Common rail apparatus, medium storage system, and vehicle

Abstract

The present text discloses a common rail apparatus (400), a medium storage system, and a vehicle. The common rail apparatus (400) comprises a rail (410) and a valve assembly (420). The rail (410) is arranged at an angle to an axial direction of storage containers (200), and the rail (410) is provided with an input flow channel (412), a medium channel (411), an output flow channel (413), and two or more docking flow channels (414) that are in communication. The medium channel (411) of the rail (410) is in communication with an inner cavity of each corresponding storage container (200) by means of the two or more docking flow channels (414). The valve assembly (420) is mounted in the rail (410). The valve assembly (420) comprises a one-way valve (421), a solenoid valve (422), a globe valve (423), and a pressure reducing valve (425). The one-way valve (421) is mounted in the input flow channel (412). The solenoid valve (422), the globe valve (423), and the pressure reducing valve (425) are all mounted in the output flow channel (413). The pressure reducing valve (425) is closer to an outlet (413a) of the output flow channel (413) than the solenoid valve (422) and the globe valve (423). The common rail apparatus (400) provided in the present disclosure is highly integrated, has a simple structure, does not require the arrangement of pipes, and has a high space utilization rate.

Description

Common rail device, medium storage system and vehicle

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202310879331.6 filed on July 18, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of common rail devices, and particularly relates to a common rail device, a medium storage system, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0004] New energy vehicles (NEVs) are vehicles that use unconventional automotive fuels as their power source (or use conventional automotive fuels with new onboard power units). These vehicles often incorporate advanced technologies in power control and drive, resulting in vehicles with advanced technical principles, new technologies, and new structures. Currently, hydrogen is the most widely used unconventional automotive fuel, and its corresponding new energy vehicles include hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen internal combustion engines. Other unconventional automotive fuels currently in use include methanol.

[0005] New energy vehicles are equipped with dedicated storage systems for storing energy media (hydrogen, methanol, natural gas, etc.) and for controlling the supply of energy media. Taking hydrogen fuel cells as an example, new energy vehicles are equipped with hydrogen cylinders to store hydrogen, and the hydrogen refueling and hydrogen supply processes are controlled by the cylinder valves on the hydrogen cylinders. Due to the limitation of the hydrogen storage capacity of a single cylinder, multiple cylinder groups are generally used. In the existing multi-cylinder layout, each cylinder is individually matched with a cylinder valve and corresponding pipelines, which greatly increases the cost of the storage system, and the pipelines are complex, the space utilization rate is not high, and the integration is low.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to solve the technical problems of complex pipelines and low integration of storage systems currently installed on new energy vehicles, the present disclosure provides a common rail device, a medium storage system and a vehicle.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a common rail device is provided for connecting two or more storage containers. The common rail device comprises: a track arranged at an angle to the axial direction of the storage container, the track being provided with an input flow channel, a medium channel, an output flow channel, and two or more docking flow channels; the medium channel of the track being connected to the inner cavity of the corresponding storage container through the two or more docking flow channels; and a valve assembly installed in the track. The valve assembly comprises a one-way valve, a solenoid valve, a shut-off valve, and a pressure reducing valve; the one-way valve is installed in the input flow channel; the solenoid valve, the shut-off valve, and the pressure reducing valve are all installed in the output flow channel, and the pressure reducing valve is closer to the outlet of the output flow channel than the solenoid valve and the shut-off valve.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a medium storage system is provided, which is installed on a vehicle, and the medium storage system includes: a mounting frame for connecting to the vehicle, the mounting frame having a mounting cavity; the aforementioned common rail device, which is connected to the mounting frame and / or the vehicle; two or more connectors, each provided with a connecting passage; and two or more storage containers, which are arranged in sequence along a direction set at an angle to the axial direction of the storage container and are arranged in the mounting cavity; the inner cavity of each storage container is connected to the medium channel of the common rail device through the connecting passage of the corresponding connector.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided, comprising the common rail device or the medium storage system as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a common rail device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 shows a schematic structural diagram of the common rail device in FIG. 1 from another angle.

[0013] FIG3 shows a cross-sectional view of a common rail device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the common rail device in FIG. 3 .

[0015] FIG5 shows a schematic structural diagram of a pressure reducing valve in the common rail device of FIG3 .

[0016] FIG6 shows a schematic structural diagram of a media storage system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 7 shows a schematic structural diagram of the media storage system in FIG. 6 from another angle.

[0018] Description of reference numerals:

[0019] 100, mounting frame; 110, crossbeam; 120, longitudinal beam; 130, mounting frame; 200, storage container; 300, connector; 400, common rail device; 410, track; 411, medium channel; 412, input flow channel; 413, output flow channel; 413a, outlet; 413b, output section; 414, docking flow channel; 415, bypass flow channel; 416, connecting section; 417, track body; 418, connector; 419, sensor interface; 420, valve assembly; 421, one-way valve; 422, solenoid valve; 423, stop valve; 424, manual maintenance valve; 425, pressure reducing valve; 426, manual maintenance valve; 427, manual maintenance valve; 428, manual maintenance valve; 429, manual maintenance valve; 430, manual maintenance valve; 431, manual maintenance valve; 432, manual maintenance valve; 433, manual maintenance valve; 434, manual maintenance valve; 435, manual maintenance valve; 436, manual maintenance valve; 437, manual maintenance valve; 438, manual maintenance valve; 439, manual maintenance valve; 440, manual maintenance valve; 441, manual maintenance valve; 442, manual maintenance valve; 443, manual maintenance valve; 444, manual maintenance valve; 445, manual maintenance valve; 446, manual maintenance valve; 447, manual maintenance valve; 448, manual maintenance valve; 449, manual maintenance valve; 450, manual maintenance valve; 451, manual maintenance valve; 452, manual maintenance valve; 453, manual maintenance valve; 454, manual maintenance valve; 455, manual maintenance valve; 456, manual maintenance valve; 457, manual maintenance valve; 458, manual maintenance valve; 45 6. Breathable and waterproof plug; 430. First-stage pressure reducing assembly; 431. Valve core of first-stage pressure reducing assembly; 432. Valve body of first-stage pressure reducing assembly; 433. Elastic part of first-stage pressure reducing assembly; 434. First sealing member; 435. Connecting hole; 436. Breathing port of first-stage pressure reducing assembly; 440. Second-stage pressure reducing assembly; 441. Valve core of second-stage pressure reducing assembly; 442. Valve body of second-stage pressure reducing assembly; 443. Elastic part of second-stage pressure reducing assembly; 444. Breathing port of second-stage pressure reducing assembly; 450. Sealing seat; 451. Seat body; 451a. Through hole; 452. Second sealing member; 460. Limit block; 500. Hoop. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In order to enable those skilled in the art to understand the present disclosure more clearly, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0021] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a common rail device is provided. The common rail device can connect two or more storage containers to achieve the functions of filling the storage containers with energy medium and supplying the energy medium to the load. At the same time, the common rail device has a compact structure and occupies little space.

[0022] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a common rail device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 shows a schematic structural diagram of the common rail device in Figure 1 from another angle; and Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a common rail device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The common rail device 400 provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a track 410 and a valve assembly 420. The track 410 is set at an angle to the axial direction of the storage container 200. The track 410 is provided with a connected input flow channel 412, a medium channel 411, an output flow channel 413 and two or more docking flow channels 414; the medium channel 411 of the track 410 is connected to the inner cavity of the corresponding storage container 200 through the two or more docking flow channels 414; the valve assembly 420 is installed in the track 410; the valve assembly 420 includes a one-way valve 421, a solenoid valve 422, a stop valve 423 and a pressure reducing valve 425, the one-way valve 421 is installed in the input flow channel 412; the solenoid valve 422, the stop valve 423 and the pressure reducing valve 425 are all installed in the output flow channel 413, and the pressure reducing valve 425 is closer to the outlet 413a of the output flow channel 413 than the solenoid valve 422 and the stop valve 423.

[0023] In some embodiments, the input flow channel 412 allows external energy media to enter the medium channel 411 and then enter the storage container 200 for storage. The output flow channel 413 allows the energy media in the storage container 200 to be supplied to the downstream load along the docking flow channel 414, the medium channel 411 and the output flow channel 413.

[0024] Please refer to Figures 3 and 4 , which show a cross-sectional view of the common rail assembly in Figure 3 . A one-way valve 421 can be installed in the input channel 412, allowing external energy media to enter the medium channel 411, the docking channel 414, and finally be stored in the storage container 200 through the input channel 412. However, the energy media in the medium channel 411 cannot be discharged from the input channel 412. The one-way valve 421 can include a valve core and a valve seat installed in the input channel 412. The valve seat defines a valve cavity that communicates with the input channel 412. The valve core is movably disposed within the valve cavity. The side of the input channel 412 closest to the medium channel 411 is the output side, while the side of the input channel 412 farther from the medium channel is the input side. When the pressure on the input side is greater than the pressure on the output side, the valve core moves toward the output side, connecting the valve cavity to the input channel 412. When the pressure on the input side is less than the pressure on the output side, the valve core abuts against the inner wall of the valve cavity, preventing the energy media from flowing. The one-way valve 421 can be a spring-type one-way valve 421 or a gravity-type one-way valve 421. More structures of the one-way valve 421 can refer to the existing technology and will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0025] Solenoid valve 422 is the primary operating valve, installed in output channel 413. It automatically controls the opening and closing of output channel 413. When energy medium needs to be supplied downstream, solenoid valve 422 opens, and the energy medium within storage container 200 is sequentially supplied downstream via docking channel 414, medium channel 411, and output channel 413. Solenoid valve 422 is an electrically controlled valve. When energized, the electromagnetic coil generates electromagnetic force to lift the closing element from the valve seat, opening the valve. When de-energized, the electromagnetic force disappears, and the spring presses the closing element against the valve seat, closing the valve. The structure of solenoid valve 422 itself is prior art. For more information about solenoid valve 422, please refer to the prior art disclosures and will not be elaborated upon in this disclosure.

[0026] Shutoff valve 423 is used to open and close output channel 413. It is typically in a normally open state, i.e., it keeps output channel 413 connected. Shutoff valve 423 is typically a manual mechanical valve and is located closer to outlet 413a of output channel 413 than solenoid valve 422. It is used to open and close output channel 413 during vehicle commissioning. During vehicle commissioning, solenoid valve 422 is closed, shutoff valve 423 is closed, and the pressure downstream of shutoff valve 423 is measured.

[0027] The pressure reducing valve 425 can reduce the high-pressure energy medium supplied by the storage container 200 to a low-pressure energy medium that meets the load usage pressure requirements. For example, when the energy medium is hydrogen and the storage container 200 is a hydrogen bottle, the hydrogen pressure in the hydrogen bottle is approximately 70-80MPa. After the pressure reduction treatment of the pressure reducing valve 425, the hydrogen pressure can be reduced to 1-2MPa.

[0028] When the energy medium in storage container 200 is almost exhausted or has been exhausted, solenoid valve 422 closes, output channel 413 is cut off, and under the pressure of the external energy medium, one-way valve 421 is opened, input channel 412 is opened, and the external energy medium enters storage container 200 along input channel 412, medium channel 411, and docking channel 414 in sequence. When the downstream load needs the energy medium, solenoid valve 422 opens, output channel 413 is opened, and the energy medium in storage container 200 passes through docking channel 414, medium channel 411, and output channel 413 in sequence. Under the pressure of the energy medium, pressure reducing valve 425 is opened, and the energy medium is delivered to the downstream load. During vehicle commissioning, solenoid valve 422 is closed, and output channel 413 is opened and closed by shut-off valve 423.

[0029] In some embodiments, the rail 410, the one-way valve 421, the stop valve 423, the solenoid valve 422 and the pressure reducing valve 425 are integrated to form a common rail device 400, which has the functions of filling the energy medium, supplying the energy medium and reducing pressure. The valve assembly 420 is also integrated into the rail 410, which reduces the number of parts, improves the integration, eliminates the pipelines, and has a simple structure.

[0030] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4 , the output flow channel 413 may include an output section 413b parallel to the medium channel 411, with a pressure reducing valve 425 mounted on the output section 413b. The shutoff valve 423 is closer to the output section 413b than the solenoid valve 422. Mounting the pressure reducing valve 425 on the output section 413b parallel to the medium channel 411 makes the common rail assembly 400 more compact and space-saving.

[0031] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4 , the track 410 may further include a bypass channel 415 connected to the medium channel 411. The input channel 412, the bypass channel 415, and the output channel 413 are sequentially connected to the medium channel 411 along the axial direction of the medium channel 411. A valve assembly 420 is mounted on the input channel 412, the output channel 413, and the bypass channel 415. One end of the bypass channel 415 is connected to the medium channel 411, and the other end is connected to the output channel 413. The bypass channel 415 is located between the pressure reducing valve 425 and the shut-off valve 423. If the solenoid valve 422 fails to open, the valve assembly 420 can be used to control the opening and closing of the bypass channel 415 to achieve emergency release of the energy medium, thereby improving safety.

[0032] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3 and 4 , the valve assembly 420 further includes a manual service valve 424, which is mounted in the bypass channel 415 near the output section 413b of the output channel 413. The manual service valve 424 is a simple mechanical valve and offers greater safety compared to electrically controlled valves. The manual service valve 424 is normally closed, blocking the bypass channel 415. If the solenoid valve 422 malfunctions and cannot be opened, the manual service valve 424 can be opened, allowing the bypass channel 415 to flow, allowing the energy medium within the storage container 200 to be urgently released, thereby improving safety. The proximity of the manual service valve 424 to the output section 413b of the output channel 413 allows the solenoid valve 422, the shut-off valve 423, and the manual service valve 424 to be spaced apart along the axial direction of the track 410, facilitating operation.

[0033] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4 , the input flow channel 412, the output flow channel 413, and the bypass flow channel 415 each have a connecting section 416 arranged at an angle relative to the media channel 411. The one-way valve 421, the solenoid valve 422, the shutoff valve 423, and the manual service valve 424 are all located in corresponding connecting sections 416. This allows each valve to be positioned at an angle relative to the media channel 411, providing operational space and facilitating installation and maintenance of each valve, resulting in a compact structure. In some embodiments, each connecting section 416 is arranged at an acute or obtuse angle relative to the media channel 411; in some embodiments, each connecting section 416 is arranged perpendicular to the media channel 411. In some embodiments, the solenoid valve 422, the shutoff valve 423, and the manual service valve 424 are spaced apart along the axial projection of the common rail assembly 400; in some embodiments, the projections of the solenoid valve 422, the shutoff valve 423, and the manual service valve 424 along the axial projection of the common rail assembly 400 at least partially overlap.

[0034] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2 , track 410 may include a connected track body 417 and two or more connectors 418. Track body 417 is arranged at an angle relative to the axis of storage container 200, and connectors 418 are parallel to the axis of storage container 200. Input channel 412, medium channel 411, and output channel 413 are all disposed within track body 417. Two or more docking channels 414 are respectively disposed within corresponding connectors 418. Connectors 418 are connected to storage container 200, allowing docking channels 414 to communicate with the inner cavity of storage container 200. The number of connectors 418 is the same as the number of storage containers 200, for example, two, three, or four connectors 418 are provided. Connectors 418 can be threadedly connected to storage container 200. The angled arrangement of track body 417 relative to storage container 200 reduces the space occupied by storage container 200 and the track body 417, resulting in a more compact structure. The angle between track body 417 and storage container 200 can be acute, obtuse, or right.

[0035] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG4 , a sensor interface 419 may be provided on the track body 417. This sensor interface 419 is located at one end of the track body 417 and is connected to the media channel 411. Sensors, such as temperature sensors or pressure sensors, can be installed in the sensor interface 419 to detect the temperature or pressure of the energy medium within the media channel 411, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 422 or generating an alarm based on the detected temperature and pressure of the energy medium. The placement of the sensor interface 419 at the end of the track body 417 gives the track body 417 a long, tubular shape, making it more compact and space-efficient.

[0036] In some embodiments, the common rail device 400 may further include a plug that can seal the sensor interface 419 . When no additional sensor is required, the plug is sealed in the sensor interface 419 to seal the end of the rail 410 body.

[0037] In some embodiments, referring to FIG3 , the input channel 412 is located axially along the medium channel 411 within the mounting area of ​​two or more docking channels 414. This reduces the energy medium's travel path when charging the storage container 200, improving efficiency while also making the structure more compact and space-efficient. In some embodiments, the radial projection of the input channel 412 along the medium channel 411 falls between two adjacent docking channels 414. In some embodiments, the shutoff valve 423 and the docking channels 414 are located on opposite sides of the track body 417, facilitating the injection of the energy medium into the storage container 200.

[0038] In some embodiments, referring to FIG4 , output channel 413 is located at the other end of track body 417. Specifically, output channel 413 and sensor interface 419 are located at either end of track body 417. This arrangement of the sensor and output channel 413 along the axial direction of track body 417 allows for a more compact structure while achieving both detection and energy supply functions. In some embodiments, sensor interface 419 is located on the end face of track body 417, or alternatively, on the side of the end of track body 417.

[0039] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the track body 417 is prism-shaped, and the valves of the valve assembly 420 are distributed on different sides of the prism. In some embodiments, the track body 417 is a rectangular parallelepiped, a triangular prism, a pentagonal prism, etc., which is convenient for placing the track body 417. The valves are distributed on different sides of the prism for easy installation and operation. In certain embodiments, the track body 417 is rectangular parallelepiped, the connector 418 and the one-way valve 421 are located on two opposite sides of the rectangular parallelepiped, the solenoid valve 422, the stop valve 423 and the one-way valve 421 are located on the same side of the rectangular parallelepiped, and the manual maintenance valve 424 and the connector 418 are located on the same side of the rectangular parallelepiped. In some embodiments, the track body 417 can also be columnar, which is not limited by the present disclosure.

[0040] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 4 and 5 , the pressure relief passage of pressure relief valve 425 extends axially along medium passage 411 , giving the common rail assembly 400 a long, compact, and space-saving structure. In other embodiments, the pressure relief passage is disposed parallel to medium passage 411 .

[0041] In certain embodiments, please refer to FIG5 , which shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the pressure reducing valve in the common rail device of FIG3 . The pressure reducing channel is provided with two or more outlets 413a , one of which is used for medium output, and the remaining one or more outlets 413a are used to install valves or sensors. Two, three, or four outlets 413a can be provided, and the selection of which outlet to use for medium output can be selected based on the pipeline installation space to improve operational convenience and a more compact structure. In some embodiments, one of the multiple outlets 413a is located at the end of the rail body 417 . The outlet 413a at the end of the rail body 417 is used for medium output, and the remaining outlets 413a are spaced apart on the outside of the rail body 417 . The outlets 413a located on the outside of the rail body 417 can be used to install safety valves or medium pressure sensors.

[0042] In some embodiments, the pressure reducing valve 425 may be provided with a set of pressure reducing components. In other embodiments, the pressure reducing valve 425 may be provided with multiple sets of pressure reducing components. The number of pressure reducing components is determined according to the pressure reducing requirements and pressure reducing capacity, and is not limited by the present disclosure. In some embodiments, referring to FIG5 , the pressure reducing valve 425 may include a first-stage pressure reducing component 430 and a second-stage pressure reducing component 440 sequentially arranged along the axial direction of the medium channel 411, that is, the pressure reducing valve 425 is provided with two sets of pressure reducing components. The first-stage pressure reducing component 430 and the second-stage pressure reducing component 440 both include valve cores 431, 441 and elastic members 433, 443. The high-pressure energy medium converts part of the pressure energy into compression energy of the elastic members 433, 443, thereby achieving pressure reduction. The elastic members 433, 443 may be springs, compression springs, disc springs, etc.

[0043] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 5. One end of the track 410 is a split structural section connected by threads to form the valve body 432, 442 of the pressure reducing valve 425. The valve cores 431, 441 are slidably arranged in the valve bodies 432, 442, and the two ends of the elastic members 433, 443 act on the valve cores 431, 441 and the valve bodies 432, 442 respectively; the split structural design facilitates the installation of the pressure reducing valve 425 on the track 410.

[0044] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 5. The split structural section includes two threaded valve bodies 432 and 442. Each valve body 432 and 442 is provided with an inner cavity and an elastic cavity. The valve core 431 and 441 are movably located in the inner cavity and the elastic cavity so that the valve core 431 and 441 can leave or abut against the cavity wall of the inner cavity.

[0045] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 5 , the valve bodies 432 and 442 are provided with breathing ports 436 and 444. These ports 436 and 444 communicate with the elastic chamber, allowing the outside world to flow into the elastic chamber. This balances the pressure within the elastic chamber with the outside world, allowing the elastic members 433 and 443 to offset the pressure of the energy medium, thereby maximizing pressure reduction. When there are at least two elastic chambers, the number of breathing ports 436 and 444 is the same as the number of elastic chambers. The at least two breathing ports 436 and 444 are spaced apart along the axial projection of the medium channel 411 for ease of operation.

[0046] Please continue to refer to Figure 5. The pressure reducing valve 425 can include a breathable and waterproof plug 426. The number of the breathable and waterproof plugs 426 is the same as the number of the breathing ports 436 and 444. The breathable and waterproof plugs 426 are connected to the breathing ports 436 and 444 one by one. The breathable and waterproof plugs 426 are breathable, waterproof, dustproof and foreign body-proof.

[0047] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 5. A first seal 434 is provided at the end of the valve core 431 of the first-stage decompression assembly 430. The first seal 434 is used to cut off the output flow channel 413 when the valve core 431 slides to the first position; a plurality of connecting holes 435 are provided on the valve core 431 of the first-stage decompression assembly 430 along the circumferential direction, and the decompression channel of the first-stage decompression assembly 430 is connected to the inner cavity of the valve body 432 through the connecting holes 435.

[0048] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 5 , the inner cavity of the valve body 432 of the first-stage pressure-reducing assembly 430 can be connected to the output channel 413, and the inner cavity along the radial direction of the output channel 413 is larger than the outer dimension of the output channel 413. A first sealing member 434 is connected to the valve core 431. The valve core 431 is provided with a pressure-reducing hole extending axially along the medium channel 411 and connected to the connecting hole 435. The first sealing member 434 can move away from or abut against the inner cavity wall under the drive of the valve core 431. When the first sealing member 434 abuts against the inner cavity wall, i.e., when the valve core 431 slides to the first position, the output channel 413 is blocked. The order of flow of the energy medium is the medium channel 411, the output channel 413, the inner cavity of the valve body 432 of the first-stage pressure-reducing assembly 430, the connecting hole 435 of the valve core 431, and the pressure-reducing hole.

[0049] The valve cores 431 and 441 of the first-stage pressure-reducing assembly 430 and the second-stage pressure-reducing assembly 440 can each be provided with a first end and a second end axially opposed to each other along the media channel 411. Continuing to refer to Figure 5, regarding the first-stage pressure-reducing assembly 430: the first end of the valve core 431 is located within the inner cavity and connected to the first sealing member 434. The outer circumference of the first end of the valve core 431 is sealed to the circumferential wall of the inner cavity. The outer circumference of the first end of the valve core 431 and the sidewall of the inner cavity together form a first pressure-reducing chamber A. The elastic cavity has a larger radial dimension along the media channel 411 than the inner cavity. The second end is sealed to the circumferential wall of the elastic cavity. The inner wall of the elastic cavity and the central portion of the valve core 431 together form a first balancing chamber B that is connected to the outside world and accommodates the elastic member 433. The breathing port 436 is connected to the first balancing chamber B.

[0050] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 5 , the pressure reducing valve 425 further includes a sealing seat 450 disposed between the primary pressure reducing assembly 430 and the secondary pressure reducing assembly 440 . The sealing seat 450 may include a seat body 451 and a second sealing member 452 mounted on the seat body 451 . The edge of the seat body 451 is provided with a plurality of through-holes along the circumference. The position of the second sealing member 452 corresponds to the valve core 441 of the secondary pressure reducing assembly 440 . The second sealing member 452 is configured to cut off the output flow channel 413 when the valve core 441 slides to the second position. The provision of the sealing seat 450 facilitates the installation of the second sealing member 452 , thereby achieving the shutoff function of the secondary pressure reducing assembly 440 without the need for a sealing member on the valve core 441 of the secondary pressure reducing assembly 440 . The edge of the seat body 451 is provided with a plurality of through-holes, allowing the energy medium after decompression by the primary pressure reducing assembly 430 to flow through the through-holes at the edge, thereby making the airflow smoother.

[0051] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 5. The second sealing member 452 can be set to a cylindrical shape. The second sealing member 452 is connected to the sealing seat 450 by screws. The valve core 441 of the secondary decompression assembly 440 is provided with a decompression hole that passes through the axial direction of the medium channel 411. The decompression hole forms a decompression channel. The radial size of the screw along the medium channel 411 is smaller than the size of the decompression hole. When the valve core 441 of the secondary decompression assembly 440 is pressed against the second sealing member 452, the screw is arranged in the decompression hole.

[0052] The first sealing member 434 and the second sealing member 452 can both be made of rubber material, which has a certain elasticity and a good sealing effect.

[0053] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 5. The pressure reducing valve 425 may also include a limit block 460, which is located between the first-level pressure reducing assembly 430 and the second-level pressure reducing assembly 440. The limit block 460 is provided with a pressure reducing hole connected to the valve core 431 of the first-level pressure reducing assembly 430 and a limit hole of the through hole of the sealing seat 450. The second end of the valve core 431 of the first-level pressure reducing assembly 430 leaves or abuts against the end face of the limit block 460.

[0054] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to FIG. 5 , the edge of the limit block 460 extends toward the secondary decompression assembly 440 , so that a buffer cavity communicating with the through hole is formed between the center of the limit block 460 and the sealing seat 450 .

[0055] For the two-stage pressure reducing assembly 440: please continue to refer to Figure 5. The valve body 442 is provided with a mounting hole. The inner cavity, mounting hole and elastic cavity of the valve body 442 are connected in sequence. The valve core 441 is slidably installed in the mounting hole. The first end of the valve core 441 is located in the inner cavity, and the second end of the valve core 441 is located in the elastic cavity, so that the inner cavity and the pressure reducing hole of the valve core 441 are connected. The valve body 442, the limit block 460 and the first end of the valve core 441 are combined to form a second pressure reducing cavity C. The second ends of the valve body 442 and the valve core 441 are combined to form a second balancing cavity D for accommodating the elastic member 443. The breathing port 444 is connected to the second balancing cavity D.

[0056] In some embodiments, taking the pressure reducing valve 425 including the first-stage pressure reducing assembly 430 and the second-stage pressure reducing assembly 440 as an example, the flow path of the energy medium is as follows: the high-pressure energy medium moves from the output flow channel 413 toward the inner cavity of the valve body 432 of the first-stage pressure reducing assembly 430. Due to the high pressure of the energy medium, the valve core 431 of the first-stage pressure reducing assembly 430 is pushed toward the direction of the second-stage pressure reducing assembly 440. The valve core 431 leaves the inner cavity wall of the valve body 432, and the elastic member 433 in the first balancing chamber B is compressed. Part of the pressure energy of the energy medium is converted into the compression energy of the elastic member 433. The energy medium after the first pressure reduction enters the first pressure reducing chamber A and is then discharged through the connecting hole 435 and the pressure reducing hole of the valve core 431.

[0057] The energy medium discharged from the pressure reducing hole of the first-stage pressure reducing assembly 430 enters the buffer chamber through the limiting hole of the limiting block 460, and enters the second pressure reducing chamber C of the second-stage pressure reducing assembly 440 along the through hole of the sealing seat 450. Under the pressure of the energy medium, the elastic member 443 in the second balance chamber D is compressed, and the valve core 441 moves in the direction away from the first-stage pressure reducing assembly 430. The pressure reducing hole of the valve core 441 is connected to the second pressure reducing chamber C, and the energy medium is discharged along the pressure reducing hole and the outlet 413a.

[0058] The storage container 200 can be a container for storing hydrogen sources in a hydrogen refueling station. In this case, the storage container 200 of the hydrogen refueling station fills hydrogen into the hydrogen bottle of the electric vehicle through the docking flow channel 414, the medium channel 411 and the output flow channel 413 of the common rail device 400, and the external energy injects the energy medium into the storage container 200 through the input flow channel 412, the medium channel 411 and the docking flow channel 414 of the common rail device 400; the storage container 200 can also be a hydrogen bottle on the electric vehicle used to provide an energy medium for the power unit, and the external energy medium, such as hydrogen from the hydrogen refueling station, is injected into the storage container 200 through the input flow channel 412, the medium channel 411 and the docking flow channel 414 of the common rail device 400, and the storage container 200 supplies the energy medium to the load through the docking flow channel 414, the medium channel 411 and the output flow channel 413 of the common rail device 400.

[0059] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a medium storage system is provided, which is installed on a vehicle and has a compact structure and high space utilization.

[0060] Please refer to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 . FIG. 6 shows a schematic structural diagram of a media storage system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 shows a schematic structural diagram of the media storage system of FIG. 6 from another angle. The medium storage system provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is a vehicle-mounted storage system, which as a whole includes a mounting frame 100, a storage container 200, a connector 300 and a common rail device 400. The mounting frame 100 is used to connect to the vehicle. Multiple storage containers 200 are located in the mounting cavity of the mounting frame 100 and are arranged in sequence along a direction set at an angle to the axial direction of the storage container 200, so that the vehicle-mounted storage system forms an independent module. A connector 300 is provided on each storage container 200, and the connector 300 serves to allow energy media to enter and exit the storage container 200. Each storage container 200 is connected to the common rail device 400, and the medium is filled into each storage container 200 by the common rail device 400. When in use, the medium in each storage container 200 flows into the common rail device 400. The body of the common rail device 400 is connected to the valve assembly 420 to uniformly control the circulation of the medium in each storage container 200.

[0061] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6 , a connector 300 is mounted on the mounting frame 100. The connector 300 not only facilitates the flow of energy into and out of the storage container 200 but also serves as a mounting mechanism for the storage container 200. By securing the storage container 200 with the connector 300, the volumetric changes caused by thermal expansion and contraction during operation can be accommodated. In some embodiments, the connector 300 is a cylindrical or prismatic structure with a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the connector 300 is connected to the mounting frame 100 via a clamp 500.

[0062] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG6 , the throat of storage container 200 is connected to mounting frame 100, and connector 300 is suspended in the air. Connector 300 is connected to the throat, facilitating axial positioning of storage container 200, providing greater stability, and adapting to volume changes caused by thermal expansion and contraction of storage container 200. When storage container 200 is connected to mounting frame 100, connector 300 may include two connectors and a flexible tubing segment connecting the two connectors. The two connectors are respectively connected to the throat of storage container 200 and connector 418 of common rail assembly 400. In the event of an external impact, the flexible tubing segment can adaptively deform, preventing interference between the connector 418 of storage container 200 and common rail assembly 400, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the on-board storage system.

[0063] In some embodiments, the common rail assembly 400 can be installed within the mounting cavity of the mounting frame 100. The mounting frame 100 includes a bracket connected to the common rail assembly 400 to support the common rail assembly 400. The mounting frame 100 can provide cushioning for the common rail assembly 400 in the event of a vehicle collision, enhancing safety. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3, 6, and 7, the common rail assembly 400 can also be installed outside the mounting cavity of the mounting frame 100. The sensor connector 418 is located on the end surface of the rail body 417, facilitating replacement and maintenance of the sensor mounted on the sensor connector 418. However, this is less secure than if the common rail assembly 400 were located within the mounting cavity. In other embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the end of the rail body 417 near the output channel 413 extends from the mounting frame 100, allowing the manual maintenance valve 424 to be located outside the mounting frame 100. This allows for emergency drainage of the energy medium if the solenoid valve 422 malfunctions and cannot be opened.

[0064] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 7, the installation frame 100 includes more than two longitudinal beams 120 and more than two cross beams 110, and the more than two longitudinal beams 120 and the more than two cross beams 110 together form a rectangular installation cavity, the cross beams 110 and the longitudinal beams 120 are perpendicular to each other, the cross beam 110 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the storage container 200, and the longitudinal beam 120 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the track 410; at least two longitudinal beams 120 are provided with a mounting seat for connecting to the vehicle, and the connectors 300 are all connected to the cross beams 110.

[0065] In some embodiments, the bracket can be connected to the crossbeam 110, or the bracket can be connected to the longitudinal beam 120. In other embodiments, referring to FIG6 , the mounting frame 100 further includes a mounting bracket 130 for connecting to the vehicle body, and the mounting bracket 130 is used to fix the mounting frame 100 to the vehicle body.

[0066] In some embodiments, the working process of the medium storage system provided by the present disclosure is described by taking the storage container 200 as a hydrogen bottle and the energy medium as hydrogen as an example:

[0067] When it is necessary to add hydrogen to the hydrogen bottle: the solenoid valve 422 is closed, the one-way valve 421 is opened under the action of hydrogen pressure, the input flow channel 412 is connected, and the external hydrogen enters the hydrogen bottle through the input flow channel 412, the medium channel 411, the docking flow channel 414 and the connecting channel in turn. When the hydrogen filling is completed, the one-way valve 421 is automatically closed and the input flow channel 412 is closed.

[0068] When the hydrogen bottle supplies hydrogen to the outside world: the solenoid valve 422 is opened, the output flow channel 413 is connected, and the hydrogen in the hydrogen bottle is discharged to the downstream hydrogen-using device through the connecting channel, the docking flow channel 414, the medium channel 411, the output flow channel 413 and the pressure reducing channel of the pressure reducing valve 425 in sequence.

[0069] When the solenoid valve 422 fails and cannot be opened, the output flow channel 413 is closed, the manual maintenance valve 424 is opened, and the bypass flow channel 415 is connected. The hydrogen in the hydrogen bottle is urgently discharged through the connecting channel, the docking flow channel 414, the medium channel 411, the bypass flow channel 415 and the pressure reducing channel of the pressure reducing valve 425 in turn, thereby improving safety performance.

[0070] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided, comprising the common rail device 400 as described above or the medium storage system as described above.

[0071] According to the above embodiments of the present disclosure, the technical solution of the present disclosure has at least the following beneficial effects or advantages:

[0072] 1) The valve assembly 420 is integrated with the common rail device 400, resulting in a more compact structure and high space utilization;

[0073] 2) A single valve assembly 420 controls the filling and supply of energy media to multiple storage containers 200, reducing the number of parts and system costs. Furthermore, no piping is required within the system, resulting in a high degree of integration. This eliminates the need for high-pressure piping, shortens the energy media's path, reduces leakage points, reduces system costs, and improves system maintenance convenience.

[0074] 3) A solenoid valve 422 is integrated into the common rail assembly 400 to control the on / off flow of the energy medium from the storage container 200. A shut-off valve 423 is integrated into the common rail assembly 400 to open and close the common rail module output channel 413 during vehicle commissioning. A maintenance valve is integrated into the common rail assembly 400 to facilitate emergency release of the energy medium from the storage container 200 in special circumstances (e.g., if the solenoid valve 422 fails and cannot be opened). A check valve 421 is integrated into the common rail assembly 400 to facilitate the filling of the storage container 200 with gas via the common rail.

[0075] 4) The input flow channel 412 and the output flow channel 413 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the medium channel 411, making the structure of the track 410 more compact;

[0076] 5) The one-way valve 421, solenoid valve 422, stop valve 423, and manual maintenance valve 424 are all located in the corresponding connecting section 416, so that each valve is arranged at an angle to the medium channel 411, which increases the operating space, facilitates the installation and maintenance of each valve, and has a compact structure;

[0077] 6) The sensor connector 418 and the output flow channel 413 are respectively located at both ends of the rail body 417, so that the common rail device 400 forms an elongated strip with a more compact structure;

[0078] 7) Multiple storage containers 200 are arranged in sequence along a direction that is angled relative to the axial direction of the storage containers 200, and the common rail device 400 is arranged at an angle relative to the axial direction of the storage containers 200, so that the medium storage system has a high degree of integration along the axial direction of the storage containers 200 and a more compact structure.

[0079] 8) The media storage system is modular and highly integrated, which improves the utilization of the vehicle's space layout.

[0080] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a common rail device is provided, which can connect two or more storage containers. The common rail device as a whole includes a rail and a valve assembly.

[0081] In the technical solutions according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the track and the storage container are arranged at an angle axially, so that the overall structure formed by the track and the storage container is more compact and occupies less space; the track is provided with a connected input flow channel, a medium channel, an output flow channel and two or more docking flow channels, and the medium channel of the track is connected to the inner cavity of the corresponding storage container through two or more docking flow channels; the input flow channel can allow external energy media to enter the medium channel and then enter the storage container for storage, and the output flow channel can allow the energy medium in the storage container to be supplied to the downstream load along the docking flow channel, the medium channel and the output flow channel.

[0082] The valve assembly is installed in the track. The valve assembly includes a one-way valve, a solenoid valve, a stop valve and a pressure reducing valve. The one-way valve is installed in the input flow channel to control the opening and closing of the input flow channel; the solenoid valve, the stop valve and the pressure reducing valve are all installed in the output flow channel. The solenoid valve is the main working valve, which controls the opening and closing of the output flow channel. The stop valve is a normally open valve, which realizes the opening and closing of the output flow channel during vehicle debugging. The pressure reducing valve can reduce the pressure of the high-pressure energy medium in the storage container to meet the usage requirements of the downstream load. Compared with the solenoid valve and the stop valve, the pressure reducing valve is closer to the outlet of the output flow channel.

[0083] Compared with the prior art, in which each storage container is separately equipped with a bottle valve with hydrogen filling and supply functions, the present invention integrates the valve assembly with the common rail, which has a more compact structure and high space utilization. At the same time, the common rail is connected to multiple storage containers, so that one valve assembly controls the filling control, supply control and pressure reduction control of the energy medium of multiple storage containers, with fewer parts and smaller occupied space.

[0084] The common rail device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure has at least the following advantages:

[0085] (1) The bottle valve is eliminated, and the valve assembly is integrated with the common rail device, which has a simple and more compact structure and high space utilization.

[0086] (2) One valve assembly controls the filling control, supply control, and pressure reduction control of energy media in multiple storage containers, reducing the number of parts and system costs. In addition, no piping is required inside the system, resulting in a high degree of integration.

[0087] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature includes the first feature being directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0088] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise" and "counterclockwise" indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present disclosure.

[0089] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connect," "fix," etc. should be understood broadly. For example, "fix" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean internal communication between two elements or an interaction between two elements. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this disclosure based on specific circumstances.

[0090] In addition, the terms "first," "second," and so on, used in this disclosure are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this disclosure, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0091] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A common rail device for connecting two or more storage containers, the common rail device comprising: A track is arranged at an angle with the axial direction of the storage container, the track is provided with a connected input flow channel, a medium channel, an output flow channel and two or more docking flow channels; the medium channel is connected with the inner cavity of the corresponding storage container through the two or more docking flow channels; and A valve assembly is installed in the track; the valve assembly includes a one-way valve, a solenoid valve, a stop valve and a pressure reducing valve, the one-way valve is installed in the input flow channel; the solenoid valve, the stop valve and the pressure reducing valve are all installed in the output flow channel, and the pressure reducing valve is closer to the outlet of the output flow channel than the solenoid valve and the stop valve.

2. The common rail device according to claim 1, wherein: The output flow channel includes an output section parallel to the medium channel, and the pressure reducing valve is installed on the output section; the stop valve is closer to the output section than the solenoid valve.

3. The common rail device according to claim 2, wherein: The track is also provided with a bypass flow channel connected to the medium channel, and the input flow channel, the bypass flow channel and the output flow channel are sequentially connected to the medium channel along the axial direction of the medium channel; the valve assembly is installed on the input flow channel, the output flow channel and the bypass flow channel.

4. The common rail device according to claim 3, wherein: The valve assembly further comprises a manual maintenance valve, which is installed in the bypass flow channel and close to the output section of the output flow channel.

5. The common rail device according to claim 4, wherein: The input flow channel, the output flow channel and the bypass flow channel all have a connecting section arranged at an angle with the medium channel, and the one-way valve, the solenoid valve, the stop valve and the manual maintenance valve are all arranged in the corresponding connecting section.

6. The common rail device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The track includes a connected track body and two or more joints, the track body is arranged at an angle with the axial direction of the storage container, and the joint is parallel to the axial direction of the storage container; the input flow channel, the medium channel and the output flow channel are all arranged in the track body; the two or more docking flow channels are respectively arranged in the corresponding joints.

7. The common rail device according to claim 6, wherein: A sensor interface is provided on the track body. The sensor interface is located at one end of the track body and is connected to the medium channel.

8. The common rail device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The pressure reducing channel of the pressure reducing valve extends along the axial direction of the medium channel; the pressure reducing channel is provided with more than two outlets, one of which is used for medium output, and the remaining one or more outlets are used for installing valves or sensors.

9. The common rail device according to claim 8, wherein: The pressure reducing valve comprises a primary pressure reducing assembly and a secondary pressure reducing assembly which are sequentially arranged along the axial direction of the medium channel, and the primary pressure reducing assembly and the secondary pressure reducing assembly both comprise a valve core and an elastic member; one end of the track is a split structural section connected by threads to constitute the valve body of the pressure reducing valve, the valve core is slidably arranged in the valve body, and the two ends of the elastic member act on the valve core and the valve body respectively; a breathing port is provided on the valve body.

10. The common rail device according to claim 9, wherein: A first seal is provided at the end of the valve core of the first-stage decompression assembly, and the first seal is used to cut off the output flow channel when the valve core slides to the first position; a plurality of connecting holes are provided on the valve core of the first-stage decompression assembly along the circumferential direction, and the decompression channel of the first-stage decompression assembly is connected to the inner cavity of the valve body through the connecting holes.

11. The common rail device according to claim 9, wherein: The pressure reducing valve also includes a sealing seat, which is arranged between the first-stage pressure reducing assembly and the second-stage pressure reducing assembly. The sealing seat includes a seat body and a second sealing member installed on the seat body, and a plurality of through holes are opened along the circumferential direction at the edge of the seat body. The position of the second sealing member corresponds to the valve core of the second-stage pressure reducing assembly, and the second sealing member is used to cut off the output flow channel when the valve core slides to the second position.

12. A medium storage system installed on a vehicle, the medium storage system comprising: A mounting frame, used for connecting to a vehicle, the mounting frame having a mounting cavity; The common rail device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, connected to the mounting frame and / or the vehicle; Two or more connectors are provided with a connecting channel; Two or more storage containers are arranged in sequence along a direction that is angled with the axial direction of the storage container and are arranged in the storage container. The inner cavity of each storage container is connected to the medium channel of the common rail device through the corresponding connecting channel of the connector.

13. A vehicle comprising the common rail device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or the medium storage system according to claim 12.

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