Vehicles for transporting flammable fluids

Abstract

To make electric connection and disconnection of a vehicle for transporting a flammable fluid safely.SOLUTION: A vehicle (1) for transporting a flammable fluid includes: a tractor part (2); a tank (4) attached onto a support (13); a power source (2) connected to an electric circuit through at least one port for connecting with a connection interface (3); a cover which may move between a first position where the cover blocks access to the connection port and a second position where the cover does not block the access to the connection port; and a switch which can be switched between a first state in which the switch allows an operation of a set of pneumatic valves of a fluid circuit (5) and a second state in which the switch prevents the operation of the set. In the first position, the cover switches the switch into the first state or allows the switch to be switched into the first state. When the cover is in the second position, the switch is automatically switched to the second state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle for transporting flammable fluids.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a vehicle for transporting flammable fluids, particularly liquid fluids such as hydrogen, comprising a tractor unit and a tank mounted on a support towed by the tractor unit, the vehicle comprising a fluid circuit connected to the tank for filling and / or discharging the fluid, the fluid circuit comprising a set of pneumatic valves, the vehicle further comprising an electrical circuit comprising at least one electrical component of a support towed by the tractor unit, and the vehicle comprising a power supply removably connected to the electrical circuit via at least one connection port at a connection interface.

[0003] The present invention relates particularly to vehicles of cryogenic or non-cryogenic semi-trailers for transporting flammable gases or flammable fluids such as, for example, hydrogen, natural gas, ethylene, etc.

[0004] However, the present invention may be applied to any type of explosive environment (ATEX, NFPA or others).

Background Art

[0005] When unloading (discharging) a semi-trailer to a tank or facility in an explosive atmosphere zone (ATEX), the electricity to the rear load section (headlamp) needs to be cut off because this section does not comply with ATEX safety requirements.

[0006] The electrical connection between the power supply (tractor vehicle) and the rear of the vehicle generally uses a set of electrical cables and one or more electrical sockets (for example, having 15 pins or 7 pins).

[0007] Therefore, when loading or unloading flammable fluids or combustible gases onto or from a semi-trailer, the loading or unloading environment must be ATEX safe. In other words, on the tractor or semi-trailer, any electricity in the load section must be neutralized during these operations.

[0008] In known configurations, this safety procedure is essentially the operator's responsibility, which presents a risk. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0009] The object of the present invention is to overcome all or some of the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0010] For this purpose, and also in accordance with the general definitions given in the above preface, the vehicle according to the present invention is characterized in that the connection interface comprises a cover that is movable between a first position that blocks access to (one or more) connection ports in order to prevent an electrical connection between a power source and an electrical circuit, and a second position that does not block access to (one or more) connection ports in order to enable an electrical connection between a power source and an electrical circuit; the vehicle further comprises a switch connected to a fluid circuit that is switchable between a first state that enables the operation of a set of pneumatic valves of the fluid circuit in order to enable filling or discharging, and a second state that prevents the operation of a set of pneumatic valves of the fluid circuit in order to prevent filling or discharging; and in the first position, the movable cover enables the switch to be switched to the first state or the switch to be switched to the first state; and when the movable cover is in the second position, the switch is automatically switched to the second state.

[0011] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may have one or more of the following features: - The vehicle is equipped with a return component such as a spring that biases the switch to its second state. - In its first position, the movable cover applies a force to the switch, such as thrust, against the force of the return component, thereby positioning and holding the switch in its first state. - The switch is pneumatic. - The cover is capable of rotational and / or translational movement between its first and second positions. - In the second state, the switch opens at least a portion of the fluid circuit to prevent pneumatic control and pressurization of at least one valve in the fluid circuit. - The tractor unit is equipped with or forms a power supply, and this power supply is connected to the connection interface of the connection port via a set of electrical cables. - At least one electrical component shall be an indicator light for the vehicle.

[0012] The present invention may also relate to any alternative apparatus or method comprising any combination of the above or below features of the claims.

[0013] Further features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following description, which is provided with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] A schematic and partial perspective view illustrating an example of a vehicle structure according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] A schematic and partial front view of the vehicle details is shown, illustrating an example of the structure and operation of the vehicle's electrical and fluid circuits in the first operating configuration. [Figure 3] A schematic and partial front view of the vehicle details is shown, illustrating an example of the structure and operation of the vehicle's electrical and fluid circuits in the second operating configuration. [Figure 4] Another schematic and partial diagram of the vehicle details is shown, illustrating an example of the structure and operation of the vehicle's electrical and fluid circuits. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The illustrated vehicle 1 comprises, for example, a tractor unit (cargo vehicle) 2 and a tank 4 mounted on a support 13 towed by the tractor unit 2. The support 13 can be removed, for example, from the cargo vehicle (combined trailer).

[0016] Vehicle 1 includes a fluid circuit 5 connected to a tank 4 for filling and / or discharging fluid. The fluid circuit 5 includes a set of valves 12, 14, which are conventionally and preferably pneumatic valves. All or some of these valves are housed, for example, in a control cabinet.

[0017] Vehicle 1 further comprises an electrical circuit 6 having at least one electrical component 16 of a support 13 towed by the tractor unit 2. The at least one electrical component may, in particular, be a rear indicator light 16 of the vehicle, or any other suitable component, such as an "ABS" type brake control system.

[0018] Vehicle 1 includes a power source 2 (e.g., a battery) that is detachably connected to an electrical circuit 6 via at least one connection port 9 in a connection interface 3. For example, the tractor unit 2 includes a power source, which is connected to the rear section via a set of electrical cables 7 connected in a connection interface 3 that includes connection ports (sockets) 9.

[0019] According to one advantageous feature, the connection interface 3 includes a cover 8 (or flap) that can move between a first position (see Figure 2) that blocks access to (one or more) connection ports 9 in order to prevent an electrical connection between the power supply 2 and the electrical circuit 6, and a second position (see Figure 3) that does not block access to (one or more) connection ports 9 in order to allow an electrical connection between the power supply 2 and the electrical circuit 6.

[0020] For example, in the first position, the cover 8 is positioned in front of one or more sockets 9, whereas in the second position, it is positioned alongside.

[0021] Vehicle 1 further includes a switch 10 connected to the fluid circuit 5 that is switchable between a first state (see "Figure 2") that enables the operation of the set of pneumatic valves 12, 14 of the fluid circuit 5 to allow filling or discharging, and a second state (see "Figure 3") that prevents filling or discharging by disabling the operation of the set of pneumatic valves 12, 14 of the fluid circuit 5.

[0022] In its first position, the movable cover 8 enables the switch 10 to be switched to its first state or allows the switch 10 to switch to its first state, and when the movable cover 8 is in its second position, the switch 10 is automatically switched to its second state.

[0023] As illustrated, the cover 8 can be rotated manually. Of course, any other type of movement (such as translation, etc.) can be provided between its first position and its second position.

[0024] For example, a return component 11 such as a spring biases the switch 10 to its second state. In its first position, the movable cover 8 applies a force, such as a thrust (push), etc., against the force of the return component 11 to the switch 10, and arranges and holds the switch 10 in its first state.

[0025] Preferably, the switch 10 is pneumatic.

[0026] For example, as schematically shown in "Figure 3", in its second state, the switch 10 opens at least a part of the fluid circuit 5 to prevent the pneumatic control and pressurization of at least one of the valves 12, 14 of the fluid circuit 5. Filling or discharging is prevented by the deactivation of the control valves 12, 14 of the fluid circuit 5.

[0027] Therefore, when loading or unloading fluid (ATEX atmosphere, i.e., explosive), the operator must move cover 8, which blocks the opening of the electrical socket 9 and thus prevents the connection of the electrical circuit via the male plug of the tractor unit 2. Switch 10 functions as a pneumatic sensor and activates the opening of the pneumatic unloading or loading valves 12, 14 located at the rear of the vehicle 1.

[0028] This allows the fluid to be transferred in a completely safe manner (without powering on the electrical circuit 6).

[0029] In order to return to the road, the electrical socket 9 must be connected to supply power to the electrical circuit of vehicle 1.

[0030] Next, switch 10 is deactivated, and pneumatic valves 12 and 14 are closed and deactivated to ensure that there is no hydrogen present. The following is a direct reproduction of the claims as originally filed. [1] A vehicle (1) for transporting flammable fluids, in particular liquid fluids such as hydrogen, comprising a tractor unit (2) and a tank (4) mounted on a support unit (13) towed by the tractor unit (2), The vehicle (1) is equipped with a fluid circuit (5) connected to the tank (4) for filling and / or discharging fluid, and the fluid circuit (5) is equipped with a set of pneumatic valves (12, 14). The vehicle (1) further comprises an electrical circuit (6) which includes at least one electrical component (16) of the support (13) towed by the tractor unit (2), The vehicle (1) is a vehicle (1) that includes a power supply (2) detachably connected to the electrical circuit (6) via at least one connection port (9) for connecting to a connection interface (3), The connection interface (3) includes a cover (8) that can move between a first position that blocks access to one or more of the connection ports (9) to prevent an electrical connection between the power supply (2) and the electrical circuit (6), and a second position that does not block access to one or more of the connection ports (9) to enable an electrical connection between the power supply (2) and the electrical circuit (6). The vehicle (1) is further characterized by comprising a switch (10) connected to the fluid circuit (5) that is switchable between a first state that enables the operation of the set of pneumatic valves (12, 14) of the fluid circuit (5) in order to enable filling or discharging, and a second state that prevents the operation of the set of pneumatic valves (12, 14) of the fluid circuit (5) in order to prevent filling or discharging, and A vehicle characterized in that, in the first position, the movable cover (8) switches the switch (10) to the first state, or enables the switch (10) to switch to the first state, and when the movable cover (8) is in the second position, the switch (10) automatically switches to the second state. [2] The vehicle according to [1], characterized by comprising a return component (11) such as a spring that biases the switch (10) to its second state. [3] The vehicle according to [2], characterized in that, in the second position, the movable cover (8) applies a force to the switch (10), such as thrust, against the force of the return part (11), thereby positioning and holding the switch (10) in its first state. [4] The vehicle according to any one of [1] to [3], characterized in that the switch (10) is pneumatic. [5] The vehicle according to any one of [1] to [4], characterized in that the cover (8) is capable of rotational and / or translational movement between a first position and a second position. [6] The vehicle according to any one of [1] to [5], characterized in that in the second state, the switch (10) opens at least a portion of the fluid circuit (5) in order to prevent pneumatic control and pressurization of at least one valve (12, 14) of the fluid circuit (5). [7] The vehicle according to any one of [1] to [6], characterized in that the tractor unit (2) is equipped with or forms the power supply, and the power supply (2) is connected to the connection interface (3) of the connection port (9) via a set of electrical cables (7). [8] The vehicle according to any one of [1] to [7], characterized in that the at least one electrical component comprises an indicator light (16) of the vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle (1) for transporting flammable fluids, comprising a tractor unit (2) and a tank (4) mounted on a support (13) towed by the tractor unit (2), The vehicle (1) is equipped with a fluid circuit (5) connected to the tank (4) for filling and / or discharging fluid, and the fluid circuit (5) is equipped with a set of pneumatic valves (12, 14). The vehicle (1) further comprises an electrical circuit (6) which includes at least one electrical component (16) of the support (13) towed by the tractor unit (2), The vehicle (1) is a vehicle (1) that includes a power supply (2) detachably connected to the electrical circuit (6) via at least one connection port (9) for connecting to a connection interface (3), The connection interface (3) includes a cover (8) that can move between a first position that blocks access to one or more of the connection ports (9) in order to prevent an electrical connection between the power supply (2) and the electrical circuit (6), and a second position that does not block access to one or more of the connection ports (9) in order to enable an electrical connection between the power supply (2) and the electrical circuit (6). The vehicle (1) is further characterized by comprising a switch (10) connected to the fluid circuit (5) that is switchable between a first state that enables the operation of the set of pneumatic valves (12, 14) of the fluid circuit (5) in order to enable filling or discharging, and a second state that prevents the operation of the set of pneumatic valves (12, 14) of the fluid circuit (5) in order to prevent filling or discharging, and A vehicle characterized in that, in the first position, the movable cover (8) switches the switch (10) to the first state, or enables the switch (10) to switch to the first state, and when the movable cover (8) is in the second position, the switch (10) automatically switches to the second state.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a return component (11) that biases the switch (10) to its second state.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, in the second position, the movable cover (8) applies force to the switch (10) against the force of the return part (11), thereby positioning and holding the switch (10) in its first state.

4. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the switch (10) is pneumatic.

5. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cover (8) is capable of rotational and / or translational movement between a first position and a second position.

6. In the second state, the vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the switch (10) opens at least a portion of the fluid circuit (5) in order to prevent pneumatic control and pressurization of at least one valve (12, 14) of the fluid circuit (5).

7. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the tractor unit (2) is equipped with or forms the power supply, and the power supply (2) is connected to the connection interface (3) of the connection port (9) via a set of electrical cables (7).

8. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one electrical component comprises an indicator light (16) of the vehicle.

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