EP4090877A1

EP4090877A1 - End fitting for a pressurised fluid reservoir

Info

Publication number: EP4090877A1
Application number: EP21700868.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bjorn Criel
Original assignee: Plastic Omnium New Energies France SAS
Current assignee: Plastic Omnium New Energies France SAS
Priority date: 2020-01-14
Filing date: 2021-01-14
Publication date: 2022-11-23
Also published as: CA3160390A1; KR20220119162A; WO2021144335A1; JP2023512462A; US20230046665A1; CN114901986A

Abstract

End fitting for a pressurised fluid reservoir, the reservoir comprising a liner (2) which comprises a tubular central portion (20) with a first cylindrical outer surface (21), characterised in that the end fitting (1) comprises an end portion (10) with a second cylindrical outer surface (11), the end portion (10) being configured to be positioned coaxially with respect to the tubular central portion (20), the second cylindrical outer surface (11) forming a radially flush extension of the first cylindrical outer surface (21), the end fitting (1) being configured to be mounted in a sealed manner on the outside of a neck (22) of the liner (2) by means of an annular sealing joint (4) arranged coaxially with respect to the end portion (10) in an annular groove (12) provided in an inner recess (13) of the end fitting (1) such that the internal pressure in the reservoir has a tendency to push the neck (22) radially outwards against the annular sealing joint (4).

Description

Title of the invention: Nozzle for a pressurized fluid reservoir

The present invention relates to tanks intended to contain fluids under pressure, in particular tanks on board motor vehicles. The invention relates more specifically to end caps for such reservoirs. The fluids in question are, for example, and without limitation, natural gas, biogas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen.

The different functions of these tanks are:

- contain the fluid under pressure, that is to say resist mechanically,

- ensure the seal vis-à-vis the outside,

- fill with pressurized fluid, using a solenoid valve mounted on the nozzle,

- deliver the pressurized fluid using the same solenoid valve mounted on the nozzle,

- attach to the supporting structure,

- withstand the conditions of transport and use,

- resist external environmental, mechanical and thermal aggressions,

- withstand the conditions in which the tanks are manufactured.

These tanks can be mounted on all fixed or mobile equipment (road vehicles, railways, sea, air, space). Pressurized fluid tanks are made of metallic materials or, more recently, of composite materials, for reasons of weight saving and safety.

With regard to tanks made of composite materials, also called composite tanks, their sealing is generally achieved by placing a container called a "liner" capable of sealing the container against the contents. Depending on the tank builders, liners are offered in metallic materials or in plastic materials.

The "plastic" type liner includes at least one opening for filling and emptying the tank. It is manufactured by injection or by rotational molding or by extrusion blow molding of a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer material (abbreviated as “thermoset”) such as, for example, polyethylene, polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyurethane, silicone. Advantageously, the thermoplastic polymer material is loaded with reinforcing fibers to constitute a composite material. Reinforcing fibers are, for example, glass fibers, carbon fibers, basalt fibers, aramid fibers, polymer fibers, silica fibers, polyethylene fibers, natural fibers, fibers. metal, metal alloy fibers or ceramic fibers. These fibers allow to increase the resistance to deformation of the composite material. In a polymeric material loaded with reinforcing fibers, the reinforcing fibers and the polymeric material are entangled to form an integral material. Such a composite material is described by the Applicant in its French patent application No. 18 72197 filed on November 30, 2018 and published under No. 3,089,160.

Alternatively, the liner is made by filament winding. An example of the manufacture of a container by filament winding is described in patent document FR1431135A.

This liner is then covered with a liner reinforcement envelope made of composite material which will constitute the body of the tank, that is to say the resistant structure of the tank, which must be able to withstand the pressures exerted by the fluid contained. in the tank (hereinafter referred to as “internal pressure”). The reinforcement shell is generally not required to seal the tank.

This reinforcement envelope is made up of:

- a reinforcement generally made up of continuous fibers, glass, carbon, basalt, or other such as silica fibers or even plant fibers,

- a resin which is either deposited at the same time as the fiber (filament winding process) or after the envelope has been made to constitute a dry "preform". This dry preform is then consolidated in order to give it the necessary rigidity. This consolidation is carried out using an injection of resin or using an infiltration of this resin through the said preform (infusion process), or even using an impregnation of resin under empty.

Advantageously, the reinforcing shell is coated with one or more layers of a flame retardant material, preferably an intumescent flame retardant material such as, for example, a coating based on silicate or phosphate. Silicate and phosphate are intumescent agents which, after exposure to fire, expand and create an insulating barrier. This improves the heat and fire resistance of the tank.

In all cases, at the time of manufacture of the reservoir, a nozzle is assembled to seal the liner to allow filling and delivery of the fluid. This tip is generally made of metal (steel or aluminum). It is attached to a liner filling / emptying neck and has a support collar against the liner. The end piece also has an internal thread for mounting a solenoid valve on the end piece. Such a tip is described in patent document US6230922.

To reduce the mass of a reservoir, it is known practice to reduce the filling / emptying opening of the liner in order to reduce the size of the associated end piece and therefore its mass. This is particularly critical when the toe cap is made of steel, in fact, steel end caps are stronger but heavier. Aluminum end caps are more fragile than those made of steel, but they are more suitable for plastic liners because of their fairly close coefficients of expansion. In all cases, by reducing the opening for filling / emptying the liner, the quantity of material necessary for the constitution of the reinforcing envelope of the liner is increased. Indeed, a liner conventionally comprises a hollow tubular central part closed at its ends by two domes, at least one of which is provided with an opening for filling / emptying the liner. It is easily understood that the smaller the opening for filling / emptying the liner, the more dome there is to cover with the reinforcing envelope of the liner, which results in an increase in the mass of the tank.

We also note among other drawbacks of current tips:

- the end pieces and their connections with the liner often have leaks, particularly over time, due to the very design of the end piece or to the control of the expansion coefficients of the different materials,

- the end pieces are not sufficiently secured to the liners to mechanically ensure the resistance over time of the assemblies.

To increase the range of a vehicle powered by hydrogen, for example, we naturally think of increasing the storage capacity on board the vehicle. One obvious solution is to replace the pre-existing hydrogen tank with a larger capacity tank. However, the space in which a pre-existing hydrogen tank is housed is not expandable, so it is not possible to increase the storage capacity by increasing the size of the tank. Another solution is to provide, from the design stage of the vehicle, a space suitable for storing a larger quantity of hydrogen. Such a space has a substantially prismatic and relatively flat shape. To make maximum use of this space, it is advantageous to fill it with a set of several long and thin reservoirs, that is, reservoirs with a high length-to-diameter ratio. In this case, seeking to reduce the mass of each tank while filling as much of the available storage space as possible is even more critical.

An aim of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks, by proposing technical solutions which meet the expectations of users with regard to the mass, the quantity of fluid stored and the longevity of the equipment.

To this end, the invention relates to a nozzle for a pressurized fluid reservoir, the reservoir comprising a liner comprising a tubular central part provided with a first cylindrical outer surface, characterized in that the nozzle comprises an end part provided with a second cylindrical outer surface, the end part being configured to be positioned coaxially with the tubular central part, the second cylindrical outer surface being in the radially flush extension of the first cylindrical outer surface, the end piece being configured to be assembled sealed on the outside of a neck of the liner by means of an annular seal arranged coaxially with the end part in an annular groove formed in an internal cavity of the nozzle so that the internal pressure of the reservoir tends to press the neck radially outwards against the annular seal. Thanks to this arrangement, the seal is particularly effective, especially at high pressure. Another advantage of this arrangement is that it makes it possible to reduce the creep of the plastic material of the liner at the location of the contact of the first neck on the annular seal.

By the expression "radially flush" is meant without radial recess between the first cylindrical outer surface of the tubular central part of the liner and the second cylindrical outer surface of the end part of the nozzle.

Note that by "radial", or "radially", we refer to one (or more) direction (s) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of an object.

Note that by "interior" and "exterior" we refer to the radial position of parts of an object. For example, for an object of longitudinal axis (X) provided with an exterior surface and an interior surface, the exterior surface of the object is radially further from the longitudinal axis (X) than the interior surface of said object. the object.

The nozzle according to the invention is thus perfectly suited to the sealing of a nozzle assembled on a liner of a long and thin tank. Indeed, in addition to better sealing of the end piece, the Applicant has observed that the higher the length to diameter ratio of a composite tank, the less material is required to constitute the reinforcing envelope of the liner. Indeed, for a tank having a length to diameter ratio greater than or equal to six (6), the presence of domes at the ends of the liner is no longer necessary. In doing so, the end piece no longer needs a supporting flange against the liner but a cylindrical end part whose outer surface is intended to be aligned with the outer surface of the central tubular part of the liner.

In addition, the absence of radial setback between the first cylindrical outer surface of the tubular central part of the liner and the second cylindrical outer surface of the end part of the end piece allows better coverage of the liner and the end piece with the liner reinforcement wrap.

Preferably, the tip is a piece of metal, for example aluminum.

According to an additional characteristic of the nozzle according to the invention, the second cylindrical outer surface of the end part has a second outer diameter and the inner cavity has a first inner diameter, such as the ratio of the first inner diameter to the second outer diameter. is between 0.6 and 0.95, preferably between 0.8 and 0.95. This makes it possible to reduce the quantity of material necessary for the manufacture of the end piece, thus reducing the mass of the end piece and, consequently, the mass of the reservoir to which the end piece is intended to be assembled. Although presented as an additional characteristic of the tip according to the invention, the particular ratio of the first inside diameter to the second outside diameter is not limited to a tip according to the invention but can be applied to any type of composite tank tip. Thus, another object of the invention is a tip for a pressurized fluid reservoir, characterized in that the tip comprises an outside diameter and an inside diameter, such that the ratio of the inside diameter to the outside diameter is between 0 , 6 and 0.95, preferably between 0.8 and 0.95.

The subject of the invention is also a pressurized fluid reservoir, in particular for the storage and distribution of pressurized gas in a motor vehicle, comprising:

- a liner comprising:

- a tubular central part provided with a first cylindrical outer surface having a first outer diameter,

- a first neck connected to the central tubular part by a first shoulder,

- a first end piece assembled to seal the first neck,

- a reinforcing envelope of the liner, characterized in that the first end piece comprises an end part provided with a second cylindrical outer surface positioned coaxially with the tubular central part in the radially flush extension of the first cylindrical outer surface, and in that the first end piece is assembled to seal on the outside of the first neck of the liner by means of an annular seal arranged coaxially with the end part in an annular groove formed in an internal cavity of the first end piece so that the internal pressure of the reservoir tends to press the neck radially outwards against the annular seal.

Thanks to this arrangement, the sealing of the reservoir is particularly effective, especially at high pressure. Another advantage of this arrangement is that it reduces the creep of the plastic material of the liner where the first neck contacts the annular seal.

Thus, thanks to the invention, it is possible to replace a single storage tank of large capacity by several tanks of lesser capacity, in particular long and thin tanks, while maintaining a ratio between the mass of stored fluid and the mass of the fluid. acceptable storage assembly, for example greater than 4% for a 700 bar hydrogen storage assembly.

Preferably, the tank is of type IV, that is to say a composite tank consisting of a plastic liner manufactured, for example, by injection, rotational molding or extrusion-blow molding of a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer material, preferably, a thermoplastic polymer material loaded with reinforcing fibers, liner on which a filament winding (composite winding) is produced on the cylindrical parts as well as on the ends. For example, the liner is made of polyamide and its thickness is less than or equal to 5 mm.

Alternatively, the liner in the present invention is made, for example, by injection, rotational molding or blow molding of a composite material. This allows the thickness of the liner to be reduced while maintaining the same resistance to deformation as a liner similarly made from a thermoplastic polymer material not loaded with reinforcing fibers. Thus, with equivalent external dimensions and resistance to equivalent internal pressure, a type IV tank comprising a liner made of a composite material makes it possible, on the one hand, to store more fluid than the same tank comprising a liner made of a composite material. thermoplastic polymer material not filled with reinforcing fibers and, on the other hand, reduce the mass of the tank. In fact, by reducing the thickness of the liner, it is also possible to reduce the thickness of the liner reinforcing envelope by increasing the internal dimensions of the tank, thereby increasing the useful volume of the tank while reducing the quantity of material necessary for the constitution of the reinforcement envelope.

Alternatively, the liner in the present invention is made by filament winding, for example, of a strip of continuous or short fibers impregnated with a polymer. The fibers are, for example, glass, carbon, basalt, aramid or other fibers such as silica or polyethylene fibers. This allows the thickness of the liner to be reduced while maintaining the same resistance to deformation as a liner similarly made from a thermoplastic polymer material. Thus, with equivalent external dimensions and resistance to equivalent internal pressure, a type IV tank comprising a liner manufactured by filament winding makes it possible, on the one hand, to store more fluid than the same tank comprising a liner manufactured by injection, rotational molding or extrusion blow molding and, on the other hand, to reduce the mass of the tank. In fact, by reducing the thickness of the liner, it is also possible to reduce the thickness of the liner reinforcing envelope by increasing the internal dimensions of the tank, thereby increasing the useful volume of the tank while reducing the quantity of material necessary for the constitution of the reinforcement envelope.

Alternatively, the liner in the present invention is made of metal, for example, 6061 aluminum.

According to additional characteristics of the invention:

- the second cylindrical outer surface of the end part of the first end piece has a second outer diameter, such that the second outer diameter is equal to the first outer diameter. Thus, it is ensured that there is no radial step between the first cylindrical outer surface of the tubular central part of the liner and the second cylindrical outer surface of the end part of the end piece. - The interior cavity of the end piece has a first interior diameter and the neck of the liner has a third exterior diameter, such that the first interior diameter is equal to the third exterior diameter. Thanks to this arrangement, the end piece is assembled as close as possible to the neck of the liner.

- a shrink ring is disposed inside the first neck to hold the first neck radially tight against the annular seal. Thus, the seal is optimized to offer the same efficiency regardless of the internal pressure of the tank.

- the annular seal is an elastomer seal. This allows the gasket to deform under the effect of pressure and thus increase the effectiveness of the seal as the pressure increases.

- the annular seal is an O-ring. This makes it possible to adapt the seal to any form of annular groove.

- The first end is assembled to seal the first neck by an assembly of the screw-nut type. This facilitates the industrial mounting of the tip on the neck and allows the tip / neck assembly to better withstand the forces induced by a filament winding.

- the first end is assembled to seal the first neck by clipping. This allows the bit to be assembled more quickly.

- The first end is assembled to seal the first neck by gluing or hooping. This increases the mechanical strength of the mouthpiece / neck assembly.

- opposite the first cylindrical outer surface of the tubular central part of the liner, the second cylindrical outer surface of the end part of the first end piece is extended axially by a substantially hemispherical outer surface of a middle part of the first end piece, such as that the substantially hemispherical outer surface is enveloped by the liner reinforcement shell. This allows the liner reinforcement wrap to hook onto the first end cap.

the middle part of the first end piece comprises a fourth outside diameter, such that the ratio of the fourth outside diameter to the second outside diameter is between 0.5 and 0.95, preferably between 0.8 and 0.95. This makes it possible to optimize both the quantity of material necessary for the constitution of the composite winding and the attachment of the composite winding to the first end cap. Indeed, as soon as the ratio of the fourth outside diameter to the second outside diameter is less than 0.5, more composite winding is needed to cover the ends of the liner. Conversely, as soon as the ratio of the fourth outside diameter to the second outside diameter is greater than 0.95, the attachment of the composite coil to the first end cap is no longer really assured.

- the reinforcing envelope of the liner consists of a composite coil comprising several layers of reinforcing filaments wound helically around the tubular central part of the liner and around the middle part of the first end piece, such as the angle of helical winding of at least one first layer is less than 54 °, preferably less than 53 ° and, such that the helical winding angle of at least one second layer is between 53 ° and 56 °, for example, 54.7 °. This prevents the first tip from being ejected when the reservoir is pressurized thanks to better engagement of the composite coil on the first tip. The aforementioned helical winding angles result from a selection made by the Applicant from among several possible angles. Indeed, it was during numerical simulations that the Applicant discovered that certain helical winding angles could provide better results than others in the burst strength tests prescribed by Commission Regulation No. 134. Economic for Europe of the United Nations (UNECE).

It is recalled that the architecture of the composite windings and, in particular, the winding angles of the layers of reinforcing filaments are an important parameter with regard to the mechanical strength of the composite tanks. According to known work, an angle of 54.7 ° (calculations derived from analytical models "netting analysis" in English) appears to be an optimized angle for a composite tank containing only helical layers (layers of reinforcing filaments wound in helix around the central tubular part of the liner and around the middle part of the first nozzle). Some studies speak more of angle ± A, because the filament winding induces helical layers crisscrossed between them. However, the architecture of a type IV tank generally consists of helical layers but also of circumferential layers (layers of reinforcing filaments wrapped circumferentially around the tubular central part of the liner), the circumferential layers having the advantage of compacting the layers. helical on the central tubular part of the liner. The classic stacking sequence containing circumferential and helical layers is more of the (90 °, A) type where A is the helical winding angle, approximately 20 ° from the axis of the tank. However, the angle A may vary depending on several parameters such as the number and thickness of the layers or the order of the layers depending on the recommended optimization objectives.

It is by varying several of these parameters that the Applicant has made a surprising discovery. Indeed, starting from a composite tank 90 mm in diameter, the Applicant has stacked eight helical layers according to different helical winding angle configurations, three of which are presented in the table below (configurations A, B and C ):

Then, the Applicant calculated with the ComposicaD ™ software which uses analytical models of the “netting analysis” type, the bursting pressure of the reservoir in the axial and radial directions of the reservoir of the various configurations studied, the table below shows the result obtained for configurations A, B and C:

Finally, the Applicant has calculated the ratio of the bursting pressure of the reservoir in the axial direction to the bursting pressure of the reservoir in the radial direction of the various configurations studied; the table below shows the result obtained for the configurations A , B and c:

In the context of the burst strength tests prescribed by UNECE Regulation No. 134, it is preferable that the rupture of the shell takes place in the central tubular part of the shell rather than at its ends, in order to avoid ejection of the tips. Indeed, ejected tips are dangerous projectiles. To ensure that the rupture of the tank will take place in the central tubular part of the latter, it is necessary that the ratio of the burst pressure of the tank in the axial direction to the burst pressure of the tank in the radial direction is less than 1, ideally less than or equal to 0.9. Thus, configurations B and C meet this criterion and configuration C has an ideal configuration.

at least a first layer of filaments is an inner layer of the composite winding and at least a second layer of filaments is an outer layer of the composite winding.

- the reinforcing filaments consist of glass fibers, aramid fibers and / or carbon fibers.

- the liner reinforcement shell is coated with one or more layers of a flame retardant material, preferably an intumescent flame retardant material such as, for example, a coating based on silicate or phosphate, preferably ammonium polyphosphate dosed from 10% to 50%. Indeed, the Applicant has carried out numerous tests of intumescent flame retardant materials and discovered that a coating containing polyphosphate of Ammonium dosed at 10% to 50% gave the best results for application to pressurized fluid tanks.

- the tank has a protective layer of fiberglass enveloping the liner reinforcement shell.

- The ratio of the third outside diameter to the first outside diameter is between 0.6 and 0.95, preferably between 0.8 and 0.95. Thanks to this arrangement, the neck is as wide as possible.

- the first end piece comprises at least one functional element chosen from among an overpressure safety valve, preferably with thermal triggering, a valve forming a flow limiter, a non-return valve, a manual shut-off valve, an injector, a filter, temperature sensor, pressure sensor.

- the second cylindrical outer surface and the substantially hemispherical outer surface of the tip are covered, at least partially, with a composite structure, the composite structure being sandwiched between the tip and the liner reinforcement shell. In this embodiment, the second outer diameter of the tip includes the composite structure.

The aforementioned composite structure has the function of reducing the elongation of the material of the tip, which makes it possible to reduce the mass of the tip and to increase the useful volume of the reservoir. In an example where the nozzle is made of aluminum, the elongation in the material of the nozzle subjected to the hydraulic cycling pressure as prescribed by UNECE Regulation No. 134 must typically be less than 0.5% in order to successfully pass the hydraulic cycling tests as prescribed by UNECE Regulation No. 134.

The aforementioned composite structure can be integrated with the reinforcing shell of the liner. Alternatively, the aforementioned composite structure can be independent of the liner reinforcing shell, that is to say without chemical bonding therewith.

Thanks to the composite structure according to the invention, it is possible to eliminate a part of the reinforcing envelope of the liner which makes it possible to reduce the mass of the tank, in so doing, it is possible to accelerate the production rate of the composite tanks by reducing the time necessary for filament winding.

The aforementioned composite structure comprises a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer material such as, for example, polyethylene, polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyurethane, silicone. Advantageously, the thermoplastic polymer material is loaded with reinforcing fibers to constitute a composite material. The reinforcing fibers are, for example, glass fibers, carbon fibers, basalt fibers, aramid fibers, fibers polymers, silica fibers, polyethylene fibers, natural fibers, metal fibers, metal alloy fibers or ceramic fibers.

The aforementioned composite structure is fabricated by filament winding of the tip at the start of the manufacture of the liner reinforcing shell. Alternatively, the aforementioned composite structure is manufactured by overmolding a composite material on the tip. In another alternative, the aforementioned composite structure is manufactured by positioning a sheet of dry fibers on the end piece followed by a step of infusion molding or high pressure resin transfer molding, also called HP-RTM ( for “High Pressure Resin Transfer Molding” in English). In another alternative, the aforementioned composite structure is made from prepreg fibers (“towpreg”).

Although presented as an additional feature of the tank according to the invention, the above helical winding angles are not limited to a tank according to the invention but can be applied to any type of composite tank. Thus, another object of the invention is a pressurized fluid reservoir, in particular for the storage and distribution of pressurized gas in a motor vehicle, comprising a liner and a liner reinforcement envelope, characterized in that the liner reinforcement envelope is made of a composite winding comprising several helical layers, such that the helical winding angle of at least a first helical layer is less than 54 °, preferably less than 53 ° and, as such that the helical winding angle of at least a second helical layer is between 53 ° and 56 °, for example, 54.7 °.

Likewise, although presented as an additional characteristic of the tank according to the invention, the particular ratio of the fourth outside diameter to the second outside diameter is not limited to a tank according to the invention but can be applied to any what kind of composite tank. Thus, another object of the invention is a pressurized fluid reservoir, in particular for the storage and distribution of pressurized gas in a motor vehicle, comprising a nozzle comprising an end portion provided with a cylindrical outer surface having a first outer diameter, the end part being extended axially by a substantially hemispherical outer surface of a middle part of the end piece, characterized in that the middle part of the end piece comprises a second outer diameter, such as the ratio of the second outer diameter on the first outer diameter is between 0.6 and 0.95, preferably between 0.8 and 0.95.

Likewise again, although presented as an additional characteristic of the tank according to the invention, the aforementioned composite structure is not limited to a tank according to the invention but can be applied to any type of composite tank. Thus, another object of the invention is a pressurized fluid reservoir, in particular for the storage and distribution of pressurized gas in a motor vehicle, comprising a liner and a end piece covered, at least partially, with a composite structure, the composite structure being sandwiched between the end piece and a reinforcing shell of the liner.

The subject of the invention is also a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle, comprising:

- a tank according to the invention,

- an energy conversion means configured to supply energy to the propulsion means of the vehicle, which is in fluid communication with the reservoir via the first nozzle so that it can be supplied with fluid,

- means for filling the reservoir, which is in fluid communication with the reservoir via the first nozzle, and

- an actuator configured to selectively actuate either the energy converting means or the reservoir filling means, in response to a control signal.

Brief description of the figures

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which will follow, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended figures in which the same reference numbers designate everywhere elements having identical, analogous or similar functions, and in which:

[Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a sectional view of a tank according to the invention;

[Fig. 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a detail of the reservoir of Figure 1, illustrating a first embodiment of the sealing of a nozzle according to the invention;

[Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a sectional view of a detail of the reservoir of Figure 1, illustrating the first embodiment of the sealing of a nozzle according to the invention;

[Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a sectional view of a detail of a reservoir according to the invention, illustrating a second embodiment of the sealing of a nozzle according to the invention.

detailed description

The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the characteristics apply only to one embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

In the present description, it is possible to index certain elements or parameters, for example first element or second element as well as first parameter and second parameter or even first criterion and second criterion, etc. In this case, it is a simple indexing to differentiate and name elements or parameters or criteria which are similar but not identical. This indexing does not imply a priority of an element, parameter or criterion compared to a other and one can easily interchange such names without departing from the scope of the present description. This indexation does not imply an order in time, for example, to assess this or that criterion.

FIG. 1 shows a reservoir 100 of pressurized fluid, in particular for the storage and distribution of pressurized gas - for example hydrogen at 700 bar - in a motor vehicle (not shown), according to a mode of realization of the invention. The reservoir 100 is a cylindrical reservoir with a longitudinal axis X, it comprises a liner 2 comprising a tubular central part 20 and two ends. The tubular central part 20 is provided with a first cylindrical outer surface 21. First and a second necks 22 are provided at the first and second ends of the liner 2. The first and a second necks 22 are connected to the tubular central part 20 by of first and second shoulders 23. The reservoir 100 comprises first and second end pieces 1 assembled to seal to the first and second necks 22. The reservoir 100 further comprises a reinforcing envelope 3 of the liner 2. The first and second end pieces 1 each comprise an end portion 10 provided with a second cylindrical outer surface 11 positioned coaxially in the radially flush extension of the first cylindrical outer surface 21 (see also Figures 2 to 4).

As illustrated, the first cylindrical outer surface 21 of the tubular central part 20 of the liner 2 has a first outer diameter D1 and the second cylindrical outer surface 11 of the end part 10 of the first end piece 1 has a second outer diameter D2 (see figure 2 ), such that the second outside diameter D2 is equal to the first outside diameter D1.

The neck 22 has a third external diameter D3 and the first end piece 1 comprises an internal cavity 13 to accommodate the neck 22. The internal cavity 13 has a first internal diameter D4 such that the third external diameter D3 is equal to the first internal diameter D4. In addition, the ratio of the first inner diameter D4 to the second outer diameter D2 is between 0.6 and 0.95, preferably between 0.8 and 0.95.

Advantageously, the end piece is a piece of metal, for example aluminum.

Advantageously, the liner is manufactured by injection, rotational molding or extrusion blow molding of a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer material, for example polyamide, and the thickness of the liner is less than or equal to 5 mm.

Alternatively, the liner is manufactured by injection, rotational molding or extrusion blow molding of a composite material.

Alternatively, the liner is made by filament winding.

Alternatively, the liner is made of metal, for example, 6061 aluminum.

Advantageously, the reservoir 100 comprises a protective layer of fiberglass (not shown) enveloping the reinforcing envelope 3 of the liner 2.

Advantageously, the reinforcing envelope of the liner is coated with one or more layers of a flame retardant material (not shown), preferably a flame retardant material. intumescent such as, for example, a silicate or phosphate based coating, preferably ammonium polyphosphate dosed from 10% to 50%.

Still in the example illustrated, the reservoir 100 is a long and thin reservoir, that is to say that the ratio of its length to its diameter is greater than or equal to six (6). Indeed, the length of the tank 100 is between 1000 mm and 2000 mm and its diameter is between 100 mm and 150 mm.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a first embodiment of the sealing of the nozzle / neck assembly in which the first nozzle 1 is designed to adapt to a reservoir 100 of pressurized fluid, the reservoir comprising a liner 2 comprising a tubular central part 20 provided with a first cylindrical outer surface 21, the first end piece 1 comprising an end part 10 provided with a second cylindrical outer surface 11 adapted to be positioned coaxially in the radially flush extension of the first cylindrical outer surface 21. In this first embodiment of the seal, the first end piece 1 is assembled to seal on the outside of the first neck 22 by means of an annular seal 4 disposed coaxially in an annular groove 12 formed in the interior cavity 13 of the first end 1. A shrink ring 5 is arranged inside the first neck 22 to hold the first neck 22 radially tight against the annular seal 4.

Advantageously, the first end piece 1 is assembled to seal the first neck 22 by an assembly of the screw-nut type. To this end, a thread 24 is provided on the outer periphery of the first neck 22.

Alternatively, the first end piece 1 is assembled to seal the first neck 22 by clipping, gluing or hooping (not shown).

Advantageously, the annular seal 4 is an elastomeric seal.

Advantageously, the annular seal 4 is an O-ring.

In addition to the elements already described above, FIG. 3 illustrates the presence of a tapped hole 16 in the longitudinal axis of the first end piece 1 for mounting a solenoid valve (not shown) on the first end piece 1.

Opposite the first cylindrical outer surface 21 of the tubular central part 20 of the liner 2, the second cylindrical outer surface 11 of the end part 10 of the first end piece 1 is extended axially by a substantially hemispherical outer surface 14 of a part 15 of the first end piece 1, such that the substantially hemispherical outer surface 14 is enveloped by the reinforcing envelope 3 (not shown) of the liner 2. The middle part 15 of the first end piece 1 comprises a fourth outer diameter D5, such as the ratio of the fourth outer diameter D5 to the second outer diameter D2 is between 0.5 and 0.95, preferably between 0.8 and 0.95. FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the sealing of the nozzle / neck assembly. In this second embodiment of the seal, the first end piece 1 is assembled to seal on the outside of the first neck 22 by means of an annular seal 4 disposed coaxially in an annular groove 12 formed in an interior cavity 13 of the first nozzle 1, the internal pressure of the reservoir 100 having a tendency to press radially outwardly the first neck 22 against the annular seal 4. In the example illustrated, the internal cavity 13 has the shape of an annular cavity . A free but reduced space is provided between the inner wall of the annular cavity and the inner wall of the first neck 22. The purpose of this free space is to be occupied by the pressurized fluid in order to increase the radial forces exerted by the. fluid on the interior wall of the first neck 22. The arrows F illustrate the directions of the pressure force exerted by the fluid on the interior wall of the liner 2.

As illustrated, the reinforcing envelope 3 of the liner 2 consists of a composite coil comprising several layers of reinforcing filaments helically wound around the tubular central part 20 of the liner 2 and around the middle part 15 of the first end piece 1. , such that the angle A of helical winding of at least a first layer of filaments is less than 54 °, preferably, less than 53 ° and, such that the angle of helical winding of at least a second filament layer is between 53 ° and 56 °, for example, 54.7 °.

It is anticipated that at least a first layer of filaments is an inner layer of the composite coil.

It is anticipated that at least a second layer of filaments is an outer layer of the composite coil.

Advantageously, the reinforcing filaments consist of glass fibers, aramid fibers and / or carbon fibers.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate another embodiment of the invention where the second cylindrical outer surface 11 and the substantially hemispherical outer surface 14 of the nozzle 1 are covered, at least partially, with a composite structure 25, the structure composite 25 being sandwiched between the end piece 1 and the reinforcing shell 3 of the liner 2.

A tank as mentioned above is for example placed on a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle, which comprises:

- a tank according to the invention,

- means for filling the reservoir, which is in fluid communication with the reservoir via the first nozzle, and an actuator configured to selectively actuate either the energy conversion means or the tank filling means, in response to a control signal The invention is not limited to the embodiments presented, it is in particular possible to '' integrate at least one functional element into the first end cap. This functional element is chosen from a safety valve against overpressure, preferably thermal trigger, a valve forming a flow limiter, a non-return valve, a manual shut-off valve, an injector, a filter, a temperature sensor. , a pressure sensor. Likewise, the designs concerning the nozzles are intended for all pressurized tanks, regardless of the fluid carried or the shape of the tank itself (cylindrical or ovoid).

Claims

[Claim 1] End piece (1) for a pressurized fluid reservoir, the reservoir comprising a liner (2) having a tubular central part (20) provided with a first cylindrical outer surface (21), characterized in that the nozzle (1) comprises an end part (10) provided with a second cylindrical outer surface (11), the end part (10) being configured to be positioned coaxially with the tubular central part (20), the second cylindrical outer surface ( 11) being in the radially flush extension of the first cylindrical outer surface (21), the end piece (1) being configured to be assembled with sealing on the outside of a neck (22) of the liner (2) by means of a annular seal (4) arranged coaxially with the end part (10) in an annular groove (12) formed in an internal cavity (13) of the nozzle (1) so that the internal pressure of the reservoir tends to press radially outwards the neck (22) against the annular seal (4).

[Claim 2] Nozzle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second cylindrical outer surface (11) of the end part (10) has a second outer diameter D2 and in that the inner cavity (13) has a first inner diameter D4 such that the D4 / D2 ratio is between 0.6 and 0.95, preferably between 0.8 and 0.95.

[Claim 3] A pressurized fluid reservoir (100), in particular for the storage and distribution of pressurized gas in a motor vehicle, comprising:

• a liner (2) comprising: o a central tubular part (20) provided with a first cylindrical outer surface (21) having a first outer diameter D1, o a first neck (22) connected to the central tubular part (20) by a first shoulder (23),

• a first end piece (1) assembled to seal the first neck

(22), • a reinforcing envelope (3) of the liner (2), characterized in that the first end piece (1) comprises an end part (10) provided with a second cylindrical outer surface (11) positioned coaxially with the tubular central part ( 20), in the radially flush extension of the first cylindrical outer surface (21), and in that the first end piece (1) is assembled to seal on the outside of the first neck (22) of the liner (2) by means of a annular seal (4) arranged coaxially with the end part (10) in an annular groove (12) formed in an internal cavity (13) of the first end piece (1) so that the internal pressure of the reservoir tends to press radially outwardly the neck (22) against the annular seal (4).

[Claim 4] A tank according to claim 3, characterized in that the second cylindrical outer surface (11) of the end part (10) of the first end piece (1) has a second outer diameter D2, such that D2 is equal to D1.

[Claim 5] Reservoir according to any one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the first end piece (1) is assembled to seal the first neck (22) by an assembly of the screw-nut type.

[Claim 6] A tank according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, opposite the first cylindrical outer surface (21) of the tubular central part (20) of the liner (2), the second cylindrical outer surface (11) of the end part (10) of the first end piece (1) is extended axially by a substantially hemispherical outer surface (14) of a middle part (15) of the first end piece (1), such as the surface substantially hemispherical outer (14) is enveloped by the reinforcing envelope (3) of the liner (2).

[Claim 7] A tank according to claim 6, characterized in that the middle part (15) of the first end piece (1) comprises a fourth outside diameter D5, such that the ratio D5 / D2 is between 0.5 and 0.95 , preferably between 0.8 and 0.95.

[Claim 8] Tank according to any one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the reinforcing envelope (3) of the liner (2) consists of a composite winding comprising several layers of reinforcing filaments wound helically around the tubular central part (20) of the liner (2) and around the middle part (15) of the first end piece (1), such as the angle (A) of helical winding of at least one first layer is less than 54 °, preferably less than 53 ° and, such that the angle of helical winding of at least one second layer is between 53 ° and 56 ° , for example, 54.7 °.

[Claim 9] Tank according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the first end piece (1) further comprises at least one functional element chosen from a safety valve against overpressure, preferably with thermal triggering, a valve forming a flow limiter, a non-return valve, a manual shut-off valve, an injector, a filter, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor.

[Claim 10] Tank according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the liner (2) is manufactured by injection, rotational molding or extrusion-blow molding of a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer material, preferably a polymer material. thermoplastic filled with reinforcing fibers.

[Claim 11] Tank according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the liner (2) is produced by filament winding.

[Claim 12] A tank according to any one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that the reinforcing envelope (3) of the liner (2) is coated with one or more layers of a flame retardant material, preferably, an intumescent flame retardant material such as, for example, a silicate or phosphate based coating, preferably ammonium polyphosphate dosed from 10% to 50%.

[Claim 13] A tank according to any one of claims 3 to 12, characterized in that the end piece (1) is a piece of metal, for example aluminum.

[Claim 14] A reservoir according to any one of claims 3 to 13, characterized in that the second cylindrical outer surface (11) and the substantially hemispherical outer surface (14) of the nozzle (1) are covered, at least partially, with a composite structure (25), the composite structure (25) being sandwiched between the end piece (1) and the reinforcing envelope (3) of the liner (2).

[Claim 15] Vehicle, preferably motor vehicle, comprising:

• a reservoir (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 14,

• an energy conversion means configured to supply energy to the propulsion means of the vehicle, which is in fluid communication with the reservoir (100) via the first nozzle (1) so that it can be supplied with fluid ,

• means for filling the reservoir (100), which is in fluid communication with the reservoir via the first nozzle (1), and

• an actuator configured to selectively actuate either the energy converting means or the reservoir filling means, in response to a control signal.