Master manifold for a compressed fluid storage and distribution assembly for a vehicle

Abstract

The main collecting pipe (3) for a storage and distribution assembly (1) of compressed fluid for a vehicle comprising a plurality of compressed fluid tanks (4) is - a body (6) having a plurality of communication holes (9) configured to be in fluid communication with the tanks, - a distribution path (7) of the fluid stored in the tanks, which is provided in the body and configured to be in fluid communication with the tanks via a solenoid valve (10) and a manual valve (11), - a filling path (8) of the tanks provided in the body, the filling path (8) being configured to be in fluid communication with the tanks and includes. The manual valve is also used to effect fluid communication between the filling path of the tank and the tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a master manifold for a storage and distribution assembly of compressed fluid for a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a storage and distribution assembly of compressed fluid for a vehicle comprising a master manifold according to the present invention, and a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle, equipped with such an assembly. Finally, the present invention relates to a method for distributing compressed fluid for a vehicle, filling a compressed fluid tank, and discharging the fluid stored in the compressed fluid tank, using the master manifold according to the present invention.

Background Art

[0002] A master manifold (also called "manifold" in English) for a storage and distribution assembly of compressed fluid for a vehicle is already known in the prior art, for example by Patent Document 1. Such a master manifold is used to facilitate the management of the flow of fluid, especially gas, between a plurality of compressed fluid tanks. Such a plurality of tanks are used for motor vehicles, inter alia, for the purpose of storing compressed hydrogen. In fact, by using such a plurality of small-capacity tanks, the on-vehicle storage capacity can be increased when the available space is not suitable for incorporating a large-capacity storage tank. On the other hand, the use of a plurality of tanks requires, in addition to the master manifold, a plurality of functional devices such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, valves, etc. for the purpose of managing the flow of fluid between the tanks and the other parts of the vehicle, especially for fluid filling, distribution and / or discharge. Therefore, even if the space dimensions of the storage assembly can be reduced by using a plurality of tanks with a relatively small volume, the handling of the bulkiness of the storage assembly comprising the tanks, the master manifold and the functional devices in the vehicle may be somewhat complicated. In addition, the assembly of a plurality of functional devices to the master manifold also incurs additional costs when assembling the storage assembly in the vehicle.

[0003] Another example of a master manifold in the prior art is known from Patent Document 2.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Document

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention particularly aims to simply and economically reduce the spatial dimensions of a storage and distribution assembly for compressed fluid for a vehicle equipped with a main collecting pipe.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Therefore, the present invention is a main collecting pipe for a storage and distribution assembly of compressed fluid for a vehicle including a plurality of compressed fluid tanks, - a main body having a plurality of communication holes each configured to be in fluid communication with a tank, - an electromagnetic valve, - a manual valve, - a distribution path for the fluid stored in the tank, provided in the main body and configured to be in fluid communication with the tank via the electromagnetic valve and the manual valve, and including a first check valve that prohibits the passage of fluid in a first direction toward the tank and permits the passage of fluid in a second direction opposite to the first direction, - a filling path for the tank provided in the main body, configured to be in fluid communication with the tank, and including a second check valve that permits the passage of fluid in a first direction toward the tank and prohibits the passage of fluid in the opposite direction in the main collecting pipe including: The manual valve is also used to effect fluid communication between the filling path of the tank and the tank, characterized in that it is directed to the main collecting pipe.

[0007] Therefore, there is proposed a distribution path and a filling path that are at least partially separate but share the same manual valve to achieve fluid communication with the tank. As a result, the number of functional devices used, particularly the number of manual valves used, is reduced, thereby enabling cost reduction in the manufacture of the main collecting pipe, as well as reduction of its space dimensions and weight.

[0008] Also, according to the present invention, it is understood that the functional devices, namely the solenoid valve, the manual valve, and the first check valve and the second check valve, are directly held by the main collecting pipe and housed within its body. Therefore, the space dimensions of the storage assembly including the main collecting pipe, the functional devices, and the tank are small. Also, its assembly to the vehicle becomes easy. This is because instead of assembling each device individually to the vehicle, it suffices to assemble the main collecting pipe in which the functional devices are pre-installed. Furthermore, since the functional devices are supported by the main collecting pipe, the respective functions can be aggregated in the main collecting pipe, thereby eliminating the need to equip each tank with at least one of those functional devices and reducing the total number of functional devices used. Furthermore, by aggregating the functions in the main collecting pipe, it is possible to avoid the need to equip each tank with a tank tip portion between the individual tank and the main collecting pipe, as is the case with the storage assembly described in document WO2021 / 110707. Thereby, the storage assembly including the main collecting pipe is easy to use and at the same time achieves reduction of its manufacturing cost, space dimensions, and weight.

[0009] Therefore, it can be seen that the main collecting pipe is different from the communication tip portions arranged in the individual tanks or between the individual tanks and the main collecting pipe.

[0010] The distribution path and the filling path are obtained, for example, by machining the main body of the collecting pipe. It is a simple, efficient, and convenient means for obtaining such distribution paths and filling paths.

[0011] The first and second check valves, also called non-return valves, can regulate the flow of fluid in only one direction, and thus can prohibit the backflow of the fluid flowing through the supply line and the filling line during fluid supply and tank filling, respectively.

[0012] An "electromagnetic valve" is a valve that is electrically controlled and selectively blocks or opens the passage of fluid in a pipeline, and in some cases, performs such operations with an intermediate position that limits the opening degree of the valve. Here, the electromagnetic valve can selectively block or open the passage of fluid in the supply line. The electromagnetic valve can easily manage the supply of fluid via the supply line by permitting or prohibiting the passage of fluid via the supply line from the tank to the fluid consumption device.

[0013] A "manual valve" refers to a valve that can be manually operated by an operator to block or open the passage of fluid in a pipeline. Generally, the manual valve is open under normal operating conditions of the tank, that is, during filling and supply, namely, during normal use of the tank. And, for example, when the manual valve is closed for maintenance work that requires disconnection of a high-pressure tank, the tank can be disconnected.

[0014] A tank for compressed fluid is a tank that can store, for example, compressed hydrogen at a pressure of typically 35 MPa (350 bar), and further 70 MPa (700 bar) under ambient temperature. Also known are tanks that can store compressed natural gas (referred to as CNG) at a pressure of typically 20 MPa (200 bar), and further 30 MPa (300 bar) under ambient temperature. "Ambient temperature" refers to a temperature in the range of 20°C ± 10°C.

[0015] "A plurality of tanks" refers to at least two tanks, preferably at least five tanks, and further at least ten tanks.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the main body of the master collecting pipe is an elongated body extending along the main longitudinal axis between two axial ends. This configuration is particularly suitable for using the master collecting pipe for a plurality of side-by-side tanks. In that case, the communication holes are distributed between the two axial ends along the elongated body so as to face the communication tip portions of the respective tanks.

[0017] The present invention can further include any one or more of the following optional features, individually or in combination.

[0018] The master collecting pipe is a first discharge path for the fluid stored in the tank, and further has a first discharge path provided in the main body of the master collecting pipe for fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the tank. The first discharge path of the fluid stored in the tank is provided with a manual discharge valve for permitting or prohibiting fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the tank. Therefore, the discharge of the fluid to the outside of the tank and the master collecting pipe can be easily performed. This is particularly advantageous for performing maintenance work on the master collecting pipe or the tank simply and safely. In addition, by providing the discharge path of the fluid stored in the tank in the main body of the master collecting pipe, it is possible to facilitate the handling and installation of the master collecting pipe in the tank and the vehicle, and also to reduce the space dimensions of the discharge path.

[0019] The main collecting pipe is a second discharge path for the fluid stored in the tank, and further has a second discharge path provided in the main body of the main collecting pipe for fluid communication between the inside and outside of the tank. The second discharge path of the fluid stored in the tank is provided with a first thermally actuated pressure relief device for permitting or prohibiting fluid communication between the inside and outside of the tank. The presence of the first thermally actuated pressure relief device ensures the safety of the tank by enabling the fluid in the tank to be discharged to the outside when there is a risk of the fluid inside the tank being in an overpressure state, such as during a fire. Such a device is also called an overpressure prevention safety valve or a TPRD (Thermal and Pressure Relief Device in English). Since the thermally actuated pressure relief device is incorporated into the second discharge path of the fluid stored in the tank, that is, into the main body of the main collecting pipe, its safety function can be directly incorporated into the main collecting pipe, thereby facilitating the installation of the main collecting pipe and further reducing the spatial dimensions of the main collecting pipe.

[0020] Preferably, the main collecting pipe is a third discharge path for the fluid stored in the tank, and further has a third discharge path provided in the main body of the main collecting pipe for fluid communication between the inside and outside of the tank. The third discharge path of the fluid stored in the tank is provided with a second thermally actuated pressure relief device for permitting or prohibiting fluid communication between the inside and outside of the tank. Thereby, the safety of the assembly including the main collecting pipe is further improved. In fact, by using two thermally actuated pressure relief devices instead of just one, the detection of phenomena that may cause overpressure of the fluid inside the tank, typically the detection of a fire occurring near the tank, becomes easier and faster compared to the case where there is only one thermally actuated pressure relief device. This is because the two thermally actuated pressure relief devices can cover a larger spatial surface area compared to just one thermally actuated pressure relief device.

[0021] The main collecting pipe further includes a temperature sensor housed inside the main body of the main collecting pipe for measuring the temperature of the fluid in the main collecting pipe. Therefore, the fluid temperature measurement function is incorporated into the main collecting pipe, which facilitates its use and reduces the spatial dimensions of the assembly including the main collecting pipe. In addition, in the prior art, multiple temperature sensors are sometimes used, one temperature sensor per tank, and multiple temperature sensors are fixed to multiple tanks. In this embodiment, however, one common temperature sensor for the entire main collecting pipe and the tanks associated with the main collecting pipe is sufficient, which is very advantageous in this regard. Also, since the temperature sensor is located inside the main collecting pipe, the temperature sensor will provide an accurate measurement of the temperature of the fluid inside the main collecting pipe and thus the dispensed fluid. This can work to an advantage as tanks generally have higher heat insulation properties compared to the main collecting pipe with high thermal conductivity. Conversely, in the prior art, the temperature sensors used are attached to the tanks, for example at their tip levels. Therefore, while a measurement of the temperature of the fluid during storage can be obtained, an accurate measurement of the temperature of the dispensed fluid cannot be provided. Preferably, at least one additional temperature sensor is provided inside or in the immediate vicinity of one tank, but not for each tank. This is because all the tanks are connected to each other and measurements for one or some of the tanks may be sufficient. Therefore, as is understood, the number of temperature sensors is reduced, which can reduce the manufacturing and maintenance costs, as well as the weight and spatial dimensions of the main collecting pipe.

[0022] The master collecting pipe further includes a pressure sensor housed within the body of the master collecting pipe for measuring the pressure within the master collecting pipe. Therefore, the fluid pressure measurement function is incorporated within the master collecting pipe, thereby facilitating its use and reducing the size of the assembly including the master collecting pipe and the tank. Also, although one pressure sensor is sufficient for the entire collecting pipe and the tank with which the collecting pipe is associated, multiple pressure sensors fixed to the tank have been used in the prior art. Since the pressure sensor is located within the master collecting pipe, it provides an accurate measurement of the pressure of the fluid within the pressure sensor and thus the pressure of the dispensed fluid. In contrast, in the prior art, the pressure sensors used are attached to the tank, for example at its tip level, so that while a measurement of the pressure of the stored fluid can be obtained, an accurate measurement of the pressure of the dispensed fluid cannot be given. It is also understood that the number of pressure sensors is reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing and maintenance costs and also enabling a reduction in the weight and spatial dimensions of the master collecting pipe.

[0023] The main collecting pipe further includes at least one particle filter located on the upstream side or the downstream side of the manual valve. Therefore, the particle filtering function of the fluid is incorporated into the main collecting pipe, which facilitates its use and reduces the spatial dimensions of the assembly including the main collecting pipe and the tank. In addition, since the filtering function is concentrated in the main collecting pipe, there is no need to prepare a filter for each tank. Therefore, the number of filters used is reduced, which is economical and at the same time the weight of the main collecting pipe can be reduced. The filter can be located on the upstream side or the downstream side of the manual valve. The upstream and downstream positions are defined in relation to the direction of the fluid flow in the main collecting pipe. For example, when the fluid flows in the first direction from the filling path towards the tank and the filter is located on the upstream side of the manual valve, when the fluid flows in the second direction opposite to the first direction in the distribution path, the filter is considered to be located on the downstream side of the manual valve. Conversely, when the fluid flows in the first direction from the filling path towards the tank and the filter is located on the downstream side of the manual valve, when the fluid flows in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the filter is considered to be located on the upstream side of the manual valve. In a specific embodiment, the main collecting pipe includes two particle filters. For example, when the fluid flows in the first direction through the main collecting pipe towards the tank, the first filter is located on the upstream side of the manual valve, and when the fluid flows in the second direction opposite to the first direction through the main collecting pipe, the second filter is located on the downstream side of the manual valve.

[0024] The distribution path of the fluid stored in the tank is provided with a distribution hole that opens into the end region of the main body of the master manifold. The filling path is a supply hole separate from the distribution hole and is provided with a supply hole that opens into the same end region of the master manifold as the distribution hole. Since the pipelines that will be fluid-connected to the distribution hole and the supply hole can be grouped together within the same limited area, the compactness of the master manifold is further improved. At the same time, it is also understood that the installation of the master manifold becomes easier. According to an embodiment, the end region of the master manifold body has an end face of the body and an outer peripheral edge face of the body, and the outer peripheral edge face of the body extends from the end face of the body toward the first of the communication holes. The first communication hole corresponds to the communication hole that is spatially closest to the end face of the body. In a preferred embodiment, the body extends between two axial ends along the main longitudinal axis, and the end region corresponds to one of the two axial ends of the body.

[0025] The distribution path is provided with a flow rate limiting valve disposed between the solenoid valve and the manual valve. Therefore, the fluid distribution flow rate limiting function is incorporated into the master manifold, thereby facilitating the use of the master manifold and reducing the size of the assembly including the master manifold. The flow rate limiting valve is also called a flow rate limiting valve or a valve forming a flow rate limiting device.

[0026] The body of the master manifold is integrally formed and is made of a material suitable for use in passing compressed gas, especially a material guaranteed for use in hydrogen-related applications, such as materials like aluminum or stainless steel. Therefore, a master manifold that is easy to manufacture, compact, and robust can be obtained. Of particular note is that functional devices of the master manifold, such as the manual valve, solenoid valve, first check valve, and second check valve, or temperature sensor or pressure sensor, can be incorporated very compactly within the body of the master manifold, such that, for example, there is little or no area protruding outside the envelope surface defined by the master manifold body. According to a specific embodiment, the body of the master manifold extends elongately and is in the form of a hollow profile made of a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel that is easy to use and strong. Naturally, other metals that can be used to flow compressed gas can also be used.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a storage and distribution assembly for a compressed fluid for a vehicle comprising the above-described main collecting pipe. Preferably, the assembly includes a plurality of compressed fluid tanks adapted to cooperate with the main collecting pipe for storing and distributing the compressed fluid.

[0028] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle, comprising the above-described storage and distribution assembly for a compressed fluid. Preferably, the compressed fluid is a compressed gas such as, for example, dihydrogen. It is advantageous for this compressed gas to be used as fuel in a fuel cell, for example, to generate the electricity required for operating an electric motor of the vehicle.

[0029] The present invention relates to a method for distributing a compressed fluid for a vehicle using the above-described main collecting pipe, a) opening the solenoid valve with the manual valve open; b) distributing the fluid from the tank to the fluid consuming device through the distribution line and also relates to a method including these steps.

[0030] This method can easily supply the fluid to the fluid consuming device. For example, the fluid is a compressed gas such as dihydrogen and the fluid consuming device is a fuel cell.

[0031] The present invention relates to a method for filling a compressed fluid tank using the above-described main collecting pipe, a) closing the solenoid valve with the manual valve open; b) supplying the fluid from a fluid source to the tank through a filling line and also relates to a method including these steps.

[0032] This method makes it possible to easily fill the tank from a fluid source.

[0033] Finally, the present invention relates to a method for discharging the fluid stored in a compressed fluid tank using the above-described main collecting pipe, a) closing the manual valve; b) the step of opening the manual drain valve and The method including this is also targeted.

[0034] Thereby, for performing maintenance work and the like, the fluid in the main header pipe and the tank can be easily drained.

[0035] The present invention is shown only as a non-limiting example and will be better understood by reading the following description made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

Figure 4D

Figure 4E

Figure 4F

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0037] A storage and distribution assembly 1 of a compressed fluid attached to a motor vehicle 2, comprising a main manifold 3 (also called a "manifold" according to its English name) according to the present invention and a plurality of compressed fluid tanks 4, is shown in FIGS. 1 to 4F.

[0038] Here, the fluid to be stored and distributed by the storage and distribution assembly 1 of the compressed fluid is a gas, for example, compressed hydrogen. Therefore, the tank 4 for the compressed fluid is a tank 4 suitable for storing compressed hydrogen at a storage pressure reaching 350 bar and even 700 bar under ambient temperature. The compressed fluid tanks 4 are integrated with each other by a support structure (not shown) and the main manifold 3. According to this embodiment, the tanks 4 are identical to each other. Each tank 4 has a shape extending substantially cylindrically and is provided with an inner jacket (not shown), also called a liner. The liner is made of a polymer material or the like and has at least one flap-shaped opening. Each tank 4 further comprises a tip portion 5 (FIG. 4F) that protrudes above the flap portion to cooperate with the main manifold 3 so that the main manifold 3 can be fixed to the tank 4. In another embodiment, at least one of the tanks is different from the others. In this embodiment, the tanks 4 extend in the longitudinal direction and are arranged parallel to each other and further aligned (FIGS. 1 and 2). The number of tanks 4 varies depending on the embodiment, particularly the desired gas storage capacity and further the available space within the motor vehicle 2. Therefore, the assembly 1 comprises at least three tanks, preferably at least five tanks, and further at least ten tanks, and in this example, more specifically, thirteen tanks (only three tanks 4 are shown in FIGS. 2 and 4A to 4F, and only four tanks 4 are shown in FIG. 3).

[0039] The main manifold 3 has an elongated overall shape and particularly comprises a body 6, a distribution passage 7, a filling passage 8, and functional devices.

[0040] The main body 6 of the header manifold 3 has an elongated overall shape extending between two longitudinal ends and is formed by integral molding (Figs. 2 and 4E). The header manifold is made of a material suitable for use in flowing a compressed gas, particularly compressed hydrogen, such as aluminum or stainless steel. In alternative embodiments, it is understood that materials other than aluminum or stainless steel, particularly metallic materials, can be used. The main body 6 has a plurality of communication holes 9 configured to be in fluid communication with the tanks 4 respectively (Figs. 3 and 4F). For example, the tank 4 is screwed, latched or clamped to the communication hole 9 of the header manifold 3 at its tip 5 so that the interior of the tank 4 and the communication hole 9 to which the tank is fixed are in fluid communication.

[0041] A distribution path 7 for the fluid stored in the tank 4 is provided in the main body 6 of the header manifold 3 (Figs. 3 and 4E). The distribution path 7 is configured to be in fluid communication with the tank 4 via an electromagnetic valve 10 and a manual valve 11. The distribution path 7 includes a distribution hole 12 that opens in an end region of the main body 6 of the header manifold 3, more specifically, in an end face 13 of the main body 6 of the header manifold 3 (Fig. 4A). This distribution hole 12 is for fluidly connecting to a fluid supply pipe to a fluid consuming device (not shown).

[0042] The solenoid valve 10 is a valve that is electrically controlled and selectively prohibits or permits the fluid to pass through the distribution path 7. When the solenoid valve 10 is closed, it stops the flow of the fluid in the distribution path 7. That is, it prohibits the distribution of the fluid to the fluid consumption device. When the solenoid valve 10 is open, it permits the passage of the fluid in the distribution path 7. That is, it permits the distribution of the fluid to the fluid consumption device. The manual valve 11 also performs the same function. That is, it prohibits or permits the passage of the fluid to the distribution path 7 in the same way, but the control is not performed electrically but manually by an operator or the like, which is different. Therefore, the fluid can flow through the distribution path 7 from the tank 4 to the fluid consumption device only when both the solenoid valve 10 and the manual valve 11 are open. In this case, the fluid is a gas, specifically hydrogen gas, and the device that consumes the fluid is a fuel cell that can utilize hydrogen as fuel for power generation. In other embodiments, the fluid may be of another nature. For example, the fluid may be a gas other than hydrogen.

[0043] The distribution path 7 further includes a first check valve 14 that prohibits the passage of the fluid in the first direction of the distribution path 7 toward the tank 4 and permits the passage of the fluid in the second direction of the distribution path 7 opposite to the first direction.

[0044] The distribution path 7 further includes a flow rate limiting valve 15 disposed between the solenoid valve 10 and the manual valve 11 (FIGS. 3 and 4E). The flow rate limiting valve 15 can adjust the distribution flow rate of the fluid toward the fluid consumption device.

[0045] The supply line 7 comprises a first particle filter 16 arranged between the manual valve 11 and the flow rate limiting valve 15 (Figs. 3 and 4E). In other words, the first particle filter 16 is arranged downstream of the manual valve 11 when the fluid flows in the supply line 7 in a second direction from the tank 4 towards the supply hole 12 of the supply line 7. The characteristics of the first filter 16 are selected according to the particles to be filtered and the purity level that the fluid to be stored and distributed by the storage and distribution assembly 1 to the fluid consuming device must have. According to a variant embodiment (not shown), the first particle filter 16 is arranged between the manual valve 11 and the tank 4. In other words, according to this variant embodiment, the first particle filter 16 is arranged upstream of the manual valve 11 when the fluid flows in the supply line 7 in a second direction from the tank 4 towards the supply hole 12 of the supply line 7.

[0046] The filling line 8 of the tank 4 is also provided in the body 6 of the main collecting pipe 3 (Figs. 3 and 4E). The filling line 8 of the tank 4 is configured to be in fluid communication with the tank 4. The filling line 8 comprises a second check valve 17 that permits the passage of the fluid in the filling line 8 of the tank 4 in a first direction towards the tank 4 and prohibits the passage of the fluid in the tank filling line 8 in the direction opposite to the first direction.

[0047] The manual valve 11 used in the supply line 7 is also used to effect fluid communication between the filling line 8 of the tank 4 and the tank 4 (Figs. 3 and 4E). Using only one manual valve 11 for the supply line 7 and the filling line 8 of the tank 4 is advantageous in that it can reduce the number of manual valves 11 used thereby and is economical, and can reduce the spatial dimensions of the main collecting pipe 3. Also, since this manual valve 11 is within the main collecting pipe 3 rather than at the tip 5 of the tank etc., it becomes possible to concentrate the function of the manual valve 11 within the main collecting pipe 3, and it is also understood that the use of the fluid storage and distribution assembly 1 becomes easier.

[0048] The filling passage 8 of the tank 4 is provided with a supply hole 18 that opens into an end region of the master manifold 3 where the distribution hole 12 of the distribution passage 7 opens (FIG. 4A). More specifically, the supply hole 18 opens into the end face 13 of the master manifold 3 where the distribution hole 12 opens. Therefore, the installation of the master manifold 3 becomes easy, the piping layout for passing fluid in the vehicle 2 can be optimized, and the space dimensions of the master manifold 3 are reduced. The supply hole 18 is configured to be fluid-connected to a fluid supply source. In this case, the fluid supply source is a source of compressed dihydrogen.

[0049] The filling passage 8 of the tank 4 is provided with a second particle filter 19. In this case, the second particle filter 19 is disposed between the supply hole 18 and the second check valve 17 (FIGS. 3 and 4E). According to a modified embodiment (not shown), the second particle filter 19 can be disposed at other locations in the filling passage 8 of the tank 4, for example, between the second check valve 17 and the manual valve 11. The second particle filter 19 can remove some of the impurities that may be present in the fluid when the fluid enters the master manifold 3.

[0050] The main collecting pipe 3 further includes a first discharge path 20 for the fluid stored in the tank 4 (Figs. 3 and 4E). The first discharge path 20 for the fluid stored in the tank is provided in the main body 6 of the main collecting pipe 3 and is intended to fluidly communicate the inside and the outside of the tank 4. The first discharge path 20 for the fluid stored in the tank has a first discharge hole 21 that opens on the surface of the main body 6 of the main collecting pipe 3. In this case, the first discharge hole 21 is the end face 13 of the main body 6 of the main collecting pipe 3 and opens on the end face 13 opposite to the end face 13 where the distribution hole 12 and the supply hole 18 open (Fig. 4B). According to another embodiment (not shown), the first discharge hole 21 may be opened at other locations, for example, on the end face 13 where the distribution hole 12 and the supply hole 18 open. The first discharge path 20 for the fluid stored in the tank 4 includes a manual discharge valve 22 for prohibiting or permitting the fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the tank 4. Thereby, when the operator attempts to perform maintenance work that requires a fluid-free state on the fluid storage and distribution assembly 2, the operator can easily discharge the fluid by opening the manual discharge valve 22 and discharging the fluid in the tank 4 and the main collecting pipe 3, here hydrogen, from the first discharge hole 21 to the outside through the first discharge path 20 for the fluid in the tank 4.

[0051] The main collecting pipe 3 further includes a second discharge passage 23 for the fluid stored in the tank 4 (Figs. 3 and 4E). The second discharge passage 23 for the fluid stored in the tank 4 is provided in the main body 6 of the main collecting pipe 3 and is intended to fluidly communicate the inside and the outside of the tank 4. The second discharge passage 23 for the fluid stored in the tank 4 has a second discharge hole 24 that opens on the surface of the main body 6 of the main collecting pipe 3. The second discharge passage 23 for the fluid stored in the tank 4 includes a first thermally actuated pressure relief device 25, which is also referred to by the acronym TPRD in English. The first thermally actuated pressure relief device 25 is intended to permit or prohibit the fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the tank 4. Conventionally, the thermally actuated pressure relief device 25 prohibits the fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the tank 4 via the second discharge passage 23 when there is no abnormal heat source, typically when there is no fire. When a fire occurs, the thermally actuated pressure relief device 25 undergoes a structural change to enable the fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the tank 4 via the second discharge passage 23. This communication enables the fluid in the tank 4 and the main collecting pipe 3 to be discharged to the outside through the second discharge hole 24 via the second discharge passage 23. Such a thermally actuated pressure relief device 25 makes it possible to enhance the safety of the fluid storage and distribution assembly 1 by avoiding the occurrence of overpressure in the tank 4 that could cause an explosion of the tank 4. In this case, the second discharge hole 24 opens at the axial end level of the main body 6 of the main collecting pipe 3, including the end face 13 where the distribution hole 12 and the supply hole 18 open, on the lower surface of the main body 6 of the main collecting pipe 3 (Fig. 4C). According to another embodiment (not shown), the second discharge hole 24 may be opened at other locations, for example, at the level of the end face 13 of the main body 6 of the main collecting pipe 3 where the distribution hole 12 and the supply hole 18 open.

[0052] In this case, the main manifold 3 further includes a third discharge passage 26 for the fluid stored in the tank 4. The third discharge passage 26 for the fluid stored in the tank 4 is provided in the main body 6 of the main manifold 3 and is intended to fluidly connect the inside and the outside of the tank 4. The third discharge passage 26 for the fluid stored in the tank 4 has a third discharge hole 27 that opens on the surface of the main body 6 of the main manifold 3. The third discharge passage 26 for the fluid stored in the tank 4 includes a second thermally actuated pressure relief device 28, which is also referred to by the acronym TPRD. Similar to the first thermally actuated pressure relief device 25, the second thermally actuated pressure relief device 28 is intended to permit or prohibit the fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the tank 4. The presence of this second thermally actuated pressure relief device 28 increases the detection area in case of a fire and further enhances the safety of the compressed fluid storage and distribution assembly 1. In this case, the third discharge hole 27 opens at the axial end level of the lower surface of the main body 6 of the main manifold 3, which is opposite to the axial end where the second discharge hole 24 opens (Fig. 4C). That is, it is the axial end including the end face 13 where the first discharge hole 21 opens. In another embodiment (not shown), the third discharge hole 27 can be opened at other locations, for example, at the end face 13 where the first discharge hole 21 opens.

[0053] Fig. 3 is a schematic view, and for simplicity, unless otherwise specified, it does not necessarily accurately represent the positional relationship between various functional devices. In particular, it can be seen that the first discharge hole 21, the second discharge hole 24, and the third discharge hole 27 are arranged at different positions that do not correspond to those shown in Fig. 4E.

[0054] The main manifold 3 further includes a plug 6a configured to seal the holes provided in the main body 6 of the main manifold 3 for generating various flow paths provided in the main manifold 3, especially against the fluid flowing in the main manifold 3 during its machining (Figs. 4D and 4E). Thereby, it is possible to advantageously and simply prevent the fluid flowing in the main manifold 3 from leaking to the outside.

[0055] The main collecting pipe 3 further includes a temperature sensor 29 accommodated in the main body 6 of the main collecting pipe 3 for measuring the temperature of the fluid in the main collecting pipe 3. Therefore, this temperature sensor 29 can measure the temperature of the distributed fluid, that is, in this embodiment, the temperature of the dihydrogen supplied to the fuel cell.

[0056] The main collecting pipe 3 further includes a pressure sensor 30 accommodated in the main body 6 of the main collecting pipe for measuring the pressure inside the main collecting pipe 3. It is understood that when measuring the pressure of the fluid in the collecting pipe, it is more advantageous to use only one pressure sensor 30 than to use a plurality of pressure sensors to measure the pressure of the fluid in the tank.

[0057] The measured values by the temperature sensor 29 and the pressure sensor 30 are transmitted to an electronic control unit (not shown) that can process that information and issue corrective measures as necessary when the temperature and / or pressure deviates from a predetermined value range of those parameters. The temperature sensor 29, the pressure sensor 30, and the solenoid valve 10 are connected to the electronic control unit via an electronic connector 6c attached to the main body 6 of the main collecting pipe 3 (FIGS. 4A, 4C, and 4F). In the embodiment shown here, the electronic connector 6c is attached to the lower surface of the main body 6 of the main collecting pipe 3.

[0058] The main body 6 of the main collecting pipe 3 is provided with recesses 6b (FIGS. 4A and 4B). Here, each recess 6b penetrates the main body 6 of the main collecting pipe 3 axially from end to end and opens at two end face levels of the main body 6. These recesses 6b advantageously enable the weight reduction of the main collecting pipe 3.

[0059] The overall collecting pipe 3 according to the present invention is particularly advantageous in that it can incorporate a number of functional devices, such as a manual valve 11, a solenoid valve 10, a manual drain valve 22, a temperature sensor 30, a pressure sensor 30, a first thermally actuated pressure reducing device 25, and further a second thermally actuated pressure reducing device 28. Therefore, these functions can be concentrated in the overall collecting pipe 3, thereby optimizing the number of functional devices used and simplifying the installation and use of the overall collecting pipe 3. In particular, the fact that there is only one manual valve 11 used for the supply line 7 and the filling line 8 of the tank 4 is particularly advantageous in terms of saving manual valves and gaining space and weight. It should also be noted that since the functional devices are housed within the main body 6 of the overall collecting pipe, the number of functional devices protruding outside the envelope surface defined by the main body 6 of the overall collecting pipe 3 is zero or very small, and the appearance of the overall collecting pipe becomes refined. Thereby, the spatial dimensions of the overall collecting pipe 3 are optimized. In the drawings, particularly in FIG. 4E, the functional devices are shown schematically.

[0060] The advantages of the present invention are particularly evident when comparing the fluid storage and distribution assembly 1 according to the present invention with a prior art fluid storage and distribution assembly 1' as shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5 representing the prior art, the elements corresponding to those of the present invention are shown with the same numerical reference numerals with an apostrophe " ' ".

[0061] The prior art fluid storage and distribution assembly 1' comprises a master manifold 3' having a body 6' of overall shape extending between two axial ends. The prior art master manifold 3' is fixed to a tank 4' of compressed fluid via a tip 5' of the tank. The body 6' comprises a filling passage (not shown) for the tank 4' and a distribution passage (not shown) for the fluid stored in the tank 4'. The filling passage has a supply hole 18' opening into an end face 13' of the body 6' of the master manifold 3'. The distribution passage has a distribution hole (not shown) opening into the other end face of the body 6' of the master manifold 3', which is axially opposite to the end face 13' where the supply hole 18' opens. Each of the distribution passage and the filling passage comprises one manual valve (not shown) for prohibiting or permitting fluid communication between the tank and its respective flow path. Therefore, it can be seen that a large number of manual valves are used compared to the present invention.

[0062] The prior art fluid storage and distribution assembly 1' comprises functional devices forming parts protruding from the outer surface of the body 6' of the master manifold 3'. In particular, FIG. 5 depicts a thermally actuated pressure relief device 25' and a discharge passage 20' for the fluid stored in the tank 4'. These functional devices are not within the body 6' of the master manifold 3', and for this reason its space dimensions increase.

[0063] The operation of the compressed fluid storage and distribution assembly 1 for the vehicle 2 according to the present invention will be described below.

[0064] The first step for the use of the fluid storage and distribution assembly 1 is to fill the tank 4 with compressed fluid, i.e., compressed dihydrogen here, using the master manifold 3. Therefore, the following steps are performed. - Close the solenoid valve 10 with the manual valve 11 open or confirm that the solenoid valve 10 is indeed closed. Thereby, the fluid can flow only within the filling passage 8 of the tank 4. - Fluid is supplied from a fluid source to tank 4, here hydrogen gas. This supply is carried out through the filling path 8 in the order of the supply hole 18, the second particle filter 19, the second check valve 17, the manual valve 11, and the communication hole 9 of the main manifold 3, and finally reaches the tip 5 of each tank 4. During this filling, the second check valve 17 prevents the reverse flow of fluid towards the fluid source, and the closed solenoid valve 10 prohibits the fluid from flowing out of the main manifold 3 to the fluid consuming device, here the fuel cell.

[0065] When the filling of tank 4 is completed, the fluid, here hydrogen gas, is utilized as an energy source for generating electricity by being supplied to the fluid consuming device, here the fuel cell, by the motor vehicle 2. Next, the second step in the use of the fluid storage and distribution assembly 1 is to distribute the fluid, here hydrogen gas, stored in tank 4 to its fluid consuming device, here the fuel cell, using the main manifold 3. Therefore, the following steps are carried out. That is, - The step of opening the solenoid valve 10 with the manual valve 11 open. By doing so, the only path through which the fluid can flow is the distribution path 7 of the fluid stored in tank 4. Furthermore, - The step of distributing the fluid, here hydrogen gas, from tank 4 to the fluid consuming device, here the fuel cell. This distribution is made possible by the solenoid valve 10 and the manual valve 11 being open. This distribution is carried out through the distribution path 7 in the order of the tip 5 of tank 4, the communication hole 9 of the main manifold 3, the manual valve 11, the first filter 16, the flow rate limiting valve 15, the solenoid valve 10, the first check valve 14, and the distribution hole 12. During this distribution, the first check valve 14 prevents the reverse flow of fluid towards tank 4, and the second check valve 17 prevents the leakage of fluid through the supply hole 18 of the filling path 8 of tank 4.

[0066] On the one hand, during the life cycle of the fluid storage and distribution assembly 1, various maintenance operations need to be performed on the assembly, particularly on the main collecting pipe 3. For some of these maintenance operations, it is necessary for the main collecting pipe 3 and the tank 4 to be in a state where they do not contain fluid, that is, in a state where they do not contain compressed hydrogen here. Therefore, it is necessary to discharge the fluid, particularly the fluid stored in the tank, outside the tank and outside the main collecting pipe 3. Therefore, the following steps are performed. That is, - Step of closing the manual valve 11. Then, the risk of fluid leakage through the distribution hole 12 or the supply hole 18 is eliminated. - Step of opening the manual discharge valve 22. Since the fluid is in a compressed state inside the tank 4 and the main collecting pipe 3, naturally, the fluid escapes outside the tank 4 and outside the main collecting pipe 3 and heads outside through the first discharge path 20 and the first discharge hole 21 of the fluid stored in the tank 4. Therefore, the fluid is easily discharged from the main collecting pipe 3 and the tank 4, and the operator can perform the necessary maintenance operations.

[0067] The present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0068] 1 Fluid storage and distribution assembly for a vehicle 2 Automobile 3 Main collecting pipe 4 Tank 5 Tip of the tank 6 Body of the main collecting pipe 6a Plug 6b Recess 6c Electrical connector 7 Distribution path of the fluid stored in the tank 8 Filling path of the tank 9 Communication hole of the main collecting pipe 10 Electromagnetic valve 11 Manual valve 12 Distribution hole 13 End face of the main collecting pipe 14 First check valve 15 Flow restriction valve 16 First filter 17 Second check valve 18 Supply hole of the tank filling path 19 Second particle filter 20 First discharge path of the fluid stored in the tank 21 First discharge hole 22 Manual discharge valve 23 Second discharge path of the fluid stored in the tank 24 Second discharge hole 25 First thermally actuated pressure reducing device 26 Third discharge path of the fluid stored in the tank 27 Third discharge hole 28 Second thermally actuated pressure reducing device 29 Temperature sensor 30 Pressure sensor

Claims

1. A master manifold (3) for a storage and distribution assembly (1) of compressed fluid for a vehicle (2) comprising a plurality of compressed fluid tanks (4), - a body (6) having a plurality of communication holes (9) each configured to be in fluid communication with said tank (4), - a solenoid valve (10), - a manual valve (11), - a distribution passage (7) for the fluid stored in said tank (4), provided in said body (6) and configured to be in fluid communication with said tank (4) via said solenoid valve (10) and said manual valve (11), and having a first check valve (14) configured to prohibit the passage of fluid in a first direction towards said tank (4) and permit the passage of fluid in a second direction opposite to said first direction, - a filling passage (8) for said tank (4) provided in said body (6) and configured to be in fluid communication with said tank (4), and having a second check valve (17) configured to permit the passage of fluid in said first direction towards said tank (4) and prohibit the passage of fluid in the opposite direction, in the master manifold (3) comprising: The master manifold (3), characterized in that said manual valve (11) is also used to effect fluid communication between the filling passage (8) of said tank (4) and said tank (4).

2. The master manifold (3) according to claim 1, further comprising a first discharge passage (20) for the fluid stored in said tank (4), provided in said body (6) of said master manifold (3) to fluidly communicate the interior and exterior of said tank (4), and said first discharge passage (20) for the fluid stored in said tank having a manual discharge valve (22) for permitting or prohibiting said fluid communication between the interior and exterior of said tank (4).

3. The master manifold (3) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second discharge passage (23) for the fluid stored in said tank (4), provided in said body (6) of said master manifold (3) to fluidly communicate the interior and exterior of said tank (4), and said second discharge passage (23) having a first thermally actuated pressure reducing device (25) for permitting or prohibiting said fluid communication between the interior and exterior of said tank (4).

4. A third discharge passage (26) for the fluid stored in the tank (4), further comprising a third discharge passage (26) provided in the main body (6) of the master manifold (3) for fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the tank (4), the third discharge passage (26) comprising a second thermally actuated pressure reducing device (28) for permitting or prohibiting the fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the tank (4), the master manifold (3) according to claim 3.

5. A temperature sensor (29) housed in the main body (6) of the master manifold (3), further comprising a temperature sensor (29) for measuring the temperature of the fluid in the master manifold (3), the master manifold (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A pressure sensor (30) housed in the main body (6) of the master manifold (3), further comprising a pressure sensor (30) for measuring the pressure in the master manifold (3), the master manifold (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The master manifold (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising at least one particle filter (16) located upstream or downstream of the manual valve (11).

8. The distribution passage (7) for the fluid stored in the tank (4) comprises a distribution hole (12) opening into an end region of the main body (6) of the master manifold (3), and the filling passage (8) is a supply hole (18) separate from the distribution hole (12), the supply hole (18) opening into the same end region of the master manifold (3) as the distribution hole (12), the master manifold (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The distribution passage (7) comprises a flow rate limiting valve (15) disposed between the solenoid valve (10) and the manual valve (11), the master manifold (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The main body (6) of the master manifold (3) is integrally formed and made of a material suitable for use in passing compressed gas, such as a material like aluminum or stainless steel, the master manifold (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A storage and distribution assembly (1) for compressed fluid for a vehicle (2) comprising the manifold (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A vehicle (2), preferably a motor vehicle, comprising the storage and distribution assembly (1) for compressed fluid according to claim 11.

13. A method for distributing a compressed fluid for a vehicle (2) using the main collecting pipe (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: a) opening the solenoid valve (10) with the manual valve (11) open; b) distributing fluid from the tank (4) to the fluid consuming device through the distribution path (7). A method comprising the steps.

14. A method for filling a compressed fluid tank (4) using the main collecting pipe (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: a) closing the solenoid valve (10) with the manual valve (11) open; b) supplying the fluid from a fluid supply source to the tank (4) through the filling path (8). A method comprising the steps.

15. A method for discharging the fluid stored in the compressed fluid tank (4) using the main collecting pipe (3) according to any one of claims 2 to 10, comprising: a) closing the manual valve (11); b) opening the manual discharge valve (22). A method comprising the steps.

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