Injector for a gas tank and tank equipped with such an injector.

Abstract

Injector (1) for filling a gas tank (10), the injector (1) extending along a main longitudinal axis (X) and comprising: - a main conduit (2) intended to fluidly connect a pressurized gas source from a filling station and a tank (10), the main conduit (2) comprising an inlet orifice (21) intended to receive a flow of pressurized gas and a plurality of outlet orifices (22) each intended to inject a portion of the flow in a direction parallel to the main longitudinal axis (X) of the injector (1), - a deformable element (3) disposed inside the conduit (2) and configured to deform and / or move relative to the conduit (2) between a first extreme configuration in which the deformable element (3) confers to all or part of the outlet orifices (22) a minimum passage area,and a second extreme configuration in which the deformable element (3) gives all or part of the outlet orifices (22) a maximum passage cross-section. Figure from the abstract: Fig. 3,

Description

Title of the invention: Injector for a gas tank and tank equipped with such an injector.

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

[0002] During the filling of a gas tank, in particular a gaseous hydrogen tank, the speed of the gas injected at the outlet of the injector, called the 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 with the gas already 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 can damage the tank walls. In particular, for a composite tank, a temperature below 85 °C is required by SAE J2601.

[0004] The filling of a gas tank is carried out 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 a light vehicle tank. Furthermore, the filling 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 filling at a fixed mass flow rate, the injection speed will decrease proportionally with the growth of the density and pressure of the gas present in the tank.

[0006] 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 the appearance of hot spots, having a temperature exceeding the threshold set by the standard.

[0007] In a patent application no. FR2400140 previously filed by the applicant, an injector is described which makes it possible to overcome the disadvantages listed above.

[0008] This injector extends along a main longitudinal axis X and includes a conduit for fluidly connecting a gas station to the tank to be filled. In particular, the conduit includes an inlet port for receiving a gas flow from the station and an outlet port for conveying said flow to the tank to be filled.

[0009] The injector also includes a deformable element configured to deform inside the pipe, between a first extreme configuration in which The deformable element gives the outlet orifice a minimum passage area and a second extreme configuration in which the deformable element gives the outlet orifice a maximum passage area.

[0010] In particular, the deformable member includes a deformable tab which is fixed obliquely inside the conduit, at the outlet orifice.

[0011] Thanks to its positioning, the tab allows the gas passage cross-section through the outlet orifice to be modified. This makes it possible to maintain the gas injection velocity at a certain level when the gas density in the tank increases, a level sufficient to promote optimal gas mixing in the tank, and thus limit the risk of hot spots occurring.

[0012] However, the injector described above does not give complete satisfaction.

[0013] Indeed, this injector requires a pipe with a square or rectangular cross-section, which limits the maximum injection speed that the gas can reach. Furthermore, this injector requires a non-return valve to ensure the tank is emptied. Finally, this injector only allows for a thermally homogeneous mixture when the tank on which it is mounted is positioned horizontally.

[0014] Thus, there appears to be a need to develop an injector which at least partially overcomes the disadvantages listed above.

[0015] To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to an injector for a gas tank, the injector extending along a main longitudinal axis and comprising: - a main pipeline intended to fluidly connect a pressurized gas source from a filling station and a reservoir, the main pipeline comprising an inlet port intended to receive a flow of pressurized gas and a plurality of outlet ports each intended to inject said flow in a direction parallel to the main longitudinal axis, - a deformable element disposed inside the conduit and configured to deform between a first extreme configuration in which the deformable element gives all or part of the outlet orifices a minimum passage area, and a second extreme configuration in which the deformable element gives all or part of the outlet orifices a maximum passage area.

[0016] Thus, compared to the injector described in prior application no. FR2400140, the injector according to the present invention limits the appearance of hot spots when filling a tank, regardless of its orientation relative to the ground (horizontal or vertical).

[0017] Other embodiments of the invention include the following features: - the injector includes a secondary line disposed inside the main line, and an annular channel formed between the main line and the secondary line; - the secondary pipe includes an end opening at the level of a first outlet orifice; - the annular canal opens at a second outlet; - the second outlet is arranged around the first outlet; - the deformable element comprises a plurality of longitudinal tabs which are flexible around an axis Z perpendicular to the main axis X of the injector; - each of the tabs has a first fixed edge relative to the main pipe and a second free edge; - the free edge is configured to be moved relative to the second exit port in translation along a Y2 direction perpendicular to the main X axis; - the free edge is configured to be moved relative to the second outlet orifice in rotation around the Z axis; - the tabs are arranged around the main axis X of the injector and form at least one frustoconical envelope comprising a first circular base formed by the first fixed edges of the tabs and a second circular base formed by the second free edges of the tabs; - the tabs form two truncated conical envelopes nested one inside the other; - the tabs of the first envelope are angularly offset relative to the tabs of the second envelope; - the secondary pipe is fixed inside the main pipe by means of at least one radial support; - the main pipe comprises two cylindrical parts which are connected to each other in a reversible manner; - the deformable part is fixed to the main pipe; - the deformable part is fixed to the secondary pipe; - the main conduit includes a proximal region close to the inlet orifice and a distal region far from the inlet orifice; - the secondary conduit and the annular canal are located in the distal region of the main conduit; - the inlet opening into the main pipe parallel to the main axis X of the main pipe.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a reservoir comprising an opening for receiving the gas, and an injector according to any one of the embodiments described above. In particular, the injector is disposed in the opening of the reservoir.

[0019] Other features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following description, made with reference to the following figures in which:

[0020] [Fig-1] is a view illustrating a tank equipped with a prior art injector.

[0021] [Fig. 2] is a cross-sectional view illustrating the injector of [Fig. 1], the injector comprising a pipe and a deformable element inside the pipe, the pipe being provided with an injection orifice oriented in a direction inclined relative to the main axis of the injector.

[0022] [Fig.3] is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating an injector according to the invention, the injector comprising a conduit and a deformable member, the conduit being provided with a plurality of outlet orifices oriented along the main axis of the injector.

[0023] [Fig.4] is an isometric view illustrating another example of the deformable organ, the deformable organ being in an unassembled configuration.

[0024] [Fig.5] is an isometric view illustrating the deformable organ of [Fig.4] in an assembled configuration.

[0025] Fig. 1 illustrates a reservoir 10 equipped with a prior art injector 1.

[0026] The reservoir 10 extends along a main longitudinal axis X. Furthermore, the reservoir 10 comprises a first bottom and a second bottom between which extends a side wall. The first bottom is provided with a neck 20 for receiving the gas in the reservoir 10.

[0027] In particular, the neck 20 includes an opening in which the injector 1 is mounted. The injector is held in position in the opening of the neck 20 by means of a support 30.

[0028] With reference to [Fig.2], the injector 1 extends along the main longitudinal axis X of the tank 10. In addition, the injector 1 includes a conduit 2 for fluidly connecting a gas distribution station to the tank to be filled 10, and a deformable element 3 disposed inside the conduit 2.

[0029] The conduit 2 includes an inlet orifice 21 for receiving a gas flow from the station. The inlet orifice 21 may open into the conduit 2 parallel to the main axis X of the injector 1. Alternatively, the inlet orifice 21 may open into the conduit 2 in a direction inclined with respect to the main axis X of the injector 1.

[0030] The conduit 2 also includes an outlet orifice 22 for injecting the gas flow into the reservoir 10. The outlet orifice 22 is also called the injection orifice.

[0031] The deformable member 3 includes a deflecting wall 31 which is arranged opposite the inlet orifice 21. In particular, the deflecting wall 31 allows the trajectory of the gas flow from the inlet orifice 2 to be deflected. To do this, the deflecting wall 31 forms with the main axis X of the injector 1 an acute angle [3, which is preferably between 5 and 50°.

[0032] The deformable member 3 includes a deformable tab 3B which is fixed obliquely inside the conduit 2. The tab 3B allows modification (and in particular reduction) of the gas passage cross-section through the outlet orifice 22.

[0033] In more detail, the tongue 3B has two opposite faces, a first face 35 being arranged opposite the inlet orifice 21, and a second face 36 being arranged opposite the outlet orifice 22. The first face 35 forms the deflecting wall 31 of the tongue 3B.

[0034] In addition, the tongue 3B has a first edge 37 fixed relative to the conduit 2 and a free edge 38 configured to move relative to the outlet orifice 22 of the conduit 2 in a back-and-forth translation along a direction Y2 perpendicular to the main axis X of the injector 1.

[0035] The translation of the free edge 38 in the forward direction is obtained as a result of a bending of the tab 3B around the first edge 37 and around a direction Z perpendicular to the main axis X of the injector 1. The bending of the tab 3B is induced by a force of the gas passing through the injector 1.

[0036] 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 effort induced by the gas is relatively low).

[0037] 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 gives the outlet orifice 22 a minimum passage area, and a second configuration in which the tongue 3B gives the outlet orifice 22 a maximum passage area.

[0038] It should be noted that, in its first configuration, the tab 3B forms a minimal angle [3] with the main axis X of the injector 1. In its second configuration, the tab 3B forms a maximum angle [3] with the main axis X of the injector 1.

[0039] The present invention incorporates the features described above relating to the injector 1 and the reservoir of the prior art.

[0040] According to the present invention as illustrated in [Fig.3], the conduit 2 comprises a plurality of outlet orifices 22a, 22b each intended to inject a portion of the gas flow into the reservoir 1 in a direction parallel to the main longitudinal axis X of the injector 1.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the invention, the deformable member 3 is configured to deform between a first extreme configuration in which the deformable member 3 gives all or part of the outlet ports 22 a minimum passage area, and a second extreme configuration in which the deformable member 3 gives all or part of the outlet ports 22 a maximum passage area.

[0042] Advantageously, the injector 1 includes a conduit 4 which is disposed inside the conduit 2. The conduits 2 and 4 will be referred to hereafter as “main conduit” and “secondary conduit” respectively.

[0043] The main pipe 2 has a larger cross-section than the secondary pipe 4.

[0044] In particular, the secondary conduit 4 occupies a region of the main conduit 2 away from the inlet port 21. The secondary conduit 4 is fixed inside the main conduit 2 by means of at least one radial support 8. In the illustrated example, the radial support 8 consists of a screw.

[0045] The secondary conduit 4 and the main conduit 2 form an annular channel 5. The secondary conduit 4 opens into a first outlet 22a, here circular in cross-section. The annular channel 5 opens into a second outlet 22b, here annular in cross-section. The second outlet 22b is arranged around the first outlet 22a.

[0046] In the illustrated example, the second outlet 22b has a larger cross-section than the first outlet 22a.

[0047] Advantageously, the deformable member 3 is in the form of a conical seal. This seal extends at the level of the annular channel 5 and surrounds the secondary conduit 4.

[0048] With reference to [Fig. 4] and [Fig. 5], the conical joint 3 comprises at least one casing 3A, 3B which is longitudinally delimited by a first circular base 31 and a second circular base 32. In particular, the first base 31 has a diameter greater than that of the second base 32. One of the bases 31, 32 is fixed to the main pipe 2 or to the secondary pipe. The other of the bases 31, 32 is free.

[0049] Furthermore, the casing 3A, 3B is formed from a plurality of tabs 33 separated by slots. In particular, each tab 33 has a first edge 37 and a second edge 38. The first edges 37 of the tabs 33 form the first base 31 of the conical joint 3. The second edges 38 of the tabs 33 form the second base 32 of the conical joint 3.

[0050] All or part of the tabs 33 are flexible around the Z axis perpendicular to the main X axis of the injector 1. More specifically, all or part of the tabs 33 have free edges 38 configured to be moved in translation along the Y2 direction perpendicular to the main X axis of the injector 1. Alternatively or in addition, the free edges 38 of the tabs are configured to be moved in rotation around the Z axis.

[0051] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 4] and [Fig. 5], the conical seal 3 comprises a first envelope 3A and a second envelope 3b which are nested one inside the other. The tabs 33 of the first envelope 3A are angularly offset relative to the tabs 33 of the second envelope 3B.

[0052] Advantageously, one between the main conduit 2 and the secondary conduit 4 may comprise two distinct parts configured to be reversibly fastened to one another, for example by screwing. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 3], the first part 2A of the main conduit 2 has a threaded collar. The second part 2B of the main conduit 2 has a tapped counterbore. The collar cooperates with the counterbore by screwing.

[0053] The deformable member 3 is fixed at a junction of the parts of the main pipe 2 or at a junction of the parts of the secondary pipe 4. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 3], the deformable member 3 is fixed at the junction of parts 2A, 2B of the main pipe 2. In particular, the first base 31 of the conical joint 3 is clamped between one end of the throat of the first part 2A and a bottom of the counterbore of the second part 2B. The second base 32 of the conical joint 3 is free and can therefore deform.

[0054] Advantageously, a washer 9 can be added between the end of the neck of the first part 2A and the first base 31 of the conical joint 3.

[0055] In the embodiment (not illustrated) where the conical joint 3 is fixed on the secondary pipe 4, the second base 32 of the conical joint 3 is clamped between the parts of the secondary pipe 4. In this embodiment, the first base 31 of the conical joint 3 is free.

[0056] When filling a tank 10 equipped with injector 1, the flow takes place along the longitudinal axis X of injector 1. The gas enters the main line 2 of injector 1 through the inlet port 21 with a certain velocity.

[0057] If its kinetic force allows it, the gas introduced through the inlet orifice 21 deforms the deformable member 3 and enters the annular channel 5 at the same time as it enters the secondary conduit 4. By deforming the deformable member 3, the gas modifies the gas passage cross-section towards the second outlet orifice 22b.

[0058] The gas passage cross-section can then reach a maximum value equal to the sum of the cross-section of the first outlet 22a and the cross-section of the second outlet 22b. That is, a value substantially equal to the cross-section of the main line 2. With a passage cross-section equal to the maximum possible value, the gas injection velocity into the tank 10 will be relatively lower.

[0059] Conversely, when the kinetic force of the gas introduced into the main pipe 2 through the inlet orifice 21 is no longer sufficient, the deformable element 3 returns to its nominal position in which it completely blocks the second outlet orifice 22b. In this case, the gas passes only through the secondary pipe 4. The maximum gas passage area is reduced to that of the secondary pipe 4 (the same as that of the outlet orifice 22a). Thus, the gas is injected into the tank 10 with a relatively high velocity.

[0060] It should be noted that in the case of a deformable member 3 comprising a single tab 33, the deformation of the deformable member 3 by the gas consists of a bending of the tab 33 towards the main line 2 or towards the secondary line 4 depending on whether the tab 33 is fixed to the main line 2 or to the secondary line 4.

[0061] In the case of a deformable member 3 comprising a plurality of tabs 33 forming a conical joint 3, the deformation of the deformable member 3 by the gas consists of a simultaneous bending of all or part of the tabs 33 towards the main line 2 or towards the secondary line 4 depending on whether the deformable member 3 is fixed to the main line 2 or to the secondary line 4.

[0062] Fig. 5 illustrates a bending of the tabs towards the main conduit 2 (i.e. a deployment of the tabs 33) under the effect of the gas introduced into the main conduit 2 through the inlet port 21.

[0063] In conclusion, according to the invention, the gas is injected into the tank 10 axially through at least two outlet orifices 22a, 22b. Furthermore, the outlet cross-section 22a, 22b of the gas is variable between a maximum value substantially equal to the cross-section of the main line 2 and a minimum value equal to the cross-section of the secondary line 4.

[0064] This variation in the outlet cross-section occurs passively, as only the kinetic energy of the gas is used. Furthermore, this variation in the passage cross-section depends on the gas velocity through the inlet orifice 21, but also on the structure and / or positioning of the deformable element 3 relative to the main conduit 2 and the secondary conduit 2.

[0065] It should be noted that insofar as the deformable member 3 extends only within the annular channel 5, drainage of the reservoir 10 remains possible through the secondary conduit 4.

Claims

Demands

1. Injector (1) for filling a gas reservoir (10), the injector (1) extending along a main longitudinal axis (X) and comprising: - a main conduit (2) for fluidly connecting a pressurized gas source from a filling station and a reservoir (10), the main conduit (2) comprising an inlet orifice (21) for receiving a flow of pressurized gas and a plurality of outlet orifices (22) each for injecting a portion of the flow in a direction parallel to the main longitudinal axis (X) of the injector (1), - a deformable element (3) disposed inside the conduit (2) and configured to deform and / or move relative to the conduit (2) between a first extreme configuration in which the deformable element (3) confers to all or part of the outlet orifices (22) a minimum passage cross-section,and a second extreme configuration in which the deformable element (3) gives all or part of the outlet orifices (22) a maximum passage cross-section.

2. Injector (1) according to claim 1, comprising a secondary conduit (4) disposed inside the main conduit (2), and an annular channel (5) formed between the main conduit (2) and the secondary conduit (4), the secondary conduit (4) comprising an end opening at a first outlet orifice (22a), the annular channel (5) opening at a second outlet orifice (22b), the second outlet orifice (22b) being disposed around the first outlet orifice (22a).

3. Injector (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the deformable member (3) comprises a plurality of longitudinal tabs which are flexible about an axis (Z) perpendicular to the main axis (X) of the injector (1), the tabs each having a first edge (37) fixed relative to the main conduit (2) and a second free edge (38), the free edge (38) being configured to be moved relative to the second outlet orifice (22b) in translation along a direction (Y2) perpendicular to the main axis (X), and / or in rotation about the axis (Z).

4. Injector (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the tabs are arranged around the main axis (X) of the injector (1) and form at least one truncated conical envelope comprising a first circular base formed by the first fixed edges of the tabs and a second circular base formed by the second free edges of the tabs.

5. Injector (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the tabs form two truncated conical envelopes nested one inside the other, the tabs of the first envelope being angularly offset with respect to the tabs of the second envelope.

6. Injector (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the secondary line (4) is fixed inside the main line (2) by means of at least one radial support (8).

7. Injector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main conduit (2) comprises two cylindrical parts (2A, 2B) which are reversibly connected to each other.

8. Injector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformable member (3) is fixed on the main conduit (2).

9. Injector (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the deformable member (3) is fixed on the secondary conduit (4).

10. Injector (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the main conduit (2) comprises a proximal region near the inlet orifice (21) and a distal region away from the inlet orifice (21), the secondary conduit (4) and the annular channel (5) being disposed in the distal region of the main conduit (2).

11. Injector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet orifice (21) opens into the main conduit (2) parallel to the main axis (X) of the main conduit (2).

12. Reservoir (10) comprising an opening for receiving the gas and an injector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the injector being disposed in the opening.

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