Connection for transferring a fluid, in particular a cryogenic fluid, from a source tank to a receiving tank

Abstract

Title: Connector for transferring a fluid, in particular a cryogenic fluid, from a source tank to a receiving tank Connector (1) for transferring a fluid, in particular a cryogenic fluid such as liquid hydrogen, from a source tank to a receiving tank, the connector (1) comprising a plug (1A) intended to be connected to one between the source tank and the receiving tank, and a socket (1B) intended to be connected to the other between the source tank and the receiving tank, the plug (1A) and the socket (1B) being configured to be reversibly coupled to each other, the plug (1A) comprising a casing (2) as well as a conduit (3) arranged in translation through the casing (2) between a retracted position and a deployed position relative to the casing (2), the conduit (3) forming a first channel (32) for the flow of the fluid,and comprising a first thermal insulation element (36) arranged around and along the first channel (32), the socket (1B) comprising a receptacle (5) and a guide (6) arranged inside the receptacle (5), the guide (6) being configured to receive one end (29) of the casing (2) and the conduit (3), the socket (1B) also comprising a second fluid flow channel (72) configured to fluidly communicate with the first channel (32), characterized in that the casing (2), the receptacle (5) and the guide (6) each comprise a thermal insulation element, respectively a second thermal insulation element (28), a third thermal insulation element (54) and a fourth thermal insulation element (67d), which, in the assembled position, extend in a main direction (L) of the connector (1). Abstract figure: Fig. 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Connection for transferring a fluid, in particular a cryogenic fluid, from a source tank to a receiving tank

[0001] The invention relates to a connector for transferring a fluid from a source tank to a receiving tank. It may in particular be a cryogenic fluid. The connector according to the invention finds an application in particular in a fluid distribution installation.

[0002] A connector for transferring a fluid from a source reservoir to a receiving reservoir generally comprises a plug for connection to one between the source reservoir and the receiving reservoir, and a socket for connection to the other between the source reservoir and the receiving reservoir. The plug and the socket are configured to be reversibly coupled to each other.

[0003] In particular, the plug comprises a casing and a conduit arranged inside the casing. The conduit forms a first flow channel for the fluid to be transferred. In addition, the conduit comprises a first thermal insulation element arranged around and along the first channel.

[0004] The socket comprises a receptacle and a guide disposed within the receptacle. In particular, the guide is configured to receive one end of the casing and the conduit.

[0005] Further, the socket includes a second fluid flow channel configured to cooperate with the first channel.

[0006] The thermal insulation element formed around and along the conduit aims to limit the loss of cold at the level of the fluid to be transferred, and to prevent any condensation on the free surface of the connection. However, this objective is far from being achieved on the connections of the prior art. When this objective is achieved, it is generally at the cost of a very complex connection structure and a very high cost price.

[0007] Indeed, to limit the loss of cold and the risk of condensation on the free surface of the connection, the prior art (US 2014 / 0175790 A1) teaches in particular the implementation of a cooling or heating device at the level of the casing and / or the receptacle. Another solution provided by the prior art consists of multiplying the number of sealing joints between the different parts of the connection.

[0008] The use of a heating or cooling device and / or sealing gaskets requires a special arrangement of the casing and / or the receptacle. Such an arrangement complicates the structure of the connection and complicates subsequent maintenance operations of the connection.

[0009] There therefore appears to be a need to design a connection for transferring a cryogenic fluid, which has a sufficiently robust thermal insulation system to limit the loss of cold from the fluid to be transferred, and prevent the risk of condensation on the surface of the connection.

[0010] To this end, according to a first aspect of the invention, moreover in accordance with the generic definition given in the preamble, the connection is characterized in that the casing, the receptacle and the guide each comprise a thermal insulation element, respectively a second thermal insulation element, a third thermal insulation element, and a fourth thermal insulation element, which, in the assembled position, extend along a main direction of the connection.

[0011] A thermal insulation element which extends in a main direction of the connection has, in this main direction, a dimension greater than a dimension measured in a transverse direction.

[0012] Thanks to such thermal insulation elements, and thanks to their distribution over different parts (conduit, casing, receptacle, guide) of the connection, it is no longer necessary to provide a cooling (respectively heating) device at the level of the casing or the receptacle to limit the loss of frigories on the fluid to be transferred (respectively limit condensation on the free surface of the connection).

[0013] The elimination of the cooling device (respectively the heating device) simplifies the structure of the fitting, and contributes to reducing the manufacturing cost of the fitting.

[0014] Embodiments of the connector according to this first aspect of the invention may comprise one or more of the following features: - at least one of the conduit, the casing, the receptacle or the guide comprises a double-walled structure defining an annular space, - the annular space at the level of the conduit, casing, receptacle or guide forms the thermal insulation element of the conduit, casing, receptacle or guide, - the thermal insulation elements comprise a void and / or a thermal insulating material arranged in the annular space, - the conduit comprises a first orifice communicating transversely with the first channel, - the guide includes a second orifice located to the right of the second channel, - the first orifice is configured to align with the second orifice to allow fluid flow from the first channel to the second channel, - the conduit comprises a proximal tip intended to engage in the socket, - the tip is separated from a proximal end of the first channel by a volume comprising a fifth thermal insulation element, - the fifth thermal insulation element comprises a void, - the connection includes an intermediate coating between the casing and the conduit, - the intermediate coating is made from a material different from that of the casing and the conduit, for example PTFE, - the envelope comprises a proximal portion intended to engage at least partially in the socket, - the envelope comprises a distal portion carrying the conduit, - the second thermal insulation element is formed at least at the proximal portion of the casing so as to be positioned at a coupling zone between the plug and the socket in the coupled position, - the plug includes a support for mounting the conduit on the casing, - the support includes a ring which encloses the conduit, - the support includes a sleeve that extends around and along the envelope, - the support includes a return member interposed between the support and the envelope, - the sleeve is provided with a first locking member, - the envelope comprises a second locking member, - the second locking member formed on the casing is configured to cooperate with the first locking member formed on the sleeve to maintain the conduit in the retracted position or in the deployed position relative to the casing, - the plug comprises an unlocking member arranged around the sleeve and movable in translation relative to the sleeve, - the unlocking member has a shoulder configured to disengage the first locking member from the second locking member, - the receptacle has a first extension which extends from a side wall of the receptacle, perpendicular to the main direction of the connection, - the second channel is housed in the first extension of the receptacle, - the receptacle has a second extension which extends along the main direction of the connection, - the second extension comprises a longitudinal arm which extends at least partly inside the receptacle and / or the guide, - the socket comprises a piston which is mounted to move in translation in the guide according to a back-and-forth movement similar to a back-and-forth movement of the conduit, - the piston is mounted to slide along the longitudinal arm between a fully retracted position and a deployed position relative to the guide and relative to the receptacle, - the first channel and the second channel form a continuous channel having an angle of 90° after coupling between the plug and the socket, - the guide comprises a proximal portion provided with a first coupling member, - the casing is provided with a second coupling member configured to cooperate with the first coupling member in order to ensure a coupling between the socket and the plug, - one between the first coupling member and the second coupling member is a slot, - the other between the first coupling member and the second coupling member is a tab configured to engage in the slot according to a bayonet-type connection.

[0015] Furthermore, on the connectors of the prior art, the coupling between the plug and the socket requires a relatively significant force which can only be ensured using a drive system such as a hydraulic, pneumatic system, etc. The level of force required to ensure such coupling and the need to have a drive system limits the large-scale deployment of the connector described above in fluid distribution installations.

[0016] There therefore appears to be a need to design a connector for transferring a fluid, for which the force required for coupling between the plug and the socket, as well as the force for driving the conduit through the casing and the guide, is reduced to a minimum.

[0017] For this purpose, the invention according to a second aspect relates to a connector for transferring a fluid from a source reservoir to a receiving reservoir. The connector comprises a plug intended to be connected to one between the source reservoir and the receiving reservoir. The connector also comprises a socket intended to be connected to the other between the source reservoir and the receiving reservoir. The plug and the socket are configured to be reversibly coupled to each other.

[0018] In particular, the plug comprises a casing and a conduit mounted in translation through the casing. The conduit forms a first flow channel for the fluid to be transferred.

[0019] The socket comprises a receptacle and a guide disposed inside the receptacle. The guide is configured to receive the conduit in translation. In addition, the socket comprises a second fluid flow channel, configured to fluidly communicate with the first channel. Finally, the socket comprises a piston which is disposed in the guide and cooperates with the conduit to move from a first position of obstruction of the second channel to a second position of disengagement of the second channel.

[0020] According to this second aspect of the invention, the grip comprises a longitudinal arm which opens into the receptacle and into the guide from a distal passage formed by the receptacle and the guide. The piston is in the form of a tube mounted around the longitudinal arm and in translation relative to the longitudinal arm, between the first position in which the tube is arranged entirely inside the guide and the receptacle, and the second position in which the tube extends at least partly outside the guide and the receptacle.

[0021] By providing such a longitudinal arm and such a tube-shaped piston, the invention reduces the thrust force required to drive the piston through the guide, and thus the thrust force required to drive the conduit through the casing and the guide. Indeed, unlike the prior art, here the movement of the piston through the guide is no longer hindered by a mass of air which would be trapped in the guide. The distal passage formed at the guide and the receptacle prevents the formation of such an air mass in the guide, and thus facilitates the movement of the piston through the guide.

[0022] Furthermore, embodiments of the connector according to this second aspect of the invention may comprise one or more of the characteristics described in relation to the first aspect.

[0023] The invention according to a third aspect relates to a connector for transferring a fluid from a source reservoir to a receiving reservoir. The connector comprises a plug for connecting to one between the source reservoir and the receiving reservoir. The connector also comprises a socket for connecting to the other between the source reservoir and the receiving reservoir. The plug and the socket are configured to be reversibly coupled to each other.

[0024] In particular, the plug comprises a casing and a conduit mounted in translation through the casing between a retracted position and a deployed position relative to the casing.

[0025] The socket includes a receptacle and a guide disposed within the receptacle. The guide is configured to receive an end of the housing and the conduit. Further, the socket includes a fluid flow channel configured to communicate with a flow channel formed by the conduit.

[0026] According to this third aspect, the plug comprises a support for mounting the conduit on the casing. The mounting support comprises a ring which encloses the conduit, as well as a sleeve which extends around and along the casing. The sleeve comprises a first locking member configured to cooperate with a second locking member formed at the casing. The locking members are configured to maintain the conduit selectively in the retracted position or the deployed position relative to the casing.

[0027] Thanks to this mounting support, the invention according to this third aspect opens up the possibility of manually driving the conduit through the casing and the guide. In addition, the invention according to this third aspect facilitates the operations of dismantling the connection, in particular for maintenance purposes.

[0028] Furthermore, embodiments of the connector according to this third aspect of the invention may comprise one or more of the characteristics described in relation to the first or second aspects above.

[0029] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for transferring a fluid, in particular a cryogenic fluid such as liquid hydrogen, from a source tank to a receiving tank. The method uses a connector as described above and comprises the following steps: - introduction of one end of the envelope into the guide, - moving the conduit through the envelope from a retracted position to an extended position relative to the envelope, - locking of the conduit relative to the casing when the conduit reaches the deployed position, - establishing a flow of fluid between the plug and the socket.

[0030] Other features and advantages will appear on reading the description below, given with reference to the following figures in which:

[0031] [Fig-1] is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a connection according to the invention, the connector comprising a plug and a socket shown in an unassembled configuration;

[0032] [Fig.2] is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the connection according to the invention and wherein the plug and socket are shown in an assembled configuration;

[0033] [Fig.3] is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the connector according to the invention and in which the plug and the socket are shown in an intermediate configuration;

[0034] [Fig.4] is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the connector plug according to the invention, the plug comprising a housing and a conduit, the conduit being shown in a retracted position relative to the housing;

[0035] [Fig.5] is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the plug of [Fig.4], the conduit being in an extended position relative to the casing;

[0036] [Fig.6] is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating one embodiment of the plug casing shown in [Fig.4];

[0037] [Fig.7] is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating one embodiment of the conduit of the plug shown in [Fig.4];

[0038] [Fig.8] is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the connector socket according to the invention, the socket comprising a receptacle, a first extension, a second extension, a guide disposed in the receptacle, and a piston disposed in the guide;

[0039] [Fig.9] is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the taking of [Fig.8] without the guide nor the piston;

[0040] [Fig. 10] is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the guide of the socket shown in [Fig.8];

[0041] [Fig. 11] is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the piston of the socket shown in [Fig.8].

[0042] As illustrated in [Fig.l], [Fig.2] and [Fig.3], the invention relates to a connector 1 for example for transferring a fluid from a source tank to a receiving tank. It may in particular be a cryogenic fluid whose temperature is between 173K and 5 to 50K°.

[0043] The connector 1 comprises a plug IA (also called a male part) and a socket IB (also called a female part). The plug 1A and the socket IB are two separate assemblies which can each be connected to a transfer line. In particular, the plug IA can be connected to a transfer line associated with a source tank (also called a fluid storage source) installed for example in a distribution station (not shown). The socket IB can be connected to a transfer line associated with a receiving tank (also called a tank to be filled), the receiving tank being installed in a motor vehicle, boat or airplane (not shown).

[0044] The plug 1A and the socket IB are intended to cooperate reversibly to ensure a mechanical and fluid connection between their respective transfer lines. In other words, thanks to the plug 1A and the socket IB, the connector 1 establishes a mechanical coupling and a sealed fluid connection between the transfer lines (not illustrated) associated respectively with the plug 1A and the socket IB.

[0045] The connector 1 extends along a main direction L defined according to the largest dimension of the plug IA and the socket IB in the assembled configuration. Furthermore, the connector 1 has a plane P perpendicular to the main direction L and with respect to which the adjectives “proximal” and “distal” used in this description are defined. The plane P passes through a contact zone between the socket IA and the plug IB in the assembled configuration.

[0046] Considering the plug IA and the socket IB before assembly, as illustrated in [Fig.l], the adjective "proximal" refers to an element or a portion of an element of the plug IA (respectively of the socket IB) close to the plane P. The adjective "distal" refers to an element or a portion of an element of the plug IA (respectively of the socket IB) far from the plane P.

[0047] With reference to [Fig.4] and [Fig.5], the sheet IA comprises an envelope 2 as well as an internal conduit 3 intended for the flow of the fluid to be transferred.

[0048] In particular, the conduit 3 can move inside the casing 2 following a back-and-forth translational movement. The conduit 3 can thus occupy two extreme positions relative to the casing 2: a first position, called retracted, in which the conduit 3 is retracted inside the casing 2 (see [Fig.4]); and a second position, called deployed, in which the conduit 3 emerges from the casing 2 to engage in the socket 1B (see [Fig.5]). The two positions can be obtained by manually moving the conduit 3 relative to the casing (2).

[0049] In particular, as better illustrated in [Fig.6], the casing 2 comprises a proximal portion 21 which is intended to engage at least partly in the socket 1B. The casing 2 also comprises a distal portion 22 on which the conduit 3 is fixed. The proximal portion 21 and the distal portion 22 of the casing 2 form a housing 23 in which the conduit 3 is mounted to move in translation.

[0050] Advantageously, the casing 2 and the conduit 3 are made from a metal. In order to prevent direct contact between the casing 2 and the conduit 3, an internal wall of the casing 2, and in particular an internal wall of the proximal portion 21 of the casing 2, is coated with a coating 21a. The coating 21a may be made of PTFE.

[0051] Advantageously, one between the proximal portion 21 and the distal portion 22 of the casing 2 has a neck. The other between the proximal portion 21 and the distal portion 22 of the casing 2 has a recess in which the neck is received. In the example illustrated, the proximal portion 21 of the casing 2 is provided with a neck 21b. The distal portion 22 of the casing 2 is provided with a recess in which the neck 21b of the proximal portion 21 of the casing 2 is mounted.

[0052] Thus, the envelope 2 has at least two junction zones between the proximal portion 21 and the distal portion 22. These junction zones are provided with sealing joints 24a, 24b.

[0053] With reference to [Fig.7], the conduit 3 has a longitudinal wall 31 which delimits a flow channel for the fluid to be transferred, called the first channel 32. The first channel 32 may be arranged for example in the extension of a transfer line (not shown) connected to a source reservoir installed in a fluid distribution station (not shown). The first channel 32 opens onto an orifice 33 intended for the passage of the fluid towards the socket 1B.

[0054] Furthermore, the conduit 3 has a proximal tip 34 intended to engage in the socket 1B. Advantageously, the orifice 33 is formed close to the proximal tip 34 from which it is separated by a housing 35. The function of the housing 35 will be described later.

[0055] In order to ensure the fixing of the conduit 3 on the casing 2, the plug 1B comprises a mounting support 4 illustrated in [Fig.4] and [Fig.5].

[0056] In particular, the mounting support 4 comprises a ring 41 which encloses the conduit 3, a sleeve 42 which extends around and along the distal portion 22 of the casing 2, and a return member 43 connecting the ring 41 and the casing 2. Here the sleeve 42 forms a single body with the ring 4L

[0057] It should be noted that the return member 43 is fixed between a distal opening 25 of the distal portion 22 of the casing 2 and the ring 4L. The return member 43 ensures the return of the conduit 3 from the deployed position (see [Fig.5]) to the retracted position. (see [Fig.4]).

[0058] By providing such a mounting support 4, the invention allows easy disassembly of the conduit 3 and faster and simpler access to the sealing joints 24a, 24b arranged at the junctions between the proximal portion 21 and the distal portion 22 of the casing 2. Similarly, the invention opens up the possibility of manually driving the conduit 3 through the casing 2, the sleeve 42 serving as a member for gripping the conduit 3.

[0059] The sleeve 42 has a first locking member 42a configured to cooperate with a second locking member 26 formed at the level of the casing 2. In particular, the locking members 42a, 26 make it possible to immobilize the conduit 3 either in the retracted position ([Fig.4]) or in the deployed position ([Fig.5]).

[0060] Advantageously, as better illustrated in [Fig. 6], the second locking member 26 comprises two grooves 26a, 26b spaced apart from each other along the casing 2. The grooves 26a, 26b extend circumferentially on an external face of the casing 2, and in particular on a face of the distal portion 22 of the casing 2. The distance between the grooves 26a, 26b defines the travel of the conduit 3 inside the casing 2.

[0061] With reference to [Fig.4] and [Fig.5], the first locking member 42a comprises a protrusion formed on an internal face of the sleeve 42. The protrusion 42a is configured to selectively engage in the groove 26a or in the groove 26b to maintain the conduit 3 respectively in its retracted position or in its deployed position relative to the casing 2.

[0062] In order to allow decoupling between the socket 1A and the plug IB, the connector 1 comprises an unlocking ring 44 illustrated in [Fig.4] and [Fig.5].

[0063] Advantageously, the unlocking ring 44 is mounted to move in translation relative to the sleeve 42. The unlocking ring 44 is connected to the sleeve 42 by means of a return member 43. In addition, the unlocking ring 44 has an internal projection configured to come into abutment against the protrusion 42a during a translational movement of the ring 44 relative to the sleeve 42.

[0064] The projection of the ring 44 makes it possible to release the protrusion 42a relative to one of the grooves 26a or 26b, and thus to release the relative movement of the conduit 3 relative to the casing 2.

[0065] With reference to [Fig.8], the socket IB comprises a receptacle 5 as well as a guide 6 arranged inside the receptacle 5.

[0066] As better illustrated in [Fig. 10], the guide 6 has a proximal part 61, a body 62 and a distal part 63. The proximal part 61 is intended to be received in a recess 51 of the receptacle 5. In particular, the proximal part 61 of the guide 6 has a shoulder 64 configured to bear against a seat 51a of the recess 51. The body 62 of the guide 6 is intended to be received in a housing 52 delimited by a wall 53 of the receptacle 5. The recess 51, the housing 52 and the wall 53 of the receptacle 5 are illustrated in [Fig.9].

[0067] It should be noted that the proximal part 61 of the guide 6 is intended to cooperate with the proximal portion 21 of the envelope 2. To do this, the proximal part 61 of the guide 6 comprises a housing 65 intended to receive one end 29 of the proximal part 21 of the envelope 2. In addition, the proximal part 61 of the guide 6 has a first coupling member 66 intended to cooperate with a second coupling member 27 formed at the proximal portion 21 of the envelope 2.

[0068] Advantageously, the first coupling member 66 is a groove. The second coupling member 27 is a lug which is configured to engage in the groove. The first member 66 and the second coupling member 27 provide, for example, a bayonet-type connection.

[0069] The body 62 of the guide 6 is intended to receive the conduit 3 when the latter emerges from the proximal portion 21 of the casing 2. Furthermore, the body 62 of the guide 6 comprises a wall 67 which forms a housing 67a in which the conduit 3 is intended to be moved in translation. Finally, the body 62 of the guide 6 comprises an orifice, called second 67b, intended to cooperate with the orifice 33 of the conduit 3 to ensure a continuous flow of the fluid through the connector 1.

[0070] In order to ensure a seal at the connection 1, the guide 6 has seals 68a, 68b, 68c positioned at the proximal part 61, the body 62 and the distal part 63.

[0071] Advantageously, the guide 6 and the conduit 3 are made of metal. In order to prevent direct contact between the guide 6 and the conduit 3, the wall 67 of the guide 5 is provided with an internal coating 67c. This coating 67c can be made of PTFE.

[0072] According to another aspect of the invention illustrated in [Fig.8] and [Fig.9], the socket 1B comprises a first extension 7 which extends from the receptacle 5 perpendicular to the main direction L of the connector 1. The first extension 7 has a wall 71 which delimits a second channel 72.

[0073] The second channel 72 extends perpendicular to the main direction L of the connector 1. Furthermore, the second channel 72 is arranged at right angles to the second orifice 67b. In this way, the first channel 32 can communicate fluidically with the second channel 72 in order to form a continuous passage allowing the fluid to flow through the connector 1. The passage formed by the first channel 32 and the second channel 72 extends at a right angle.

[0074] The positioning of the first extension 7 perpendicular to the receptacle 5 makes it possible to limit the size of the connector 1 in the main direction L.

[0075] According to another aspect of the invention illustrated in [Fig.8] and [Fig.9], the socket 1B comprises a second extension 8 which extends from the receptacle 5 along the main direction L of the connector 1. In particular, the second extension 8 comprises a housing 81 which extends from a distal bottom 53a of the receptacle 5. Furthermore, the second extension 8 comprises a longitudinal arm 82 which is fixed inside the housing 81.

[0076] The longitudinal arm 82 has a distal end 82a which extends from a distal bottom 81a of the housing 81. The longitudinal arm 82 also has a proximal end 82b which opens into the housing 52 of the receptacle 5 through a distal opening 55 of the receptacle 5. It should be noted that the proximal end 82b of the longitudinal arm 82 also opens into the housing 67a of the guide 6 through a distal opening 63a of the guide 6.

[0077] The distal opening 55 of the receptacle 5 and the distal opening 63a of the guide 6 thus form a passage intended to receive the proximal end 82b of the longitudinal arm 82.

[0078] The longitudinal arm 82 is intended to guide a piston 9 which is mounted in the guide 6 and has a reciprocating movement similar to that of the conduit 3. In particular, the piston 9 can move between a first position in which the piston 9 is entirely positioned inside the guide 6 (see [Fig.2]), and a second position in which the piston 9 extends at least partly outside the guide 6, i.e. in the housing 81 of the second extension 8 (see [Fig.3]).

[0079] As better illustrated in [Fig. 11], the piston 9 is in the form of a tube 91 which delimits a housing 92 in which the longitudinal arm 82 is intended to be received. In addition, the piston 9 has a proximal end 93 which is arranged opposite the proximal end piece 34 of the conduit 3. Finally, as illustrated in [Fig. 8], the piston 9 is connected to the longitudinal arm 82 by means of a return member 83.

[0080] Thus, during its movement through the guide 6, the proximal tip 34 of the conduit 3 can be brought into contact with the proximal end 93 of the piston 9.

[0081] Due to its mobility relative to the longitudinal arm 82, and under the thrust exerted by the conduit 3, the piston 9 can then exit at least partially from the guide 6 and extend into the housing 81 of the extension 8 (see [Fig.3]). The piston 9 exits the guide 6 through the passage formed by the distal opening 55 of the receptacle 5 and the distal opening 63a of the guide 6.

[0082] Furthermore, due to its connection with the return member 83, the piston 9 can be driven in a translational movement in the opposite direction to return to its retracted position in the guide 6 (see [Fig.2]).

[0083] Advantageously, the return member 83 is formed by a spring. Furthermore, the return member 83 can be arranged inside the housing 92 of the piston 9.

[0084] By providing a piston 9 in the form of a tube sliding along a support 72, the invention contributes to reducing the effort required to drive the conduit 3 relative to the casing 2 and the receptacle 5. Thus, the invention opens up the possibility of actuating the conduit 3 manually, without the need to resort to the intervention of a drive system.

[0085] In order to limit the loss of cold in the cryogenic fluid to be transferred, the connector 1 comprises a thermal insulation system.

[0086] According to another aspect of the invention, the thermal insulation system comprises one or more distinct longitudinal elements 28, 36, 54, 67d, 73 arranged respectively at the level of the envelope 2, the conduit 3, the receptacle 5, the guide 6 and the first extension 7.

[0087] In particular, a first thermal insulation element 36 is arranged at the conduit 3 and thermally insulates the fluid flowing in the first channel 32. A second thermal insulation element 28 is arranged at the proximal portion 21 of the casing 2 and thermally insulates the housing 23 formed by the casing 2. A third thermal insulation element 54 extends along the wall 53 of the receptacle 5 and thermally insulates the housing 54 formed by the receptacle 5. A fourth thermal insulation element 67d extends along the wall 67 of the guide 6 and thermally insulates the housing 67a formed by the guide 6. Finally, a fifth thermal insulation element 73 extends along the wall 71 of the first extension 7 and thermally insulates the second channel 72.

[0088] By providing the thermal insulation system in such a configuration, the invention improves the thermal insulation of the connector 1 and contributes to reducing the loss of frigories on the fluid to be transferred, and the risk of condensation on the external wall of the connector 1. Thus, the invention makes it possible in particular to dispense with the cooling system (respectively the heating system) provided in the connector of the prior art.

[0089] The elements 28, 36, 54, 67d, 73 of the thermal insulation system may consist of a void created in a double wall of the casing 2, the conduit 3, the receptacle 5, the guide 6 or the first extension 7 and / or a thermal insulator arranged in such a double wall. The elements 28, 36, 54, 67d, 73 of the thermal insulation system may comprise a coating arranged on a single wall of the casing 2, the conduit 3, the receptacle 5, the guide 6 or the first extension 7.

[0090] To further minimize the loss of cold at the time of coupling between the plug IA and the socket IB, the end piece 34 of the conduit 3 comprises a thermal insulator. In addition, the space 35 separating the end piece 34 from the first channel 32 may be constituted by a vacuum and / or comprise a thermal insulating material. In this way, in the event of contact with the end piece 34 in the longitudinal direction, the piston 9 is better insulated and less exposed to the risk of condensation induced by the cryogenic fluid.

[0091] In another embodiment, the sealing system comprises the first thermal insulation element 36 in combination with one or more of the other thermal insulation elements 28, 54, 67d, 73 described above.

[0092] To use the connector 1, the user positions, in a first step, the socket IA and the plug IB opposite each other as illustrated in [Fig.l]. The plug IA is such that the end piece 34 of the conduit 3 is retracted inside the casing 2. The socket IB is such that the piston 9 is entirely arranged inside the guide 6, obstructing the orifice 67 of the guide 6 as well as the second channel 72.

[0093] In a second step, the user inserts the proximal tip 26 of the casing 2 into the housing 65 of the guide 6. The lug 27 engages in the groove 6. The second insulation element 28 thermally insulates the recess 51. The end 29 of the casing 2 is held at a certain distance from the end 93 of the piston 9 (see [Fig.2]).

[0094] In a third step, the user moves the conduit 3 in the direction of the plane P. The end 29 of the casing 2 then comes into contact with the piston 9 and drives the latter towards the housing 81. The orifice 33 of the conduit 3 is positioned opposite the orifice 67b of the guide 6, thus placing the first channel 32 in fluid communication with the second channel 72. For the purposes of this step, the sleeve 42 serves as a handle for gripping the conduit 3.

[0095] To separate the plug IA from the socket IB, the user actuates the unlocking member 44 in order to separate the locking members 26, 42a. This action thus makes it possible to release the relative movement of the conduit 3 with respect to the casing 2.

Claims

Claims

1. A connector (1) for transferring a fluid, in particular a cryogenic fluid such as liquid hydrogen, from a source tank to a receiving tank, the connector (1) comprising a plug (IA) for connection to one between the source tank and the receiving tank, and a socket (IB) for connection to the other between the source tank and the receiving tank, the plug (IA) and the socket (IB) being configured to be reversibly coupled to each other, the plug (IA) comprising a casing (2) and a conduit (3) arranged in translation through the casing (2) between a retracted position and a deployed position relative to the casing (2), the conduit (3) forming a first fluid flow channel (32), and comprising a first thermal insulation element (36) arranged around and along the first channel (32), the socket (IB) comprising a receptacle (5) and a guide (6) arranged to inside the receptacle (5),the guide (6) being configured to receive one end (29) of the casing (2) as well as the conduit (3), the socket (IB) also comprising a second channel (72) for the flow of the fluid, the second channel being configured to communicate fluidically with the first channel (32), characterized in that the casing (2), the receptacle (5) and the guide (6) each comprise a thermal insulation element, respectively a second thermal insulation element (28), a third thermal insulation element (54) and a fourth thermal insulation element (67d), which, in the assembled position, extend in a main direction (L) of the connector (1).,

2. Fitting (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the conduit (3), the casing (2), the receptacle (5) or the guide (6) comprises a double-walled structure (21, 31, 53, 67) defining an annular space, said annular space forming the first element (36) or second element (28) or third element (54) or fourth element (67d) of thermal insulation.

3. A fitting (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the thermal insulation elements (36, 28, 54, 67d) comprise a void and / or a thermal insulating material arranged in the annular space.

4. Fitting (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conduit (3) comprises a first orifice (33) com- communicating transversely with the first channel (32), the guide (6) comprising a second orifice (67b) located in line with the second channel (72), the first orifice (33) being configured to align with the second orifice (67b) in order to allow a flow of fluid from the first channel (32) towards the second channel (72).

5. A connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conduit (3) comprises a proximal end piece (34) intended to engage in the socket (IB), the proximal end piece (34) being separated from a proximal end of the first channel (32) by a volume (35) comprising a fifth thermal insulation element (35a), the fifth thermal insulation element (35) comprising a void.

6. Fitting (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an intermediate coating (21a) between the casing (2) and the conduit (3), the coating (21a) being made from a material different from that of the casing (2) and the conduit (3), for example PTFE.

7. Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casing (2) comprises a proximal portion (21) intended to engage at least partly in the socket (IB), and a distal portion (22) carrying the conduit (3), the second thermal insulation element (28) being formed at least at the proximal portion (21) so as to be positioned at a coupling zone between the plug (IA) and the socket (IB) in the coupled position.

8. Connection (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug (IA) comprises a support (4) for mounting the conduit (3) on the casing (2), the support (4) comprising a ring (41) which encloses the conduit (3), a sleeve (42) which extends around and along the casing (2), as well as a return member (43) interposed between the support (4) and the casing (2).

9. Fitting (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the sleeve (42) is provided with a first locking member (42a), the casing (2) comprising a second locking member (26) configured to cooperate with the first locking member (42a) to maintain the conduit (3) in the retracted position or in the deployed position relative to the casing (2).

10. Connection according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the plug (IA) comprises an unlocking member (44) arranged around the sleeve (42) and movable in translation relative to the sleeve (42), the unlocking member (44) having a shoulder configured to disengage the first locking member (42a) from the second locking member (26).

11. Fitting (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (5) has a first extension (7) which extends from a side wall (53) of the receptacle (5), perpendicular to the main direction (L) of the fitting (1), the second channel (72) being housed in the first extension (7).

12. Fitting (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (5) has a second extension (8) which extends in the main direction (L) of the fitting (1), the second extension (8) comprising a longitudinal arm (82) which extends at least partly inside the receptacle (5) and / or the guide (6).

13. Connection (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the socket (IB) comprises a piston (9) which is mounted to move in translation in the guide (6) according to a back-and-forth movement similar to a back-and-forth movement of the conduit (3), the piston (9) being mounted to slide along the longitudinal arm (82) between a fully retracted position and a deployed position relative to the guide (6) and relative to the receptacle (5).

14. Connection (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, after coupling between the plug (IA) and the socket (IB), the first channel (32) and the second channel (62) form a continuous channel having an angle of 90°.

15. Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide (6) comprises a proximal portion (61) provided with a first coupling member (66), and in that the casing (2) is provided with a second coupling member (27) configured to cooperate with the first coupling member (66) in order to ensure coupling between the socket (IA) and the plug (IB).

16. Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that one between the first coupling member (66) and the second coupling member (27) is a slot, the other between the first coupling member (66) and the second coupling member (27) being a tab configured to engage in the slot according to a bayonet type connection.

17. A method of transferring a fluid, in particular a cryogenic fluid such as liquid hydrogen, from a source reservoir to a reservoir receiver, the method using a connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising the following steps: - introduction of one end (29) of the casing (2) into the guide (6), - movement of the conduit (3) through the casing (2) from a retracted position to a deployed position relative to the casing (2), - locking the conduit (3) relative to the casing (2) when the conduit (3) reaches the deployed position, - establishment of a fluid flow between the plug (IA) and the socket (IB).

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