FR3136709A1 - System for securing connection elements for refueling a hybrid vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A securing and locking system (1) in particular for refueling a hybrid vehicle, this system comprising a first hatch (10) and a second hatch (60), each hatch comprising a frame (11,61) intended to be secured to a structural part (102) of the vehicle, as well as a flap (12.62), which is movable relative to the frame between an open position and a closed position, a junction member (20.70), connecting each frame to a respective flap, a blocking element (40), the two ends of which are mounted on a so-called reception zone (28,78) belonging to each junction member, the blocking element (40) being suitable to allow the passage of a single flap (12; 62) from its closed position to its open position, but on the other hand being able to prevent these two flaps from being simultaneously in their open position. A refueling assembly comprising such a security system and a hybrid vehicle comprising such a security system. Figure for the abstract: [Fig 4]

Description

System for securing connection elements for refueling a hybrid vehicle Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to the field of mechanics, and more particularly vehicle construction. It concerns a system for securing connection elements for refueling a hybrid vehicle. More particularly it concerns a refueling hatch locking system. A refueling hatch provides access to connection elements for supplying the vehicle with energy. These connection members can be end caps for a liquid fuel tank (petrol, diesel) or for a compressed or even liquefied gas tank (liquefied natural gas, liquefied propane, hydrogen), or it can be a socket for allow the connection of an electric charger. A hybrid vehicle must be able to be refueled with two different energy sources, for example liquid fuel and electrical energy. For each of these sources it has connection elements of a different type, each of which is dedicated to a specific energy source.

In certain cases it is desirable to prevent two connection elements of different types from being connected at the same time. In particular, the simultaneous connection of the vehicle to a terminal equipped with a battery charger and to a distribution terminal for explosive gases under pressure and/or liquefied gases (liquefied natural gas, liquefied propane gas, hydrogen) may be prohibited for security reasons. The present invention aims at a system for securing connection members for refueling a hybrid vehicle which prevents this simultaneous connection. It aims in particular at a system for securing connection elements for the refueling of a ship, such as a river or coastal shuttle.

State of the art

Hybrid vehicles use two different energy sources. As a general rule, one of these two sources is a battery allowing the storage of electrical energy, sized to power an electric motor. The second source of energy is most often a liquid hydrocarbon contained in a tank which powers an internal combustion engine. The latter recharges the battery when it is in operation, knowing that in the case of land vehicles the battery is typically sized to allow short distance journeys only, of the urban type. Many land vehicles are equipped this way.

There are also hybrid vehicles with a pressurized hydrogen tank which powers a fuel cell. Such a vehicle advantageously also has an electric battery, which can either be recharged by the fuel cell or by an external charging terminal. Such a hybrid vehicle no longer needs an internal combustion engine, it is an all-electric hybrid vehicle. This technology is not yet very widespread, it is being developed for passenger vehicles (with certain models already commercially available), for utility vehicles, for rail vehicles, for ships (such as river shuttles or lakes), and also for small aircraft and drones.

Hydrogen forms explosive gas mixtures with air. Consequently, a pressurized hydrogen supply station must meet very strict safety standards (in particular the so-called ATEX (Explosive Atmospheres) regulations which are based on European directives 2014/34/EU and 1999/92/ CE), recommending in particular ventilation and electrical insulation measures. Among other things, all potential sources of ignition such as sparks or electric arcs must be avoided near an explosive atmosphere. Furthermore, this regulation recommends the principle of positive security (also known by the English term “fail safe”).

A hydrogen – battery hybrid vehicle with external charging must have two connection elements of different types, the first of which allows the filling of the hydrogen tank, and the other allows the electrical connection to an external terminal. Each of these connection elements is of a sufficiently complex construction to present a high level of reliability and safety in different situations of use and environment. In particular, these connecting elements must be carefully protected against dirt, humidity, water, snow and small mechanical shocks and accidental damage. Typically, they are closed by a cover or cap which protects the sensitive parts of the end pieces (electrical conductors, hydrogen sealing system) as well as the mechanical elements of the connecting member (threads, joints). Furthermore, they are typically protected by a hatch which hides this cover or cap, and which can be opened to provide access if necessary. Said hatch can be integrated into the bodywork or shell, and/or said connection members are integrated into a housing closed by said hatch.

For vehicles that perform regular rotations, for example buses or river, lake or coastal vessels, the energy refueling time can be critical, because it results in the vehicle being immobilized at a refueling terminal for a certain period of time. time. It may then be tempting to want to refuel both energy sources simultaneously to shorten this period of time. However, this poses a safety problem, and more precisely a risk of explosion: it is not permissible for the vehicle to be plugged into the electric charging station when its hydrogen tank is being filled. This constraint can exist even in the case where the two connecting members are quite far from each other. In practice, it is preferable that they are close to each other, to have only one refueling station provided with two refueling devices or terminals, namely one for electrical energy and the other for hydrogen. Obviously, the possibility of moving the connection members away from each other is always limited by the size of the hybrid vehicle, which can be relatively small (the length can be less than ten meters for example), even in the case of river, lake or coastal vessels.

The inventors consider that it is desirable to equip hydrogen – battery hybrid vehicles with external charging with a system for securing the connection elements which prohibits the simultaneous connection of electrical refueling (electric charger cable) and refueling in hydrogen (flexible hose or flexible rod from a hydrogen station). The problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide such a security system which is effective, reliable and simple. It must be able to be used for any type of vehicle, and in particular for ship type vehicles.

Objects of the invention

The inventors have considered different solutions, and in particular solutions in which either the caps of the two connection members, or their access hatches, are provided with an electronic security device capable of preventing the one of the two can be opened when the other is already open. We can thus envisage an electronic security device capable of releasing, typically by electromechanical means, either the access hatch or the locking of the cap; this electronic security device can be provided, for example, with a man-machine interface (such as a keyboard) on which the user must enter a code to then be able to open the hatch and/or unlock the cap; thus each of the connection members is provided with such an electronic security device, and a connection, wired or wireless, is provided between the two devices, through which a signal is routed which blocks or releases the blocking of the second connection member depending on the open or closed state of the first connection member. It turns out that these electronic devices, comprising electromechanical locking means, require a source of electrical energy (such as a battery), are quite fragile with respect to bad weather and water, and do not respond to moreover not completely in line with the objective which aims to ban any electrical connection near the connection body dedicated to hydrogen refueling.

According to the invention, the problem is solved by a fully mechanical securing and locking system, which is manually operated. More precisely, this system is activated by the opening and closing movement of the hatch which gives access to a connecting member. The mechanical system is designed to safely prevent both hatches from being opened at the same time.

A first object of the invention is more particularly a securing and locking system (1) in particular for the refueling of a hybrid vehicle, this system comprising
a first hatch (10) and a second hatch (60), each hatch comprising a frame (11.61) intended to be secured to a structural part (102) of the vehicle, as well as a flap (12.62), which is movable relative to the frame between an open position and a closed position,
a junction member (20,70), connecting each frame to a respective flap,
a blocking element (40), the two ends of which are mounted on a so-called reception zone (28,78) belonging to each junction member,
the blocking element (40) being capable of allowing the passage of a single flap (12; 62) from its closed position to its open position, but being on the other hand capable of preventing these two flaps from being simultaneously in their position opened.

According to other characteristics of this securing and locking system, taken in isolation or according to any characteristic compatible for those skilled in the art:
- the blocking element is a flexible filiform element, in particular of the cable type (40). the flexible filiform element (40) is adapted to be tensioned when a single flap is in its open position, while also being adapted to exert a resistant force (R40, R'40) opposing a force aimed at moving the other shutter into its open position.

- the flexible filiform element (40) has an elongated body (42) extended by two loops (44,46) each of which is secured to a respective receiving area.

- the receiving zone is hollowed out with a notch (34.84), and in which a receiving rod (38.88) extends in this notch, each loop surrounding a respective receiving rod.

- the junction member comprises a so-called blocking section (22,72), this blocking section having a so-called articulation end (26) which is articulated on the frame of the hatch, the reception zone being provided on this blocking section, at a distance from the articulation end.

- the reception zone (28.78) of each flap projects, relative to the articulation end, towards the other facing flap.

- the blocking section has a U shape, the reception zone being provided at the angle formed by the core of this U and by the wing of this U, opposite the articulation end.

A second object of the invention is a refueling assembly (101) for a hybrid vehicle, this assembly comprising a structural part (102) and a securing and locking system (1) such as above, this securing system and locking being integral with said structural part, each flap (12,62) of said locking security system allowing access to a respective energy source (110,160).

A third object of the invention is a hybrid vehicle comprising at least one refueling assembly such as above, in particular a hydrogen-powered vehicle. Hydrogen propulsion refers to the way in which hydrogen is used as an energy source to power a vehicle's engine or batteries. This may concern, for example, an internal combustion engine, or more preferably a combustion cell which turns an electric motor, or even a hybrid system of gasoline engine coupled to an electric motor powered by a combustion cell.

According to a particular embodiment, the vehicle is a ship and particularly a hydrofoil. A hydrofoil is a boat capable of rising, that is to say, rising out of the water and maintaining its equilibrium out of the water under the effect of speed, by means of several supporting planes. placed under its hull.

Figures

Figures 1 to 9 illustrate embodiments of the invention. They are given for purposes of illustration, but do not limit the scope of the invention.

is a front view, illustrating a securing and locking system according to the invention, which is integrated into a structural part of a hybrid vehicle.

is a top view, illustrating more particularly this securing and locking system in a so-called locking configuration, in which the two flaps of this system are in a closed position.

is a front view of detail III on the , illustrating on a much larger scale the fixing of a locking cable on a hatch, belonging to the locking security system of the previous figures.

is a top view of detail IV on the , illustrating on a much larger scale the structure of a junction member connecting a frame and a shutter, both belonging to a hatch in the previous figures.

is a top view, analogous to the , illustrating the securing and locking system in a so-called intermediate configuration, for which a first flap of this system is in an open position.

is a top view, analogous to the , illustrating the securing and locking system in another so-called intermediate configuration, for which a second part of this system is in an open position.

is a top view, analogous to the , illustrating the action of the blocking cable preventing the opening of the second shutter while the first shutter is in its open position.

is a top view, analogous to the , illustrating the action of the blocking cable preventing the opening of the first shutter while the second shutter is in its open position.

is a perspective view, illustrating a hybrid vehicle equipped with a securing and locking system according to the invention, this showing in particular two hatches belonging to this securing and locking system.

The following numerical markers are used in the figures and in the description:

10.60 First and second hatch

11.61 Frame of the first 11 and second 31 hatch

12.62 Mobile shutter

13.63 Mechanical locking means

14 Screed 11

15.65 Hinge pin

20.70 Junction body

22 Blocking section

24.74 Connection region

26 First end of 22

28.78 Receiving area

30 Core of section 22

32 Wing of section 22

36.86 Wall

38 Stem

40 Blocking element

42 Corps of 40

44.46 Cable loops 40

101 Refueling assembly according to the invention

102 Structural part (shell)

110 Connector, hydrogen line

160 Electrical wiring harness

200 Hybrid vehicle

detailed description

There shows a refueling assembly in accordance with the invention, which is designated as a whole by the reference 101. This assembly firstly comprises a structural part 102, shown schematically, of which we denote P102 the main plan. This structural part 102 is intended to equip a hybrid vehicle 200, in particular a hydrofoil type vessel, which is illustrated more particularly in the .

In order to provide two different types of desired energy, the assembly 101 is provided with two connectors 110 and 160, visible in particular on the , which are able to cooperate with energy sources not shown in the figures. In the illustrated example we find respectively a conduit 110 capable of cooperating with a source of hydrogen, as well as a bundle 160 of electrical cables capable of cooperating with a source of electrical energy. This refueling assembly 101 is also equipped with a securing and locking system, in accordance with the invention.

This system, which is designated as a whole by the reference 1, firstly comprises two hatches 10 and 60, mutually identical in the example illustrated. These hatches 10 and 60, which are shown on the , are typically positioned at a height suitable for allowing easy access to the hatches when the hybrid vehicle 200 is moored to a pontoon. Each hatch is formed by frame 11, 61, which is integrated into the structural part 102, as well as by a flap 12,62 which is movable relative to the frame. Each flap is thus capable of adopting two positions, respectively open in order to authorize access to the connector, and closed in order to prohibit this access.

Each hatch is also equipped with a mechanical locking means 13.63, which makes it possible to prevent or release the movement of the respective shutter. This mechanical locking means 13.63 is advantageously a manually operated means; it may be, in a manner known as such for trapdoors, a lock operated by a key. This lock prevents unauthorized persons from opening the hatch.

The movable flap 12.62 is connected to the frame, via a junction member 20.70. One of these organs is more particularly illustrated on the , it being understood that the other organ 70 has the same structure. The junction member 20 firstly comprises a generally U-shaped section 22, which is called a blocking section as will be explained in the following. This section is extended by a connection region 24 which is integral with the shutter itself. The blocking section 22 has a first end 26, which is articulated on the frame 11. For this purpose the latter is equipped with a yoke 14, supporting a hinge pin 15. As shown in particular in each of these axes, namely that 15 of flap 12, but also that 65 of flap 62, is substantially included in the main plane P102 of the structural part.

In a first embodiment, which is particularly advantageous, illustrated in the , the hatches 10.60 are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction. In this case, each hinge pin 15.65 extends vertically. Furthermore, the direction of pivoting of the first and second hatch is advantageously chosen so that the right hatch pivots to the left and the left hatch pivots to the right. In other words, the two hatches pivot towards the center, towards a median vertical plane P1 of system 1 (see in particular ).

In a second embodiment, not shown in the figures, the hatches are arranged one below the other in a vertical direction. In this case, each hinge pin extends horizontally. Furthermore, the direction of pivoting of the first and second hatch is advantageously chosen so that the top hatch pivots downwards and the bottom hatch pivots upwards. In other words, the two hatches pivot towards a median horizontal plane of the system. However, since the shutters are subject to the force of gravity in this alternative embodiment, the first embodiment is preferred.

Referring again to the we note 28 a so-called reception zone, delimited at the level of the angle formed by the core 30 of the U-shaped section and by its wing 32, opposite the articulation yoke. As shown more particularly by , this zone is hollowed out, so as to form a median notch 34, which is bordered by walls 36. According to an essential characteristic of the invention, the system 1 according to the invention further comprises a blocking element 40. In the example illustrated is a filiform element, in this case a flexible cable. This cable is made of any suitable material, such as steel. Typically its diameter is between 1 mm (millimeter) and 5 mm so that it can oppose, when it is in its maximum stretching state, a constraint exerted manually by a user.

As shown in particular on a larger scale by the , this cable 40 comprises a body 42 terminated, at its opposite ends, by respective loops 44 and 46. Furthermore a rod 38, substantially parallel to the hinge axis 15.65, is fixed on each receiving zone, notably by bolting. Each rod allows the immobilization, at the level of the notch of the reception zone, of a respective loop of the cable 40. Furthermore, the presence of the walls 36.86 makes it possible to avoid any significant lateral movement of this element of blocking.

In service, Figures 1 and 3 illustrate a so-called locking configuration, in which each of the shutters is locked on its respective frame. In this configuration, the cable 40 has a first length l40, corresponding to the smallest distance d28 between the opposite reception zones 28 and 78. This cable is in a relaxed state, so that it adopts a curvature under the effect of gravity as can be seen in the .

We now assume that a user wishes to connect a single connector, in this case that 110, with a desired energy source. In a first case, it unlocks the means 13, then rotates the flap 12 according to the arrow f12 visible on the . At the end of this movement, the reception zone 28 has moved away from the reception zone 78 opposite, according to arrow F28. Therefore, the distance between these areas now has a value of D28, which is greater than d28 above. This movement also induces a tensioning of the cable 40 according to the arrow T40, which now has a length L40 greater than that l40 above.

In this configuration, called intermediate in the sense that a single flap adopts an open position, the cable 40 is stretched without however being subjected to significant stress. We understand that the system according to the invention can adopt another intermediate configuration, generally identical, by means of a single opening of the other flap 62. This other configuration is illustrated on the , where we find the pivoting movement f62, the movement of the reception zone 78 according to the arrow F78, as well as the dimensions D28 and L40. Note that the tensioning of the cable, according to the arrow T'40, is exerted in a direction opposite to that of the .

Let us now assume that, from the intermediate configuration of the , a user wishes to open the other flap 62, initially closed. In this case, this would theoretically lead to a pivoting of this flap similar to that shown by arrow f72, as well as to a movement of the reception zone 78 similar to that shown by arrow f78. However, as seen above, the cable 40 is designed to resist an action aimed at stretching it from its stretched state. This cable thus exerts a resistant force, materialized by the arrow R40, which thus opposes the movement of the reception zone 78, which is materialized by the crossed out arrow F78 visible on the . Consequently, this cable prevents the shutter from pivoting towards its open position, which is indicated by the crossed out arrow F62.

There illustrates the so-called mirror situation, in which the user wishes to open the shutter 12, while the shutter 62 is in its open position. The cable 40 exerts a resistant force R'40, in the opposite direction to that R40 above. This makes it possible to oppose, in a manner analogous to what has just been explained, the movement of the reception zone 28 and consequently the pivoting of this flap 12. These different forces are materialized by the crossed out arrows, respectively F28 and F12.

In the above, a blocking member has been described which, when one of the flaps is open, prevents any movement of the other flap. As a variant, it can be provided that this blocking member can allow minimal movement of this other flap, as long as it does not allow access to the connector. In either of these situations, when refueling the vehicle with energy, it is in any case impossible to connect simultaneously to the hydrogen conduit 110 and to the electrical cable harness 160, which solves the problem. laid.

As a variant not shown, the blocking member can also be produced in the form of a sliding rod, the maximum length of which corresponds to the maximum distance between the two reception zones, or even in the form of a means equivalent. However, we prefer the flexible cable which is simpler and which cannot seize, particularly due to corrosion; it is also easier to inspect to verify its integrity.

The system according to the invention has numerous advantages. It does not require modifying the connection members, insofar as it is based on hatches provided with a mechanism which makes them cooperate. It is efficient and robust. It can be inspected and repaired easily. In particular, possible corrosion or rupture of the blocking member 40 can be easily detected. The system is entirely mechanical and has no electronic components that could fail. It has no friction points likely to generate a spark. It can be produced inexpensively, using standard components (for example the hatch with its lock).

Claims (10)

Securing and locking system (1) in particular for refueling a hybrid vehicle, this system comprising
a first hatch (10) and a second hatch (60), each hatch comprising a frame (11.61) intended to be secured to a structural part (102) of the vehicle, as well as a flap (12.62), which is movable relative to the frame between an open position and a closed position,
a junction member (20,70), connecting each frame to a respective flap,
a blocking element (40), the two ends of which are mounted on a so-called reception zone (28,78) belonging to each junction member,
the blocking element (40) being capable of allowing the passage of a single flap (12; 62) from its closed position to its open position, but being on the other hand capable of preventing these two flaps from being simultaneously in their position opened. Securing and locking system (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the blocking element is a flexible filiform element, in particular of the cable type (40). Securing and locking system (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the flexible filiform element (40) is adapted to be tensioned when a single flap is in its open position, while also being adapted to exert a resistant force (R40, R'40) opposing a force aimed at moving the other shutter into its open position. Securing and locking system (1) according to claim 2 or 3, in which the flexible filiform element (40) has an elongated body (42) extended by two loops (44,46) each of which is secured over a zone of respective reception. Securing and locking system (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the receiving zone is hollowed out by a notch (34.84), and in which a receiving rod (38.88) extends in this notch , each loop surrounding a respective receiving rod. Securing and locking system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the junction member comprises a so-called blocking section (22,72), this blocking section having a so-called articulation end (26) which is articulated on the frame of the hatch, the reception zone being provided on this blocking section, at a distance from the articulation end. Securing and locking system (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the receiving zone (28,78) of each flap projects, relative to the articulation end, towards the other facing flap . Securing and locking system (1) according to claim 6 or 7, in which the blocking section has a U shape, the reception zone being provided at the angle formed by the core of this U and by the wing of this U, opposite the articulation end. Refueling assembly (101) for a hybrid vehicle, this assembly comprising a structural part (102) and a securing and locking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, this securing and locking system being integral of said structural part, each flap (12,62) of said locking security system allowing access to a respective energy source (110,160). Hybrid vehicle comprising at least one refueling assembly according to claim 9, in particular a hydrogen-powered vehicle.