Title: General manifold for 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 manager pipe for a compressed fluid storage and distribution assembly for a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a compressed fluid storage and distribution assembly for a vehicle comprising a manager pipe according to the present invention, and to a vehicle, preferably an automobile, 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 draining the fluid stored in the compressed fluid tank using the manager pipe according to the present invention. [Background technology]

[0002] A manifold (also called a "manifold" in English) for a compressed fluid storage and distribution assembly for a vehicle is already known in the prior art, for example from Patent Document 1. Such a manifold is used to facilitate the management of the flow of fluid, especially gas, between multiple compressed fluid tanks. Such multiple tanks are used in motor vehicles, inter alia, for storing compressed dihydrogen. Indeed, the use of such multiple small-volume tanks can increase the on-board storage capacity when the available space is not conducive to incorporating a single large-volume storage tank. However, the use of multiple tanks requires the use of a manifold as well as multiple functional devices, such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, valves, etc., for managing the flow of fluid between the tanks and the rest of the vehicle, especially for filling, distributing, and / or discharging the fluid. Therefore, even if the spatial dimensions of the storage assembly can be reduced by using multiple tanks with smaller volumes, managing the bulk of the storage assembly, including the tanks, manifold, and functional devices, within the vehicle can be somewhat complicated. Additionally, assembling multiple functional devices to a central manifold adds additional costs to assembling the storage assembly onto a vehicle.

[0003] Another example of a prior art managing pipe is known from US Pat. No. 5,629,999. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] WO2021 / 110707 [Patent Document 2] WO2021 / 220128 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention is particularly directed to simply and economically reducing the spatial size of a compressed fluid storage and distribution assembly for a vehicle equipped with a master manifold. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention provides a manager pipe for a compressed fluid storage and distribution assembly for a vehicle having multiple compressed fluid tanks, comprising: a body having a plurality of communication holes, each configured to be in fluid communication with a tank; - a solenoid valve; - a manual valve; - a delivery line for a fluid stored in a tank, the delivery line being provided in the body and configured to be in fluid communication with the tank via a solenoid valve and a manual valve, the delivery line including a first check valve configured to prohibit passage of the fluid in a first direction towards the tank and to allow passage of the fluid in a second direction opposite to the first direction; a fill passage for the tank provided within the body, the fill passage being configured to be in fluid communication with the tank and including a second check valve adapted to permit passage of fluid in a first direction towards the tank and to prohibit passage of fluid in an opposite direction; In a general collecting pipe comprising: The manual valve is directed to a master manifold that is also used to provide fluid communication between the tank's fill line and the tank.

[0007] Thus, it is proposed that the delivery and filling lines be at least partially separate but share the same manual valve for fluid communication with the tank, thereby reducing the number of functional devices, and in particular the number of manual valves, used, thereby reducing the cost of manufacturing the master manifold and its spatial size and weight.

[0008] It is also understood that, according to the present invention, the functional devices, i.e., the solenoid valve, the manual valve, and the first and second check valves, are directly supported by and housed within the main body of the central collector. This reduces the spatial dimensions of the storage assembly, including the central collector, the functional devices, and the tanks. Furthermore, its assembly into a vehicle is also simplified because, instead of assembling each device individually, the assembly pipe with the pre-installed functional devices can be installed. Furthermore, because the functional devices are supported by the central collector, their respective functions can be centralized in the central collector, thereby eliminating the need to equip each tank with at least one of the functional devices, thereby reducing the total number of functional devices used. Furthermore, centralizing the functions in the central collector avoids the need to install tank tips between each tank and the central collector, as is the case with the storage assembly described in document WO2021 / 110707. Thereby, the storage assembly including the master collecting pipe becomes easy to use, and at the same time, the manufacturing cost, spatial size and weight are reduced.

[0009] It is therefore understood that the master collection pipe is distinct from the communication tips located at the individual tanks or between the individual tanks and the master collection pipe.

[0010] The delivery and filling passages can be obtained, for example, by machining the manifold body, which is a simple, efficient and convenient means for obtaining such delivery and filling passages.

[0011] The first and second check valves, also called check valves, are capable of restricting fluid flow in only one direction, thus prohibiting reverse flow of fluid through the delivery passage and the filling passage when dispensing fluid and filling the tank, respectively.

[0012] A "solenoid valve" refers to an electrically controlled valve that selectively blocks or opens the passage of fluid through a pipeline, possibly with an intermediate position that limits the valve's opening. Here, the solenoid valve can selectively block or open the passage of fluid through a distribution line. The solenoid valve can easily manage the distribution of fluid through the distribution line by allowing or prohibiting the passage of fluid through the distribution line from a tank to a fluid consumer.

[0013] "Manual valve" means a valve that can be manually operated by an operator to block or open the passage of fluid through a pipeline. Generally, manual valves are open under normal tank conditions, i.e., during filling and dispensing, i.e., during normal tank use. The manual valve can be closed to isolate the tank, for example, to perform maintenance work that requires isolation of the high-pressure tank.

[0014] Tanks for compressed fluids are tanks that can store, for example, compressed dihydrogen at ambient temperature, typically at a pressure of 35 MPa (350 bar) or even 70 MPa (700 bar). Tanks that can store compressed natural gas (also known as CNG) at ambient temperature, typically at a pressure of 20 MPa (200 bar) or even 30 MPa (300 bar), are also known. "Ambient temperature" refers to a temperature in the range of 20°C ± 10°C.

[0015] "Multiple tanks" refers to at least two tanks, preferably at least five tanks, or even at least ten tanks.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the main body of the integrating pipe is an elongated body extending along its main longitudinal axis between two axial ends. This configuration is particularly suitable for use with an integrating pipe for multiple tanks arranged side by side, in which case the communication holes are distributed along the elongated body between the two axial ends so as to be positioned opposite the communication tips of each of the tanks.

[0017] The present invention may further comprise any one or more of the following optional features, either individually or in combination:

[0018] The common collecting pipe further includes a first drain path for fluid stored in the tank, the first drain path being provided within the main body of the common collecting pipe for fluid communication between the inside and outside of the tank, and the first drain path for fluid stored in the tank includes a manual drain valve for permitting or prohibiting fluid communication between the inside and outside of the tank. This allows for easy draining of fluid outside the tank and the common collecting pipe. This is particularly advantageous for easy and safe maintenance work on the common collecting pipe or the tank. Furthermore, providing a drain path for fluid stored in the tank within the main body of the common collecting pipe facilitates handling and installation of the common collecting pipe in the tank and vehicle, and also allows for a small spatial dimension for the drain path.

[0019] The common collecting pipe further includes a second outlet for the fluid stored in the tank, the second outlet being provided within the main body of the common collecting pipe for fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the tank. The second outlet for the fluid stored in the tank includes a first thermally actuated pressure reducing device for permitting or prohibiting fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the tank. The presence of the first thermally actuated pressure reducing device ensures the safety of the tank by allowing the fluid inside the tank to be discharged to the outside in the event of a risk of the fluid inside the tank becoming overpressurized, such as in the event of a fire. Such a device is also called an overpressure prevention safety valve or TPRD (for "Thermal and Pressure Relief Device"). Because the thermally actuated pressure reducing device is integrated into the second outlet for the fluid stored in the tank, i.e., into the main body of the common collecting pipe, its safety function can be integrated directly into the common collecting pipe, thereby facilitating installation of the common collecting pipe and further reducing its spatial dimensions.

[0020] Preferably, the central manifold further includes a third outlet for fluid stored in the tank, the third outlet being provided within the main body of the central manifold for fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the tank, and the third outlet for fluid stored in the tank includes a second thermally actuated pressure reducing device for permitting or prohibiting fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the tank, thereby further improving the safety of the assembly including the central manifold. Indeed, by utilizing two thermally actuated pressure reducing devices instead of a single thermally actuated pressure reducing device, detection of an event that may cause overpressurization of the fluid inside the tank, typically the occurrence of a fire near the tank, becomes easier and faster than with a single thermally actuated pressure reducing device. This is because two thermally actuated pressure reducing devices can cover a larger spatial surface area than a single thermally actuated pressure reducing device.

[0021] The common collecting pipe further includes a temperature sensor housed within the main body of the common collecting pipe for measuring the temperature of the fluid within the common collecting pipe. Therefore, the fluid temperature measurement function is integrated into the common collecting pipe, which facilitates its use and reduces the spatial dimensions of the assembly including the common collecting pipe. Furthermore, while the prior art uses multiple temperature sensors, sometimes one per tank, and multiple temperature sensors are fixed to multiple tanks, this embodiment advantageously requires only one temperature sensor common to the entire common collecting pipe and its associated tanks. Furthermore, because the temperature sensor is located within the common collecting pipe, it provides an accurate measurement of the temperature of the fluid within the common collecting pipe, and therefore the fluid being dispensed. This can be advantageous because tanks generally have higher thermal insulation than common collecting pipes, which have higher thermal conductivity. In contrast, the prior art temperature sensors used are attached to the tanks, for example, at their tip level, which provides a measurement of the temperature of the stored fluid but does not provide an accurate measurement of the temperature of the fluid being dispensed. Preferably, at least one additional temperature sensor is provided in or in the immediate vicinity of one of the tanks, but not in each tank, since all the tanks are interconnected and measurements on one or several tanks may be sufficient, which will understandably reduce the number of temperature sensors, thereby reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs, as well as the weight and spatial dimensions of the collection pipe.

[0022] The collecting pipe further includes a pressure sensor housed within the main body of the collecting pipe for measuring the pressure within the collecting pipe. This incorporates the fluid pressure measurement function into the collecting pipe, thereby facilitating its use and reducing the size of the assembly including the collecting pipe and the tank. Furthermore, while a single pressure sensor is sufficient for the entire collecting pipe and its associated tank, the prior art uses multiple pressure sensors fixed to the tank. Because the pressure sensor is located within the collecting pipe, it provides an accurate measurement of the pressure of the fluid within the pressure sensor and, therefore, the pressure of the fluid being dispensed. In contrast, the prior art uses pressure sensors attached to the tank, e.g., at its tip level, which provides a measurement of the pressure of the stored fluid but does not provide an accurate measurement of the pressure of the fluid being dispensed. It will be appreciated that a reduced number of pressure sensors can reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs, as well as the weight and spatial dimensions of the collecting pipe.

[0023] The collection pipe further includes at least one particle filter located upstream or downstream of the manual valve. This integrates fluid particle filtering into the collection pipe, thereby simplifying its use and reducing the spatial dimensions of the assembly including the collection pipe and the tank. Furthermore, because filtering is centralized within the collection pipe, a separate filter is not required for each tank. This reduces the number of filters used, which is economical and reduces the weight of the collection pipe. The filter can be located upstream or downstream of the manual valve. The upstream and downstream positions are defined relative to the direction of fluid flow within the collection pipe. For example, if a filter is located upstream of the manual valve when the fluid flows through the fill line in a first direction toward the tank, the filter is considered to be located downstream of the manual valve when the fluid flows through the delivery line in a second direction opposite the first direction. Conversely, if a filter is located downstream of the manual valve when fluid flows through the fill path in a first direction toward the tank, the filter is considered to be located upstream of the manual valve when fluid flows in a second direction opposite the first direction. In a specific embodiment, the master collector includes two particle filters. For example, a first filter is located upstream of the manual valve when fluid flows through the master collector in a first direction toward the tank, and a second filter is located downstream of the manual valve when fluid flows through the master collector in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0024] The distribution passage for the fluid stored in the tank has a distribution hole opening into an end region of the main body of the common collecting pipe, and the filling passage has a supply hole separate from the distribution hole and opening into the same end region of the common collecting pipe as the distribution hole. Since the lines to be fluidly connected to the distribution hole and the supply hole can be integrated within the same limited area, the compactness of the common collecting pipe is further improved. It is also understood that installation of the common collecting pipe is also facilitated. According to one embodiment, the end region of the common collecting pipe main body has an end face of the main body and an outer peripheral surface of the main body, and the outer peripheral surface of the main body extends from the end face of the main body toward the first of the communication holes. The first communication hole corresponds to the communication hole spatially closest to the end face of the main body. In a preferred embodiment, the main body extends along a main longitudinal axis between two axial ends, and the end region corresponds to one of the two axial ends of the main body.

[0025] The distribution line includes a flow restriction valve disposed between the solenoid valve and the manual valve. Therefore, the fluid distribution flow restriction function is incorporated into the central manifold, which facilitates use of the central manifold and reduces the size of the assembly including the central manifold. The flow restriction valve is also called a flow restriction valve or a valve that constitutes a flow restriction device.

[0026] The main body of the integrating pipe is molded in one piece and made of a material suitable for carrying compressed gas, particularly a material certified for use in hydrogen applications, such as aluminum or stainless steel. This results in a simple, compact, and robust integrating pipe. Of particular note is the ability to integrate the functional components of the integrating pipe, such as manual valves, solenoid valves, first and second check valves, or temperature or pressure sensors, very compactly within the main body of the integrating pipe, with little or no protruding area outside the envelope defined by the main body of the integrating pipe. According to a specific embodiment, the main body of the integrating pipe is an elongated, hollow section made of a readily available and strong metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel. Naturally, other metals suitable for carrying compressed gas can also be used.

[0027] The present invention is also directed to a compressed fluid storage and delivery assembly for a vehicle including the aforementioned managerial pipe, preferably including a plurality of compressed fluid tanks adapted to cooperate with the managerial pipe to store and deliver compressed fluid.

[0028] The present invention is also directed to a vehicle, preferably an automotive vehicle, including the compressed fluid storage and distribution assembly described above. Preferably, the compressed fluid is a compressed gas, such as dihydrogen, which may be advantageously used as a fuel in a fuel cell, for example, to generate electricity required to operate the vehicle's electric motor.

[0029] The present invention provides a method for distributing compressed fluid for a vehicle using the above-mentioned general collecting pipe, comprising: a) opening the solenoid valve while the manual valve is open; b) delivering fluid from the tank to a fluid consumer through a delivery line; The present invention also covers methods including the following.

[0030] This method allows for convenient supply of fluid to a fluid consumer, for example, where the fluid is a compressed gas such as dihydrogen and the fluid consumer is a fuel cell.

[0031] The present invention provides a method for filling a compressed fluid tank using the aforementioned general collecting pipe, comprising: a) closing the solenoid valve while the manual valve is open; b) supplying fluid from a fluid source to the tank through a fill line; The present invention also covers methods including the following.

[0032] This method allows for easy filling of the tank from a fluid source.

[0033] Finally, the present invention provides a method for discharging fluid stored in a compressed fluid tank using the aforementioned general collecting pipe, comprising the steps of: a) closing a manual valve; b) opening the manual drain valve; The present invention also covers methods including the following.

[0034] This makes it possible to easily discharge the fluid in the unified collecting pipe and the tank for maintenance work or the like.

[0035] The invention will be better understood from reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with a compressed fluid storage and distribution assembly with a master manifold according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of a portion of the compressed fluid storage and delivery assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the compressed fluid storage and delivery assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4A] 3 is a side view of a portion of the compressed fluid storage and delivery assembly of FIG. 2, the left side view of FIG. 2. [Figure 4B] 3 is a side view of the compressed fluid storage and delivery assembly of FIG. 2, the side view corresponding to the right side in FIG. 2. [Figure 4C] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the compressed fluid storage and delivery assembly of FIG. 2. [Figure 4D] FIG. 3 is a top view of the compressed fluid storage and delivery assembly of FIG. 2. [Figure 4E] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 4A. [Figure 4F] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 4E. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a prior art compressed fluid storage and delivery assembly; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] A compressed fluid storage and distribution assembly 1 mounted on a motor vehicle 2, comprising a central manifold 3 (also called a "manifold" according to the English name) according to the present invention and a number of compressed fluid tanks 4, is shown in Figures 1 to 4F.

[0038] In this embodiment, the fluid to be stored and distributed by the compressed fluid storage and distribution assembly 1 is a gas, such as compressed dihydrogen. Therefore, the compressed fluid tank 4 is a tank 4 suitable for holding compressed dihydrogen at a storage pressure of 350 bar or even 700 bar at ambient temperature. The compressed fluid tanks 4 are integrated with each other by a support structure (not shown) and a general collector pipe 3. According to this embodiment, the tanks 4 are identical to each other. Each tank 4 has a generally cylindrical elongated shape and includes 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 collar-shaped opening. Each tank 4 further includes a tip 5 extending above the collar and cooperating with the general collector pipe 3 to enable the general collector pipe 3 to be fixed to the tank 4 (FIG. 4F). In another embodiment, at least one of the tanks is different from the others. In this embodiment, the tanks 4 extend longitudinally and are arranged parallel to each other and are aligned (FIGS. 1 and 2). The number of tanks 4 varies depending on the embodiment, in particular on the desired gas storage capacity and also on the available space in the motor vehicle 2. The assembly 1 therefore comprises at least three tanks, preferably at least five tanks, or even at least ten tanks, and more particularly thirteen tanks in this example (only three tanks 4 are shown in Figures 2 and 4A-4F, and only four tanks 4 in Figure 3).

[0039] The general collecting pipe 3 has an elongated overall shape and comprises, in particular, a body 6, a delivery passage 7, a filling passage 8 and functional devices.

[0040] The main body 6 of the common collecting pipe 3 has an elongated overall shape extending between two longitudinal ends and is formed by molding (FIGS. 2 and 4E). The common collecting pipe is made of a material suitable for use in flowing compressed gas, particularly compressed dihydrogen, such as aluminum or stainless steel. It will be understood that in alternative embodiments, materials other than aluminum or stainless steel, particularly metallic materials, may be used. The main body 6 has a plurality of communication holes 9 configured to be fluidly connected to the tanks 4 (FIGS. 3 and 4F). For example, the tanks 4 may be secured at their distal ends 5 to the communication holes 9 of the common collecting pipe 3 by screwing, latching, or clamping, thereby providing fluid communication between the interior of the tanks 4 and the communication holes 9 to which the tanks are secured.

[0041] A distribution passage 7 for the fluid stored in the tank 4 is provided in the main body 6 of the general collecting pipe 3 (FIGS. 3 and 4E). The distribution passage 7 is configured to be in fluid communication with the tank 4 via a solenoid valve 10 and a manual valve 11. The distribution passage 7 has a distribution hole 12 that opens in an end region of the main body 6 of the general collecting pipe 3, more specifically, in an end face 13 of the main body 6 of the general collecting pipe 3 (FIG. 4A). This distribution hole 12 is for fluid connection with a fluid supply pipe for a fluid consuming device (not shown).

[0042] Solenoid valve 10 is an electrically controlled valve that selectively prevents or allows fluid to pass through distribution line 7. When closed, solenoid valve 10 blocks the flow of fluid through distribution line 7, thereby preventing the delivery of fluid to the fluid consumer. When open, solenoid valve 10 allows the passage of fluid through distribution line 7, thereby allowing the delivery of fluid to the fluid consumer. Manual valve 11 performs the same function; it also prevents or allows the passage of fluid through distribution line 7, but is controlled manually, such as by an operator, rather than electrically. Therefore, fluid can flow through distribution line 7 from tank 4 to the fluid consumer only when both solenoid valve 10 and manual valve 11 are open. In this case, the fluid is a gas, specifically dihydrogen gas, and the fluid consumer is a fuel cell capable of using dihydrogen as a fuel to generate electricity. In other embodiments, the fluid may be of a different nature, for example, the fluid may be a gas other than dihydrogen.

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

[0044] The delivery path 7 further comprises a flow restriction valve 15 (FIGS. 3 and 4E) arranged between the solenoid valve 10 and the manual valve 11. The flow restriction valve 15 can regulate the delivery flow rate of the fluid towards the fluid consumer.

[0045] The delivery line 7 comprises a first particle filter 16 arranged between the manual valve 11 and the flow restriction 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 through the delivery line 7 in the second direction, from the tank 4 towards the delivery opening 12 of the delivery line 7. The characteristics of the first filter 16 are chosen depending on the particles to be filtered and the purity level that the fluid delivered by the storage and delivery assembly 1 to the fluid consumer must have. According to an alternative 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 alternative embodiment, the first particle filter 16 is arranged upstream of the manual valve 11 when the fluid flows through the delivery line 7 in the second direction, from the tank 4 towards the delivery opening 12 of the delivery line 7.

[0046] A fill passage 8 for the tank 4 is also provided within the main body 6 of the managing pipe 3 (FIGS. 3 and 4E). The fill passage 8 for the tank 4 is configured to be in fluid communication with the tank 4. The fill passage 8 includes a second check valve 17 that allows the passage of fluid through the fill passage 8 for the tank 4 in a first direction toward the tank 4 and prohibits the passage of fluid through the tank fill passage 8 in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0047] The manual valve 11 used in the delivery line 7 is also used to provide fluid communication between the tank 4 and the fill line 8 of the tank 4 (FIGS. 3 and 4E). The use of only one manual valve 11 in the delivery line 7 and the fill line 8 of the tank 4 is advantageous in that it reduces the number of manual valves 11 used, which is economical, and also reduces the spatial dimensions of the master collecting pipe 3. It will also be appreciated that by locating this manual valve 11 in the master collecting pipe 3 rather than in the tip 5 of the tank or the like, it is possible to centralize the function of the manual valve 11 within the master collecting pipe 3, facilitating use of the fluid storage and delivery assembly 1.

[0048] The filling passage 8 of the tank 4 has a supply hole 18 that opens into the same end region of the common collecting pipe 3 as the supply hole 12 of the distribution passage 7 opens (FIG. 4A). More specifically, the supply hole 18 opens into the same end face 13 of the common collecting pipe 3 as the supply hole 12 opens into. This facilitates installation of the common collecting pipe 3, enables optimization of the piping layout for passing fluid within the vehicle 2, and reduces the spatial dimensions of the common collecting pipe 3. The supply hole 18 is configured to be fluidly connected to a fluid supply source. In this case, the fluid supply source is a source of compressed dihydrogen.

[0049] The filling line 8 of the tank 4 is equipped with a second particle filter 19. In this case, the second particle filter 19 is arranged between the feed hole 18 and the second check valve 17 (FIGS. 3 and 4E). According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the second particle filter 19 can be arranged elsewhere in the filling line 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 it enters the collecting pipe 3.

[0050] The common collecting pipe 3 further includes a first discharge path 20 for fluid stored in the tank 4 (FIGS. 3 and 4E). The first discharge path 20 for fluid stored in the tank is provided in the main body 6 of the common collecting pipe 3 and is intended to provide fluid communication between the inside and outside of the tank 4. The first discharge path 20 for fluid stored in the tank has a first discharge hole 21 opening on the surface of the main body 6 of the common collecting pipe 3. In this case, the first discharge hole 21 opens on the end face 13 of the main body 6 of the common collecting pipe 3, the end face 13 opposite to the end face 13 at which the distribution holes 12 and the supply holes 18 open (FIG. 4B). In another embodiment (not shown), the first discharge hole 21 may open at a different location, for example, on the end face 13 at which the distribution holes 12 and the supply holes 18 open. The first drain path 20 for the fluid stored in the tank 4 is provided with a manual drain valve 22 for prohibiting or allowing fluid communication between the inside and outside of the tank 4. Thus, when an operator intends to perform maintenance work on the fluid storage and distribution assembly 2 that requires a fluid-free state, the operator can easily drain the fluid, in this case dihydrogen, from the tank 4 and the general collecting pipe 3 by opening the manual drain valve 22, by passing through the first drain path 20 for the fluid in the tank 4 and discharging it from the first drain hole 21 to the outside.

[0051] The common collecting pipe 3 further includes a second discharge path 23 for fluid stored in the tank 4 (FIGS. 3 and 4E). The second discharge path 23 for fluid stored in the tank 4 is provided within the main body 6 of the common collecting pipe 3 and is intended to provide fluid communication between the inside and outside of the tank 4. The second discharge path 23 for fluid stored in the tank 4 has a second discharge hole 24 that opens to the surface of the main body 6 of the common collecting pipe 3. The second discharge path 23 for fluid stored in the tank 4 includes a first thermally actuated pressure reducing device 25, also referred to by its English acronym TPRD. The first thermally actuated pressure reducing device 25 is intended to allow or prohibit fluid communication between the inside and outside of the tank 4. Conventionally, the thermally actuated pressure reducing device 25 prohibits fluid communication between the inside and outside of the tank 4 via the second discharge path 23 when there is no abnormal heat source, typically when there is no fire. In the event of a fire, the thermally actuated pressure reducing device 25 undergoes a structural change, allowing fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the tank 4 via the second discharge passage 23. This communication allows fluid within the tank 4 and the master pipe 3 to be discharged to the exterior through the second discharge opening 24 via the second discharge passage 23. Such a thermally actuated pressure reducing device 25 enhances the safety of the fluid storage and distribution assembly 1 by preventing overpressure from building up inside the tank 4, which could cause the tank 4 to explode. In this case, the second discharge opening 24 opens on the underside of the main body 6 of the master pipe 3 at the axial end level of the main body 6, including the end face 13 at which the distribution openings 12 and the supply openings 18 open (FIG. 4C). In another embodiment (not shown), the second discharge opening 24 may open at another location, for example, at the end face 13 at which the distribution openings 12 and the supply openings 18 open.

[0052] In this case, the common collecting pipe 3 further includes a third outlet 26 for the fluid stored in the tank 4. The third outlet 26 for the fluid stored in the tank 4 is provided in the main body 6 of the common collecting pipe 3 and is intended to establish fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the tank 4. The third outlet 26 for the fluid stored in the tank 4 has a third outlet hole 27 opening on the surface of the main body 6 of the common collecting pipe 3. The third outlet 26 for the fluid stored in the tank 4 includes a second thermally actuated pressure reducing device 28, also referred to by the acronym TPRD. Similar to the first thermally actuated pressure reducing device 25, the second thermally actuated pressure reducing device 28 is intended to allow or prohibit fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the tank 4. The presence of this second thermally actuated pressure reducing device 28 increases the detection area in the event of a fire, further enhancing the safety of the compressed fluid storage and distribution assembly 1. In this case, the third discharge hole 27 opens at the lower surface of the main body 6 of the managing collecting pipe 3 at the axial end level opposite to the axial end at which the second discharge hole 24 opens (FIG. 4C). That is, this is the axial end including the end face 13 at which the first discharge hole 21 opens. In another embodiment (not shown), the third discharge hole 27 may open at a location other than the end face 13 at which the first discharge hole 21 opens.

[0053] 3 is a schematic diagram and, for simplicity, does not necessarily accurately represent the relative positions of the various functional devices to one another unless otherwise specified. In particular, it can be seen that first discharge hole 21, second discharge hole 24 and third discharge hole 27 are located in different positions relative to one another that do not correspond to those shown in FIG. 4E.

[0054] The general collecting pipe 3 further includes plugs 6a (FIGS. 4D and 4E) configured to seal holes provided in the main body 6 of the general collecting pipe 3 during machining, particularly to create the various flow paths provided within the general collecting pipe 3, against the fluid flowing within the general collecting pipe 3. This advantageously and simply prevents the fluid flowing within the general collecting pipe 3 from leaking to the outside.

[0055] The common collecting pipe 3 further includes a temperature sensor 29 housed within the main body 6 of the common collecting pipe 3 for measuring the temperature of the fluid within the common collecting pipe 3. This temperature sensor 29 can therefore measure the temperature of the fluid being delivered, i.e., in this embodiment, the temperature of the dihydrogen being supplied to the fuel cell.

[0056] The central collecting pipe 3 further comprises a pressure sensor 30 housed within the main body 6 of the central collecting pipe for measuring the pressure inside the central collecting pipe 3. It will be appreciated that when measuring the pressure of the fluid within the collecting pipe, it is advantageous to use a single pressure sensor 30 rather than using multiple pressure sensors to measure the pressure of the fluid within the tank.

[0057] The measurements by the temperature sensor 29 and the pressure sensor 30 are transmitted to an electronic control unit (not shown) that can process the information and command corrective action, if necessary, if the temperature and / or pressure are outside of predetermined ranges for 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 body 6 of the managing pipe 3 (FIGS. 4A, 4C, and 4F). In the embodiment shown, the electronic connector 6c is attached to the underside of the body 6 of the managing pipe 3.

[0058] The main body 6 of the general collecting pipe 3 is provided with recesses 6b (FIGS. 4A and 4B), where each recess 6b passes through the main body 6 of the general collecting pipe 3 from end to end in the axial direction and opens at the level of two end faces 13 of the main body 6. These recesses 6b advantageously enable the general collecting pipe 3 to be made lighter.

[0059] The inventive managing pipe 3 proves particularly advantageous in that it can incorporate numerous functional devices, such as manual valves 11, solenoid valves 10, manual discharge valves 22, temperature sensors 30, pressure sensors 30, first thermally actuated pressure reducers 25, and even second thermally actuated pressure reducers 28. These functions can thus be concentrated in the managing pipe 3, thereby optimizing the number of functional devices used and simplifying installation and use of the managing pipe 3. The use of only one manual valve 11 for the delivery line 7 and the tank 4 filling line 8 is particularly advantageous in terms of saving on manual valves and gaining space and weight. It should also be noted that the functional devices are accommodated within the main body 6 of the managing pipe 3, resulting in zero or very little functional devices protruding outside the envelope defined by the main body 6 of the managing pipe 3, resulting in a sleek appearance for the managing pipe 3. This optimizes the spatial dimensions of the managing pipe 3. In the drawings, particularly in FIG. 4E, the functional devices are shown schematically.

[0060] The advantages of the present invention are particularly apparent when comparing a fluid storage and delivery assembly 1 according to the present invention with a prior art fluid storage and delivery assembly 1' as shown in Figure 5. In Figure 5, which represents the prior art, elements corresponding to those of the present invention are designated by the same numerical references with an apostrophe "'" appended.

[0061] The prior art fluid storage and delivery assembly 1' includes a general-purpose collecting pipe 3' having an overall body 6' extending between two axial ends. The general-purpose collecting pipe 3' is secured to a compressed fluid tank 4' via a distal end 5' of the tank. The body 6' includes a fill passage (not shown) for the tank 4' and a delivery passage (not shown) for the fluid stored in the tank 4'. The fill passage has a supply hole 18' opening at an end face 13' of the general-purpose collecting pipe 3' body 6'. The delivery passage has a delivery hole (not shown) opening at another end face of the general-purpose collecting pipe 3' body 6', axially opposite the end face 13' at which the supply hole 18' opens. The delivery passage and the fill passage each include a manual valve (not shown) for prohibiting or permitting fluid communication between the tank and their respective flow passages. Therefore, it can be seen that a larger number of manual valves are used compared to the present invention.

[0062] The prior art fluid storage and distribution assembly 1' includes functional components that protrude from the outer surface of the main body 6' of the master collecting pipe 3'. In particular, Figure 5 depicts a thermally actuated pressure reducing device 25' and a drain 20' for fluid stored in the tank 4'. These functional components are not located within the main body 6' of the master collecting pipe 3', thereby increasing its spatial dimensions.

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

[0064] The first step in using the fluid storage and distribution assembly 1 is to fill the tank 4 with compressed fluid, here compressed dihydrogen, using the master manifold 3. The following steps then occur: - Close the solenoid valve 10 with the manual valve 11 open, or ensure that the solenoid valve 10 is closed, so that fluid can only flow through the filling channel 8 of the tank 4. A fluid, here dihydrogen, is supplied from the fluid supply source to the tanks 4 via the supply hole 18, the second particle filter 19, the second check valve 17, the manual valve 11, the connection hole 9 of the central manifold 3, the filling passage 8, and finally to the tip 5 of each tank 4. During this filling, the second check valve 17 prevents the fluid from flowing back towards the fluid supply source, and the closed solenoid valve 10 prevents the fluid from leaving the central manifold 3 towards the fluid consumer, here a fuel cell.

[0065] Once the tank 4 has been filled, the fluid, here dihydrogen, is utilized by the motor vehicle 2 as an energy source to supply a fluid consumer, here a fuel cell, to generate electrical power. The second step in utilizing the fluid storage and distribution assembly 1 is then to distribute the fluid, here dihydrogen, stored in the tank 4 to the fluid consumer, here a fuel cell, using the central manifold 3. The following steps are then performed: - opening the solenoid valve 10 while the manual valve 11 is open, so that the only place through which fluid can flow is the delivery path 7 for the fluid stored in the tank 4; - distributing the fluid, here dihydrogen, from the tank 4 to the fluid consumer, here a fuel cell. This distribution is made possible by opening the solenoid valve 10 and the manual valve 11. This distribution takes place through the distribution path 7, passing through the tip 5 of the tank 4, the communication hole 9 of the general collecting pipe 3, the manual valve 11, the first filter 16, the flow restriction valve 15, the solenoid valve 10, the first check valve 14 and the distribution hole 12 in this order. During this distribution, the first check valve 14 prevents the fluid from flowing back towards the tank 4, and the second check valve 17 prevents the fluid from leaking through the supply hole 18 of the filling path 8 of the tank 4.

[0066] However, during the life cycle of the fluid storage and distribution assembly 1, various maintenance operations will need to be carried out on the assembly, in particular on the main collecting pipe 3. Some of these maintenance operations require that the main collecting pipe 3 and the tank 4 are free of fluid, in this case, of compressed dihydrogen. For this purpose, it is necessary to drain the fluid, in particular the fluid stored in the tank, out of the tank and out of the main collecting pipe 3. For this purpose, the following steps are carried out: - closing the manual valve 11, so that there is no risk of fluid leaking through the delivery orifice 12 or the supply orifice 18; - Step of opening the manual discharge valve 22. Since the fluid is in a compressed state in the tank 4 and the common collecting pipe 3, it is natural that the fluid will escape out of the tank 4 and the common collecting pipe 3 and go to the outside through the first discharge path 20 and the first discharge hole 21 for the fluid stored in the tank 4. Therefore, the fluid can be easily discharged from the common collecting pipe 3 and the tank 4, and the operator can carry out the necessary maintenance work.

[0067] The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 Compressed fluid storage and distribution assembly for a vehicle 2 Motor vehicles 3. Controlling Collector 4 Tank 5. Tip of the tank 6 Main body of the integrated collecting pipe 6a stopper 6b recess 6c Electrical Connector 7. Distribution line for fluid stored in the tank 8 Tank filling channel 9. Connecting hole of the integrated collecting pipe 10. Solenoid valve 11 Manual valve 12 Distribution hole 13 End face of the integrated collecting pipe 14 First check valve 15 Flow restriction valve 16 First Filter 17 Second check valve 18 Tank filling line supply hole 19 Second Particle Filter 20 First discharge path for fluid stored in the tank 21 First discharge hole 22 Manual discharge valve 23 Second drain for fluid stored in the tank 24 Secondary discharge hole 25 First thermally actuated pressure reducing device 26 Third drain for fluid stored in the tank 27 Third Exhaust Hole 28 Second thermally actuated pressure reducing device 29 Temperature Sensor 30 Pressure Sensor

Claims

1. 1. A manager pipe (3) for a compressed fluid storage and distribution assembly (1) for a vehicle (2) having a plurality of compressed fluid tanks (4), comprising: 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 delivery line (7) for the fluid stored in said tank (4), the delivery line (7) being arranged 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), the delivery line (7) comprising a first check valve (14) forbidding the passage of fluid in a first direction towards said tank (4) and for allowing the passage of fluid in a second direction opposite to said first direction; a filling channel (8) for the tank (4) provided in the body (6), the filling channel (8) being configured to be in fluid communication with the tank (4) and comprising a second check valve (17) adapted to allow the passage of fluid in the first direction towards the tank (4) and to prohibit the passage of fluid in the opposite direction; In the integrated collecting pipe (3), The manual valve (11) is also used to establish fluid communication between the filling passage (8) of the tank (4) and the tank (4).

2. 2. The managing pipe (3) according to claim 1, further comprising a first discharge path (20) for fluid stored in the tank (4), the first discharge path (20) being provided in the main body (6) of the managing pipe (3) to fluidly communicate the inside and the outside of the tank (4), the first discharge path (20) for fluid stored in the tank comprising a manual discharge valve (22) for allowing or prohibiting the fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the tank (4).

3. 3. The managing pipe (3) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second discharge path (23) for the fluid stored in the tank (4), the second discharge path (23) being provided in the main body (6) of the managing pipe (3) to fluidly communicate the inside and the outside of the tank (4), the second discharge path (23) comprising a first thermally actuated pressure reducing device (25) for allowing or prohibiting the fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the tank (4).

4. 4. The managing pipe (3) according to claim 3, further comprising a third discharge path (26) for fluid stored in the tank (4), the third discharge path (26) being provided in the main body (6) of the managing pipe (3) for fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the tank (4), the third discharge path (26) comprising a second thermally actuated pressure reducing device (28) for allowing or prohibiting the fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the tank (4).

5. 5. The managing pipe (3) according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor (29) housed in the main body (6) of the managing pipe (3), the temperature sensor (29) for measuring a temperature of the fluid in the managing pipe (3).

6. 6. The managing pipe (3) according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensor (30) housed in the main body (6) of the managing pipe (3), the pressure sensor (30) for measuring a pressure in the managing pipe (3).

7. 7. The collection pipe (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. 8. The managing pipe (3) according to claim 1, wherein the distribution passage (7) for the fluid stored in the tank (4) has a distribution hole (12) opening into an end region of the main body (6) of the managing pipe (3), and the filling passage (8) has a supply hole (18) separate from the distribution hole (12) and opening into the same end region of the managing pipe (3) as the distribution hole (12).

9. 9. The managing pipe (3) according to claim 1, wherein the distribution passage (7) is provided with a flow restriction valve (15) arranged between the solenoid valve (10) and the manual valve (11).

10. The general collecting pipe (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the main body (6) of the general collecting pipe (3) is formed as a single piece and is made of aluminum or stainless steel.

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

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

13. A method for distributing compressed fluid for a vehicle (2) using the general collecting pipe (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: a) opening the solenoid valve (10) while the manual valve (11) is open; b) delivering fluid from said tank (4) through said delivery line (7) to a consumer of said fluid; A method comprising:

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

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

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