Detachable tank for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, and a vehicle equipped with at least one such tank
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ANNAJAH MOTORS
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a tank for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, which is designed to be removable, i.e. to be insertable and removable from the vehicle.
[0002] The tank is designed to store fuel, in particular hydrogen, for the operation of the vehicle.
[0003] The invention therefore particularly relates to hydrogen-powered vehicles.
[0004] Hydrogen-powered electric vehicles are known and they usually comprise a fuel cell and a hydrogen tank. Hydrogen, more precisely dihydrogen, is used as the reducing fuel used by the fuel cell to enable the propulsion of the vehicle.
[0005] At maximum, such a vehicle can only cover a distance of about 700 km. Another object of the invention is to propose a vehicle with a removable tank, allowing refueling by changing the tank.
[0006] Therefore, for travel beyond 700 km the tank needs to be refueled, a service that is or will be provided by dedicated hydrogen filling stations. However, these stations are very few and far between, deployment is slow and refuelling with pressurised hydrogen is an uncertain proposition in many areas.
[0007] The object of the present invention is to propose a solution which makes it possible to refuel with pressurized hydrogen even in areas which do not have dedicated service stations.
[0008] A motor vehicle with a fuel cell and a removably mounted hydrogen tank is known from FR 2 850 062 or EP 1 437 252. The tank is thus movable within the vehicle between a position where it is connected to a supply line for replacement and a position where it is disconnected from the line for removal from the vehicle.
[0009] Thus, the hydrogen tank can be replaced when it becomes empty, thus reducing the time for refilling the vehicle.
[0010] However, as shown in FR 2 850 062 A1, removable tanks are heavy and it is necessary to provide means to assist the user in removing the tank.
[0011] To this end, patent application FR 2 850 062 teaches a solution that makes it easier to grasp the tank: the vehicle comprises telescopic arms integral with a structural element of the vehicle and means for releasably attaching the tank to these arms (the tank is carried by two arms attached to either side of the tank). These arms can be used to move the tank away from its connection position (at the bottom of a housing provided on the vehicle) to a position where it can be more easily grasped. In practice, detachable tanks are replaced by machines, since they are too large and too heavy to be grasped and moved by a human being. As a result, the replacement of the tank described in patent applications FR 2 850 062 and EP 1 437 252 is not easy, if at all possible, to carry out manually. The present invention proposes an improvement to this solution, offering more safety to the user and allowing the manual replacement of detachable tanks.
[0012] US 2010 051567 describes a system for holding and moving a propane cylinder between a first operating position and a second lower loading / unloading position relative to a support structure of a forklift. The installation comprises a base member configured to be connected to the support structure of the forklift, a cradle for supporting the cylinder between a first position and a second position, and first and second pivoting arms having a first end pivotally connected to the base member and a second end pivotally connected to the cradle. In the first position, the cradle is in a horizontal orientation. In the second position, the cradle is in a vertical orientation. Angular movement of the first and second pivoting arms rotates the cradle between a substantially horizontal orientation and a substantially vertical orientation. This document does not describe a refillable removable tank for a vehicle, particularly an electric vehicle, but teaches a possible solution regarding the design of a removable tank for a structure.
[0013] Finally, DE 10 2007 51311 A1 describes a fuel tank with at least one interface for a fuel cell module, which interface allows the supply of fuel to at least the fuel cell module, which interface allows the fuel cell module to be releasably coupled to the fuel tank. Furthermore, this document describes a fuel cell module and a method for providing at least one fuel cell module ready for operation or in operation, in which the fuel cell 14 has a handle arranged on the top of the tank and comprises two pivotally mounted parts, the pivoting of which allows partial opening of a cell flap.
[0014] The invention relates to a refillable removable tank, in particular for electric vehicles, comprising a tank body suitable for containing pressurized gas and a first delivery connector attached to a first end of the tank body and suitable for association with a second connector for the vehicle, the association of the first and second connectors allowing the pressurized gas to be delivered to and removed from the body of the tank. According to the invention, a removable tank is provided, the tank body being elongated and having a body axis, the body being surrounded by a lateral protective shell for the body, the shell being coaxial with the body, a first shell end at least partially surrounding the first body end, the first shell end being open to provide access to the first delivery connector of the body of the tank; a second shell end at least partially surrounding the second end of the body and including a handle for gripping the tank; and It is equipped with The shell is characterized in that it has at least two gripping elements aligned in a direction parallel to the axis of the body of the tank, the two elements being suitable for associating the shell with a positioning shuttle and loading the tank onto the shuttle.
[0015] Configured in this way, the tank is safer and can be placed more easily on the vehicle. In fact, the tank's shell constitutes a protective element for the tank's body. Furthermore, the aligned gripping elements make it easier to position the tank on the vehicle: in fact, it is easier to position an object along a single connection line (axial alignment) than along two connection lines (hanging the tank on a rail by its two lateral edges) as is the case in the prior art solution briefly presented above. Furthermore, having a single connection line makes it easier to position the tank on a forklift, for example on a shuttle, as will be seen later. Finally, the handles on the ends make it easier for the user to remove the tank from the vehicle, since the tank has gripping elements specifically designed for gripping.
[0016] Advantageously, the first shell end extends past said first body end and forms a protective skirt around said first body end, said skirt constituting a first engagement element suitable for engagement with a first coupling element of said shuttle. This particular shape of the shell first end has the dual function of protecting the first connector and acting as a coupling / docking means for associating the tank's shell with the shuttle, as will be understood below.
[0017] The shell may preferably comprise a housing suitable for receiving the pin of said shuttle, said housing constituting a second gripping element. Moreover, in an advantageous embodiment, the shell comprises a second handle: this allows the user to grip the removable tank with both hands, making handling even easier, even for smaller persons.
[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment, the second handle is at least partially retractable within the thickness of the shell, which ensures that the handle does not laterally interfere with the tank and that the tank fits well into the vehicle housing.
[0019] A second shell end conveniently extends past said second body end and defines a volume extending from said body, and a first handle is formed within said volume extending from said body so as to avoid obstruction of a side of the tank so as to not impede insertion or removal of the tank from a vehicle.
[0020] Preferably, the body has a total mass of between about 1 and 30 kg: this weight makes the tank easy to move.
[0021] Even more preferably, the body is fitted with a pressure relief valve and / or a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor.
[0022] Even more preferably, the shell comprises a display device suitable for displaying gauges for the body of the tank, and the shell comprises at least one warning light for indicating a fault in the end connector.
[0023] Moreover, the shell has a polygonal cross section. This makes it possible to impose an orientation on the insertion of the tank into the compartment, which is also polygonal in shape. In particular, the orientation can be ensured by foolproof devices arranged on the shell and in the housing of the removable tank. This forced orientation ensures a correct positioning of the tank and increases safety when mounting the tank in the vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one removable tank as defined above. The vehicle according to the invention comprises at least one compartment for receiving the at least one removable tank, the at least one compartment comprising the at least one second connector suitable for association with the first connector of the removable tank, the at least one compartment comprising at least one shuttle for positioning the at least one tank, the shuttle being mounted on a rail so that it can move between a position for receiving the at least one tank and a position for connecting the at least one tank to the second connector, the shuttle comprising first and second coupling elements respectively engaging with the at least two engaging elements of the at least one removable tank. Furthermore, the vehicle comprises a motorized device suitable for controlling the displacement of the shuttle on the rail between the connection position and the receiving position and vice versa.
[0024] Advantageously, the rails are oriented in an inclined position relative to the horizontal when the vehicle is positioned on level ground. The inclination serves to load the tank with the aid of gravity. This also means that the tank can be partially stored under the vehicle seat, if required, thus reducing the space required for the tank inside the vehicle.
[0025] Preferably, the compartment (receiving the tank) is located under the trunk of the vehicle and the compartment is provided with a first entrance door independent of the second entrance door of the trunk. This meets safety standards and also allows easier access to the tank compared to when the tank is placed in the trunk, which can also hold other objects. Indeed, in case of an accident, the tank must meet two requirements:
[0026] In the event of a minor impact (up to 15 km / h), no part of the vehicle may touch the tank and the tank must remain removable.
[0027] In the event of a large standard impact, it must remain leak-free and pose no additional risk to the integrity of the vehicle.
[0028] Advantageously, the first entrance door to the compartment is located at a predetermined distance of at least 40 cm from the entrance to an individual compartment contained in the compartment, said entrance to said at least one individual compartment being defined by one end of said rail, which makes it possible to set the entrance to the tank as far back as possible to comply with standards, but not too far back so that the tank can be easily grasped and removed from the vehicle when it is being replaced.
[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, it is envisaged that the compartment comprises several individual compartments, each of the individual compartments comprising a rail, a shuttle, a second connector and a motorised device for assisting in positioning and removal of the tank.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle comprises a fixed tank, said at least one removable tank and said fixed tank being connected respectively to pressurized gas supply and delivery circuits, said circuits being parallel to each other and associated with a common inlet and a common outlet, and comprising bypass devices allowing the passage of pressurized gas either to one circuit or the other circuit (always separately and never simultaneously).
[0031] Furthermore, the vehicle according to the invention can comprise at least one safety member arranged at least partially below said at least one rail, said at least one safety member forming a pusher which, in the event of a rear impact on the vehicle, causes said at least one removable tank to pivot about one end of said rail and to position said at least one removable tank in a substantially vertical orientation (when the vehicle is located on a horizontal support).
[0032] Advantageously, the at least one safety member comprises a plastically deformable first member part which is extended by a second member part which, in the event of a rear impact on the vehicle, after plastic deformation of the first member part, can be displaced under the action of a thrust force of the first member part.
[0033] A particular advantage of the vehicle according to the invention is that it can be fitted with easily replaceable tanks even in non-electrified geographical areas (for example remote villages, difficult to access settlements or certain desert areas).
[0034] It also meets the need for clean, practical energy to replace polluting combustion engines.
[0035] Furthermore, it addresses two limitations: the effort and expense of building service stations, and the limitations associated with electric mobility, which has limited range, long charging times and polluting batteries.
[0036] The present invention allows hydrogen to be transported and distributed under pressure in the form of cylinders that can be easily delivered close to the user (at home or via a dedicated dispenser).
[0037] This allows the user to exchange an empty hydrogen cylinder for a full one and place the latter directly in the vehicle in a quick and simple operation.
[0038] The present invention allows hydrogen to be made more accessible and does not rely solely on complex and expensive hydrogen service stations, which are far too few in number.
[0039] Additionally, the methods for refilling interchangeable hydrogen cylinders are flexible and versatile:
[0040] When empty it can be replaced with a full hydrogen cylinder or it can be refueled in the conventional manner at dedicated hydrogen service stations without the need to remove it from the compartment. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0041] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the detailed description of entirely non-limiting embodiments and from the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the rear of a vehicle according to the invention, showing an open trunk and an open rear compartment into which several removable tanks according to the invention are inserted. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a removable tank according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the removable tank shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the removable tank shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 mounted on a plate. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first end of a tank mounted to a plate mounted to a rail. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective sectional view from below of the tank shown in FIG. 5, showing the bottom of the compartment, the rails, the plates and part of the shell of the tank according to the invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the steps involved in placing the removable tank in a vehicle compartment and removing the removable tank. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the fluid relationships between a fixed main tank and a removable tank of a vehicle according to the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of the rear of a vehicle according to the present invention; [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle safety element in an advantageous embodiment;
[0042] In the following description, terms such as "lower", "upper", "left", "right" and the like are used with reference to the drawings for easier understanding and should not be understood as limitations on the scope of the present invention.
[0043] 1 and 9 show an example of a vehicle according to the present invention.
[0044] The vehicle according to the invention is a hydrogen-powered electric vehicle, comprising a fuel cell and a hydrogen tank enabling operation of the fuel cell to generate electrical energy for propulsion of the vehicle.
[0045] The fuel cell and the electric motor are not shown in the figures for simplicity, since the invention does not relate to these elements. A vehicle 1 according to the invention is shown from its rear and, in a manner conventional per se, comprises a trunk 2 which is shown in an open position for storing luggage. The trunk lid 2 is not shown. Below the trunk one can see a large compartment 3 which comprises small compartments 4 (or individual compartments 4) arranged side by side, each of which receives a removable tank 5, five tanks 5 being fully arranged in their associated compartments 4 (only four tanks are visible) and a sixth tank 5 which is shown partway inserted in its compartment 4.
[0046] It should be understood that the vehicle may comprise only one compartment 3 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0047] All the tanks 5 are pressurized hydrogen tanks. They are all removably mounted in their associated compartments 4, which are provided in the space below the trunk, access to which is independent of access to the trunk.
[0048] In fact, the space beneath the trunk is provided with its own access door 30, shown in the open position, in which the door 30 is oriented in a substantially horizontal plane (with the vehicle itself resting on a substantially horizontal surface) and can function as a flat support to aid in the removal or placement of removable tanks in their compartment.
[0049] It should be noted that for reasons of compliance with safety standards, the entrance doors 30 to the compartments are located at a certain distance from the entrance to each compartment 4; in other words, the large compartments 3 have a free space between the doors 30 and the entrance to each compartment 4 contained in the large compartment 3, such that the removable tanks are clear of the doors 30 when inserted into those compartments 4. This is advantageously designed so that the entrances to the individual compartments are at least 40 cm away from the doors 30, so that in the event of a rear-end collision at 15 km / h, no part of the structure of the motor vehicle should come into contact with the removable tanks or the compartments that receive them. The distance between the doors 30 and the entrances to the individual compartments guarantees this safety requirement.
[0050] The bottom of each compartment 4 is fitted with a connector that is connected to piping that supplies pressurized gas (hydrogen) to the vehicle's fuel cell and also supplies hydrogen for refilling the removable tanks on the vehicle.
[0051] To achieve this, each removable tank is provided with another connector associated with the connector at the bottom of each tank and designed to allow pressurized gas to pass from the tank to the supply line or from the supply line to the tank (in the particular case of filling described below). For ease of understanding, the connector of the removable tank is called the first connector and the connector at the bottom of the compartment 4 is called the second connector.
[0052] Reference will now be made in more detail to the removable tank 5: figures 2, 3 and 4 show an exemplary embodiment of such a removable tank 5.
[0053] To facilitate easy handling by the user, the tank 5 is designed to weigh substantially less than 20 kg, preferably between 8 kg and 15 kg (so the tank weight is well between 1 kg and 30 kg).
[0054] They were each filled with 500 g of pressurized hydrogen (700 bar or 700 x 10 5 Pa): in fact, it is easier to handle several tanks weighing 8kg to 15kg than a single tank weighing over 50kg.
[0055] In FIG. 4, the removable tank 5 comprises a tank body 50 designed to contain and store pressurized hydrogen.
[0056] The body 50 is generally cylindrical in shape. Thus, it is elongated and has a tank body axis X.
[0057] It has a first body end 51 with the above-mentioned first connector 52 which ensures the ingress and egress of dihydrogen within the body 50 when associated with a second connector provided at the bottom of the compartment 4.
[0058] The second end 53 of the body 50 is dome shaped.
[0059] To increase the safety of the tank and to facilitate its handling, the tank is provided with a protective lateral shell 54 which at least partially surrounds the body of the tank and which has some special features.
[0060] In this particular embodiment, the shell 54 is unitary.
[0061] Firstly, the shell 54 comprises a sleeve that laterally surrounds the body 50 of the tank.
[0062] The shell sleeve extends from a first end 51 (corresponding to shell first end 61) to a second end 53 of the body 50 (corresponding to shell second end 63).
[0063] The primary function of the shell is therefore to secure the body of the tank and protect it from possible impacts.
[0064] The shell 54 is polygonal in cross section and imposes a direction of orientation on the tank 5 in each compartment 4 which is also itself polygonal in shape.
[0065] In this exemplary embodiment, the shell 54 has the shape of a parallelepiped with a rectangular or square cross section. The total length of the removable tank 5 is about 80 cm, the width is about 15 cm and the height is also about 15 cm.
[0066] The first end 61 of the shell is open and provides access to the first connector 52 .
[0067] The second end 63 of the shell is partially open: it extends past the bottom of the body 50 of the tank and forms a volume in which a handle 55 for gripping the removable tank 5 is provided near the end 53 of the body: the bottom of the tank (second end 53 of the shell) facing the user looking into the compartment 4 containing the removable tank 5 can thus be easily gripped by the user with the help of the handle.
[0068] Thus, the shell 54 also functions to enable or facilitate manual grasping of the tank 5.
[0069] In an advantageous embodiment, the transverse sleeve of the shell 54 is provided with a second handle 56, which can be seen in particular in Figures 2 and 3, the presence of two handles making it possible to easily and comfortably hold the removable tank 5 with both hands.
[0070] Additionally, this central handle makes it easy to carry the tank at arm's length like a small bag with one hand when replacing an empty tank with a full one.
[0071] In order to allow problem-free insertion of the tank 5 into its compartment 4, the second handle 56 is designed to be retractable within the thickness of the shell wall: when not in use, the second handle 56 can therefore be retracted in a housing provided within the thickness of the shell and does not protrude outside the surface of the lateral shell 54 and, as a result, does not generate friction or impacts against the inner wall of the compartment 4 that receives the removable tank 5.
[0072] To facilitate the insertion and removal of the tank 5 in the compartment 4 , the shell is designed to be placed on a shuttle 6 movably mounted on rails 7 .
[0073] A foolproof device on the tank and its counterpart on the housing ensures fixed and repeatable positioning on the shuttle without risk of error.
[0074] The rail 7 is attached to the bottom 40 of the compartment 4 and extends from the compartment entrance to the bottom of the compartment.
[0075] The rail 7 is preferably a motorized rail. A special feature of the rail 7 is that it is inclined with respect to the horizontal, as will be explained later.
[0076] Designed in this way, the tank can be easily placed on the shuttle: one simply has to place the tank 5 on the shuttle in the appropriate manner, which is easier than hanging the tank on rails on its sides as provided in the prior art mentioned above.
[0077] To ensure that the tank 5 is properly loaded onto the shuttle, the shell 54 is provided with at least two gripping elements aligned in a direction parallel to the axis of the body of the tank, the two gripping elements being designed to associate with two coupling elements on the shuttle 6.
[0078] According to the illustrated (but not limited) embodiment, one gripping element is perpendicular to the axis of the body of the tank and the other is parallel. The presence of at least two gripping elements prevents pivoting or movement of the tank relative to the shuttle 6: thus, when associated with the shuttle, the tank 5 is correctly oriented and there is no possibility of movement.
[0079] The movement of the tank can therefore be precisely controlled by moving the shuttle, and the tank (particularly the first connector 52) can be brought to a precise position at the bottom of the compartment 4 (particularly exactly opposite the second connector, not shown in the figure).
[0080] The first and second connectors 52 are high speed fluid connectors that automatically lock upon insertion but require power unlocking for safety.
[0081] Two gripping elements of the shell 54 of the tank 5 are shown in FIGS.
[0082] The first gripping element is formed by a first end 61 of a shell which extends past the end 51 of the body of the tank 50 and forms a protective skirt 62 around the first connector 52: the protective skirt 62 prevents impacts on the connector 52.
[0083] Furthermore, the protective skirt 62 also forms a first engagement element with a coupling element 71 integral with the shuttle: this element 71 is formed by an end piece of the shuttle which forms a hook that embraces the skirt 62 of the end 61 of the shell 54 .
[0084] Therefore, in order to position the tank 5 in the shuttle 6, the end of the tank 5 must be pushed up to the end of the shuttle so as to insert the skirt 62 of the end 61 of the shell 54 into the coupling element 71 of the shuttle 6.
[0085] The second engaging element of the shell 54 is a housing 64 formed through the wall of the shell 54 and capable of receiving a pin 74 protruding from the bottom of the shuttle 6 (see FIG. 6 ): the pin 74 can be inserted into the shell housing 64 when the end 61 engages with the coupling element 71 of the shuttle.
[0086] It should be noted that the pin 74 is aligned with the coupling element 71 in the same manner as the housing 64 (second gripping element) of the shell of the tank 5 is aligned with the skirt 62 (second gripping element) in an axial direction parallel to the axis of the body of the removable tank 5.
[0087] To facilitate positioning of the pin 74 within the housing 64, the pin may be retractable (e.g., by being associated with an elastically deformable element such as a spring, or by powering the pin 74 into the housing 64).
[0088] The tank body 50 is equipped with a pressure relief valve, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor (not shown). The pressure and temperature sensors can communicate pressure and temperature information to a module which can deliver the information to a user, for example by means of a display 57 or 58. Furthermore, the module can also transmit information to a display in the vehicle or to a smartphone screen by means of a dedicated application.
[0089] An overpressure valve ensures the release of the pressurized dihydrogen stored in the body if the detected pressure exceeds a critical pressure above which the integrity of the tank is no longer guaranteed and which may pose a risk to the user.
[0090] The display device 57 of the module may be provided on a sleeve of the shell 54 as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG.
[0091] A display device 58 may also be provided at the second end 63 of the shell so that when the removable tank 5 is placed in its compartment 4, the user can notice information regarding pressure or temperature, such as in a gauge, without having to remove the removable tank 5.
[0092] In this particular embodiment, two screens are provided: one screen (or display device) 57 is provided on the sleeve and shows the user the tank gauge, and one screen 58 located at the end 63 of the shell (which covers the bottom of the body 50) shows the user whether the tank is correctly positioned on the shuttle and possibly whether there is a problem with the first connector that could lead to a hazard.
[0093] The display screen can be replaced by a colored visual indicator, e.g. an LED, without departing from the scope of the invention: such an indicator could consist of a warning light of a possible failure of a particular element of the tank, e.g. the end connector 52.
[0094] Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which shows various positions of the shuttle within compartment 4 with respect to the insertion of the tank.
[0095] As already mentioned and as can be seen in Fig. 7, the rail 7 is inclined with respect to the horizontal when the vehicle is positioned on level ground. The inclination of the rail 7 may, for example, preferably be between 5° and 45° with respect to the horizontal.
[0096] The shuttle 6 is mounted on the rail 7 so that it can move between a position for receiving the tank 5 and a position for connecting the tank 5 to the device 10 with a second connector associated with the first connector 52.
[0097] Consider FIG. 7 from left to right.
[0098] Initially, the shuttle 6 is in the receiving position: the tank 5 is brought onto the shuttle 6.
[0099] In a second step the tank 5 is placed on the shuttle 6: this is the docking position where the tank's position is locked on the shuttle 6. The docking element 71 is symbolically represented by a triangle.
[0100] In this way, the exact positioning of the tank relative to the shuttle 6 can be detected. Once this is done, an electric device drives the shuttle 6 to move it from the receiving position to the connecting position. For this purpose, a wedge 20 is shown in a rear position of the tank: it diagrammatically represents an interlocking device that applies a thrust to the shuttle to bring the tank into the connecting position. The wedge 20 may be realised by a pin 74 (i.e. the pin 74 and the wedge 20 may be the same object), but it may also be independent of the pin 74.
[0101] The third stage shows the shuttle moving towards the connection position. The inclination of the rail 7 also facilitates this movement.
[0102] The fourth stage shows the shuttle in the connected position and the tank connected to the device 10, meaning that the body of the tank 5 and the first and second connectors of the device 10 are fully assembled. The motorized device 20 further provides the thrust required to engage the connectors with each other at the end of the shuttle's travel as well as the security of the lock.
[0103] In a fifth step, the tank 5 is removed from the compartment 4: a motorized device pushes the shuttle 6 / tank 5 combination towards the entrance of the compartment 4 using the coupling element 71.
[0104] Note that in this example, the shuttle moves past the receiving position (phase 1) as it moves at least partially out of the rails to move the tank at least partially out of its compartment 4, thereby moving the tank closer to the user.
[0105] It will be appreciated that each section comprises a rail 7, a shuttle 6, and a motorized device (symbolized at least in part by the presence of a wedge 20).
[0106] To illustrate a further feature of a vehicle according to the present invention, reference is now made to FIG.
[0107] In an advantageous embodiment, the vehicle is equipped not only with a removable tank 5 but also with a fixed tank 8 instead of the fixed tank normally used in hydrogen-powered electric vehicles.
[0108] This stationary tank 8 is filled in the same way as conventional tanks at dedicated service stations, the inlet of the tank being equipped with a special refuelling nozzle for hydrogen.
[0109] This fixed tank holds approximately 4kg to 5kg of dihydrogen.
[0110] The tank is also connected to a fuel cell in a conventional manner.
[0111] A particular feature of the invention is the combination of two fluid circuits for supplying and emptying the fixed tank 8 and the removable tank 5: Figure 8 shows the overall architecture of the manufactured assembly.
[0112] All fluid circuits are equipped with a bypass type device 9 which operates to control the passage of hydrogen through the fluid circuit 12, thereby allowing hydrogen to pass through one line or another to either fill (or empty) a removable tank 5 (only one is shown in FIG. 8, but six removable tanks are theoretically lined up along the fluid circuit 11) or to fill (or empty) a fixed tank 8.
[0113] A main inlet 13 is provided for both circuits 11 and 12, this inlet 13 being connected to the refueling nozzle mentioned above. The main inlet 13 comprises a first bypass device for allowing hydrogen to pass either through the lines of fluid circuit 11 or through the lines of fluid circuit 12.
[0114] To provide additional safety in the event of a leak, two other bypass devices are provided at the inlet to each of the fluid circuits 11 and 12, and a pressure sensor is provided between the bypass device located at the main inlet 13 and each of the bypass devices located at the inlet to the fluid circuits 11 and 12.
[0115] Two other bypass devices are provided at the outlets of the fluid circuits 11 and 12 .
[0116] Fluid circuits 11 and 12 are connected in parallel and merge into an overall supply line 14 for a fuel cell (not shown).
[0117] The electronic control module 15 monitors the pressure at the inlet of each fluid circuit (by sensors reporting to the control module 15) and also monitors the operation of the bypass devices so that the filling of the fixed and removable tanks follows the following procedure.
[0118] The filling sequence begins in the stationary tank 8 (a bypass device allows only the passage of dihydrogen via the fluid circuit 12 to the stationary tank 8) until a pressure of 700 bar is reached.
[0119] The removable tank 5 is then filled, allowing only the passage of dihydrogen through the fluid circuit 11: the tanks are filled in a cascade fashion (the control module detects an empty tank to be filled).
[0120] It should be understood that the above described filling sequence is not limiting of the invention and that the filling can be performed in different ways without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0121] The method implemented by the control module 15 to operate the fuel cell is as follows.
[0122] The removable tanks take turns supplying the fuel cell first, however the last tank in the series of six removable tanks 5 is kept full and serves as an emergency reserve (allowing the vehicle to travel 50-70 km).
[0123] To enable this, the bypass devices at the outlets of the fluid circuits 11 and 12 are controlled to initially allow the passage of hydrogen from the first five removable tanks and to prevent the passage of hydrogen from circuit 12.
[0124] Then, when the first five removable tanks 5 are empty, the control module 15 allows the passage of hydrogen from the circuit 12 (stored in the tanks 8) to the fuel cell.
[0125] Thus, when a vehicle user wishes to refuel, depending on the available time and the technical means provided by the station (full detachable tanks in stock, available pumps, etc.), he can either exchange an empty detachable tank 5 for another full detachable tank 5 or use the pump to fill both the fixed tank 8 and the detachable tank 5.
[0126] The removable tanks could also be available in low-cost automated dispensers that are easier to install than traditional hydrogen stations. The location, availability, and payment for these removable automated dispensers could be managed via a dedicated digital application on a smartphone or other suitable device.
[0127] It should be noted that, due to the simplicity of the removable tank exchange system, one of the advantages of the present invention is that the removable tank can be delivered directly to the user (such as at home or at work), thus making it significantly easier to supply hydrogen to the user anywhere and anytime. It is an innovative way of refueling a vehicle compared to the usual way of refueling gasoline or other gases.
[0128] Reference is now made to Figures 9 and 10 to illustrate further special features of the vehicle according to the present invention.
[0129] It is known that hydrogen-powered electric vehicles must meet safety standards designed to prevent the risk of the vehicle exploding, particularly in the event of a rear-end collision.
[0130] The vehicle according to the invention provides means for ensuring the movement of the removable tank in the event of a rear-end collision of the vehicle, in order to convert part of the received impact energy into movement and to limit the effects of the impact on the removable tank (protecting the removable tank as much as possible).
[0131] FIG. 9 shows the rear of a vehicle according to the invention with its trunk 2 and large compartments 3 located below the trunk and equipped with access doors 30 (the large compartments 3 are equipped with individual compartments 4 each receiving a removable tank 5).
[0132] A strip 31 formed by part of the bodywork can be seen between the access door 30 of the main compartment 3 and the trunk lid 2 .
[0133] The strip 31 is for example a piece of the bodywork which forms a fuse that in the event of a collision is able to break and thereby absorb part of the energy produced in the event of a collision.
[0134] The impact wall is generally represented by the reference numeral 80 .
[0135] According to an advantageous embodiment, the vehicle further comprises a safety member inside the vehicle designed to pivot the removable tank 5 about one end of said rail 7 and position it substantially in a directional manner.
[0136] FIG. 10 shows diagrammatically such a safety member 32 arranged at least partially below the rail 7 .
[0137] The safety member 32 is designed to form a pusher that causes the removable tank 5 (or multiple removable tanks 5) to pivot in the event of a rear impact on the vehicle.
[0138] To achieve this, the safety member 32 comprises a first member part 33 which is capable of plastic deformation (the first member part deforms like a bellows and stores energy).
[0139] The first member part 33 is extended by a second member part 34 which is arranged below the rail and which is designed to move under the action of the thrust of said first member part 33 .
[0140] To achieve this, the second member part is made of a more resistant material in order to move this second part (under the action of the movement of the first member part 33 after its plastic deformation) before final deformation and final destruction, pushing against the rail and causing a pivoting P of the rail about the pivot axis Y, thereby placing the removable tank 5 located above the rail in a vertical position, or at least in an inclined position approaching the vertical position.
[0141] The safety elements 32, in combination with the strips 31, allow optimal protection of the removable tanks 5 and allow them to be removed from the vehicle.
[0142] From the above description it is clear how the present invention proposes a new electric vehicle powered by hydrogen that offers better performance thanks to the presence of several removable tanks, how such a vehicle offers a time-saving solution for the user when refueling with hydrogen, as well as how it allows refueling anywhere, by means of a simple dispenser or by delivering the removable tanks to the user's location, proposing a simple and reliable solution for replacing the removable tanks and providing optimal safety features.
[0143] It is to be understood that the invention may have alternative embodiments not set out above and extends to the implementation of equivalent means.
Claims
1. A refillable detachable tank (5) for a vehicle (1), particularly for an electric vehicle, comprising a main body (50) suitable for containing pressurized gas, and a first delivery connector (52) attached to a first end (51) of the tank body (50) and suitable for association with a second connector (10) of an automobile, wherein the association of the first and second connectors (52, 10) allows the pressurized gas to be introduced into and / or released from the main body (50) of the tank, The tank body (50) is elongated and has a body axis (X), The main body (50) is surrounded by a side protective shell (54) of the main body (50), and the side shell (54) is coaxial with the main body (50), - A first shell end (61) that at least partially surrounds the first body end (51) and is open to provide access to the first delivery connector (52) of the body (50) of the tank, - A second shell end (63) that at least partially surrounds the second end (53) of the main body (50) and is equipped with a handle (56) for gripping the tank. It is equipped with, A refillable detachable tank (5), characterized in that the shell (54) comprises at least two gripping elements (62, 64) aligned in a direction parallel to the axis (X) of the tank body (50), the two gripping elements (62, 64) being suitable for associating the shell (54) with a positioning shuttle (6) and placing the detachable tank (5) on the shuttle (6).
2. The refillable detachable tank according to claim 1, characterized in that the first shell end (61) extends beyond the end (51) of the first body (50) and forms a protective skirt (62) around the end (51) of the first body (50), the skirt (62) constituting a first engagement element suitable for engagement with the first coupling element (71) of the shuttle (6).
3. The detachable tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shell (54) comprises a housing (64) suitable for receiving the pin (74) of the shuttle (6), and the housing (64) constitutes a second engaging element.
4. The detachable tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shell (54) is provided with a second handle (56).
5. The tank according to claim 4, characterized in that the second handle (56) is at least partially retractable within the thickness of the shell.
6. The detachable tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second shell end (63) extends beyond the end (53) of the second body (50), defining a volume that extends the body, and the first handle (55) is formed within the volume that extends the body (50).
7. The detachable tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main body (50) has a total mass between approximately 1 and 30 kg.
8. The detachable tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main body (50) is equipped with a pressure relief valve and / or a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor.
9. The detachable tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shell (54) is equipped with a display device (57, 58) suitable for displaying the gauge of the main body (50), and the shell (54) is equipped with at least one warning light for indicating a failure of the first connector (52).
10. The detachable tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shell (54) has a polygonal cross-section.
11. A device comprising at least one detachable tank (5) as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one compartment (3; 4) for receiving the at least one detachable tank (5), The at least one compartment (3; 4) is provided with the at least one second connector (10) suitable for association with the first connector (52) of the detachable tank (5), A vehicle, particularly an automobile, characterized in that the at least one compartment (3; 4) comprises at least one shuttle (6) for positioning the at least one tank (5), the shuttle (6) is mounted on a rail (7) so as to be able to move between a position for receiving the at least one tank (5) and a position for connecting the at least one tank to the second connector (10), and the shuttle (6) comprises first and second coupling elements (71; 74) that engage with the at least two engaging elements (62, 64) of the at least one detachable tank (5), respectively, A vehicle characterized by comprising an electric motor capable of controlling the movement of the shuttle (6) on the rail (7) between the connection position and the receiving position, and vice versa.
12. The vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that the rail (7) is oriented in a position inclined with respect to the horizontal when the vehicle is positioned on a horizontal ground.
13. The vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one compartment (3; 4) is located below the trunk (2) of the vehicle (1), and the compartment (3; 4) is provided with a first entrance door (30) independent of a second entrance door to the trunk (2).
14. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the first entrance door (30) to the compartments (3; 4) is located at a predetermined distance of at least 40 cm from the entrance to each individual compartment (4) that receives the removable tank, the entrance to at least one individual compartment (4) is defined by one end of the rail (7), and the compartment (3) comprises the individual compartments (4).
15. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the compartment (3) comprises a plurality of individual compartments (4), each of which comprises a rail (7), a shuttle (6), a second connector (10), and an electric device for positioning the detachable tank and assisting in the removal of the detachable tank (5).
16. The vehicle according to claim 11, further comprising a fixed tank (8), wherein the at least one detachable tank (5) and the fixed tank (8) are connected to circuits (11, 12) for supplying and discharging pressurized gas, the circuits being in parallel with each other and associated with a common inlet (13) and a common outlet (14), and comprising a bypass device that allows the pressurized gas to pass through either one circuit (11) or the other circuit (12).
17. At least partially located below the at least one rail (7) The vehicle according to claim 11, further comprising one safety member (32), the at least one safety member (32) forming a pusher that, in the event of a rearward impact on the vehicle (1), pivots the at least one detachable tank (5) about the end axis (Y) of the rail, thereby positioning the at least one detachable tank (5) in a substantially vertical direction when the vehicle (1) is positioned on a horizontal support.
18. The vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the at least one safety member (32) includes a plastically deformable first member portion (33), the first member portion (33) is extended by a second member portion (34) which, in the event of a rear impact to the vehicle, can move under the thrust of the first member portion (33) after the plastic deformation of the first member portion (33).