EP3875831A1 - Structure for reinforcing a tank for cryogenic fluid, such as liquefied natural gas, for motor vehicles - Google Patents

Structure for reinforcing a tank for cryogenic fluid, such as liquefied natural gas, for motor vehicles Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3875831A1
EP3875831A1 EP21153580.2A EP21153580A EP3875831A1 EP 3875831 A1 EP3875831 A1 EP 3875831A1 EP 21153580 A EP21153580 A EP 21153580A EP 3875831 A1 EP3875831 A1 EP 3875831A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
tank
reinforcing
outer casing
longitudinal axis
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP21153580.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3875831C0 (en
EP3875831B1 (en
Inventor
Yann BOROWSKI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ateliers Et Chantiers de la Grande Bruyere (acgb)
Original Assignee
Ateliers Et Chantiers de la Grande Bruyere (acgb)
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ateliers Et Chantiers de la Grande Bruyere (acgb) filed Critical Ateliers Et Chantiers de la Grande Bruyere (acgb)
Publication of EP3875831A1 publication Critical patent/EP3875831A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3875831C0 publication Critical patent/EP3875831C0/en
Publication of EP3875831B1 publication Critical patent/EP3875831B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C3/00—Vessels not under pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0147—Shape complex
    • F17C2201/0157—Polygonal
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/056—Small (<1 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/058—Size portable (<30 l)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/01—Reinforcing or suspension means
    • F17C2203/011—Reinforcing means
    • F17C2203/012—Reinforcing means on or in the wall, e.g. ribs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/01—Reinforcing or suspension means
    • F17C2203/011—Reinforcing means
    • F17C2203/013—Reinforcing means in the vessel, e.g. columns
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/01—Reinforcing or suspension means
    • F17C2203/014—Suspension means
    • F17C2203/016—Cords
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/01—Reinforcing or suspension means
    • F17C2203/014—Suspension means
    • F17C2203/018—Suspension means by attachment at the neck
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/03—Thermal insulations
    • F17C2203/0304—Thermal insulations by solid means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/03—Thermal insulations
    • F17C2203/0391—Thermal insulations by vacuum
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0607—Coatings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0612—Wall structures
    • F17C2203/0626—Multiple walls
    • F17C2203/0629—Two walls
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0636—Metals
    • F17C2203/0639—Steels
    • F17C2203/0643—Stainless steels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0636—Metals
    • F17C2203/0646—Aluminium
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0658—Synthetics
    • F17C2203/066—Plastics
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0658—Synthetics
    • F17C2203/0663—Synthetics in form of fibers or filaments
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0123—Mounting arrangements characterised by number of vessels
    • F17C2205/0126—One vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0332—Safety valves or pressure relief valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/014—Nitrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/033—Methane, e.g. natural gas, CNG, LNG, GNL, GNC, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F17C2223/0161—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL cryogenic, e.g. LNG, GNL, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0102—Applications for fluid transport or storage on or in the water
    • F17C2270/0105—Ships
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0165—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road
    • F17C2270/0168—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road by vehicles
    • F17C2270/0171—Trucks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0165—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road
    • F17C2270/0168—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road by vehicles
    • F17C2270/0176—Buses
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0165—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road
    • F17C2270/0168—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road by vehicles
    • F17C2270/0178—Cars

Definitions

  • the field of the invention is that of storage tanks for cryogenic fluid, such as for example Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) or liquid nitrogen, intended to equip vehicles (such as motor vehicles, such as for example cars, trucks or also buses, maritime vehicles or mobile units such as, for example, generators or containers for the storage and / or transport of goods.
  • LNG Liquefied Natural Gas
  • liquid nitrogen intended to equip vehicles (such as motor vehicles, such as for example cars, trucks or also buses, maritime vehicles or mobile units such as, for example, generators or containers for the storage and / or transport of goods.
  • LNG liquefied natural gas
  • Liquefied natural gas is natural gas stored in liquid form. This liquid state is reached when the gas is cooled to a temperature of about -161 ° C at atmospheric pressure.
  • Liquefaction makes it possible to reduce the gaseous volume of natural gas and to store it in one or more tanks installed, for example, on the chassis of a heavy vehicle.
  • the liquefied natural gas contained in such a tank is regasified so as to supply the engine of the heavy vehicle.
  • This fuel is less polluting than gasoline and diesel, and the range of heavy goods vehicles using this fuel makes them suitable for long-distance road transport.
  • Heavy-duty liquefied natural gas tanks are designed to meet strict safety requirements, including pressure and maintaining a very low temperature, to maintain the gas in its liquid phase.
  • the tanks usually used have a cylindrical shape and have a double stainless steel wall between which are arranged a multi-layer insulation and conventionally vacuum. Their weight is therefore relatively large and their useful volume is limited.
  • the cylindrical shape of such reservoirs allows a uniform distribution of the stresses, linked to the pressure of the gas, on the internal wall of the reservoir.
  • the reservoirs having this shape occupy a large space and are not suitable for the spaces / compartments of various shapes of the vehicle in which they are intended to be installed.
  • the invention thus proposes a double-walled cryogenic fluid tank (for example LNG), of generally substantially parallelepipedal shape, comprising a container forming the inner wall and an outer casing arranged around said container forming the outer protective wall.
  • LNG cryogenic fluid tank
  • an intermediate space containing a vacuum and / or an insulating material.
  • the parallelepiped shape of the container optimizes its liquefied gas storage capacity and the parallelepiped shape of the outer casing allows optimal integration of the tank into the architecture of the vehicle.
  • the reinforcing means arranged in the container comprise longitudinally spaced rings which are mounted on reinforcing rails and which are locked onto the latter by means of securing means which are housed in the rails.
  • corner reinforcement plates are fixed at the four corners of the internal wall of the container.
  • This particular reinforcement structure allows optimum distribution of stresses along the container and optimizes the mechanical strength of the container to the internal pressure of the liquefied gas.
  • the internal reinforcement structure can be made of aluminum, stainless steel, or a composite material, for example.
  • the reinforcing framework consists of reinforcing rings spaced along the longitudinal axis of said reservoir and each extending in a plane transverse to said longitudinal axis.
  • the reinforcement frame consists of a cable wound in a single piece.
  • the reinforcing rails have, over their length, several spaced slots for the passage of the reinforcing rings.
  • the means for securing the reinforcing rings comprise a locking tube housed in each of the reinforcing rails so as to retain each of the reinforcing rings in said corresponding slots / grooves.
  • each of the reinforcing rings has a square or rectangular shape.
  • said container is secured to said outer casing by clamping means intended to compensate for the variation in length of the container along the longitudinal axis of the reservoir.
  • the securing of the container to said outer envelope by clamping means allows a degree of freedom to be left between the two elements, so as to limit the heat transfers by conduction and to compensate for thermal expansion / retraction due to the cooling of the internal container by limiting the input of stresses.
  • the clamping means also allow mechanical movement of the container relative to said outer envelope. More precisely, the degree of freedom makes it possible to compensate for the variation in length of the container when the latter is cold (from 25 ° C to -161 ° C).
  • these clamping means allow a variation in length of said container along the longitudinal axis of the tank of the order of 8mm.
  • the clamping means thus make it possible to compensate for the retraction of the internal container.
  • Liquefied gas can be LNG (liquid methane), or liquid nitrogen for refrigerated trucks, for example.
  • said container is connected to a first side wall of said outer casing by a first clamping device movable along the longitudinal axis and to a second side wall of said outer casing by a second clamping device fixed.
  • the clamping means allow a variation in length of said container of between 2 and 10 mm.
  • the first clamping device comprises at least one movable element secured to the container and mounted to slide along the longitudinal axis on a tube secured to a side wall of the outer casing, a return spring being arranged around the tube between said at least one movable element and said side wall of the outer casing.
  • said clamping means are made from a thermally insulating material.
  • said clamping means comprise support studs for the outer casing resting on said container.
  • the container, the reinforcing framework and the outer casing are made of aluminum.
  • the wall of the container and the wall of the outer casing are distant from each other, the intermediate space between these walls being at least partially filled with insulating means.
  • the invention also relates to a motor vehicle, such as a heavy goods vehicle, comprising at least one tank as described above.
  • the invention relates to a tank for a motor vehicle intended to contain a cryogenic fluid, such as liquefied natural gas.
  • a motor vehicle tank 1 comprising a container 11 which is housed in an outer casing 12 of the tank 1.
  • This tank 1 is visible on the figure 3 , which is a longitudinal sectional view, but also on the figure 5 which is a perspective and sectional view.
  • the wall of the container 11 and the wall of the outer casing 12 are distant from each other, the intermediate space between these walls being filled with insulating means (not shown). It may be a multi-layer, foam and / or vacuum insulation which thus makes it possible to avoid heat exchanges by indirect contact between the container and the outer casing.
  • a perforated tube 20 extends between the two bottoms of the tank and is welded to the latter. It makes it possible to take up the forces exerted by the pressure on the two flat bottoms.
  • the space between the wall of the container and the wall of the outer casing is, for example, between 5 and 30 mm.
  • the interior space of the container 11 constitutes a sealed enclosure for storing cryogenic fluid, such as liquefied natural gas under pressure (up to 16 bars, for example).
  • cryogenic fluid such as liquefied natural gas under pressure (up to 16 bars, for example).
  • the container 11 and the outer casing 12 each have a generally substantially parallelepipedal shape.
  • the container 11 is made of aluminum and has a length of two meters.
  • the parallelepipedal shape of the container 11 optimizes its fuel storage capacity and allows optimal integration into the architecture of the vehicle.
  • the container 11 and the outer casing 12 extend longitudinally along the longitudinal axis Ax of the tank 1 and their cross section to the axis Ax is a square whose angles are rounded (the cross section of the container and of the casing external could be a rectangle).
  • the container 11 comprises a reinforcing structure comprising in particular several reinforcing rings 14 forming a reinforcing framework, arranged inside the container 11 and regularly spaced along the longitudinal axis Ax.
  • the reinforcing rings 14 each extend in a plane transverse to said longitudinal axis Ax.
  • the container 11 further comprises four reinforcement rails 15 fixed to the center of each of the four internal longitudinal walls of the container 11 and extending along the longitudinal axis Ax of the container 11.
  • These central reinforcement rails 15 are hollow and have a cross section. trapezoidal with a rounded top. It is the base of the trapezoid which is fixed to an internal wall of the container 11.
  • the container 11 also comprises means for securing the reinforcing rings 14 on each of the four central reinforcing rails 15.
  • Each of the reinforcing rails 15 comprises, at its rounded top, slots 151 for the passage of the reinforcing rings 14 formed at regular intervals along the longitudinal axis Ax.
  • the reinforcing rings 14 pass through the aligned slots 151 of each of the central reinforcing rails 15 and are thus arranged parallel to each other within the interior volume of the container 11, over at least part of the length of the latter.
  • the central reinforcement rails 15 allow a distribution of the stresses along the container 11 and the maintenance of the internal reinforcement rings 14.
  • planar corner reinforcing plates 16 are fixed to the internal wall of the container 11 at each of the four internal corners. These corner reinforcing plates 16 are hollow here to allow the circulation of gas and their lightening, and have internal cross members connecting the two opposite longitudinal faces.
  • the corner reinforcing plates 16 extend along the four corners of the internal longitudinal wall of the container 11 along the longitudinal axis Ax. These reinforcing plates are fixed on their lateral edges to two adjacent internal faces of the container 11, of so that a space is left between each corner reinforcing plate 16 and the corresponding rounded corner of the container 11.
  • the container 11, the reinforcing rings 14 and the outer casing 12 are made of aluminum, for example, or some other material.
  • the outer casing 12 can be made of stainless steel (stainless steel) or of aluminum.
  • the reinforcing rings 14 each consist of an aluminum plate with a section equal to 14 ⁇ 5 mm, for example.
  • the reinforcing rings 14 could be made of aluminum or stainless steel cables, or else rings of synthetic or composite material.
  • central reinforcing rails 15 and the corner reinforcing plates 16 are, for example, welded to the container 11.
  • the means for securing the reinforcing rings 14 on each of the central reinforcing rails 15 take the form of tubes 17 which are each housed in a central reinforcing rail 15 and extend longitudinally along the surface / internal wall of the container 11, along the longitudinal axis Ax.
  • These tubes 17 are configured to fix the plurality of square-shaped reinforcing rings 14 at each of their angles on the central reinforcing rails 15 and thus securing the plurality of reinforcing rings 14 between them.
  • the group of reinforcing rings 14 is thus fixed to the central reinforcing rails 15 by sliding the four tubes 17 in the four central reinforcing rails 15.
  • reinforcing rings 14 do not come into contact with the internal wall of the container 11 once they are mounted on the central reinforcing rails 15 and locked in position by the tubes 17.
  • the reservoir 1 implements clamping means or holding the container 11 in the outer casing 12.
  • the figure 2 is a partial view of the inner container 11 when it is expanded and shows in detail the first movable clamping device connecting the side face 111 of a longitudinal end of the container 11 to a side face 120 of the outer casing 12 located opposite -opinion.
  • the figure 2A shows this first mobile clamping device in more detail.
  • This movable element 114 is integral with the lateral face 111 of the container 11. It is carried by a hollow cylinder 113 housed in a fixed manner in a hub 112 integral with the lateral face 111 of the container 11.
  • the hollow cylinder 121 carries a tube 122 extending along the longitudinal axis Ax on which the movable element 114 is slidably mounted along the longitudinal axis Ax.
  • a return spring 123 is arranged around the tube 122 between the hollow cylinder 121 and the movable element 114.
  • This first clamping device makes it possible in particular to compensate for the thermal expansion / retraction of the internal container 11 due to the cooling of the cryogenic liquid that it contains, while limiting the contributions of stresses. It is recalled that the LNG is for example stored at a temperature of -130 ° C in the tank.
  • the parts 111, 112, 113 and 114 are fixed relative to each other.
  • the part 114 can move relative to the part 121 along the longitudinal axis Ax.
  • the movable member 114 moves in the hollow cylinder 121 and compresses the return spring 123 or relaxes the latter.
  • the container 11 is expanded (in the sense that it is not retracted) and the spring is in a configuration of maximum compression, the play being zero between the parts 114 and 121.
  • Each of the parts of this first clamping device or else only the cylinder 113 is made of a thermally insulating material to limit heat transfer by conduction. This thus makes it possible to avoid heat exchanges by direct contact between the container 11 and the outer casing 12. It is indeed crucial to prevent the temperature of the liquefied natural gas from increasing and from remaining in liquid form.
  • all or part of these elements are made of epoxy resin and glass fibers (insulation).
  • the figure 3A shows in detail the second clamping device connecting the side face of the other longitudinal end of the container 11 to the side face of the outer casing 12 located opposite.
  • This second clamping device is fixed and comprises a cylinder 113 connecting the lateral face 111 of the container 11 to the lateral face 120 of the outer casing 12. More precisely, the cylinder 113 is fixed on each side in a hub 112, 121 carried. by each of the side faces 111 and 120 of the container 11 and of the outer casing 12 respectively.
  • all or part of the elements forming the second clamping device is made of epoxy resin and glass fibers (insulator).
  • the clamping means comprise a fixed point on one side face (second clamping device) and a movable point on the other side face (first clamping device) of the reservoir 1. They make it possible to compensate for the expansion or retraction of the container. 11 along the longitudinal axis Ax.
  • studs or pins 124 and wedges forming internal reinforcement extend between the outer casing 12 and the container 11, and prevent crushing of the outer casing 12.
  • These pads and wedges are arranged around the periphery of the container 11, at regular intervals, along the container 11.
  • This clamping solution is configured to minimize container sloshing, even in the event of a vehicle collision.
  • the clamping means offer a minimum degree of freedom and allow movement of the container 11 relative to the outer casing 12 on one side of the tank 1 along the longitudinal axis Ax.
  • the clamping means allow a mechanical movement of the container relative to said outer envelope and in particular make it possible to compensate for the variation in length of the container during the cold (from 25 ° C to -161 ° C) of the latter. .
  • these clamping means allow a variation in length of the container of the order of 8mm.
  • the outer shell of the tank can be made of any material suitable for resisting fire and possibly other safety constraints.
  • the outer surface of the outer casing may be covered with at least one layer of material suitable for resisting fire.
  • a fire resistant paint or other type of coating can be applied to the exterior and / or interior surface of the outer casing and / or to the exterior surface of the container.
  • the outer casing can be made of a fire resistant material.
  • the outer casing can be made of stainless steel or of composite materials.
  • the tank according to the invention can be installed on other types of motor vehicles, such as buses, trucks, coaches, refrigerated vehicles, maritime vehicles or any other vehicle.
  • the reservoir of the invention can be housed in vehicle compartments of complex shapes.
  • the shape of the tank can be adapted to the volumes available on the chassis of the vehicle.
  • the tank according to the invention can be installed in mobile units such as, for example, generators or containers for the storage and / or transport of goods.
  • the side faces located at the longitudinal ends of the container can be curved, curved or flat.
  • the longitudinal faces of the container may have a curve.
  • a cable coiled in one piece and forming a reinforcing frame could be used.
  • the tank of the invention can contain any type of liquefied gas, such as LNG (liquid methane), or else liquid nitrogen for refrigerated trucks or heavy goods vehicles, for example.
  • LNG liquid methane
  • liquid nitrogen for refrigerated trucks or heavy goods vehicles, for example.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un réservoir (1) pour un véhicule automobile destiné à contenir un fluide cryogénique, tel que du gaz naturel liquéfié, comprenant un contenant (11) de stockage de fluide cryogénique, le contenant comprenant une structure de renfort interne, et une enveloppe externe (12) de protection disposée autour dudit contenant (11), le contenant (11) et ladite enveloppe externe (12) présentant chacun une forme générale sensiblement parallélépipédique, ladite structure de renfort interne comprenant :- des plaques de renfort (16) d'angle fixées sur la paroi interne dudit contenant (11) et reliant chacune deux faces internes adjacentes dudit contenant (11),- des rails de renfort (15) fixés au centre de chacune des quatre parois longitudinales internes du contenant (11) et s'étendant selon l'axe longitudinal (Ax) dudit réservoir (1),- une ossature de renfort (14) disposée le long de l'axe longitudinal (Ax) dudit réservoir (1), et- des moyens de solidarisation des anneaux de renfort (14) sur chacun des rails de renfort (15), lesdits moyens de solidarisation étant disposés à l'intérieur desdits rails de renfort (15).The invention relates to a reservoir (1) for a motor vehicle intended to contain a cryogenic fluid, such as liquefied natural gas, comprising a container (11) for storing cryogenic fluid, the container comprising an internal reinforcement structure, and a container (11) for storing cryogenic fluid. outer protective casing (12) disposed around said container (11), the container (11) and said outer casing (12) each having a generally substantially parallelepipedal shape, said internal reinforcing structure comprising: - reinforcing plates (16) angle fixed to the internal wall of said container (11) and each connecting two adjacent internal faces of said container (11), - reinforcing rails (15) fixed to the center of each of the four internal longitudinal walls of the container (11) and extending along the longitudinal axis (Ax) of said reservoir (1), - a reinforcing frame (14) arranged along the longitudinal axis (Ax) of said reservoir (1), and - means for securing the rings of reinforcement rt (14) on each of the reinforcing rails (15), said securing means being arranged inside said reinforcing rails (15).

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

Le domaine de l'invention est celui des réservoirs de stockage de fluide cryogénique, comme par exemple le Gaz Naturel Liquéfié (GNL) ou l'azote liquide, destinés à équiper les véhicules (tels les véhicules automobiles, comme par exemple les voitures, camions ou encore autobus, les véhicules maritimes ou bien les unités mobiles comme par exemple les groupes électrogènes ou containers de stockage et/ou transport de marchandises.The field of the invention is that of storage tanks for cryogenic fluid, such as for example Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) or liquid nitrogen, intended to equip vehicles (such as motor vehicles, such as for example cars, trucks or also buses, maritime vehicles or mobile units such as, for example, generators or containers for the storage and / or transport of goods.

Art antérieurPrior art

L'évolution très rapide des problèmes énergétiques et environnementaux impose d'utiliser les atouts des énergies alternatives. Ainsi, le transport routier est face à ce double enjeu : diversification énergétique et solution écologique.The very rapid evolution of energy and environmental problems makes it necessary to use the advantages of alternative energies. Thus, road transport is faced with this double challenge: energy diversification and ecological solution.

Au regard de ces enjeux, le marché des véhicules automobiles, et notamment des poids-lourds, fonctionnant au gaz naturel liquéfié (GNL) est entré dans une phase de croissance significative.In view of these challenges, the market for motor vehicles, and in particular heavy goods vehicles, running on liquefied natural gas (LNG) has entered a phase of significant growth.

Le gaz naturel liquéfié est du gaz naturel stocké sous forme liquide. Cet état liquide est atteint lorsque le gaz est refroidi à une température d'environ -161°C à pression atmosphérique.Liquefied natural gas is natural gas stored in liquid form. This liquid state is reached when the gas is cooled to a temperature of about -161 ° C at atmospheric pressure.

La liquéfaction permet de réduire le volume gazeux du gaz naturel et de le stocker dans un ou plusieurs réservoirs installés, par exemple, sur le châssis du poids-lourd.Liquefaction makes it possible to reduce the gaseous volume of natural gas and to store it in one or more tanks installed, for example, on the chassis of a heavy vehicle.

De façon connue, le gaz naturel liquéfié contenu dans un tel réservoir est regazéifié de sorte à alimenter le moteur du poids-lourd.In a known manner, the liquefied natural gas contained in such a tank is regasified so as to supply the engine of the heavy vehicle.

Ce carburant s'avère moins polluant que l'essence et le diesel, et l'autonomie des poids-lourds utilisant ce carburant les rend adaptés au transport routier longue distance.This fuel is less polluting than gasoline and diesel, and the range of heavy goods vehicles using this fuel makes them suitable for long-distance road transport.

Les réservoirs de gaz naturel liquéfié des poids-lourds sont conçus pour répondre à des exigences strictes en matière de sécurité, notamment de pression et de maintien d'une température très basse, pour maintenir le gaz dans sa phase liquide.Heavy-duty liquefied natural gas tanks are designed to meet strict safety requirements, including pressure and maintaining a very low temperature, to maintain the gas in its liquid phase.

Les réservoirs habituellement utilisés ont une forme cylindrique et présentent une double paroi en inox entre lesquelles sont disposés un isolant multi-couches et du vide classiquement. Leur poids est donc relativement important et leur volume utile est limité. La forme cylindrique de tels réservoirs permet une répartition uniforme des contraintes, liées à la pression du gaz, sur la paroi interne du réservoir.The tanks usually used have a cylindrical shape and have a double stainless steel wall between which are arranged a multi-layer insulation and conventionally vacuum. Their weight is therefore relatively large and their useful volume is limited. The cylindrical shape of such reservoirs allows a uniform distribution of the stresses, linked to the pressure of the gas, on the internal wall of the reservoir.

Toutefois, les réservoirs présentant cette forme occupent un espace important et ne sont pas adaptés aux espaces/compartiments de formes variées du véhicule dans lesquels ils sont destinés à être implantés.However, the reservoirs having this shape occupy a large space and are not suitable for the spaces / compartments of various shapes of the vehicle in which they are intended to be installed.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

L'invention propose à cet effet un réservoir pour un véhicule automobile destiné à contenir un fluide cryogénique, tel que du gaz naturel liquéfié, comprenant:

  • un contenant de stockage de fluide cryogénique, le contenant comprenant une structure de renfort interne, et
  • une enveloppe externe de protection disposée autour dudit contenant,
le contenant et ladite enveloppe externe présentant chacun une forme générale sensiblement parallélépipédique.The invention provides for this purpose a tank for a motor vehicle intended to contain a cryogenic fluid, such as liquefied natural gas, comprising:
  • a cryogenic fluid storage container, the container comprising an internal reinforcement structure, and
  • an outer protective envelope arranged around said container,
the container and said outer envelope each having a generally substantially parallelepipedal shape.

Selon l'invention, ladite structure de renfort interne comprend :

  • des plaques de renfort d'angle fixées sur la paroi interne dudit contenant et reliant chacune deux faces internes adjacentes dudit contenant,
  • des rails de renfort fixés au centre de chacune des quatre parois longitudinales internes du contenant et s'étendant selon l'axe longitudinal dudit réservoir,
  • une ossature de renfort disposée le long de l'axe longitudinal dudit réservoir, et
  • des moyens de solidarisation des anneaux de renfort sur chacun des rails de renfort, lesdits moyens de solidarisation étant disposés à l'intérieur desdits rails de renfort.
According to the invention, said internal reinforcement structure comprises:
  • corner reinforcing plates fixed to the internal wall of said container and each connecting two adjacent internal faces of said container,
  • reinforcement rails fixed to the center of each of the four internal longitudinal walls of the container and extending along the longitudinal axis of said tank,
  • a reinforcement framework disposed along the longitudinal axis of said reservoir, and
  • means for securing the reinforcing rings on each of the reinforcing rails, said securing means being arranged inside said reinforcing rails.

L'invention propose ainsi un réservoir de fluide cryogénique (du GNL par exemple) à double paroi, de forme générale sensiblement parallélépipédique, comprenant un contenant formant la paroi intérieure et une enveloppe externe disposée autour dudit contenant formant la paroi extérieure de protection.The invention thus proposes a double-walled cryogenic fluid tank (for example LNG), of generally substantially parallelepipedal shape, comprising a container forming the inner wall and an outer casing arranged around said container forming the outer protective wall.

Entre ces parois, qui ne sont pas en contact, est réalisé un espace intermédiaire contenant du vide et/ou un matériau isolant.Between these walls, which are not in contact, is formed an intermediate space containing a vacuum and / or an insulating material.

La forme parallélépipédique du contenant optimise sa capacité de stockage en gaz liquéfié et la forme parallélépipédique de l'enveloppe externe permet une intégration optimale du réservoir à l'architecture du véhicule.The parallelepiped shape of the container optimizes its liquefied gas storage capacity and the parallelepiped shape of the outer casing allows optimal integration of the tank into the architecture of the vehicle.

Les moyens de renfort disposés dans le contenant comprennent des anneaux espacés longitudinalement qui sont montés sur des rails de renfort et qui sont verrouillés sur ces derniers par le biais de moyens de solidarisation venant se loger dans les rails. En complément, des plaques de renfort d'angle sont fixées au niveau des quatre angles de la paroi interne du contenant.The reinforcing means arranged in the container comprise longitudinally spaced rings which are mounted on reinforcing rails and which are locked onto the latter by means of securing means which are housed in the rails. In addition, corner reinforcement plates are fixed at the four corners of the internal wall of the container.

Cette structure de renfort particulière permet une répartition optimale des contraintes le long du contenant et optimise la tenue mécanique du contenant à la pression interne du gaz liquéfié.This particular reinforcement structure allows optimum distribution of stresses along the container and optimizes the mechanical strength of the container to the internal pressure of the liquefied gas.

La structure de renfort interne peut être fabriquée en aluminium, en acier inoxydable, ou dans un matériau composite, par exemple.The internal reinforcement structure can be made of aluminum, stainless steel, or a composite material, for example.

Selon un mode particulier de réalisation de l'invention, l'ossature de renfort est constituée d'anneaux de renfort espacés le long de l'axe longitudinal dudit réservoir et s'étendant chacune dans un plan transversal audit axe longitudinal.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the reinforcing framework consists of reinforcing rings spaced along the longitudinal axis of said reservoir and each extending in a plane transverse to said longitudinal axis.

Dans un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'ossature de renfort est constituée d'un câble bobiné en une seule pièce.In another embodiment of the invention, the reinforcement frame consists of a cable wound in a single piece.

Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, les rails de renfort présentent sur leur longueur plusieurs fentes espacées de passage des anneaux de renfort.According to a particular aspect of the invention, the reinforcing rails have, over their length, several spaced slots for the passage of the reinforcing rings.

Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, les moyens de solidarisation des anneaux de renfort comprennent un tube de verrouillage logé dans chacun des rails de renfort de sorte à retenir chacun des anneaux de renfort dans lesdites fentes/rainures correspondantes.According to a particular aspect of the invention, the means for securing the reinforcing rings comprise a locking tube housed in each of the reinforcing rails so as to retain each of the reinforcing rings in said corresponding slots / grooves.

Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, chacun des anneaux de renfort présente une forme carrée ou rectangulaire.According to a particular aspect of the invention, each of the reinforcing rings has a square or rectangular shape.

Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, ledit contenant est solidarisé à ladite enveloppe externe par des moyens de bridage destinés à compenser la variation de longueur du contenant selon l'axe longitudinal du réservoir.According to a particular aspect of the invention, said container is secured to said outer casing by clamping means intended to compensate for the variation in length of the container along the longitudinal axis of the reservoir.

La solidarisation du contenant à ladite enveloppe externe par des moyens de bridage permet de ménager un degré de liberté entre les deux éléments, de façon à limiter les transferts de chaleur par conduction et à compenser la dilation/rétractation thermique due au refroidissement du contenant interne en limitant les apports de contraintes.The securing of the container to said outer envelope by clamping means allows a degree of freedom to be left between the two elements, so as to limit the heat transfers by conduction and to compensate for thermal expansion / retraction due to the cooling of the internal container by limiting the input of stresses.

Les moyens de bridage autorisent également un déplacement mécanique du contenant par rapport à ladite enveloppe externe. Plus précisément, le degré de liberté permet de compenser la variation de longueur du contenant lors de la mise à froid (de 25°C à -161°C) de ce dernier.The clamping means also allow mechanical movement of the container relative to said outer envelope. More precisely, the degree of freedom makes it possible to compensate for the variation in length of the container when the latter is cold (from 25 ° C to -161 ° C).

A titre d'exemple, lorsque le contenant présente une longueur initiale de 2m, ces moyens de bridage autorisent une variation de longueur dudit contenant selon l'axe longitudinal du réservoir de l'ordre de 8mm.By way of example, when the container has an initial length of 2m, these clamping means allow a variation in length of said container along the longitudinal axis of the tank of the order of 8mm.

Les moyens de bridage permettent ainsi de compenser la rétractation du contenant interne.The clamping means thus make it possible to compensate for the retraction of the internal container.

Le gaz liquéfié peut être du GNL (méthane liquide), ou bien de l'azote liquide pour camions frigorifiques, par exemple.Liquefied gas can be LNG (liquid methane), or liquid nitrogen for refrigerated trucks, for example.

Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, ledit contenant est relié à une première paroi latérale de ladite enveloppe externe par un premier dispositif de bridage mobile selon l'axe longitudinal et à une deuxième paroi latérale de ladite enveloppe externe par un deuxième dispositif de bridage fixe.According to a particular aspect of the invention, said container is connected to a first side wall of said outer casing by a first clamping device movable along the longitudinal axis and to a second side wall of said outer casing by a second clamping device fixed.

Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, les moyens de bridage autorisent une variation de longueur dudit contenant comprise entre 2 et 10 mm.According to a particular aspect of the invention, the clamping means allow a variation in length of said container of between 2 and 10 mm.

Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, le premier dispositif de bridage comprend au moins un élément mobile solidaire du contenant et monté coulissant selon l'axe longitudinal sur un tube solidaire d'une paroi latérale de l'enveloppe externe, un ressort de rappel étant disposé autour du tube entre ledit au moins un élément mobile et ladite paroi latérale de l'enveloppe externe.According to a particular aspect of the invention, the first clamping device comprises at least one movable element secured to the container and mounted to slide along the longitudinal axis on a tube secured to a side wall of the outer casing, a return spring being arranged around the tube between said at least one movable element and said side wall of the outer casing.

Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, lesdits moyens de bridage sont fabriqués dans un matériau thermiquement isolant.According to a particular aspect of the invention, said clamping means are made from a thermally insulating material.

Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, lesdits moyens de bridage comprennent des plots de support de l'enveloppe externe prenant appui sur ledit contenant.According to a particular aspect of the invention, said clamping means comprise support studs for the outer casing resting on said container.

Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, le contenant, l'ossature de renfort et l'enveloppe externe sont fabriqués en aluminium.According to a particular aspect of the invention, the container, the reinforcing framework and the outer casing are made of aluminum.

Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, la paroi du contenant et la paroi de l'enveloppe externe sont distantes l'une de l'autre, l'espace intermédiaire entre ces parois étant rempli au moins partiellement de moyens isolants.According to a particular aspect of the invention, the wall of the container and the wall of the outer casing are distant from each other, the intermediate space between these walls being at least partially filled with insulating means.

L'invention concerne également un véhicule automobile, tel un poids-lourd, comprenant au moins un réservoir tel que décrit précédemment.The invention also relates to a motor vehicle, such as a heavy goods vehicle, comprising at least one tank as described above.

Liste des FiguresList of Figures

La technique proposée, ainsi que les différents avantages qu'elle présente, seront plus facilement compris, à la lumière de la description qui va suivre de modes de réalisation illustratifs et non limitatifs de celle-ci, et des dessins annexés parmi lesquels :

  • [Fig 1] est une vue partielle, en perspective, d'un réservoir conforme à l'invention;
  • [Fig 2] est une vue en coupe d'une extrémité latérale d'un réservoir conforme à l'invention;
  • [Fig 2A] est une vue de détail d'un dispositif de bridage situé à l'extrémité latérale du réservoir illustrée sur la figure 2;
  • [Fig 3] est une vue en coupe longitudinale du réservoir de la figure 2;
  • [Fig 3A] est une vue de détail d'un dispositif de bridage situé à l'autre extrémité du réservoir de la figure 2;
  • [Fig 4] est une vue de détail de la partie supérieure du réservoir de la figure 3 montrant des plots de support de l'enveloppe externe;
  • [Fig 5] est une vue en perspective, en coupe longitudinale, du réservoir de la figure 3.
The proposed technique, as well as the various advantages that it presents, will be more easily understood, in the light of the following description of illustrative and non-limiting embodiments thereof, and of the appended drawings, among which:
  • [ Fig 1 ] is a partial perspective view of a reservoir according to the invention;
  • [ Fig 2 ] is a sectional view of a side end of a reservoir according to the invention;
  • [ Fig 2A ] is a detail view of a clamping device located at the lateral end of the tank illustrated on figure 2 ;
  • [ Fig 3 ] is a longitudinal sectional view of the tank of the figure 2 ;
  • [ Fig 3A ] is a detail view of a clamping device located at the other end of the tank of the figure 2 ;
  • [ Fig 4 ] is a detail view of the upper part of the tank of the figure 3 showing support studs for the outer casing;
  • [ Fig 5 ] is a perspective view, in longitudinal section, of the reservoir of the figure 3 .

Description détaillée de l'inventionDetailed description of the invention

L'invention concerne un réservoir pour un véhicule automobile destiné à contenir un fluide cryogénique, tel que du gaz naturel liquéfié.The invention relates to a tank for a motor vehicle intended to contain a cryogenic fluid, such as liquefied natural gas.

Un tel réservoir comprend :

  • un contenant de stockage de fluide cryogénique, le contenant comprenant une structure de renfort interne destinée à venir en appui contre les parois longitudinales internes du contenant, et
  • une enveloppe externe de protection disposée autour dudit contenant, ledit contenant interne et ladite enveloppe externe présentant chacun une forme générale sensiblement parallélépipédique.
Such a reservoir comprises:
  • a container for storing cryogenic fluid, the container comprising an internal reinforcement structure intended to bear against the internal longitudinal walls of the container, and
  • an outer protective casing arranged around said container, said inner container and said outer casing each having a generally substantially parallelepipedal shape.

On a représenté partiellement sur la figure 1, en perspective, un réservoir 1 de véhicule automobile conforme à l'invention comprenant un contenant 11 qui est logé dans une enveloppe externe 12 du réservoir 1.Partially shown on the figure 1 , in perspective, a motor vehicle tank 1 according to the invention comprising a container 11 which is housed in an outer casing 12 of the tank 1.

Ce réservoir 1 est visible sur la figure 3, qui est une vue en coupe longitudinale, mais aussi sur la figure 5 qui est une vue en perspective et en coupe.This tank 1 is visible on the figure 3 , which is a longitudinal sectional view, but also on the figure 5 which is a perspective and sectional view.

La paroi du contenant 11 et la paroi de l'enveloppe externe 12 sont distantes l'une de l'autre, l'espace intermédiaire entre ces parois étant rempli de moyens isolants (non représentés). Il peut s'agir d'un isolant multi-couches, mousse et/ou du vide qui permettent ainsi d'éviter les échanges thermiques par contact indirect entre le contenant et l'enveloppe externe.The wall of the container 11 and the wall of the outer casing 12 are distant from each other, the intermediate space between these walls being filled with insulating means (not shown). It may be a multi-layer, foam and / or vacuum insulation which thus makes it possible to avoid heat exchanges by indirect contact between the container and the outer casing.

Un tube 20 ajouré s'étend entre les deux fonds du réservoir et est soudé à ces derniers. Il permet de reprendre les efforts exercés par la pression sur les deux fonds plats.A perforated tube 20 extends between the two bottoms of the tank and is welded to the latter. It makes it possible to take up the forces exerted by the pressure on the two flat bottoms.

L'espace entre la paroi du contenant et la paroi de l'enveloppe externe est, par exemple, compris entre 5 et 30 mm.The space between the wall of the container and the wall of the outer casing is, for example, between 5 and 30 mm.

L'espace intérieur du contenant 11 constitue une enceinte étanche pour le stockage de fluide cryogénique, tel que du gaz naturel liquéfié sous pression (jusqu'à 16 bars, par exemple).The interior space of the container 11 constitutes a sealed enclosure for storing cryogenic fluid, such as liquefied natural gas under pressure (up to 16 bars, for example).

Le contenant 11 et l'enveloppe externe 12 présentent chacun une forme générale sensiblement parallélépipédique.The container 11 and the outer casing 12 each have a generally substantially parallelepipedal shape.

Dans cet exemple, le contenant 11 est fabriqué en aluminium et présente une longueur de deux mètres. La forme parallélépipédique du contenant 11 optimise sa capacité de stockage en carburant et permet une intégration optimale à l'architecture du véhicule.In this example, the container 11 is made of aluminum and has a length of two meters. The parallelepipedal shape of the container 11 optimizes its fuel storage capacity and allows optimal integration into the architecture of the vehicle.

Le contenant 11 et l'enveloppe externe 12 s'étendent longitudinalement selon l'axe longitudinal Ax du réservoir 1 et leur section transversale à l'axe Ax est un carré dont les angles sont arrondis (la section transversale du contenant et de l'enveloppe externe pourrait être un rectangle).The container 11 and the outer casing 12 extend longitudinally along the longitudinal axis Ax of the tank 1 and their cross section to the axis Ax is a square whose angles are rounded (the cross section of the container and of the casing external could be a rectangle).

Le contenant 11 comprend une structure de renfort comprenant notamment plusieurs anneaux de renfort 14 formant ossature de renfort, disposés à l'intérieur du contenant 11 et espacées régulièrement le long de l'axe longitudinal Ax. Les anneaux de renfort 14 s'étendent chacun dans un plan transversal audit axe longitudinal Ax.The container 11 comprises a reinforcing structure comprising in particular several reinforcing rings 14 forming a reinforcing framework, arranged inside the container 11 and regularly spaced along the longitudinal axis Ax. The reinforcing rings 14 each extend in a plane transverse to said longitudinal axis Ax.

Le contenant 11 comprend en outre quatre rails de renfort 15 fixés au centre de chacune des quatre parois longitudinales internes du contenant 11 et s'étendant selon l'axe longitudinal Ax du contenant 11. Ces rails de renfort 15 centraux sont creux et présentent une section trapézoïdale dont le sommet est arrondi. C'est la base du trapèze qui est fixée sur une paroi interne du contenant 11.The container 11 further comprises four reinforcement rails 15 fixed to the center of each of the four internal longitudinal walls of the container 11 and extending along the longitudinal axis Ax of the container 11. These central reinforcement rails 15 are hollow and have a cross section. trapezoidal with a rounded top. It is the base of the trapezoid which is fixed to an internal wall of the container 11.

Le contenant 11 comprend par ailleurs des moyens de solidarisation des anneaux de renfort 14 sur chacun des quatre rails de renfort 15 centraux.The container 11 also comprises means for securing the reinforcing rings 14 on each of the four central reinforcing rails 15.

Chacun des rails de renfort 15 comprend au niveau son sommet arrondi des fentes 151 de passage des anneaux de renfort 14 ménagées à intervalles réguliers selon l'axe longitudinal Ax.Each of the reinforcing rails 15 comprises, at its rounded top, slots 151 for the passage of the reinforcing rings 14 formed at regular intervals along the longitudinal axis Ax.

Les anneaux de renfort 14 traversent les fentes 151 alignées de chacun des rails de renforts 15 centraux et sont ainsi disposés parallèlement les uns aux autres au sein du volume intérieur du contenant 11, sur au moins une partie de la longueur de ce dernier.The reinforcing rings 14 pass through the aligned slots 151 of each of the central reinforcing rails 15 and are thus arranged parallel to each other within the interior volume of the container 11, over at least part of the length of the latter.

Les rails de renforts 15 centraux permettent une répartition des contraintes le long du contenant 11 et le maintien des anneaux de renfort 14 internes.The central reinforcement rails 15 allow a distribution of the stresses along the container 11 and the maintenance of the internal reinforcement rings 14.

Dans ce mode de réalisation, des plaques de renfort d'angle 16 planes sont fixées sur la paroi interne du contenant 11 au niveau de chacun des quatre angles internes. Ces plaques de renfort d'angle 16 sont ici creuses pour permettre la circulation du gaz et leur allégement, et présentent des traverses intérieures reliant les deux faces longitudinales opposées.In this embodiment, planar corner reinforcing plates 16 are fixed to the internal wall of the container 11 at each of the four internal corners. These corner reinforcing plates 16 are hollow here to allow the circulation of gas and their lightening, and have internal cross members connecting the two opposite longitudinal faces.

Les plaques de renfort d'angle 16 s'étendent le long des quatre angles de la paroi longitudinale interne du contenant 11 selon l'axe longitudinal Ax. Ces plaques de renfort sont fixées sur leurs bords latéraux à deux faces internes adjacentes du contenant 11, de manière à ce qu'un espace soit ménagé entre chaque plaque de renfort d'angle 16 et l'angle arrondi correspondant du contenant 11.The corner reinforcing plates 16 extend along the four corners of the internal longitudinal wall of the container 11 along the longitudinal axis Ax. These reinforcing plates are fixed on their lateral edges to two adjacent internal faces of the container 11, of so that a space is left between each corner reinforcing plate 16 and the corresponding rounded corner of the container 11.

Le contenant 11, les anneaux de renfort 14 et l'enveloppe externe 12 sont fabriqués en aluminium, par exemple, ou dans un autre matériau.The container 11, the reinforcing rings 14 and the outer casing 12 are made of aluminum, for example, or some other material.

A titre d'exemple, l'enveloppe externe 12 peut être fabriquée en acier inoxydable (Inox) ou en aluminium.By way of example, the outer casing 12 can be made of stainless steel (stainless steel) or of aluminum.

Les anneaux de renfort 14 sont chacun constitués d'un plat en aluminium de section égale à 14x5 mm, par exemple.The reinforcing rings 14 each consist of an aluminum plate with a section equal to 14 × 5 mm, for example.

Les anneaux de renfort 14 pourraient être constitués de câbles en aluminium ou inox, ou bien d'anneaux en matière synthétique ou composite.The reinforcing rings 14 could be made of aluminum or stainless steel cables, or else rings of synthetic or composite material.

Par ailleurs, les rails de renforts 15 centraux et les plaques de renfort d'angle 16 sont, par exemple, soudées sur le contenant 11.Furthermore, the central reinforcing rails 15 and the corner reinforcing plates 16 are, for example, welded to the container 11.

Dans le mode de réalisation illustré, les moyens de solidarisation des anneaux de renfort 14 sur chacun des rails de renfort 15 centraux prennent la forme de tubes 17 qui sont chacun logés dans un rail de renfort 15 central et s'étendent longitudinalement le long de la surface/paroi interne du contenant 11, selon l'axe longitudinal Ax.In the illustrated embodiment, the means for securing the reinforcing rings 14 on each of the central reinforcing rails 15 take the form of tubes 17 which are each housed in a central reinforcing rail 15 and extend longitudinally along the surface / internal wall of the container 11, along the longitudinal axis Ax.

Ces tubes 17 sont configurés pour fixer la pluralité d'anneaux de renfort 14 de forme carrée au niveau de chacun de leurs angles sur les rails de renfort 15 centraux et solidariser ainsi la pluralité d'anneaux de renfort 14 entre eux.These tubes 17 are configured to fix the plurality of square-shaped reinforcing rings 14 at each of their angles on the central reinforcing rails 15 and thus securing the plurality of reinforcing rings 14 between them.

Le groupe d'anneaux de renfort 14 est ainsi fixé aux rails de renfort 15 centraux par coulissement des quatre tubes 17 dans les quatre rails de renfort 15 centraux.The group of reinforcing rings 14 is thus fixed to the central reinforcing rails 15 by sliding the four tubes 17 in the four central reinforcing rails 15.

On note que les anneaux de renfort 14 ne viennent pas au contact de la paroi interne du contenant 11 une fois qu'ils sont montés sur les rails de renfort 15 centraux et verrouillés en position par les tubes 17.Note that the reinforcing rings 14 do not come into contact with the internal wall of the container 11 once they are mounted on the central reinforcing rails 15 and locked in position by the tubes 17.

Par ailleurs, le réservoir 1 met en œuvre des moyens de bridage ou de maintien du contenant 11 dans l'enveloppe externe 12.Moreover, the reservoir 1 implements clamping means or holding the container 11 in the outer casing 12.

La figure 2 est une vue partielle du contenant 11 interne lorsqu'il est expansé et montre en détail le premier dispositif de bridage mobile reliant la face latérale 111 d'une extrémité longitudinale du contenant 11 à une face latérale 120 de l'enveloppe externe 12 située en vis-à-vis.The figure 2 is a partial view of the inner container 11 when it is expanded and shows in detail the first movable clamping device connecting the side face 111 of a longitudinal end of the container 11 to a side face 120 of the outer casing 12 located opposite -opinion.

La figure 2A montre plus en détail ce premier dispositif de bridage mobile.The figure 2A shows this first mobile clamping device in more detail.

Il comprend un cylindre creux ou moyeu 121 de section en "U" soudé sur la face latérale 120 de l'enveloppe externe 12 dans lequel est monté un élément mobile 114 de section en "H". Cet élément mobile 114 est solidaire de la face latérale 111 du contenant 11. Il est porté par un cylindre 113 creux logé de façon fixe dans un moyeu 112 solidaire de la face latérale 111 du contenant 11.It comprises a hollow cylinder or hub 121 of "U" section welded to the side face 120 of the outer casing 12 in which is mounted a movable element 114 of "H" section. This movable element 114 is integral with the lateral face 111 of the container 11. It is carried by a hollow cylinder 113 housed in a fixed manner in a hub 112 integral with the lateral face 111 of the container 11.

Le cylindre creux 121 porte un tube 122 s'étendant selon l'axe longitudinal Ax sur lequel est monté coulissant l'élément mobile 114 selon l'axe longitudinal Ax. Un ressort de rappel 123 est disposé autour du tube 122 entre le cylindre creux 121 et l'élément mobile 114.The hollow cylinder 121 carries a tube 122 extending along the longitudinal axis Ax on which the movable element 114 is slidably mounted along the longitudinal axis Ax. A return spring 123 is arranged around the tube 122 between the hollow cylinder 121 and the movable element 114.

Ce premier dispositif de bridage permet notamment de compenser la dilation/rétractation thermique du contenant 11 interne due au refroidissement du liquide cryogénique qu'il contient en limitant les apports de contraintes. On rappelle que le GNL est par exemple stocké à une température de -130°C dans le réservoir.This first clamping device makes it possible in particular to compensate for the thermal expansion / retraction of the internal container 11 due to the cooling of the cryogenic liquid that it contains, while limiting the contributions of stresses. It is recalled that the LNG is for example stored at a temperature of -130 ° C in the tank.

Les pièces 111, 112, 113 et 114 sont fixes les unes par rapport aux autres. La pièce 114 peut se déplacer par rapport à la pièce 121 selon l'axe longitudinal Ax.The parts 111, 112, 113 and 114 are fixed relative to each other. The part 114 can move relative to the part 121 along the longitudinal axis Ax.

Ainsi, lorsque la paroi latérale 111 du contenant 11 se dilate ou se rétracte, l'élément mobile 114 se déplace dans le cylindre creux 121 et comprime le ressort de rappel 123 ou détend ce dernier.Thus, when the side wall 111 of the container 11 expands or retracts, the movable member 114 moves in the hollow cylinder 121 and compresses the return spring 123 or relaxes the latter.

Sur la figure 2A, le contenant 11 est expansée (en ce sens qu'il n'est pas rétracté) et le ressort est dans une configuration de compression maximale, le jeu étant nul entre les pièces 114 et 121.On the figure 2A , the container 11 is expanded (in the sense that it is not retracted) and the spring is in a configuration of maximum compression, the play being zero between the parts 114 and 121.

On comprend que lorsque le contenant 11 se rétracte, l'élément mobile 114 coulisse vers la gauche le long du tube 122 sous l'effet du ressort de rappel 123.It is understood that when the container 11 retracts, the movable element 114 slides to the left along the tube 122 under the effect of the return spring 123.

Chacune des pièces de ce premier dispositif de bridage ou bien uniquement le cylindre 113 est fabriqué(e) dans un matériau thermiquement isolant pour limiter les transferts de chaleur par conduction. Ceci permet ainsi d'éviter les échanges thermiques par contact direct entre le contenant 11 et l'enveloppe externe 12. Il est en effet crucial d'éviter que la température du gaz naturel liquéfié n'augmente et qu'il reste sous forme liquide.Each of the parts of this first clamping device or else only the cylinder 113 is made of a thermally insulating material to limit heat transfer by conduction. This thus makes it possible to avoid heat exchanges by direct contact between the container 11 and the outer casing 12. It is indeed crucial to prevent the temperature of the liquefied natural gas from increasing and from remaining in liquid form.

A titre d'exemple, tout ou partie de ces éléments sont en résine époxy et fibres de verre (isolant).By way of example, all or part of these elements are made of epoxy resin and glass fibers (insulation).

La figure 3A montre en détails le deuxième dispositif de bridage reliant la face latérale de l'autre extrémité longitudinale du contenant 11 à la face latérale de l'enveloppe externe 12 située en vis-à-vis.The figure 3A shows in detail the second clamping device connecting the side face of the other longitudinal end of the container 11 to the side face of the outer casing 12 located opposite.

Ce deuxième dispositif de bridage est fixe et comprend un cylindre 113 reliant la face latérale 111 du contenant 11 à la face latérale 120 de l'enveloppe externe 12. Plus précisément, le cylindre 113 est fixé de chaque côté dans un moyeu 112, 121 porté par chacune des faces latérales 111 et 120 du contenant 11 et de l'enveloppe externe 12 respectivement.This second clamping device is fixed and comprises a cylinder 113 connecting the lateral face 111 of the container 11 to the lateral face 120 of the outer casing 12. More precisely, the cylinder 113 is fixed on each side in a hub 112, 121 carried. by each of the side faces 111 and 120 of the container 11 and of the outer casing 12 respectively.

A titre d'exemple, tout ou partie des éléments formant le deuxième dispositif de bridage est en résine époxy et fibres de verre (isolant).By way of example, all or part of the elements forming the second clamping device is made of epoxy resin and glass fibers (insulator).

Ainsi, les moyens de bridage comprennent un point fixe sur une face latérale (deuxième dispositif de bridage) et un point mobile sur l'autre face latérale (premier dispositif de bridage) du réservoir 1. Ils permettent de compenser la dilatation ou rétractation du contenant 11 selon l'axe longitudinal Ax.Thus, the clamping means comprise a fixed point on one side face (second clamping device) and a movable point on the other side face (first clamping device) of the reservoir 1. They make it possible to compensate for the expansion or retraction of the container. 11 along the longitudinal axis Ax.

D'autres éléments de bridage sont mis en œuvre sur le pourtour du réservoir 1 et sont visibles sur les figures 3 à 5.Other clamping elements are implemented around the periphery of the tank 1 and are visible on the figures 3 to 5 .

Dans le mode de réalisation illustré sur ces figures, des plots ou pions 124 et des cales formant renfort interne s'étendent entre l'enveloppe externe 12 et le contenant 11, et évitent l'écrasement de l'enveloppe externe 12.In the embodiment illustrated in these figures, studs or pins 124 and wedges forming internal reinforcement extend between the outer casing 12 and the container 11, and prevent crushing of the outer casing 12.

Ces plots et cales sont disposés sur le pourtour du contenant 11, à intervalles réguliers, le long du contenant 11.These pads and wedges are arranged around the periphery of the container 11, at regular intervals, along the container 11.

Cette solution de bridage est configurée de sorte à minimiser les ballotements du contenant, même en cas de collision du véhicule.This clamping solution is configured to minimize container sloshing, even in the event of a vehicle collision.

Les moyens de bridage offrent un degré de liberté minimal et permettent un débattement du contenant 11 par rapport à l'enveloppe externe 12 d'un côté du réservoir 1 selon l'axe longitudinal Ax.The clamping means offer a minimum degree of freedom and allow movement of the container 11 relative to the outer casing 12 on one side of the tank 1 along the longitudinal axis Ax.

Plus précisément, les moyens de bridage autorisent un déplacement mécanique du contenant par rapport à ladite enveloppe externe et permettent notamment de compenser la variation de longueur du contenant lors de la mise à froid (de 25°C à -161°C) de ce dernier.More precisely, the clamping means allow a mechanical movement of the container relative to said outer envelope and in particular make it possible to compensate for the variation in length of the container during the cold (from 25 ° C to -161 ° C) of the latter. .

A titre d'exemple, lorsque le contenant présente une longueur initiale de 2m, ces moyens de bridage autorisent une variation de longueur du contenant de l'ordre de 8mm.By way of example, when the container has an initial length of 2m, these clamping means allow a variation in length of the container of the order of 8mm.

Le montage de la structure de renfort dans le contenant 11 est relativement aisé et comprend les étapes suivantes :

  • mise en place et soudure, par friction malaxage par exemple, des renforts d'angle 16 dans l'espace intérieur du contenant 11,
  • mise en place et soudure, par friction malaxage par exemple, des rails de renforts 15 centraux dans l'espace intérieur du contenant 11,
  • mise en place des anneaux de renfort 14 par translation dans l'espace intérieur du contenant 11, puis rotation des anneaux de renfort 14 de sorte à ce que ces derniers traversent les fentes 151 des rails de renfort 15 centraux,
  • mise en place des tubes de verrouillage 17 des anneaux de renfort 14 dans les rails de renfort 15 centraux.
The assembly of the reinforcement structure in the container 11 is relatively easy and comprises the following steps:
  • installation and welding, by friction mixing for example, of the corner reinforcements 16 in the interior space of the container 11,
  • installation and welding, by friction mixing for example, of the central reinforcing rails 15 in the interior space of the container 11,
  • positioning of the reinforcing rings 14 by translation in the interior space of the container 11, then rotation of the reinforcing rings 14 so that the latter pass through the slots 151 of the central reinforcing rails 15,
  • positioning of the locking tubes 17 of the reinforcing rings 14 in the central reinforcing rails 15.

D'autres types de soudure peuvent être envisagés.Other types of welding can be considered.

Autres aspects et variantesOther aspects and variants

Dans tous les modes de réalisation décrits précédemment, l'enveloppe externe du réservoir peut être fabriquée dans tout matériau adapté pour résister au feu et éventuellement à d'autres contraintes de sécurité.In all the embodiments described above, the outer shell of the tank can be made of any material suitable for resisting fire and possibly other safety constraints.

Selon une mise en œuvre particulière, la surface extérieure de l'enveloppe externe peut être recouverte d'au moins une couche de matériau adapté pour résister au feu.According to a particular implementation, the outer surface of the outer casing may be covered with at least one layer of material suitable for resisting fire.

Plus généralement, une peinture résistante au feu ou d'un autre type de revêtement peut être appliquée sur la surface extérieure et/ou intérieure de l'enveloppe externe et/ou sur la surface extérieure du contenant.More generally, a fire resistant paint or other type of coating can be applied to the exterior and / or interior surface of the outer casing and / or to the exterior surface of the container.

L'enveloppe externe peut être fabriquée dans un matériau résistant au feu.The outer casing can be made of a fire resistant material.

Dans ce cas de figure, l'enveloppe externe peut être fabriquée en acier inoxydable ou en matériaux composites.In this case, the outer casing can be made of stainless steel or of composite materials.

Les faces latérales du contenant peuvent chacune porter une ou plusieurs platines de support d'au moins un des éléments suivants (la liste étant non-exhaustive) :

  • un élément de connexion à un autre réservoir ;
  • une soupape de sécurité ;
  • un dispositif de remplissage du contenant.
The side faces of the container can each carry one or more support plates for at least one of the following elements (the list being non-exhaustive):
  • a connection element to another tank;
  • a safety valve;
  • a container filling device.

On notera que tout ou partie de ces éléments peuvent dans une variante être portés par au moins une des parois latérales et/ou longitudinales de l'enveloppe externe dans lequel le contenant est destiné à être logé.It will be noted that all or part of these elements can in a variant be carried by at least one of the side and / or longitudinal walls of the outer casing in which the container is intended to be housed.

Le réservoir conforme à l'invention peut être installé sur d'autres types de véhicules automobiles, tels que des bus, camions, autocars, véhicules frigorifiques, véhicules maritimes ou tout autre véhicule.The tank according to the invention can be installed on other types of motor vehicles, such as buses, trucks, coaches, refrigerated vehicles, maritime vehicles or any other vehicle.

Le réservoir de l'invention peut être logé dans des compartiments de véhicule de formes complexes.The reservoir of the invention can be housed in vehicle compartments of complex shapes.

En d'autres termes, la forme du réservoir peut être adaptée aux volumes disponibles sur le châssis du véhicule.In other words, the shape of the tank can be adapted to the volumes available on the chassis of the vehicle.

Le réservoir conforme à l'invention peut être installé dans des unités mobiles comme, par exemple, les groupes électrogènes ou containers de stockage et/ou transport de marchandises.The tank according to the invention can be installed in mobile units such as, for example, generators or containers for the storage and / or transport of goods.

Il est à noter que les faces latérales situées aux extrémités longitudinales du contenant peuvent être galbées, incurvées ou planes.It should be noted that the side faces located at the longitudinal ends of the container can be curved, curved or flat.

Par ailleurs, les faces longitudinales du contenant (définissant le corps du contenant) peuvent présenter un galbe.Furthermore, the longitudinal faces of the container (defining the body of the container) may have a curve.

Plutôt que des anneaux de renfort indépendants, un câble bobiné en une seule pièce et formant ossature de renfort pourrait être utilisé.Rather than independent reinforcing rings, a cable coiled in one piece and forming a reinforcing frame could be used.

Le réservoir de l'invention peut contenir tout type de gaz liquéfié, tel que du GNL (méthane liquide), ou bien de l'azote liquide pour camions frigorifiques ou poids lourds, par exemple.The tank of the invention can contain any type of liquefied gas, such as LNG (liquid methane), or else liquid nitrogen for refrigerated trucks or heavy goods vehicles, for example.

Bien sûr, l'invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples qui viennent d'être décrits et de nombreux aménagements peuvent être apportés à ces exemples sans sortir du cadre de l'invention. Notamment, les différentes caractéristiques, formes, variantes et modes de réalisation de l'invention peuvent être associées les unes avec les autres selon diverses combinaisons dans la mesure où elles ne sont pas incompatibles ou exclusives les unes des autres. En particulier toutes les variantes et modes de réalisation décrits précédemment sont combinables entre eux.Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the different characteristics, shapes, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with one another.

Claims (14)

Réservoir (1) pour un véhicule automobile destiné à contenir un fluide cryogénique, tel que du gaz naturel liquéfié, comprenant : - un contenant (11) de stockage de fluide cryogénique, le contenant comprenant une structure de renfort interne, et - une enveloppe externe (12) de protection disposée autour dudit contenant (11), le contenant (11) et ladite enveloppe externe (12) présentant chacun une forme générale sensiblement parallélépipédique,
ledit réservoir (1) étant caractérisé en ce que ladite structure de renfort interne comprend : - des plaques de renfort (16) d'angle fixées sur la paroi interne dudit contenant (11) et reliant chacune deux faces internes adjacentes dudit contenant (11), - des rails de renfort (15) fixés au centre de chacune des quatre parois longitudinales internes du contenant (11) et s'étendant selon l'axe longitudinal (Ax) dudit réservoir (1), - une ossature de renfort (14) disposée le long de l'axe longitudinal (Ax) dudit réservoir (1), et - des moyens de solidarisation des anneaux de renfort (14) sur chacun des rails de renfort (15), lesdits moyens de solidarisation étant disposés à l'intérieur desdits rails de renfort (15). Tank (1) for a motor vehicle intended to contain a cryogenic fluid, such as liquefied natural gas, comprising: - a container (11) for storing cryogenic fluid, the container comprising an internal reinforcement structure, and - an outer protective casing (12) arranged around said container (11), the container (11) and said outer casing (12) each having a generally substantially parallelepipedal shape,
said reservoir (1) being characterized in that said internal reinforcement structure comprises: - corner reinforcing plates (16) fixed to the internal wall of said container (11) and each connecting two adjacent internal faces of said container (11), - reinforcement rails (15) fixed to the center of each of the four internal longitudinal walls of the container (11) and extending along the longitudinal axis (Ax) of said tank (1), - a reinforcing frame (14) arranged along the longitudinal axis (Ax) of said reservoir (1), and - Means for securing the reinforcing rings (14) on each of the reinforcing rails (15), said securing means being arranged inside said reinforcing rails (15). Réservoir (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'ossature de renfort (14) est constituée d'anneaux de renfort (14) espacés le long de l'axe longitudinal (Ax) dudit réservoir (1) et s'étendant chacune dans un plan transversal audit axe longitudinal (Ax),Tank (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcing framework (14) consists of reinforcing rings (14) spaced along the longitudinal axis (Ax) of said tank (1) and s' each extending in a plane transverse to said longitudinal axis (Ax), Réservoir (1) selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que les rails de renfort (15) présentent sur leur longueur plusieurs fentes (151) espacées de passage des anneaux de renfort (14).Tank (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the reinforcing rails (15) have over their length several slots (151) spaced apart for the passage of the reinforcing rings (14). Réservoir (1) selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de solidarisation des anneaux de renfort (14) comprennent un tube de verrouillage (17) logé dans chacun des rails de renfort (15) de sorte à retenir chacun des anneaux de renfort (14) dans lesdites fentes/rainures (151) correspondantes.Tank (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the means for securing the reinforcing rings (14) comprise a locking tube (17) housed in each of the reinforcing rails (15) so as to retain each of the reinforcing rings (14) in said corresponding slots / grooves (151). Réservoir (1) selon l'une des revendications 2 à 4, caractérisé en ce que chacun des anneaux de renfort (14) présente une forme carrée ou rectangulaire.Tank (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that each of the reinforcing rings (14) has a square or rectangular shape. Réservoir (1) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que ledit contenant (11) est solidarisé à ladite enveloppe externe (12) par des moyens de bridage destinés à compenser la variation de longueur du contenant (11) selon l'axe longitudinal (Ax) du réservoir (1).Tank (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said container (11) is secured to said outer casing (12) by clamping means intended to compensate for the variation in length of the container (11) according to the longitudinal axis (Ax) of the tank (1). Réservoir (1) selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que ledit contenant (11) est relié à une première paroi latérale de ladite enveloppe externe (12) par un premier dispositif de bridage mobile selon l'axe longitudinal (Ax) et à une deuxième paroi latérale de ladite enveloppe externe (12) par un deuxième dispositif de bridage fixe.Tank (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said container (11) is connected to a first side wall of said outer casing (12) by a first clamping device movable along the longitudinal axis (Ax) and to a second side wall of said outer casing (12) by a second fixed clamping device. Réservoir (1) selon la revendication 6 ou 7, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de bridage autorisent une variation de longueur dudit contenant (11) comprise entre 2 et 10 mm.Tank (1) according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the clamping means allow a variation in the length of said container (11) of between 2 and 10 mm. Réservoir (1) selon la revendication 7 ou 8, caractérisé en ce que le premier dispositif de bridage comprend au moins un élément mobile solidaire du contenant (11) et monté coulissant selon l'axe longitudinal (Ax) sur un tube solidaire d'une paroi latérale de l'enveloppe externe (12), un ressort de rappel étant disposé autour du tube entre ledit au moins un élément mobile et ladite paroi latérale de l'enveloppe externe (12).Tank (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the first clamping device comprises at least one movable element integral with the container (11) and mounted to slide along the longitudinal axis (Ax) on a tube integral with a side wall of the outer casing (12), a return spring being arranged around the tube between said at least one movable member and said side wall of the outer casing (12). Réservoir (1) selon l'une des revendications 6 à 9, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens de bridage sont fabriqués dans un matériau thermiquement isolant.Tank (1) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that said clamping means are made from a thermally insulating material. Réservoir (1) selon l'une des revendications 6 à 10, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens de bridage comprennent des plots de support de l'enveloppe externe (12) prenant appui sur ledit contenant (11).Tank (1) according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that said clamping means comprise support studs for the outer casing (12) bearing on said container (11). Réservoir (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le contenant (11), l'ossature de renfort (14) et l'enveloppe externe (12) sont fabriqués en aluminium.Tank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (11), the reinforcing frame (14) and the outer casing (12) are made of aluminum. Réservoir (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la paroi du contenant (11) et la paroi de l'enveloppe (12) externe sont distantes l'une de l'autre, l'espace intermédiaire entre ces parois étant rempli au moins partiellement de moyens isolants.Tank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall of the container (11) and the wall of the outer casing (12) are spaced from one another, the intermediate space between these walls being filled at least partially with insulating means. Véhicule automobile, tel un poids-lourd, comprenant au moins un réservoir selon l'une des revendications 1 à 12.Motor vehicle, such as a heavy goods vehicle, comprising at least one tank according to one of claims 1 to 12.
EP21153580.2A 2020-03-02 2021-01-26 Structure for reinforcing a tank for cryogenic fluid, such as liquefied natural gas, for motor vehicles Active EP3875831B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR2002099A FR3107747B1 (en) 2020-03-02 2020-03-02 Reinforcement structure of a cryogenic fluid tank, such as liquefied natural gas, for motor vehicles

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3875831A1 true EP3875831A1 (en) 2021-09-08
EP3875831C0 EP3875831C0 (en) 2023-08-09
EP3875831B1 EP3875831B1 (en) 2023-08-09

Family

ID=71661976

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21153580.2A Active EP3875831B1 (en) 2020-03-02 2021-01-26 Structure for reinforcing a tank for cryogenic fluid, such as liquefied natural gas, for motor vehicles

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3875831B1 (en)
FR (1) FR3107747B1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4235011A1 (en) * 2022-02-24 2023-08-30 Airbus Operations (S.A.S.) Tank including a support for equipment with different equipment connected thereto and method for manufacturing said tank
EP4345361A1 (en) * 2022-09-27 2024-04-03 CNH Industrial Italia S.p.A. Improved tank arrangement for cryogenic fluid

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3979005A (en) * 1974-05-13 1976-09-07 The Boeing Company Cryogenic tank and aircraft structural interface
EP1128123A1 (en) * 2000-02-25 2001-08-29 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Reservoir with reinforced walls for storing cryogenic liquids
US6668561B1 (en) * 2002-06-27 2003-12-30 Northrop Grumman Corporation Pressure regulated structure
FR3068106A1 (en) * 2017-06-26 2018-12-28 Ateliers et Chantiers de la Grande Bruyere (ACGB) LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS RESERVOIR FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3979005A (en) * 1974-05-13 1976-09-07 The Boeing Company Cryogenic tank and aircraft structural interface
EP1128123A1 (en) * 2000-02-25 2001-08-29 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Reservoir with reinforced walls for storing cryogenic liquids
US6668561B1 (en) * 2002-06-27 2003-12-30 Northrop Grumman Corporation Pressure regulated structure
FR3068106A1 (en) * 2017-06-26 2018-12-28 Ateliers et Chantiers de la Grande Bruyere (ACGB) LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS RESERVOIR FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4235011A1 (en) * 2022-02-24 2023-08-30 Airbus Operations (S.A.S.) Tank including a support for equipment with different equipment connected thereto and method for manufacturing said tank
EP4345361A1 (en) * 2022-09-27 2024-04-03 CNH Industrial Italia S.p.A. Improved tank arrangement for cryogenic fluid

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3875831C0 (en) 2023-08-09
EP3875831B1 (en) 2023-08-09
FR3107747A1 (en) 2021-09-03
FR3107747B1 (en) 2022-02-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3421864B1 (en) Liquefied natural gas tank for motor vehicles
EP3875831B1 (en) Structure for reinforcing a tank for cryogenic fluid, such as liquefied natural gas, for motor vehicles
CN100483006C (en) Container for storing liquefied gas
EP3762643B1 (en) Container for storing and transporting liquefied gas
EP0214007B1 (en) Thermally insulated impervious container, and ship carrying it
FR2706578A1 (en) Hydrocarbon storage tank under pressure.
EP2880356B1 (en) Sealed and thermally insulating tank wall comprising spaced-apart support elements
FR2802612A1 (en) TANK FOR HIGH PRESSURE GAS STORAGE
FR3105342A1 (en) Thermally insulating barrier for a tank wall
EP3894735A1 (en) Support device and storage container for liquefied gas
US9261237B2 (en) Keyway retention system for cryogenic storage tanks
EP4182601A1 (en) Device for storing cryogenic fluid and vehicle comprising such a device
WO2021245091A1 (en) Thermally insulating sealed tank built into a load-bearing structure
WO2021255000A1 (en) Liquid dome of a storage tank for liquefied gas
WO2021254999A1 (en) Liquid dome of a storage tank for liquefied gas
WO2021144531A1 (en) Double access hatch for a liquefied-gas transport tank
EP4170222B1 (en) Cryogenic tank for storing liquefied gas
WO2024133259A1 (en) Arrangement for a vehicle comprising a tank and an electrochemical battery
FR3144084A1 (en) Arrangement comprising a reservoir and a shock absorption device
WO2023066613A1 (en) Sealed and insulating tank for storing and/or transporting a liquefied gas
WO2024125849A1 (en) Sealed and thermally insulating tank comprising a through-element
US20240255107A1 (en) Compression-type fuel tank
FR3123265A1 (en) VEHICLE PROVIDED WITH PROTECTIVE CAPSULES FOR GAS CIRCUIT COMPONENTS
WO2024003480A1 (en) Storage tank for transporting and/or storing a gas in the liquid state
FR3144065A1 (en) Arrangement comprising a tank and a protective casing

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20220105

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20230322

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602021004040

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

U01 Request for unitary effect filed

Effective date: 20230906

U07 Unitary effect registered

Designated state(s): AT BE BG DE DK EE FI FR IT LT LU LV MT NL PT SE SI

Effective date: 20230925

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231110

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231209

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230809

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231109

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231209

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230809

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231110

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230809

U20 Renewal fee paid [unitary effect]

Year of fee payment: 4

Effective date: 20240126

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230809

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230809

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230809

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230809

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230809

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230809

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602021004040

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20240513

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230809

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230809

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL