The present invention relates to a fuel gas supply system for a power-consuming member and a control member usable for such a system.
The invention relates, more particularly, to a fuel gas supply system for a power-consuming member, in particular a gaseous hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell or a heat engine, the system comprising at least one upstream end comprising a movable mechanical actuator for selectively controlling the opening of an isolating valve of a pressurized fuel gas tank designed to be coupled to the at least one upstream end, the supply system comprising a member for controlling the displacement of the mechanical actuator.
The invention relates, in particular, to the supply of devices consuming gas, for example a fuel cell or a heat engine for a vehicle, of which the fuel contains gaseous hydrogen stored in highly pressurized tanks (for example 700 bar and above). The invention relates, in particular, to refueling solutions, according to which the users replace empty tanks for full tanks. Naturally, the invention may also relate to applications where the tanks are fitted to the vehicle and fixed.
Regulations provide for the necessity of equipping the gaseous hydrogen tanks with isolating valves, the control of which being carried out in an entirely automated manner, permitting the closure of the supply system for the fuel cell or heat engine directly at the gas source. The use of hydrogen (or any other combustible gas) requires the components which comprise electromechanical actuators and which are located in the vicinity of the gas distribution system to meet the directives known as “ATEX” (“ATmospheres EXplosibles” (Explosive Atmospheres)). As a general rule, these regulatory specifications have a direct impact on the size of the components and pose technical problems when they have to be incorporated in small vehicles (two-wheeled vehicles, for example).
Respecting the “ATEX” directives also results in an increase in the cost of said components. The invention proposes a very safe technical solution which meets this regulatory restriction, in particular in the case where the refueling of a power-consuming member is carried out by replacing empty tanks by full tanks.
In the case of vehicles provided with fixed tanks installed in the vehicle, a high-pressure electromagnet, conforming to the ATEX directives, may be mounted directly at the tank outlet. This satisfies the requirement of having an automatic isolating device in the closest possible position to the gas source in the event of storage or malfunction of the gas distribution system, according to the requirements of the regulations. However, in certain applications, it is not advantageous or possible to provide fixed tanks and gas refueling at a service station (for example for wheelchairs propelled by a fuel gas) especially as the logistics of small canisters is relatively easy to provide.
An object of the present invention is to remedy all or some of the drawbacks of the prior art set forth above.
To this end, the gas supply system according to the invention, and according to the generic definition provided by the above preamble, is essentially characterized in that the control member is mechanically connected to the actuator via a selectively mobile mechanical movement transmission member, the control member being offset relative to the actuator so as to provide remotely the displacement of the actuator via mechanical forces.
The invention may also relate to the association of one or more systems for receiving gas, respectively connected to a removable pressurized gas tank. The invention relates, in particular, to a control system (via a control member) for systems receiving gas. The control member is thus displaced outside the (“ATEX”) danger zone and permits the opening of the gas distribution system in complete safety.
The invention may exhibit the following particularities or advantages.
The removable pressurized gas tank is provided with a gas distribution device. The gas distribution device comprises at least one gas isolating member such as a valve. For example, the gas distribution device is a tap or the equivalent mounted on and/or in the orifice of the tank. The isolating member is integrated in the valve and/or the supply system.
The supply system is preferably installed and fixed on-board the power-consuming member (the vehicle, for example). The supply system comprises an interface (upstream end(s)) capable of cooperating with the tank(s).
The control member remotely controls the opening of the isolating members (valves) of the gas distribution device via a mobile actuator.
The control member is preferably monostable, i.e. normally in a position which acts (or does not act) mechanically on the valve actuator so as to close said valve and isolate the gas distribution system of the canister. In this manner, the closure of the valve does not require the addition of external energy, in the event, for example, of current being disconnected from the system at an inopportune time.
The control member is preferably permanently supplied with electrical energy when the gas distribution system of one of the canisters is open. The architecture permits reduced energy consumption.
The control member is preferably provided with a device providing the command to an electronic control unit to stop the power-consuming member in the event of a detected abnormality, such as a rupture or mix-up of the cables for transmitting mechanical movement between the control member and the actuators.
The control member is preferably provided with a device for regulating the tension of the cable(s), making it possible not to use sensors (end of travel sensors, for example) inside the system. More specifically, said sensors are a potential source of energy (sparks) and incompatible with the (“ATEX”) safety directives.
Moreover, embodiments of the invention may comprise one or more of the following features:
At least one pressurized gas tank provided with an isolating valve is selectively connected or connectable to the upstream end of the system, the mechanical actuator selectively providing the opening of the isolating valve of the tank.
The invention also relates to a member for remotely controlling the displacement of one or two mechanical actuators, comprising an electrically controlled displacement mechanism, such as an electric motor or a geared motor, and one respective movement transmission member associated with each actuator, each transmission member having a first end connected to the displacement mechanism and a second end designed to be mechanically connected to one respective mechanical actuator for its displacement, the movement transmission member(s) comprising a flexible cable, the displacement mechanism being designed to provide selective traction of the transmission member(s) into a mechanically unstable active position relative to a specific mechanically stable resting position, each of the transmission member(s) being urged by default into its resting position, the displacement mechanism further comprising an electrically controlled device for retaining the transmission members in the active position, the displacement mechanism further comprising a commutator for deactivating the power supply to the electrically controlled displacement mechanism to the benefit of the retaining device(s), to retain the transmission member(s) in the active position.
The invention may also relate to any device or alternative method comprising any combination of the features set forth above or below.
According to further possible particularities taken separately or in combination:
The invention also relates to the use of such a supply system or a member for remotely controlling the displacement of one or more mechanical actuators for the selective passage of fuel gas from a pressurized gas source to a member consuming said fuel gas, in particular for the supply of gaseous hydrogen to a fuel cell or heat engine.
Further particularities and advantages will appear from reading the following description made with reference to the figures, in which:
The control member 111 comprises, for example, a body 1 of which one of the faces 2 (see
One face of the housing 1 may be provided to receive a motor 3, such as a geared motor designed to produce selectively a tractive force on the cables 11, 21 (for example, via a rotating shaft).
The tractive movements of the cable(s) 11, 21 provide remotely the displacement of the actuators 140, 150 and thus the selective opening of one or more isolating valves 210 of the tanks 300. When one or more isolating valves 210 are open, the gas may leave the tank and may be admitted to circulate in the system 100.
Each cable 11, 21 may then be wound about one respective control cam 14, 24 (the control cam may also be called a “spreader”) Each cable 11, 21 is fixed to its respective control cam 14, 24, via for example a crimped cable end 112, 212. Each crimped cable end 111, 211 may be captured in one respective bore 141, 241 provided in the corresponding control cam 14, 24.
The tractive force on the cables 11, 21 is transmitted to the control cams 14, 24 via a control lever 30 which is fixed in rotation to the rotational shaft of a geared motor 3.
When the two cables 11, 21 are not pulled relative to a stable resting position, the two control cams 14, 24 are in contact on an arm 302 of the lever. The resting position of the cables 11, 21 corresponds, for example, to a position of the actuator(s) 140, 150 not opening the isolating valves 210.
In this manner, activating the geared motor 3 in one direction (rotation of the shaft) makes it possible to exert a tractive force on the first cable 11. The activation of the geared motor 3 in the other direction (rotation of the shaft in the other direction) makes it possible to exert a tractive force on the second cable 21.
A retaining flap 50, 150 is associated with each cable 11, 21. A first end of each retaining flap 50, 150 is mounted in an articulated manner about a fixed shaft 59, 159. The second end of each retaining flap 50, 150 is fixed to its cable 11, 21 via a device for compensating for the compression of the sheath 10, 20 as disclosed below.
The transmission of a force onto the cable 11, 21 makes it possible to pivot the retaining flap 50, 150 which is associated therewith about its shaft 59, 159.
Each device for compensating for the compression of the sheath 10, 20 comprises a limiter 41 which is perforated longitudinally and in which the cable passes 11, 21. The limiter 41 is fixed to the cable 11, 21, for example by tightening two locking screws 45 and 46.
Each compensation device also comprises a limiter support 43 receiving the limiter 41. The limiter support 43 permits the translation of the limiter 41 inside said limiter support 43. A compression spring 42 bears between, on the one hand, an internal shoulder of the limiter support 43 and, on the other hand, an external shoulder of the limiter 41.
In the configuration of
Preferably, the bolt 52 for fixing each plate 51 comprises a spherical face bearing onto a chamfered face of said plate 51.
In this manner, a slight clearance (preferably a ball joint) is possible between the plate 51 and its flap 50, 150. The axial clearances between the parts may be compensated by the presence of a Belleville type spring washer 53 arranged between the pole plate 51 and its flap 50, 150.
The coupling between the device for limiting compression of the sheath and the corresponding flap 50, 150, is thus similar to a hinge. This coupling may, however, both be pivoted and translated (device for limiting compression of the sheath relative to the corresponding flap 50, 150).
The limiter support 43 carries a protruding shaft 432 received in an oblong bore 501 located at one mobile end of the flap 50, 150.
The member comprises two electromagnetic suction elements 60, 70 (of the electromagnet type) designed to cooperate respectively with the plates 51. The plates 51 are preferably metal or at least made of a material compatible with the suction elements 60, 70 from the electromagnetic point of view.
In the configuration of
In
This configuration is the first phase in the operation of the control member 111. In this first phase, the control member 111 displaces a first actuator 140 to open an isolating valve 210 towards a gas distribution system.
The control lever 30 is rotated, for example, in the trigonometric (anti-clockwise) direction and exerts a torque transmitted to the control cam 14 of the first cable 11 (via, for example, an arm 301 of the lever 30).
This force causes the cable 11 to be wound about the control cam 14. This winding causes the translation of the cable 11 towards the inside of the body 1.
This makes it possible to place the retaining flap 51 in planar contact 601 with the electromagnetic suction element 60.
When the electrical current at the terminals of the geared motor 3 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the geared motor 3 is stopped (by an electronic logic unit). More specifically, the value of the strength of this current is dependent on the resistant forces overcome by the geared motor 3. This makes it possible to determine the moment when the mobile parts come into abutment in the system. This predetermined threshold is preferably slightly greater than the real requirement of the system in order to guarantee optimal operation of the mechanism. It is thus preferable to use a device for compensating for the compression of the sheath.
As a result of the resilient connection between the limiter 41 and the limiter support 43 due to the presence of the limiter spring 42, the limiter 41 may move in translation inside the limiter support 43. This translation compensates, therefore, for the excessive path of the cable 11 generated by possible compression of the sheath 10.
This makes it possible to avoid the transmission of excessive forces in the region of the retaining flap 51 when said retaining flap is in contact with the electromagnetic suction element 60. This also prevents the accumulation of parasitic forces on the cable 11. More specifically, these parasitic forces impair the stability for retaining the tension on the cable 11 provided by the electromagnetic suction element 60.
The electromagnetic suction element 60 is designed to have an electrical consumption which is as economical as possible when it is activated (subjected to current). It is thus activated when the threshold of the current of the geared motor 3 is exceeded and takes over from the geared motor 3 to retain the cable 11 in the active position.
In
This operating phase represents the transition in which the tension of the cable 11, once it has been generated by the geared motor 3, is then retained solely by the electromagnetic suction element 60. In other words, the geared motor 3 is stopped and returns to its initial neutral position whilst the electromagnetic suction element 60 is subjected to current.
The control lever 30 is brought back to its initial (neutral) position, thus releasing the control cam 14. In this manner, the compensator for the compression of the sheath is released and returns to its resting position. The presence of a return spring 32 located in the control cams 14, 24 makes it possible to push back permanently the cams 14, 24 onto their associated cable 11, 21. This makes it possible to avoid any jamming of the system by the application of slight tension on the cables 11, 21 when the control lever 30 is no longer in contact with the control cams 14, 24 (see
The tension of the cable 11 is thus transferred from the control cam 14 to the retaining flap 51. The flap 51 is blocked by the electromagnetic force generated by the electromagnetic suction element 60 when it is subjected to current.
To return to its neutral position, the geared motor 3 has to be activated in the reverse direction (clockwise), for example until it is detected (see
The activation of the switch 80 thus controls the stoppage of the electrical supply. This interrupts the existing contact between the control lever 30 and the control cam 14. This automatic procedure for returning the control lever 30 into the neutral position is provided to eliminate the forces associated with the resistant torque generated by the geared motor 3.
This automatic return of the control lever 30 into the neutral position permits an automatic closure of the gas distribution system in the event, for example, of the power supply to the electromagnetic suction element 60 being cut or generally the power supply to the application being cut. Thus, in the event of an interruption to the power supply, the cables 11, 21 automatically return to their resting position.
This function of automatic closure may be promoted by return springs present in the assembly of the mechanism of the end 400 of the gas system and/or in the distribution system 200. This return to the resting position does not require the addition of external energy (electrical energy, for example) and thus makes it possible to provide the closure of the gas distribution system of the canisters in all cases of malfunction. The system is said to be monostable and normally closed.
In
In
Preferably, the second cable 21 may actuated (pulled) irrespective of the state of the first cable 11 and vice-versa. More specifically, although the control member 111 preferably only has a single geared motor 3 said geared motor may independently actuate one or other of the cables or arrange them both in the active position.
In this manner, it is possible, for example, to add the gas flows from two tanks into the supply system 100 by opening the two isolating valves 210 almost simultaneously. Similarly, it is possible to create an opening known as the intersection of the isolating valves 210, for example to preserve a constant flow of gas during the phase of exchange between the two tanks 300 (feed passage from a tank which is being emptied to a full tank).
In
This device makes it possible to determine possible malfunction of the control member when the lever control 30 exceeds a critical operating angle. This exceeding of the limit angle occurs, for example, in the case of rupture or loose adjustment of the cables 11, 21. This state of malfunction is determined, for example, by the presence of a switch (90) (a micro-switch, in particular) when one of the projections 304, 305 of the control lever 30 encounters a contact roller 901 of the switch 90. When activated, the switch 90 cuts off the electrical supply to the geared motor 3.
This function makes it possible both to inform the control electronics system about a possible incident during activation of one of the two cables. This function also makes it possible to preserve the mechanical integrity of the system. This protects against any damage of the constituent elements of the control member in the case of excessive rotation of the control lever 30.
Naturally, the invention is not limited to the above example and all or some of the elements may be modified or combined in different ways.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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0951932 | Mar 2009 | FR | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/FR2010/050358 | 3/3/2010 | WO | 00 | 8/16/2011 |