Cryogenic fluid storage unit and corresponding manufacturing process

Abstract

Cryogenic fluid storage unit and corresponding manufacturing process The storage unit comprises an internal reservoir (3), an external reservoir (7), and a suspension (8) suspending the internal reservoir (3) from the external reservoir (7); the suspension (8) comprising a link (19) having: - a sleeve (23) of a composite material having a central axis (C'); - a proximal link (25) from a proximal axial end (27) of the sleeve (23) to the internal reservoir (3); - a distal link (29) from a distal axial end (31) of the sleeve (23) to the external reservoir (7);the proximal connection (25) comprising: - a body (33) closing the proximal axial end (25) of the cuff (23), the body (33) having an external surface (35) defining an external frustoconical bearing surface (37) coaxial with the central axis (C') and engaged inside the proximal axial end (27), and - a ring (43) connected to the internal reservoir (3), the ring (43) having an internal surface (45) defining an internal frustoconical bearing surface (47) coaxial with the central axis (C') and surrounding the proximal axial end (27), the proximal axial end (27) of the cuff (23) being pinched between the external frustoconical bearing surface (37) and the internal frustoconical bearing surface (47). Figure for the abbreviation: 3;

Description

Title of the invention: Cryogenic fluid storage unit and corresponding manufacturing process

[0001] The invention relates generally to the storage of a cryogenic fluid.

[0002] A cryogenic fluid storage unit typically comprises an internal tank internally delimiting a cryogenic fluid storage volume, an external tank in which the internal tank is housed, and a suspension suspending the internal tank from the external tank.

[0003] The inner and outer reservoirs define an intermediate space between them, maintained at very low pressure. Thermal insulation is preferably applied to the inner reservoir to limit heat exchange by radiation between the inner and outer reservoirs. The vacuum in the intermediate space limits heat transfer by convection.

[0004] The suspension comprises a fixed link at one end of the internal tank and a sliding link at the opposite end. It must support the internal tank under all circumstances. When the storage unit is mounted on a vehicle such as a truck, the suspension is subjected to stresses resulting from road conditions, truck acceleration or braking, or impact in the event of an accident. The suspension must remain operational for the entire lifespan of the tank, i.e., 15 to 25 years.

[0005] Furthermore, the suspension must be as thermally insulating as possible, that is to say, transmit as little heat as possible from the external reservoir to the internal reservoir, in particular by conduction.

[0006] In this context, the invention aims to provide a solution to satisfy the above requirements.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates in a first aspect to the cryogenic fluid storage unit, comprising an internal reservoir internally delimiting a cryogenic fluid storage volume, an external reservoir in which the internal reservoir is housed, and a suspension suspending the internal reservoir from the external reservoir;

[0008] the suspension comprising a link including:

[0009] - a cuff made of a composite material having a central axis;

[0010] - a proximal connection of a proximal axial end of the cuff to the reservoir internal ;

[0011] - a distal connection from a distal axial end of the cuff to the reservoir external;

[0012] the proximal connection comprising:

[0013] - a body closing the proximal axial end of the cuff, the body having an external surface defining an external frustoconical span coaxial with the central axis and engaged inside the proximal axial end, and

[0014] - a ring connected to the internal reservoir, the ring having an internal surface defining an internal frustoconical span coaxial to the central axis and surrounding the proximal axial end, the proximal axial end of the cuff being pinched between the external frustoconical span and the internal frustoconical span.

[0015] The use of a cuff made of a composite material drastically reduces heat transfer by conduction from the external to the internal reservoir compared to a suspension made of steel. The composite material has extremely low thermal conductivity. In particular, this thermal conductivity is much lower than that of steel, which is commonly used for the suspensions of cryogenic fluid storage units.

[0016] The cuff is fixed to the internal reservoir by means of the truncated conical external bearing and the truncated conical internal bearing, which pinch the proximal axial end of the cuff together.

[0017] Such a fastening allows for excellent attachment of the cuff to the internal reservoir. The force is distributed over the entire surface of the proximal axial end of the cuff.

[0018] The cooperation of the two frustoconical bearing surfaces prevents any tearing under the effect of an axially exerted stress.

[0019] The use of a composite material for the cuff also makes it possible to lighten the storage unit while giving excellent mechanical resistance to the suspension.

[0020] The storage unit may further represent one or more of the following characteristics, considered individually or according to all technically possible combinations:

[0021] - the proximal axial end of the cuff has a truncated conical shape;

[0022] - the proximal axial end of the cuff, the external frustoconical span and the internal frustoconical spans have the same angle of taper;

[0023] - the external frustoconical span and the internal frustoconical span have a diameter increasing axially towards the inside of the internal reservoir;

[0024] - the external surface of the body defines an external cylindrical bearing offset towards the interior of the inner reservoir relative to the external frustoconical bearing surface coaxial with the central axis, the inner surface of the ring defining an internal cylindrical bearing surface offset towards the interior of the inner reservoir relative to the internal frustoconical bearing surface and coaxial to the central axis, the external cylindrical bearing being engaged in the internal cylindrical bearing and rigidly fixed against the internal cylindrical bearing;

[0025] - the cuff comprises a central section connecting the proximal axial end at the distal axial end, the distal axial end comprising a terminal section and a shoulder connecting the terminal section to the central section, the shoulder being re-entrant from the central section;

[0026] - the distal linkage comprises an internal body of revolution housed within the distal axial end and an external body of revolution surrounding the distal axial end and rigidly fixed to the internal body of revolution, the shoulder being pinched axially between the internal body of revolution and the external body of revolution;

[0027] - the linkage comprises an outer tube surrounding the cuff, the linkage ring proximal being connected to the internal reservoir via the external tube;

[0028] -a layer of thermal insulation is interposed between the outer tube and the sleeve;

[0029] - at least one disc carrying thermal insulation is housed inside the cuff and seals an internal section of the cuff.

[0030] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a storage unit having the above characteristics, the method comprising the following steps: - engagement of the external conical span of the body axially within the proximal axial end of the cuff, and

[0031] - insertion of the ring around the proximal axial end, until the proximal axial end of the cuff is pinched between the external frustoconical span and the internal frustoconical span;

[0032] - fixing the ring to the body.

[0033] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below, by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which: - [Fig.1] The [Fig.1] is an axial section view of a cryogenic fluid storage unit according to the invention, taken in a vertical plane containing the central axis of the internal reservoir; - [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is an enlarged view of one end of the storage unit, in section in a vertical plane containing the central axis of the internal tank, but considered in a direction diametrically opposite to that of the [Fig.1]; - [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is an enlarged view of the connection linking the end of the inner reservoir to the end of the outer reservoir on the [Fig.2]; - [Fig. 4] [Fig. 4] is a simplified schematic representation of the weaving used for the composite material constituting the cuff of the connection in [Fig. 3]; and - [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 illustrates part of the manufacturing process of the invention.

[0034] The cryogenic fluid storage unit 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is intended to store a cryogenic fluid. A cryogenic fluid is defined as a fluid at a very low temperature, which may be at least partially in a liquid state inside the storage unit 1.

[0035] This fluid is typically hydrogen, suitable for an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell. Alternatively, the fluid is a natural gas such as methane (CH4), ammonia, or any other fluid suitable for an internal combustion engine. In another embodiment, the fluid is a cryogenic fluid such as helium, nitrogen, or any other fluid suitable for industrial applications.

[0036] The storage unit 1 is typically intended to be carried on board a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle, a train, a boat or any other vehicle.

[0037] The motor vehicle is for example a car, a utility vehicle, a truck, etc.

[0038] The storage unit is typically intended to power an internal combustion engine equipping a motor vehicle.

[0039] Alternatively, the storage unit 1 is intended to power a fuel cell. For example, the fuel cell is configured to produce electricity and electrically power an electric propulsion motor of the vehicle.

[0040] The cryogenic fluid storage unit 1 comprises an internal reservoir 3 internally delimiting a cryogenic fluid storage volume 5, an external reservoir 7 inside which the internal reservoir 3 is housed, and a suspension 8 suspending the internal reservoir 3 from the external reservoir 7.

[0041] The internal reservoir 3 and the external reservoir 7 are separated from each other by an intermediate space 9 maintained at low pressure.

[0042] Typically, the intermediate space 9 is maintained under a high vacuum. This vacuum is typically on the order of 105 mbar, so as to strongly limit heat transfer by convection from the external reservoir 7 to the internal reservoir 3.

[0043] Not shown, thermal insulation is interposed between the inner tank 3 and the outer tank 7. The thermal insulation is typically placed on the outer surface of the inner tank 3. It is, for example, of the MLI (Multi Layer Insulation) type and comprises a plurality of metal sheets superimposed on each other, with interposed layers of fibers.

[0044] The internal reservoir 3 has a central axis C. In the example shown, this axis is horizontal.

[0045] The internal reservoir 3 comprises a ferrule 11 closed at its two opposite axial ends by internal bottoms 13.

[0046] The ferrule 11 is cylindrical, centered on the central axis C.

[0047] The external reservoir 7 is coaxial with the internal reservoir 3.

[0048] It comprises a ferrule 15, closed at its two opposite axial ends by external bottoms 17.

[0049] The ferrule 15 is cylindrical, centered on the central axis C.

[0050] The suspension 8 typically comprises two connections, a fixed connection 19 and a sliding connection 21. The invention relates to the fixed connection 19.

[0051] Link 19 comprises, as illustrated in [Fig.2]:

[0052] - a cuff 23 made of a composite material, having a central axis C';

[0053] - a proximal connection 25 of a proximal axial end 27 of the cuff 23 to internal reservoir 3;

[0054] - a distal connection 29 of a distal axial end 31 of the cuff 23 to external reservoir 7.

[0055] The central axis C' of the cuff 23 is typically aligned with the central axis C of the internal reservoir.

[0056] The proximal linkage 25 links the cuff 23 to an axial end of the internal reservoir 3.

[0057] In other words, the proximal linkage 25 links the proximal axial end 27 of the cuff 23 to one of the internal bottoms 13 of the reservoir 3.

[0058] The distal link 29 links the cuff 23 to an axial end of the external reservoir 7.

[0059] In other words, it links the distal axial end 31 of the cuff 23 to an external bottom 17 of the external reservoir 7.

[0060] As seen in [Fig.3], the proximal linkage 25 includes a body 33 closing the proximal axial end 27 of the cuff 23.

[0061] The body 33 is a part of revolution about the central axis C'.

[0062] The body 33 has an external surface 35 defining a frustoconical span external 37 coaxial to the central axis C'.

[0063] More specifically, the body 33 comprises a tubular wall 39 coaxial with the central axis C', closed at one end by a bottom 4L. The external surface 35 is defined by the wall 39. It is radially turned outwards from the tubular wall 39.

[0064] The external frustoconical bearing surface 37 is engaged inside the axial proximal end 27.

[0065] The proximal link 25 further includes a ring 43 connected to the internal reservoir 3. The ring 43 has an internal surface 45 delimiting an internal frustoconical bearing surface 47 coaxial with the central axis C'. The ring 43 surrounds the proximal axial end 27.

[0066] The ring 43 has a general tubular shape. The internal surface 45 is the surface of the ring 43 facing radially towards the central axis C'.

[0067] As can be seen in [Fig.3], the proximal axial end 27 of the cuff 23 is pinched between the external frustoconical bearing surface 37 and the internal frustoconical bearing surface 47. In other words, the proximal axial end 27 is tightly squeezed between the external frustoconical bearing surface 37 and the internal frustoconical bearing surface 47.

[0068] The external frustoconical bearing surface 37 is in contact with a radially internal side of the proximal axial end 27, and the internal frustoconical bearing surface 47 is in contact with an external side of the proximal axial end 27.

[0069] Along the central axis C', the external frustoconical span 37 and the internal frustoconical span 47 are substantially at the same level. They are thus radially opposite each other.

[0070] The proximal axial end 27 of the cuff 23 has a frustoconical shape.

[0071] The proximal axial end 27 of the cuff 23, the external frustoconical span 37 and the internal frustoconical span 47 have the same angle of taper.

[0072] In other words, they are all three coaxial with the central axis C', and each has a frustoconical shape with a circular base. They are generated by a generator having said conic angle with respect to the central axis C'.

[0073] The conicity angle is typically between 1° and 15°, preferably between 2° and 10°, and is for example 3°.

[0074] The external frustoconical bearing surface 37 and the internal frustoconical bearing surface 47 have a diameter that increases axially towards the inside of the internal reservoir 3.

[0075] The external surface 35 of the body 33 also defines an external cylindrical bearing surface 49 offset towards the interior of the internal reservoir 3 relative to the external frustoconical bearing surface 37.

[0076] The external cylindrical bearing surface 49 is coaxial with the central axis C'. It adjoins the external frustoconical bearing surface 37. It is separated from the external frustoconical bearing surface 37 by a shoulder 51. This shoulder is substantially annular and centered on the central axis C'. It has a radial width substantially equal to the thickness of the proximal axial end 27 of the cuff 23.

[0077] The diameter of the external cylindrical bearing surface 49 is thus greater than the diameter of the external frustoconical bearing surface 37.

[0078] Similarly, the internal surface 45 of the ring 43 defines an internal cylindrical bearing surface 53 offset towards the interior of the internal reservoir 3 with respect to the internal frustoconical bearing surface 47.

[0079] The internal cylindrical bearing surface 53 is coaxial with the central axis C'. It adjoins the internal frustoconical bearing surface 47.

[0080] The diameter of the internal cylindrical bearing 53 is substantially equal to the largest diameter of the internal frustoconical bearing 47, that is to say the diameter taken at the end forming the junction with the internal cylindrical bearing 53.

[0081] In other words, there is no level break between the internal frustoconical span 47 and the internal cylindrical span 53.

[0082] The external cylindrical bearing 49 is engaged in the internal cylindrical bearing 53 and rigidly fixed against this internal cylindrical bearing 53.

[0083] The internal diameter of the internal cylindrical bearing 53 is substantially equal to the external diameter of the external cylindrical bearing 49.

[0084] The ring 43 and the body 33 are made of a metallic material. For example, they are made of steel.

[0085] In the example shown, the external cylindrical bearing 49 and the internal cylindrical bearing 53 are rigidly fixed to each other by welding, preferably by laser welding so as not to overheat the joint and not to damage the cuff 23 made of composite material.

[0086] In addition to the clamping between the two frustoconical bearing surfaces, the proximal axial end 27 is also fixed to the ring 43 and the body 33, preferably by gluing.

[0087] To this end, a groove not shown containing glue is provided in the external frustoconical bearing surface 37.

[0088] Preferably, another groove containing glue is provided in the internal frustoconical bearing surface 47.

[0089] The glue contained in the groove(s) makes the attachment of the proximal axial end 27 to the internal reservoir 3 more resistant to pull-out along the central axis C'.

[0090] The cuff 23 still has a central section 55 connecting the proximal axial end 27 to the distal axial end 31.

[0091] The distal axial end 31 includes a terminal section 57 and a shoulder 59 connecting the terminal section 57 to the central section 55.

[0092] Shoulder 59 is re-entrant from the central section 55.

[0093] In other words, the terminal section 57 has a reduced cross-section compared to the central section 55.

[0094] The distal link 29 comprises an internal body of revolution 61 housed inside the distal axial end 31. It also comprises an external body of revolution 63 surrounding the distal axial end 31 and rigidly fixed to the internal body of revolution 61.

[0095] The shoulder 59 is pinched axially between the internal body of revolution 61 and the external body of revolution 63.

[0096] The internal body of revolution 61 is typically a ring. It is of revolution about the central axis C'.

[0097] It presents radially outwards an external ring surface 65 having a shape corresponding to that of the radially internal surface 67 of the distal axial end 31. This external ring surface 65 is pressed against the radially internal surface 67 and fixed to it by gluing.

[0098] The outer ring surface 65 has a substantially cylindrical or frustoconical surface 69 pressed against the terminal section 59, extended by a surface 71 strongly inclined with respect to the central axis C'. This strongly inclined surface 71 is pressed against the shoulder 59.

[0099] The internal body of revolution 61 delimits a central orifice 73.

[0100] In the example shown, the external body of revolution 63 closes the distal axial end 31 of the cuff 23.

[0101] On its face turned axially towards the internal reservoir 3, the external body of revolution 63 carries a closed contour crown 75 centered on the central axis C'.

[0102] The crown 75 is delimited radially towards the central axis C' by an internal crown surface 77 having a shape corresponding to that of the radially external surface 78 of the distal axial end 31. This internal crown surface 77 is pressed against the radially external surface 78 and fixed to it by bonding.

[0103] The internal crown surface 77 has a substantially cylindrical or frustoconical surface pressed against the terminal section 59, on a radially external side of this section. This surface is extended by a surface 79 steeply inclined with respect to the central axis C', pressed against the shoulder 59.

[0104] The shoulder 59 is pressed against surface 71 on one side and surface 79 on the other. Since these surfaces are sharply inclined with respect to the central axis C', the distal axial end 31 of the cuff 23 is axially locked in position. The shoulder 59 ensures that the cuff 23 cannot be pulled off under tension along the central axis C'.

[0105] The external body of revolution 63 further comprises a central stud 81 engaged in the central orifice 73. The external diameter of the central stud 81 corresponds to the internal diameter of the central orifice 73.

[0106] The external body of revolution 63 is rigidly fixed to the external reservoir 7. It is engaged in an orifice 82 of the external reservoir 7 ([Fig.2]). Its peripheral edge is welded tightly to the edge of the orifice 82.

[0107] The bodies of revolution 61 and 63 are metallic.

[0108] They are welded to each other, typically by transparency. They are bonded at the distal axial end 31.

[0109] The link 19 further comprises an external tube 83 surrounding the cuff 23.

[0110] The ring 43 of the proximal link is connected to the internal reservoir via the external tube 83.

[0111] To do this, the ring 43 is engaged inside the outer tube 83 and rigidly fixed to it.

[0112] The outer tube 83 is metallic. The ring 43 is typically welded to the outer tube 83.

[0113] The outer tube 83 has on its outer surface a retaining ring 85 for attaching it to the inner reservoir. The retaining ring 85 is rigidly fixed to the outer tube 83. It is engaged in an orifice 86 of the inner reservoir 3 ([Fig. 2]). Its peripheral edge is welded tightly to the edge of the orifice 86.

[0114] The external tube 83 is coaxial with the central axis C'. It extends axially from the ring 43 to the external body of revolution 63. At its end opposite the ring 43, it carries a washer 87 forming a movement limiter.

[0115] The washer 87 surrounds the ring 75, with a reduced clearance between the ring 75 and the inner edge of the washer 87. The washer 87 cooperates with the external body of revolution 63 to limit the radial movement of the sleeve 23. In the event of rupture of the sleeve 23, the inner reservoir 3 is no longer attached to the outer reservoir 7. The washer 87 limits the movement between the two reservoirs 3 and 7. Thus, the probability of rupture of the tubes coming from inside the inner reservoir 3 and passing through the outer reservoir 7 is low.

[0116] A thermal insulation layer 89 is interposed between the sleeve 23 and the outer tube 83. This thermal insulation layer 89 substantially fills the entire space radially between the sleeve 23 and the outer tube 83, and axially between the ring 43 and the external body of revolution 63.

[0117] The thermal insulation layer 89 is of the same type as that insulating the inner tank 3 from the outer tank 7. In other words, it is a MLI (Multi-Layer Insulation) type thermal insulation layer. It comprises a plurality of metal sheets superimposed one on top of the other, with interposed layers of fibers.

[0118] Such a structure is known and will not be described here in detail.

[0119] The thermal insulation layer 89 makes it possible to greatly limit radiation between the cuff 23 and the external tube 83.

[0120] Furthermore, as can be seen in [Fig.3], at least one disc 91 carrying thermal insulation is housed inside the sleeve 23 and closes an internal section of the sleeve 23.

[0121] Typically, several discs 91 are arranged one behind the other, each disc 91 closing an inner section of the cuff 23.

[0122] Each disc 91 carries thermal insulation of the same type as layer 89, i.e., MLI type thermal insulation.

[0123] Each disc 91 closes a straight section of the internal volume of the sleeve 23. The section considered here is a section taken perpendicular to the central axis C', and delimited by the internal surface of the sleeve 23. Each disc 91 has a radially external edge of the same shape as the internal surface of the sleeve 23 in said section.

[0124] The insulation carried by the discs 91 makes it possible to limit the thermal radiation inside the sleeve 23, in particular the thermal radiation emitted by the bodies of revolution 61 and 63 towards the body 33 and towards the internal surface of the sleeve 23.

[0125] Advantageously, the cuff 23 has a general truncated conical shape.

[0126] Thus, the central section 55 constitutes the extension of the proximal axial end 27. It is itself frustoconical, coaxial with the central axis C', with the same angle of conicity as the proximal axial end 27.

[0127] The sleeve 23 is made of composite material comprising, in a conventional manner, fibers embedded in a resin matrix.

[0128] The fibers are advantageously chosen from the following list: E glass fibers, ECR glass fibers, S glass fibers, silica fibers, aramid fibers, in particular Kevlar, or carbon fibers.

[0129] Preferably, the fibers are E glass fibers for reasons of cost and performance.

[0130] The fibers are entangled with each other and form a three-dimensional braid.

[0131] Thus, the composite material comprises a plurality of axial fibers, referenced 93 on [Fig.4], distributed in several superimposed layers.

[0132] For example, the axial fibers 93 are distributed in five superimposed layers.

[0133] The axial fibers 93 extend along generatrices of the sleeve 23. They are distributed circumferentially in a regular manner around the central axis C'.

[0134] The composite material also comprises H1 to H10 fibers arranged helically around the central axis C'. The helical fibers H1 to H10 are arranged so as to bond the layers together.

[0135] Each helical fiber has a helix angle between 30 and 70°, preferably 45°. Half of the fibers are wound circumferentially in a first direction of rotation around the central axis C', and the other half of fibers wrap circumferentially in the opposite direction of rotation around the central axis C'.

[0136] The organization of the helical fibers H1 to H10 is schematically represented in [Fig. 4]. This figure represents the five superimposed layers C1 to C5. The axial fibers 93 are represented by dots.

[0137] Ten helical fibers H1 to H10 are schematically represented in [Fig. 4]. Helical fiber H1 is entangled with axial fibers 93 of layers C1 and C2. Helical fiber H2 is entangled only with axial fibers 93 of layer C1. Helical fiber H3 is entangled with axial fibers 93 of layers C2 and C3. Helical fiber H4 is entangled with axial fibers 93 of layers C2 and C3. Helical fiber H5 is entangled with axial fibers 93 of layers C3 and C4. Helical fiber H6 is entangled with axial fibers 93 of layers C2 and C3. Helical fiber H7 is entangled with axial fibers 93 of layers C4 and C5. Helical fiber H8 is entangled with axial fibers 93 of layers C3 and C4. Helical fiber H9 is entangled only with axial fibers 93 of layer C5. Helical fiber H10 is entangled with axial fibers 93 of layers C4 and C5.

[0138] This ensures a strong bond between all the layers of the composite material, and this over the entire surface of the cuff 23.

[0139] This organization also has the advantage that the cuff 23 has exactly the required thickness over its entire surface and does not pose any problem of delamination between the layers or of relative positioning between the different layers.

[0140] In an exemplary embodiment for a cryogenic hydrogen storage unit with a capacity of 750 liters, the length of the sleeve 23 is approximately 150 mm. The composite material has a thermal conductivity of 0.1 W / mK at 20 K and 0.6 W / mK at 20°C. The total thermal input of the sleeve is approximately 0.5 W. The largest diameter of the sleeve 23 is approximately 78 mm. The thickness of the sleeve 23 varies from 5 mm at its smallest diameter to 4.5 mm at its largest diameter.

[0141] The manufacturing process of the storage unit 1 will now be described, with reference to [Fig.5].

[0142] The manufacturing process includes a first step SI of obtaining the sleeve 23, and of engaging the internal body of revolution 61 in the sleeve 23.

[0143] Due to the general frustoconical shape of the cuff 23, the internal body of revolution 61 is introduced inside the cuff 23 through the proximal axial end 27. It is moved axially to the distal axial end 31 and glued onto the distal axial end 31.

[0144] In step S2, the thermal insulation disc or discs 91 are placed inside the sleeve 23. The thermal insulation discs 91 are introduced through the proximal axial end 27 and moved axially to their final position.

[0145] At step S3, the external frustoconical bearing surface 37 of the body 33 is axially engaged inside the proximal axial end 27 of the cuff 23.

[0146] It is engaged until the proximal axial end 27 is in contact with the external frustoconical bearing surface 37. It is preferably glued to the proximal axial end 27.

[0147] At the S4 trap, the ring 43 is inserted around the proximal axial end 27, until the proximal axial end 27 of the cuff 23 is pinched between the external frustoconical bearing 37 and the internal frustoconical bearing 47.

[0148] The ring 43 is first engaged around the distal axial end 31 of the cuff 23, then moved axially towards the proximal axial end 27. It is oriented with the internal cylindrical bearing surface 53 turned towards the body 33.

[0149] The ring 43 is moved axially until the proximal axial end 27 of the cuff 23 is sufficiently pressed between the two frustoconical bearing surfaces 37, 47. At this stage, the internal cylindrical bearing surface 53 and the external cylindrical bearing surface 49 are opposite each other and in contact with each other.

[0150] The two cylindrical bearing surfaces 49, 53 are then welded together.

[0151] At step S5, the insulating layer 89 is placed around the cuff 23.

[0152] In step S6, the outer tube 83, carrying the crown 85, is placed around the insulating layer 89, and welded to ring 43.

[0153] At step S7, the washer 87 is fixed to the end of the outer tube 83.

[0154] Finally, at step S8, the external body of revolution 63 is engaged around the end distal axial 31 and glued against this axial end. Then, the internal body of revolution 61 and the external body of revolution 63 are welded to each other.

[0155] In a step not shown in [Fig.5], the subassembly obtained at the end of step S8 is fixed to the internal reservoir 3. To do this, the peripheral edge of the ring 85 is welded to the corresponding orifice 86 of the internal reservoir 3.

[0156] After the internal reservoir 3 is introduced into the external reservoir 7, the external body of revolution 63 is rigidly fixed to the external reservoir 7. To do this, the peripheral edge of the external body of revolution 63 is welded into the corresponding orifice 82 of the external reservoir 7.

Claims

Demands

1. Cryogenic fluid storage unit (1), comprising an internal reservoir (3) internally delimiting a cryogenic fluid storage volume (5), an external reservoir (7) in which the internal reservoir (3) is housed, and a suspension (8) suspending the internal reservoir (3) from the external reservoir (7); the suspension (8) comprising a link (19) having: - a sleeve (23) of a composite material having a central axis (C'); - a proximal link (25) from a proximal axial end (27) of the sleeve (23) to the internal reservoir (3); - a distal link (29) from a distal axial end (31) of the sleeve (23) to the external reservoir (7);the proximal connection (25) comprising: - a body (33) closing the proximal axial end (25) of the cuff (23), the body (33) having an external surface (35) defining an external frustoconical bearing surface (37) coaxial with the central axis (C') and engaged inside the proximal axial end (27), and - a ring (43) linked to the internal reservoir (3), the ring (43) having an internal surface (45) defining an internal frustoconical bearing surface (47) coaxial with the central axis (C') and surrounding the proximal axial end (27), the proximal axial end (27) of the cuff (23) being pinched between the external frustoconical bearing surface (37) and the internal frustoconical bearing surface (47).

2. Storage unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein the proximal axial end (27) of the cuff (23) has a frustoconical shape.

3. Storage unit (1) according to claim 2, wherein the proximal axial end (27) of the cuff (23), the external frustoconical bearing (37) and the internal frustoconical bearing (47) have the same angle of taper.

4. Storage unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external frustoconical span (37) and the internal frustoconical span (47) have a diameter that increases axially towards the interior of the internal reservoir (3).

5. Storage unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external surface (35) of the body (33) defines an external cylindrical bearing surface (49) offset inwards from the internal reservoir (3) relative to the external frustoconical bearing surface (37) and coaxial with the central axis (C'), the internal surface (45) of the ring (43) defining an internal cylindrical bearing surface (53) offset inwards from the internal reservoir (3) relative to the internal frustoconical bearing surface (47) and coaxial with the central axis (C'), the external cylindrical bearing surface (49) being engaged in the internal cylindrical bearing surface (53) and rigidly fixed against the internal cylindrical bearing surface (53).

6. Storage unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve (23) comprises a central section (55) connecting the proximal axial end (27) to the distal axial end (31), the distal axial end (31) comprising a terminal section (57) and a shoulder (59) connecting the terminal section (57) to the central section (55), the shoulder (59) being retractable from the central section (55).

7. Storage unit (1) according to claim 6, wherein the distal linkage (29) comprises an internal body of revolution (61) housed inside the distal axial end (31) and an external body of revolution (63) surrounding the distal axial end (31) and rigidly fixed to the internal body of revolution (61), the shoulder (59) being pinched axially between the internal body of revolution (61) and the external body of revolution (63).

8. Storage unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the linkage (19) comprises an outer tube (83) surrounding the cuff (23), the ring (43) of the proximal linkage (25) being linked to the inner reservoir (3) via the outer tube (83).

9. Storage unit (1) according to claim 8, wherein a thermal insulation layer (89) is interposed between the outer tube (83) and the sleeve (23).

10. Storage unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one disc (91) carrying thermal insulation is housed inside the sleeve (23) and seals an internal section of the sleeve (23).

11. A method for manufacturing a storage unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: - engaging the outer frustoconical bearing surface (37) of the body (33) axially inside the proximal axial end (27) of the sleeve (23), and - inserting the ring (43) around the proximal axial end (27), until the proximal axial end (27) of the sleeve (23) is pinched between the outer frustoconical bearing surface (37) and the inner frustoconical bearing surface (47); - fixing the ring (43) to the body (33).