Coupling device for mobile equipment and coupling assembly

Abstract

Coupling device (1) for mobile equipment such as a container for the storage and transport of a fluid, intended to be coupled with a receptacle of a fixed installation, the coupling device (1) comprising: - a ferromagnetic body magnetic coupling means (3); - an inductive magnetic coupling means (4); - a near-field magnetic coupling means (3), in particular of the high-frequency type, such as using the standardized frequency 13.56 MHz, configured to allow the exchange of computer data between the coupling device (1) and the receptacle. Abbreviated figure: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Coupling device for mobile equipment and coupling assembly

[0001] The present invention relates to a coupling device for mobile equipment and a coupling assembly.

[0002] State-of-the-art solutions for ensuring the exchange of computer data in environments with potentially explosive atmospheres (known as "ATEX") often use contactless transfer methods implementing: - a unidirectional or bidirectional infrared link (such a link is used, for example, in hydrogen vehicles, and this solution has the disadvantage of being sensitive to the quality of the optical coupling, which can be affected by the presence of dust, water, or frost); or - to a link via radio communication, for example using "BLE" technology (for "Bluetooth Low Energy" in English).

[0003] This type of solution does not allow for significant power transfer and does not guarantee the correct identification of mobile equipment connected to a fixed installation when several mobile devices are used.

[0004] The present invention aims to effectively overcome these drawbacks by providing a coupling device for mobile equipment such as a container for the storage and transport of a fluid, intended to be coupled with a receptacle of a fixed installation, the coupling device comprising: - a magnetic coupling means with a ferromagnetic body, such as a permanent magnet, configured to allow magnetic attachment and holding in a predetermined position of the coupling device on the receptacle, particularly when they are in close proximity to each other; - an inductive magnetic coupling means, configured to allow inductive charging or power supply by electrical energy transfer between the coupling device and the receptacle, particularly when the coupling device is fixed by magnetization to the receptacle; - a near-field magnetic coupling means, in particular of the high-frequency type, such as using the standardized frequency 13.56 MHz, configured to allow computer data exchange between the coupling device and the receptacle, in particular when the coupling device is fixed by magnetization to the receptacle.

[0005] The invention thus makes it possible to ensure a reliable connection between a mobile device and a fixed installation in an explosive environment (or “ATEX”).

[0006] According to one embodiment, the coupling device includes a keying device configured to allow predetermined angular indexing of the coupling device with the receptacle, particularly when they are magnetized to each other.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the coupling device comprises an envelope made of non-magnetic material, the envelope having a flat face intended to be opposite the receptacle during coupling, the flat face having a first zone intended to overmold the ferromagnetic body, a second zone at a distance from the first zone and intended to overmold a first coil of the inductive magnetic coupling means, and a third zone at a distance from the first zone and the second zone, the third zone being intended to overmold a second coil of the near-field magnetic coupling means.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the first zone is arranged in the center of the flat face, the second zone and the third zone being arranged in particular on a periphery of the flat face.

[0009] The invention further relates to a coupling assembly comprising a coupling device for mobile equipment such as a container for the storage and transport of a fluid and a receptacle of a fixed installation, the coupling device being intended to be coupled with the receptacle, the coupling device comprising: - a magnetic coupling means with a ferromagnetic body, such as a permanent magnet, configured to allow attachment by magnetization and holding in a predetermined position, of the coupling device on the receptacle, in particular when they are in close proximity to each other; - an inductive magnetic coupling means, configured to allow inductive charging or power supply by electrical energy transfer between the coupling device and the receptacle, particularly when the coupling device is fixed by magnetization to the receptacle; - a near-field magnetic coupling means, in particular of the high-frequency type, such as using the standardized frequency 13.56 MHz, configured to allow computer data exchange between the coupling device and the receptacle, in particular when the coupling device is fixed by magnetization to the receptacle.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the coupling device is connected to a flexible hose and / or the receptacle is connected to a flexible hose, in particular configured to allow electrical connection with the equipment, respectively with the receptacle.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the receptacle comprises: - a ferromagnetic body magnetic coupling means, such as a permanent magnet, configured to allow attachment by magnetization and maintaining the coupling device in a predetermined position on the receptacle, particularly when they are close to each other; - an inductive magnetic coupling means, configured to allow inductive charging or power supply by electrical energy transfer between the coupling device and the receptacle, particularly when the coupling device is fixed by magnetization to the receptacle; - a near-field magnetic coupling means, in particular of the high-frequency type, such as using the standardized frequency 13.56 MHz, configured to allow computer data exchange between the coupling device and the receptacle, in particular when the coupling device is fixed by magnetization to the receptacle.

[0012] The invention may also relate to any alternative device or method comprising any combination of the above or below features.

[0013] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. These figures are given only to illustrate, but in no way limit, the invention.

[0014] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a coupling device according to the invention; and

[0015] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of an assembly according to the invention.

[0016] With reference to [Fig. 1], a coupling device 1 for mobile equipment such as a container for the storage and transport of a fluid is shown. This coupling device 1 is intended to be coupled with a receptacle of a fixed installation.

[0017] The coupling device 1 comprises: - a magnetic coupling means with a ferromagnetic body 3, such as a permanent magnet, configured to allow magnetic attachment and holding in a predetermined position of the coupling device 1 on the receptacle, particularly when they are in close proximity to each other; - an inductive magnetic coupling means 4, configured to allow inductive charging or power supply by electrical energy transfer between the coupling device 1 and the receptacle, in particular when the coupling device 1 is fixed by magnetization to the receptacle; - a near-field magnetic coupling means 2, in particular of the high-frequency type, such as using the standardized frequency 13.56 MHz, configured to allow computer data exchange between the coupling device 1 and the receptacle, in particular when the coupling device 1 is fixed by magnetization to the receptacle.

[0018] The coupling device 1 includes a keying device 5 configured to allow predetermined angular indexing of the coupling device 1 with the receptacle, particularly when they are magnetized to each other.

[0019] This arrangement ensures that contact is maintained between the receptacle and the coupling device without the need for mechanical locking. The two separate automatically as soon as a force greater than the magnet's attractive force is applied by a user.

[0020] The coupling device 1 is intended for communication and energy transfer without electrical contact between a mobile device and a fixed installation. It is based on the combination of three juxtaposed magnetic couplings.

[0021] The ferromagnetic body magnetic coupling means 3 allows magnetic coupling in a continuous field and is intended for mechanical holding, without risk of destructive tearing.

[0022] The magnetic inductive coupling means 4 is dedicated to energy transfer, in particular for electrical charging or electrical power supply. It comprises a first coil.

[0023] The near-field magnetic coupling means 2 is dedicated to bidirectional data communication in semi-duplex mode.

[0024] The near-field magnetic coupling preferably uses the standardized frequency of 13.56 MHz. It consists of two second inductive coils Bl, B2, one located in the receptacle and the other in the coupling device 1.

[0025] These second inductive coils Bl, B2 are configured to be face to face and coaxial, when the coupling device is connected to the receptacle, to maximize magnetic coupling.

[0026] These two second coils Bl, B2 are controlled by electronic circuits providing a semi-duplex isolated interface between two serial communication signals, for example of RS485 type.

[0027] A pair of monostable multivibrator circuits makes it possible to detect the direction of propagation of the information and to switch the electronic circuits accordingly.

[0028] Mobile equipment, for example a container ensuring the storage and transport of a product such as a fluid, for reasons of safety, ease of operation and traceability, must be equipped with electronics capable of communicating with the fixed installation, ensuring the filling or, conversely, the consumption of the stored product.

[0029] The electronics must also be able to receive the electrical energy necessary for its operation, but also potentially for the operation of the mobile equipment.

[0030] In one embodiment, the coupling device is attached to the mobile equipment and the receptacle is fixed to the end of a flexible hose (including at least one electrical cable) connected to the fixed installation.

[0031] The coupling device comprises a quasi-cylindrical envelope in which the three coupling means 2, 3, 4 are housed.

[0032] The envelope has an asymmetry to ensure good angular indexing and to allow the first inductive coil and the second inductive coil to be correctly coupled for both data transfer and energy transfer.

[0033] The receptacle, for example, mounted at the end of a cable connected to the fixed installation, has a shape complementary to that of the casing, with a predetermined gap to allow for removal. The strength of the magnetization is predetermined to prevent any unintentional detachment.

[0034] With reference to [Fig.2], a coupling assembly 10 has been represented. On [Fig.2], only the part related to the transmission of computer data between the coupling device 1 and the receptacle has been represented.

[0035] The receptacle and the coupling device exchange data via an RS485 type line 11,12. A data reception on the RS485 line is translated from the first byte and its "start" bit, by the presence of a logic signal at "0" on the RX1 receiving side of the RS485 line driver.

[0036] During the transition from "1" to "0" of RX1, which is connected to the input Al, of a first astable multivibrator circuit, the signal Q1 is forced to "1" and Ql\, its inverse to "0".

[0037] The signals Q1 and RX1\, i.e. the RS485 receive signal after logic inversion, are combined to cause the emission of an alternating signal at 13.56 MHz in the coupling coil Bl, used in transmission.

[0038] In the presence of an alternating signal in coil B1, coil B2 receives by induction an alternating signal of the same frequency.

[0039] Assuming the system is at rest and a signal is present at coil B1, itself induced by coil B2, a detection circuit transforms the received signal into an inverted logic signal (equal to "0" in the presence of a signal in the coil). This signal, denoted RX2, is connected to the input A2 of a second astable multivibrator circuit.

[0040] During the transition from "1" to "0" of A2, the signal Q2 is forced to "1" and Q2\, its inverse to "0".

[0041] The Q2 signal is used to put the RS485 driver into transmit mode by connecting it to the DE1 and DE1\ inputs of the RS485 driver.

[0042] The signal from a DET detector is connected to the TX1 input so that it can be transmitted on the RS485 line.

[0043] The Q2 signal is connected to the CLR1 input of the first astable multivibrator to avoid any bounce.

[0044] Symmetrically, the Ql signal is connected to the CLR2 input of the second astable multivibrator, this to prevent the magnetic circuits from causing an untimely switch in the direction of transmission.

[0045] Each of the astable multivibrators is characterized by a time constant ensuring a return to the resting state when a certain delay has elapsed since the last transition from "1" to "0" on the input A1 or A2.

[0046] The time constant is chosen to be greater than the transmission time of a character on the serial link and less than the minimum response time to a query on the RS485 line. The time constant is generally determined by an RC network.

[0047] In order to allow reading certain information relating to the characteristics or content of the mobile equipment, a TPD transponder circuit of RFID type operating at a frequency of 13.56 MHz may share the coil B2, with or without exclusive switching between the transponder function and the semi-duplex data transfer function.

[0048] The coils B1 and B2 can be made in the form of spiral tracks on printed circuits placed opposite each other by the geometry of the receptacle in order to ensure the best possible coupling.

Claims

Demands

1. Coupling device (1) for mobile equipment such as a container for the storage and transport of a fluid, intended to be coupled with a receptacle of a fixed installation, the coupling device (1) comprising: - a magnetic coupling means with a ferromagnetic body (3), such as a permanent magnet, configured to allow magnetic attachment and holding in a predetermined position of the coupling device (1) on the receptacle, particularly when they are in close proximity to each other; - an inductive magnetic coupling means (4), configured to allow inductive charging or power supply by transfer of electrical energy between the coupling device (1) and the receptacle, particularly when the coupling device (1) is magnetically attached to the receptacle;- a near-field magnetic coupling means (2), in particular of the high-frequency type, such as using the standardized frequency 13.56 MHz, configured to allow computer data exchange between the coupling device (1) and the receptacle, in particular when the coupling device (1) is fixed by magnetization to the receptacle.

2. Coupling device (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a keying device (5) configured to allow predetermined angular indexing of the coupling device (1) with the receptacle, in particular when they are magnetized to each other.

3. Coupling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an envelope made of non-magnetic material, the envelope having a flat face intended to be opposite the receptacle during coupling, the flat face having a first zone intended to overmold the ferromagnetic body, a second zone at a distance from the first zone and intended to overmold a first coil of the inductive magnetic coupling means (4), and a third zone at a distance from the first zone and the second zone, the third zone being intended to overmold a second coil of the near-field magnetic coupling means (2).

4. Coupling device (1) according to the preceding claim, the first zone is disposed in the center of the flat face, the second zone and the third zone being notably arranged on a periphery of the flat face.

5. Coupling assembly (10) comprising a coupling device (1) for mobile equipment such as a container for the storage and transport of a fluid and a receptacle of a fixed installation, the coupling device (1) being intended to be coupled with the receptacle, the coupling device comprising: - a magnetic coupling means with a ferromagnetic body (3), such as a permanent magnet, configured to allow magnetic attachment and holding in a predetermined position of the coupling device (1) on the receptacle, particularly when they are in close proximity to each other; - an inductive magnetic coupling means (4), configured to allow inductive charging or power supply by transfer of electrical energy between the coupling device and the receptacle, particularly when the coupling device is magnetically attached to the receptacle;- a near-field magnetic coupling means (3), in particular of the high-frequency type, such as using the standardized frequency 13.56 MHz, configured to allow computer data exchange between the coupling device (1) and the receptacle, in particular when the coupling device is fixed by magnetization to the receptacle.

6. Assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, the coupling device (1) being connected to a flexible hose and / or the receptacle being connected to a flexible hose, in particular configured to permit electrical connection with the equipment, respectively with the receptacle.