Valve for a pressurized fluid reservoir

Abstract

1. A valve (1) for a fluid reservoir, comprising: an inner part arranged inside the reservoir (3), the inner part including at least a part of a sensor (34, 35) for measuring at least one parameter characterizing the fluid; the valve (1) being capable of receiving information originating from an external computer (5); the valve (1) comprising an outer part arranged outside the reservoir (3), the outer part including first acquisition means (9) for acquiring data originating from the sensors (34, 35); communication means (11) using a digital cable communication interface for two-way communication with the computer (5); operation means (13) configured to take into account the information received from the computer (5) and the data originating from the sensors (34, 35) to operate an actuator (100) of the valve (1), the actuator (100) being coupled to the actuator (100) by at least one electrical connection (15); and means (17) for measuring at least one current parameter within the electrical connection (15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of storage and distribution of fluids, particularly pressurized fluids, and more particularly to the field of reservoirs for containing fuels for supplying chemical energy to any fixed or mobile equipment (vehicles on roads, railways, seas, air, space). More particularly, the present invention relates to valves for reservoirs of fluids, particularly pressurized fluids.

Background Art

[0002] In vehicles using multiple pressurized reservoirs, for example, storing hydrogen compressed at 700 bar (abbreviated as H70 in standard ANSI HGV 3.1) or 350 bar (abbreviated as H35 in standard ANSI HGV 3.1), or storing compressed natural gas (abbreviated as CNG) at 200 bar, each reservoir is equipped with a shut-off valve (referred to as "Shut-off valve" in English) and, if necessary, temperature and / or pressure sensors.

[0003] These valves are - separating the pressurized fluid reservoir from the pressure regulating circuit when the supply of fluid is not required by the vehicle, - replenishing a fluid consumption system such as a fuel cell or a heat engine when the supply of fluid is required for the operation of the vehicle, - enabling the filling operation of the reservoir via a specific filling interface connected to a filling station to be possible.

[0004] Each of these devices is managed by a central computer or operating module that manages all or part of these devices. Depending on the number of these devices, the design of these computers should be adapted to the application considered. These devices also have specific communication interfaces that are not necessarily present in the computers already present in the vehicle. These adjustments involve additional costs, either to design the computers according to very reasonable needs (specific developments) or due to the necessary large size of the general-purpose computers. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has a particular object to provide a system including a reservoir of fluid, particularly under pressure, managed by a central computer, which does not require the aforementioned coordination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To that end, the present invention is directed to a valve for a reservoir of fluid, in particular a pressurized fluid, the valve including an inner portion configured to be placed inside the reservoir, the inner portion including at least a portion of a sensor for measuring at least one parameter characterizing the fluid, the valve being capable of receiving information originating from a computer external to the valve. The valve further includes an outer portion configured to be placed outside the reservoir, the outer portion including: - first acquisition means adapted to acquire data originating from at least one sensor; - a communication means using a digital cable communication interface capable of bidirectionally communicating with an external computer; - actuation means configured to take into account information received from an external computer and data originating from at least one sensor in order to actuate at least one actuator of the valve, the at least one actuator being coupled by at least one electrical connection; - means for measuring at least one current parameter in the electrical connection; Includes an internal calculator including:

[0007] In this way the valve is made autonomous and can adapt to managing a variety of equipment without requiring adjustment of a computer external to the valve or the development of expensive additional interfaces.

[0008] The digital cable interface is for example a digital wired interface or a digital fiber optic interface. The digital wired interface is for example an interface of the CAN, FlexRay or LIN type. Understanding that the electric circuit of the car is wired, the digital wired communication interface allows the communication module to be connected to other components of the electric circuit of the car, for example the vehicle's computer. Moreover, the digital cable interface offers better digital security than a digital interface that is wireless, for example WiFi. Indeed, with a digital wireless interface, it would be even easier to hack the communication between the external computer and the valve, for example to cause an uncontrolled opening of the valve.

[0009] Moreover, at least one actuator of the valve is coupled to the operating means by at least one electrical connection, and the valve includes means for measuring at least one current parameter in the electrical connection, making it possible to make a diagnosis of the state of the valve without the need for telemetry. Such a diagnosis is free of the background noise generated by telemetry. It is therefore more reliable. Security is therefore improved. It should also be noted that telemetry requires one or more additional sensors, which would cause additional costs to make a diagnosis of the state of the valve.

[0010] For example, "part of the sensor" means the sensitive element of the sensor, the housing of the sensor, the electrical connections of the sensor, a protective tube for the sensor (if the sensor is a temperature sensor), etc.

[0011] The fluids in question are for example gasoline, diesel, compressed hydrogen, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (abbreviated LPG) or biogas, for example biomethane.

[0012] "Inner portion" means a portion of the valve that is configured to be placed inside the reservoir and that comes into contact with the fluid contained therein. "Outer portion" means a portion of the valve that is configured to be placed outside the reservoir and that never comes into contact with the fluid contained therein.

[0013] To that end, the internal computer integrated in the external part is likewise isolated from the fluid of the reservoir, which makes it possible to avoid exposing the internal computer to what could be physical or chemical stresses resulting from contact with the fluid.

[0014] Other optional features of the valve for a fluid reservoir, taken alone or in combination, include: - the valve is a solenoid valve, which allows an electrical control means to control the valve. the first acquisition means are configured to acquire data originating from at least one sensor coupled to the reservoir, such as a Bragg fiber sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an accelerometer or a strain sensor making it possible to measure the integrity of the reservoir. the at least one measured parameter is temperature or pressure and the first acquisition means are configured to acquire data originating from a temperature or pressure sensor, the temperature sensor being for example a negative temperature coefficient thermistor (abbreviated NTC) or a platinum resistance thermometer of the Pt100 or Pt1000 type. - The acquisition of the data originating from the temperature and / or pressure sensors is managed by an analog or digital communication interface, e.g. a LIN interface (in English "Local Interconnect Network"), a SENT interface (in English "Single Edge Nibble Transmission"), a CAN interface (in English "Controller Area Network"), a FlexRay interface or an Ethernet interface. - the at least one measured parameter is temperature and the first acquisition means are configured to acquire data originating from a temperature sensor. According to an embodiment of the invention, the valve simultaneously comprises part of a pressure sensor and part of a temperature sensor. The actuation of the valve actuator is ensured by actuation means acting on the valve actuator, for example a solenoid that works with a constant or pulsed, for example direct current with PWM (in English "Peak Width Modulation"), or the solenoid works with "peak and hold". The internal computer includes one or more modules that operate the actuators of the valves. the internal computer includes a calculation module which processes data of sensors at least partially contained within the valve, data of at least one actuator of the valve, and which makes it possible to structure and take into account information exchanged with the external computer, "structuring" meaning putting the data processed by the calculation module into a format usable by the external computer; - the communication means are capable of communicating to an external computer information about the state of the reservoir such as volume measurement, reservoir integrity, valve open or closed state, valve integrity, temperature in the reservoir, pressure inside the reservoir, general information about the reservoir such as date of manufacture, volume, nominal operating pressure and the nature of the pressurized fluid (H35, H70, CNG, ...). The communication means are capable of receiving and executing requests from an external computer regarding the reservoir, such as a request to make fluid available (for example for a fuel cell or a heat engine), a request to fill a station, a request to isolate the reservoir in case of an accident, or any other specific need. - the internal calculator includes second acquisition means arranged to acquire, store and communicate data relating to the reservoir's service life, such as the reservoir's service life (e.g. the reservoir's years of service) and / or the number of reservoir's fill cycles. In practice, regulations limit the reservoir's service life (15 years for hydrogen storage systems, max. 20 years for CNG storage systems) and the number of reservoir fill cycles (min. 5000 for hydrogen storage systems, min. 15000 for CNG storage systems). Generally, the reservoir's service life limit is indicated by design on a label affixed to the reservoir and on the fill flap of a vehicle equipped with this reservoir to ensure that the maximum number of fill cycles defined by the reservoir's manufacturer is sufficient for the entire life of the vehicle (15 or 20 years). This visual indication of the reservoir's service life limit has the disadvantage that the medium easily deteriorates and is easy to overlook, so that there is nothing to prevent continuing the fill cycles beyond the stipulated limit. The management and communication of the data of the use of the reservoir by the valve with an external computer makes the management of this information more reliable and makes it possible, for example, to prevent the start of the vehicle when defined limits are reached.

[0015] The present invention is also directed to a reservoir including a valve as previously described.

[0016] Preferably, the inner portion of the valve is located inside the reservoir and the outer portion of the valve is located outside the reservoir.

[0017] The present invention is also directed to a system including a plurality of such reservoirs and a computer external to the valves of said reservoirs, in this way a variable number of reservoirs can be incorporated into a vehicle without the need for adjustment of the external computer of the valves or additional interface development.

[0018] According to any feature of the system, the reservoir is connected to at least one single fluid collector.

[0019] The present invention relates to - an acquisition step by an internal computer of data generated by at least one sensor, - a two-way communication step with an external computer, - a step of taking into account information received from the external computer and data generated by at least one sensor and also relates to a method for managing a system as described above.

[0020] The storage of fluids, especially flammable pressurized fluids, is associated with risks to the safety of the user. One of the major risks is filling a damaged reservoir, which can lead to rupture or explosion of the reservoir. Currently, this risk is mainly notified in the user manual of the reservoir, which recommends avoiding the use of the reservoir after an accident and the need to control the system. However, these instructions are not always respected and accidents are regrettable. The applicant has identified that safety is significantly improved if filling of the reservoir is prevented when a risk to safety is detected.

[0021] Thus, another object of the present invention is to provide robust means for preventing filling of the reservoir when a safety risk is detected.

[0022] Thus, the present invention relates to - An automatic closing device for closing a filling circuit so as to at least partially prevent fluid passage when a predetermined event occurs, thereby preventing filling of one or more reservoirs. The device includes at least one movable element that can move between an unobstructed position of the filling circuit and an obstructed position of the filling circuit. In the unobstructed position, the at least one movable element can be positioned to provide resistance to fluid flow compatible with filling of the reservoir. In the obstructed position, the at least one movable element can be at least partially positioned in at least a portion of the filling circuit to provide resistance to fluid flow incompatible with filling of the reservoir. - At least one orifice in at least one partition of at least a portion of the filling circuit through which at least one movable element can pass so that the at least one movable element can reach the obstructed position. This also applies to filling circuits for one or more reservoirs of pressurized fluid in particular.

[0023] The automatic closing device - Can hold at least one movable element in the unobstructed position. - Can seal the at least one orifice to prevent fluid passage, and - Can be deformed or moved to allow movement of at least one movable element towards the obstructed position. - At least one holding element for at least one movable element, and - At least one first movement or modification means for at least one holding element to allow movement of at least one movable element towards the obstructed position. Further includes - At least one first movement or modification means can be controlled by a control device.

[0024] The closing position that operates independently of the user's will is called "automatic".

[0025] An element that can move relative to at least a portion of the remaining part of the filling circuit according to the present invention is called "movable". The movement of the movable element may be an expansion movement.

[0026] By "movable element" is meant the assembly consisting of the movable element and its attachments, such as the connection with the first moving means.

[0027] the predetermined event is the detection of a defect in the safety of at least one of the reservoirs, which makes it possible to prevent the filling of the defective reservoir or reservoirs.

[0028] the at least one mobile element and the at least one retaining element form unique and identical elements, which makes it possible to limit the number of components and thus to simplify the construction of the automatic closure device;

[0029] In one embodiment, the movable element is an envelope that can expand under the pressure of the second fluid. The movable element also constitutes a holding element that is held in a non-occluded position in a non-expanded state. The movable element is assembled at the height of the orifice and is deformed to seal the orifice against the passage of fluid and to allow the movement of the movable element towards the occluded position. In this embodiment, the first moving means is a device that generates the second fluid (e.g. a water pump).

[0030] In another embodiment, the mobile element and the retaining element form one and the same element, the cross section and material (e.g. rubber) of which are capable of retaining it in the orifice while sealing it fluid-tight. The mobile element / retaining element is coupled to a propulsion device (first moving means, e.g. pyrotechnic propulsion means) enabling its movement towards the closing position. In an embodiment variant, the mobile element / retaining element is coupled to an actuator (first moving means, e.g. rod of a jack) enabling its movement towards the closing position.

[0031] The invention is also directed to a filling circuit for one or more reservoirs of fluid, in particular under pressure, comprising a device as previously described.

[0032] In this way the filling circuit of the reservoir can be disabled independently of the user's will, thus significantly limiting the risk of undesired filling of the reservoir. The automatic occlusion device can make it possible to manage safety issues linked to the outbreak of an accident or in case of reaching the maximum period of use of the reservoir and / or the maximum number of filling cycles of the reservoir.

[0033] Preferably, the reservoir(s) are connected in a leak-tight manner to the filling circuit, which allows filling the reservoir(s) under pressure of a fluid, for example hydrogen or CNG.

[0034] In the non-occluded position of the fill circuit, the fill circuit offers minimal resistance to the passage of fluid, compatible with filling of the reservoir.

[0035] Optionally, the automatic occlusion device further comprises at least one second means for moving the at least one movable element towards the occluded position when the at least one movable element is released from the at least one retaining element.

[0036] Preferably, the movement of the at least one movable element is generally transverse to the longitudinal direction of said at least a portion of the filling circuit.

[0037] Preferably, the automatic closure device further comprises at least one locking element in the closure position of the at least one movable element.

[0038] The filling circuit comprises a valve for each reservoir, which itself comprises an intake pipe upstream of the valve and an outlet pipe downstream of the valve. At least one orifice in at least one bulkhead of the filling circuit may be defined in the intake pipe upstream of the valve, in a pipe dedicated to filling located upstream of the intake pipe of the valve, in a filling interface of the filling circuit connected to a filling station, or in a outlet pipe downstream of the valve. The filling station does not form part of the filling circuit within the meaning of the present invention.

[0039] The terms "downstream" and "upstream" should be considered according to the position in the filling circuit: the position closer to the filling station is described as "upstream" and the position closer to the reservoir is described as "downstream".

[0040] Preferably, the at least one orifice is located in at least one septum of at least a portion of the filling circuit.

[0041] Optionally, the automatic occlusion device further comprises a guide, for example a hollow body through which the at least one movable element can move to move from the non-occluding position to the occluded position.

[0042] Preferably, the second moving means is a resilient element acting between the movable element and a distal bearing surface of the guide. The terms "distal" and "proximal" should be considered according to location relative to the filling circuit. A location closer to the circuit is described as "proximal" as opposed to a more distant location described as "distal".

[0043] Preferably, at least a portion of the filling circuit in which the at least one orifice is located includes at least one free space arranged diametrically opposite and relative to the at least one orifice, in which the at least one movable element can become partially accommodated in the closed position.

[0044] At least one movable element of the at least one automatic occlusion device can be returned from the occluded position to the unoccluded position by the action of an unlocking tool. The use of such a tool may require authorization. Thus, subject to the necessary verification, the reservoir can be refilled and used.

[0045] The present invention is also directed to an assembly of a filling circuit for one or more reservoirs of fluid, one or more reservoirs, and a control device as described above.

[0046] The control device may be a computer or a mechanical system that changes state, time of use or number of cycles of use, for example because of its ageing.

[0047] The computer may be a central computer, a computer external to the valve, or an internal computer in each valve.

[0048] The present invention likewise relates to an auto-occluder incorporating the features of the auto-occluder previously described.

[0049] The present invention relates to a method for securing one or more reservoirs of fluid forming part of an assembly as previously described, comprising the steps of: - taking into account at least one safety defect information of the reservoir by the control device; - transmitting a blocking command by the control device to at least one automatic blocking device; - taking into account the command by at least one automatic obstruction device; - moving at least one automatic occlusion device from a non-occlusion position to an occlusion position; The present invention is also directed to a method comprising the steps of:

[0050] The invention will be better understood on reading the description that follows, given purely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a functional schematic diagram of a valve and a computer external to the valve according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic side view of the valve of FIG. 1 and a portion of the reservoir to which it is supplied, in which an automatic closing device of the filling circuit according to an embodiment of another subject of the invention is positioned in the intake line upstream of the valve. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system including multiple reservoirs according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a fluid reservoir filling circuit according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the automatic occlusion device in a non-occluding position. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the same filling circuit with the automatic occlusion device in the occluded position. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a valve of a filling circuit according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which an automatic closing device is positioned in a piping dedicated to filling, placed upstream of the intake pipe of the valve. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of a filling circuit according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which an automatic closure device is positioned in a filling interface of the filling circuit connected to a filling station. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram of a filling circuit for a fluid reservoir according to another embodiment of the present invention, the automatic occlusion device being in the occluded position; [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of a filling circuit for a fluid reservoir according to another embodiment of the present invention, the automatic occlusion device being in a non-occluding position; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] In Fig. 1 the technical solution of a valve 1 according to the invention is represented. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a valve 1, in particular for a reservoir 3 of pressurized fluid, for example compressed hydrogen, where only the upper end 30 is represented. The valve 1 forms part of a filling circuit, not shown, of a reservoir of a vehicle, not shown. The valve 1 is an electromagnetic valve connected at the inlet to an intake pipe 2 in the valve 1, which is connected to an intake valve 6 in the valve 1, and at the outlet to an exhaust valve 8 of the valve 1. The valve 1 also comprises a TPRD (in English "Thermal and Pressure Release Device") pressure reducing device 10. The valve 1 comprises an inner part arranged inside the reservoir 3, which comprises at least a part of a sensor for measuring at least one parameter characterizing the fluid. In this embodiment the sensor is a temperature sensor 35 and the measured parameter is the temperature of the fluid. The valve 1 further comprises an outer part arranged outside the reservoir 3, which comprises an internal computer 7. The valve 1 can receive information originating from a computer 5 outside the valve 1. The valve 1 comprises at least one actuator 100, and the internal computer 7 comprises an electrical supply block 12 of the internal computer 7 and of the at least one actuator 100 of the valve 1. The electrical supply block 12 is supplied with electricity by a battery 33 of the vehicle via an electrical connection 14. The external computer 5 and the battery 33 form part of the technical area 37 of the vehicle, while the temperature sensor 35 and the actuator 100 form part of the technical area 38 of the valve 1. The internal computer 7 comprises a central unit 16, also called "computation module", which includes a microprocessor 28, and other modules. The central unit 16 processes the data of the sensors 35, the data of the actuators 100 and makes it possible to structure and take into account the information exchanged with the external computer 5. The other modules of the internal computer 7 are: - first means 9 for acquiring data originating from at least one sensor, - communication means 11 for two-way communication with an external computer 5; - operating means 13 configured to operate at least one actuator 100, controlled by a central unit 16 taking into account information received from the external computer 5 via the communication means 11 and data arising from at least one sensor to operate the at least one actuator 100 of the valve 1. In this embodiment, the actuator 100 is a solenoid and the operating means 13 acts on the solenoid functioning with a constant direct current and in a variant with a pulsed direct current (peak and hold).

[0053] In this embodiment, the means 11 for communication with the external computer 5 is a module using a digital wired interface of the CAN, FlexRay or LIN type. The module 11 and the external computer 5 are interconnected by a wired connection 18.

[0054] At least one actuator 100 is connected to the operating means 13 by at least one electrical connection 15. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 to 3, the central unit 16 comprises: - means 17 for measuring at least one current parameter in the electrical connection 15, for example in order to obtain information regarding the operation of the at least one actuator 100; - second means 19 for acquiring, storing and communicating data relating to the duration of use of the reservoir 3, such as the duration of use of the reservoir 3 and / or the number of its filling cycles; third means 20 for acquiring data of another sensor at least partially included in the valve 1 in order to measure at least one parameter characterizing the fluid, in this embodiment this other sensor being a pressure sensor 34 of the fluid; - a control means 26 of the device 21 capable of blocking the filling circuit of the reservoir, here at the level of the intake pipe of the valve 1, when a safety risk is detected; The device 21 is likewise the subject of the invention. The intake pipe 2 includes an orifice 48 which allows the passage of the movable elements of the device 21, not shown here, into the intake pipe 2 of the valve 1.

[0055] In this embodiment, the second acquisition means 19 are also configured to acquire at least data originating from a sensor 25 coupled to the reservoir 3 making it possible to measure the integrity of the reservoir 3. A sensor making it possible to measure the integrity of the reservoir, such as for example a Bragg fiber sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an accelerometer or a strain sensor.

[0056] FIG. 3 represents a system 22 according to the invention, which in this embodiment comprises a filling port 24, a safety valve 29 and twelve fluid reservoirs 3, each equipped with a valve 1 according to the invention. Each valve 1 comprises a drain valve 8 (see FIG. 2). The drain valve 8 is an electromagnetic valve controlled by at least one actuator 100 operated by the operating means 13 of the internal computer 7. The drain pipe 4 of the drain valve 8 fluidly connects the reservoir 3 with a single collector 23 of fluid via a filling circuit 40 and a safety valve 29. The collector 23 comprises a pressure regulator 36 and a safety pressure sensor 27, the role of which is to direct the fluid towards a fluid consuming system of the vehicle, not shown, for example a fuel cell or a heat engine. The safety valve 29 is an electromagnetic valve connected to the pressure regulator 36, controlled by the external computer 5 and allowing to isolate the filling circuit 40 of the collector 23 during filling of the reservoir. The safety valve 29 also makes it possible to isolate the filling circuit 40 of the collector 23 when the collector 23 has a fault, e.g. a leak. The filling port 24 is connected to the filling circuit 40 and makes it possible to fill the reservoir 3 with fluid at the filling station via the suction tube 2. An infrared communication device 31 coupled to the filling port 24 makes it possible for the external computer 5 to communicate information to the filling station via the electrical connection 32. The communicated information is for example the pressure, temperature and volume of the reservoir.

[0057] 4 and 5 diagrammatically represent a filling circuit 40 of one or more reservoirs of fluid. Arrows 42 symbolize the flow of fluid when supplying fluid to the filling circuit 40. The filling circuit 40 includes an automatic occlusion device 21 capable of at least partially occluding the filling circuit 40 in a fluid-tight manner so as to prevent filling of one or more reservoirs. The automatic occlusion device 21 includes at least one movable element 44 that can be moved between an unoccluded position of the filling circuit, represented in FIG. 4, in which the at least one movable element 44 is positioned to provide a resistance to fluids compatible with filling of the reservoirs, and an occluded position of the filling circuit 40, represented in FIG. 5, in which the at least one movable element 44 is positioned at least partially on at least a portion 46 of the filling circuit 40 so as to provide a resistance to fluids incompatible with filling of the reservoirs, which is symbolized in FIG. 5 by the stopping of the arrow 42 before this portion 46 of the filling circuit 40.

[0058] The filling circuit 40 also includes at least one orifice 48 located in at least one bulkhead 50 of at least a portion 46 of the filling circuit 40 through which the at least one movable element 44 can pass into the filling circuit 40 so that the at least one movable element 44 can reach the occluded position. In this embodiment, the bulkhead 50 in which the orifice 48 is located is a sidewall of the portion 46 of the filling circuit 40.

[0059] The automatic blocking device 21 is - the movable element 44 can be held in a non-occluding position, - said at least one orifice 48 is capable of being sealed against the passage of said fluid; and - deformable or movable to allow movement of at least one movable element 44 towards a closed position; at least one holding element 52 for at least one mobile element 44; at least one first movement or correction means 54 of the at least one holding element 52 so as to enable the movement of the at least one movable element 44 towards the closed position; Further comprising: At least one first moving or correcting means 54 is controllable by the control device 51 .

[0060] 4 and 5, the portion 46 of the filling circuit 40 in which the orifice 48 is located includes a free space 58 in the bulkhead 50, disposed diametrically opposite the orifice 48 and in which the movable element 44 may become at least partially housed in the closed position. The free space 58 forms a seat for receiving a free end 60 of the movable element 44.

[0061] In the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, the automatic occlusion device 21 further comprises a guide 62, which is a hollow body comprising a distal bearing surface 63. The mobile element 44 moves in the guide 62 to move from the non-occluding position to the occluding position. The automatic occlusion device 21 further comprises a second movement means of the mobile element 44 towards the occluding position when the mobile element is released from the holding element 52. The second movement means 64 represented in Figures 4 and 5 is an elastic element, more precisely a spring acting between the mobile element 44 and the distal bearing surface 63.

[0062] 4 and 5, the movement of the movable element 44 is generally transverse to the longitudinal direction of the portion 46 of the filling circuit 40 in which the orifice 48 is located.

[0063] The automatic closing device 21 further comprises a locking element in the closed position, not shown.

[0064] The movable element 44 can be moved between an occluded position and an unoccluded position under the action of an unlocking tool, not shown.

[0065] For the sake of simplicity, the movable elements, the holding elements and the first movement means of the automatic closure device 21 are not depicted in the embodiments of FIGS.

[0066] 2, the orifice 48 of the charging circuit 40 is defined in the suction pipe 2 upstream of the valve 1. The control device 51 is the internal computer 7 of the valve 1.

[0067] In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the orifice 48 of the filling circuit 40 is confined, for example in a line 76 dedicated to filling, located upstream of the intake pipe 72 of a prior art valve 71. The control device 51 is an external computer of the valve, not shown. In another embodiment similar in all respects to this embodiment, the valve may also be a valve according to the invention including an internal computer.

[0068] In the embodiment of Fig. 7, the orifice 48 of the filling circuit 40 is limited in a filling interface 78 of the filling circuit 40, which is connected to a filling station, not shown, via the filling port 24. In another embodiment similar in all respects to this embodiment, the valve may be a valve according to the invention including an internal computer. The assembly of the reservoir and the external computer constitutes in this embodiment a system in the sense of the invention.

[0069] Fig. 8 represents an embodiment of the filling circuit according to the invention, which is distinguished from the embodiment of Figs. 4 and 5 in that the mobile element 144 of the automatic occlusion device 121 is an envelope, which is represented in Fig. 8, inflated by the pressure of an incompressible fluid, for example water. The envelope communicates with a water pump 154 ​​under the supervision of the control device 51, which may be replaced by another fluid injection device, for example a piston. The water pump 154 ​​constitutes a first moving means in the sense of the invention. In the non-occlusion position, not shown, the volume of the envelope 144 is very low. The envelope 144 is located outside the filling circuit 40. When the water pump 154 ​​is activated, the envelope 144 undergoes an expanding movement which allows it to move from the non-occlusion position represented in Fig. 8 towards the occlusion position. In this embodiment, the mobile element 144 is held in the non-occlusion position in the unexpanded state, so that it also constitutes a holding element. Alternatively, the water may be replaced by oil, for example engine oil.

[0070] In a variant, the fluid may be compressible, for example air or other gases such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen. In this variant, the envelope 144 may be that of a "mini-airbag" that is inflated by a gas injected by a chemical reaction.

[0071] Figure 9 represents an embodiment of the charging circuit according to the invention, which is distinguished from the embodiment of figures 4 and 5 in that the mobile element 244 of the automatic closing device 221 is a member which, by its cross section and by its material, here rubber, allows it to be held in this orifice 48 outside the charging circuit 40, while sealing said orifice 48 fluid-tight. The activation of the pyrotechnic device 254 allows it to be propelled from the non-obstructing position represented in figure 9 towards a non-illustrated obstructing position, in which the free end 260 of the mobile element 244 is in the free space 58. The mobile element and the holding element form a unique and identical element 244 which can be held in the non-obstructing position when the pyrotechnic device 254, constituting the first moving means in the sense of the invention, has not yet been activated.

[0072] The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1 Valve containing an internal calculator 2. Suction pipe in valve 3 Reservoir 4 Valve exhaust pipe 5 Valve external calculator 6 Intake valve 7 Internal computer 8 Exhaust valve 9. First means for acquiring data generated by the sensor 10 TPRD Pressure Reducing Device 11. Means of communication with external computers 12 Electrical supply block 13 Means of operating the valve actuator 14 Electrical Connection 15 Electrical connection between valve and actuator 16 Central Unit 17 means for measuring at least one current parameter in the electrical connection 15 18 Connection between communication means and external computers 19. A second means for acquiring, storing and communicating data regarding the duration of use of the reservoir. 20 Third method for acquiring data from another sensor 21 Means to prevent the filling of the reservoir in case of a safety risk (automatic closure device) 22 System including multiple reservoirs and an external computer 23 Single Fluid Collector 24 Filling port 25 Sensors that allow the integrity of the reservoir to be measured 26 Control means for automatic closing device of reservoir filling circuit 27 Safety Pressure Sensor 28 Microprocessors 29 Safety Valve 30 Top of reservoir 31 Infrared communication device 32 Electrical Connections 33 Vehicle Battery 34 Pressure Sensor 35 Temperature Sensor 36 Pressure Regulator 37 Vehicle Technical Area 38 Valve Technical Area 40 Charging Circuit 42 Arrows symbolizing the flow of fluid in the filling circuit 44 Moving Elements 46 part of the filling circuit in which the movable element is positioned in the closed position 48 Orifice 50 Partition of the filling circuit where the orifice is located 51 Control device 52 Holding Element 54 First means for moving or modifying the holding element 58 Free space 60 Free end of movable element 62 Guide 64 Secondary means of movement of the movable element 71 Prior Art Valves 72 Intake pipe in valve 71 74 Exhaust pipe of valve 71 76 Piping for filling only 78 Filling circuit filling interface 100 Actuator 121 Automatic closing device 144 Moving Elements 154 Air Pump 221 Automatic closing device 244 Moving Elements 254 Pyrotechnic devices 260 Free end of movable element

Claims

1. A valve (1) for a reservoir (3) of a fluid, comprising an internal part adapted to be placed inside said reservoir (3), said internal part comprising at least a part of a sensor (34, 35) for measuring at least one parameter characterizing said fluid, said valve (1) being capable of receiving information originating from an external computer (5) external to said valve (1), The reservoir (3) further includes an outer portion configured to be disposed outside the reservoir (3), the outer portion comprising: - first acquisition means (9) configured to acquire data originating from said at least one sensor (34, 35); - communication means (11) using a digital cable communication interface capable of bidirectionally communicating with said external computer (5); - operating means (13) configured to process information received from said external computer (5) and data originating from said at least one sensor (34, 35) in order to operate at least one actuator (100) of said valve (1), said at least one actuator (100) being coupled thereto by at least one electrical connection (15); - means (17) for measuring at least one current parameter in said electrical connection (15); A valve (1) comprising an internal computer (7) including:

2. 2. The valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first acquisition means (9) is configured to acquire data resulting from at least one sensor (25) associated with the reservoir (3) for measuring the integrity of the reservoir (3).

3. 3. The valve (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal computer (7) comprises a second acquisition means (19) configured to acquire, store and communicate data relating to the duration of use of the reservoir (3), such as the time of use of the reservoir (3) and / or the number of fill cycles of the reservoir (3).

4. A valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a pressure sensor (34) and a temperature sensor (35).

5. A reservoir (3) comprising a valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. 6. The reservoir (3) according to claim 5, wherein the inner portion of the valve (1) is disposed inside the reservoir (3) and the outer portion of the valve (1) is disposed outside the reservoir (3).

7. A system (22) comprising a plurality of reservoirs (3) according to claim 5 or 6 and an external computer (5) configured to communicate with the valves (1) of the reservoirs (3).

8. 8. The system (22) of claim 7, wherein the reservoir (3) is connected to at least one single fluid collector (23).

9. - acquisition by said internal computer (7) of data originating from said at least one sensor (34, 35); - a step of two-way communication with said external computer (5); - processing the information received from said external computer (5) and the data originating from said at least one sensor (34, 35); A method for managing a system (22) according to claim 7 or 8, comprising:

10. A filling circuit (40) for one or more reservoirs (3) of fluid, - a valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, - an automatic occlusion device (21, 121, 221) for at least partially occluding the filling circuit (40) in a fluid-tight manner so as to prevent filling of the one or more reservoirs (3) when a predetermined event occurs, the automatic occlusion device (21, 121, 221) comprising at least one movable element (44, 144, 244) movable between a non-occluding position of the filling circuit (40) and a occluding position of the filling circuit (40), in which in the non-occluding position, the at least one movable element (44, 144, 244) is positioned to provide a resistance to the fluid compatible with filling of the reservoirs (3) and in which in the occluding position, the at least one movable element (44, 144, 244) is positioned at least partially in at least a portion (46) of the filling circuit (40) to provide a resistance to the fluid incompatible with filling of the reservoirs (3); at least one orifice (48) located in at least one partition (50) of at least said portion (46) of said charging circuit (40) through which said at least one movable element (44, 144, 244) can pass into said charging circuit (40) so that said at least one movable element (44, 144, 244) can reach a closed position; Including, The automatic closing device (21, 121, 221), at least one retaining element (52, 144, 244) of said at least one mobile element (44, 144, 244), - said at least one movable element (44, 144, 244) can be held in a non-occluding position; - said at least one orifice (48) is capable of being sealed against the passage of said fluid; - deformable or movable to allow movement of said at least one movable element (44, 144, 244) towards said closed position; at least one holding element (52, 144, 244); at least one first movement or correction means (54, 154, 254) of said at least one holding element (52, 144, 244) so ​​as to enable movement of said at least one movable element (44, 144, 244) towards said closed position; Further comprising: The at least one first moving or correcting means (54, 154, 254), may be controlled by a control device (51), filling circuit (40).

11. Assembly of a filling circuit (40) for one or more reservoirs (3) of fluid as claimed in claim 10, said one or more reservoirs (3) and said control device (51) as claimed in claim 10.

12. Assembly according to claim 11, wherein the control device (51) is a computer.

13. 13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the computer is the internal computer (7).

14. A method for managing the safety of one or more reservoirs (3) of fluid forming part of an assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising the steps of: - processing at least one safety fault information of said reservoir (3) by said control device (51); - transmitting a blocking command by said control device (51) to said at least one automatic blocking device (21, 121, 221); - processing said command by said at least one automatic closing device (21, 121, 221); - moving said at least one automatic occlusion device (21, 121, 221) from a non-occlusion position to an occlusion position; The method includes:

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