at sufficient velocity from the injector to the reservoir 10.

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

[0032] The slide 3A is then driven in a reverse movement from the support 4 towards the stop 24 of the pipe. The return of the slide 3A to its nominal position reduces the passage area of ​​the outlet orifice 22 and allows the injection velocity of the gas injected into the tank 10 to be maintained.

[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 conduit 2 includes at least one vent opening 23 located downstream of the outlet orifice 22 and upstream of the support 4.

[0035] The vent opening 23 prevents gas from becoming trapped between the slide 3A and the support 4. Furthermore, the vent opening 23 allows gas to flow between the pipe 2 and the inside of the tank 10, thus equalizing pressures. Thanks to the presence of the vent opening 23, the slide 3A can move freely within the pipe 2.

[0036] In another embodiment illustrated in the [ Fig. 3 ], the movable part 3 includes a deformable tab 3B which is fixed obliquely inside the conduit 2.

[0037] The tongue 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 tongue 3B.

[0038] Furthermore, the tongue 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 tongue 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 principal axis X of the pipe 2. Thus, the translation of the free edge 38 makes it possible to reversibly modify the passage cross-section of the outlet orifice 22.

[0039] The forward translation of the free edge 38 is achieved by bending the tab 3B around the first edge 37 and along a Z-direction perpendicular to the main axis X of the pipe 2. This bending is induced by the force of the gas passing through the injector. The reverse translation of the free edge 38 is achieved by the 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 gas-induced force is relatively low).

[0040] In other words, the tongue 3B is configured to be deformed by bending and to switch reversibly from a first configuration in which the tongue 3B and the inner wall of the conduit 2 give the outlet orifice 22 a minimum passage area, and a second configuration in which the tongue 3B and the inner wall of the conduit 2 give the outlet orifice 22 a maximum passage area.

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

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

Claims

1. An injector (1) for a gas tank (10), the injector comprising a conduit (2) intended to fluidly connect a filling station (100) and the tank to be filled (10), the conduit (2) extending along a main axis (X) and comprising an inlet port (21) intended to receive a flow of pressurized gas coming from the filling station (100) and an outlet port (22) intended to convey said flow to the tank to be filled (10), the injector (1) also comprising a mobile member (3) disposed inside the conduit (2) and configured to move relative to the outlet port (22), between a first extreme position in which the mobile member (3) confers on the outlet port (22) a minimum passage cross-section, and a second extreme position in which the mobile member (3) confers on the outlet port (22) a maximum passage cross-section, characterized in that the mobile member (3) comprises a deflector wall (31) disposed opposite the inlet port (21) and forming with the main axis (X) of the conduit an acute angle (α).

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

3. The 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 deflector wall, the angle (α) being between 5 and 50°.

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

5. The 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 partially with the outlet port (22) of the conduit (2) so as to allow a flow of gas from the filling station (100) to the tank to be filled (10).

6. The 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 conduit (2), the support (4) being configured to be fixed to an end (24) of the conduit (2), located opposite the inlet port (21).

7. The injector (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a return element (5) for the slider (3A) towards its first position.

8. The 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 slider 3A and the outlet port 22 of the conduit 2, the alignment member (6) being positioned around the support (4) and in abutment against an end (24) of the conduit (2).

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

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

11. The injector (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the mobile member (3) comprises a tongue (3B) disposed inside the conduit (2), obliquely with respect 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 conduit (2).

12. The injector (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tongue (3B) has a first edge (37) fixed to an inner wall of the conduit (2) and a free edge (38) which opens into the outlet port (22), the free edge (38) being configured to be moved with respect to the outlet port (22) in translation along a direction (Y2) perpendicular to the main axis (X), and / or in rotation around the axis (Z).

13. The injector (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the inlet port (21) and the outlet port (22) each have the shape of a passage having an axis which is coincident with the main axis (X) of the conduit (2).

14. A tank (10) comprising an injector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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