Connection coupling for discharging a fluid into a tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection coupling for discharging a fluid into a tank, comprising a housing, a first fluid connection that can be connected to a fluid supply line, a second fluid connection that can be connected to a connection piece of the tank, a channel leading through the housing for conducting the fluid from the first fluid connection to the second fluid connection, a main valve provided in the channel, a coupling device for establishing and releasing a connection between the connection coupling and the connection piece, and an actuating device for actuating the coupling device and the main valve. According to the invention, the actuating device has a handle element which at least partly surrounds an outer portion of the housing and is designed such that the handle element, together with the outer portion of the housing, can be grasped by a user's hand. The handle element is rotatable relative to the outer portion of the housing about an axis of rotation and is coupled to the coupling device and the main valve such that a rotation of the handle element causes an actuation of the coupling device and the main valve. The design of the handle element facilitates a refueling process which is intuitive, user-friendly and safe.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection coupling for discharging a fluid into a tank.

[0002] Connection couplings are used in particular in what is known as pressurized refueling, in which a closed system is produced between a fluid reservoir and the tank by virtue of the connection coupling being connected to the connection piece in a substantially fluid-tight manner. The fluid can then be introduced into the tank at a relative overpressure without the fluid being able to escape into the environment at the transition between the connection coupling and the connec tion piece. Connection couplings of this type are used, for example, for discharging compressed natural gas (CNG) or compressed hydrogen (H2). Furthermore, the connection couplings can be used both for liquids and for liquefied gases, for ex ample for discharging liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) or liquefied hydrogen (LH2). Particularly for refueling motor vehicles, it is desirable for the connec tion couplings to be easy and safe to handle for the user.

[0003] WO 03 / 074923 discloses a connection coupling which is fitted by its front end to a connection piece, wherein, for locking to the connection piece and for actuation of a main valve, a lever rotatably mounted on the housing has to be actuated by rotation about a vertical axis. In the case of this type of connection coupling, establishing the connection takes a certain amount of practice since actuating the lever generates a tilting moment perpendicular to an axis along which the connection coupling is fitted to the connection piece.

[0004] Taking this as a starting point, it is the object of the present invention to provide a connection coupling of the abovementioned type which allows simpler and more reliable operation for the user. This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0005] Accordingly, the invention relates to a connection coupling for discharging a fluid into a tank. The connection coupling comprises a housing, a first fluid connection that can be connected to a fluid supply line, a second fluid connection that can be connected to a connection piece of the tank, a channel leading through the housing for conducting the fluid from the first fluid connection to the second fluid connection, a main valve provided in the channel, a coupling device for establishing and releasing a connection between the connection coupling and the connection piece, and an actuating device for actuating the coupling device and the main valve. According to the invention, the actuating device has a handle element which at least partly surrounds an outer portion of the housing. The handle element is configured to enable it to be grasped by a user's hand together with the outer portion of the housing. Furthermore, the handle element is rotatable relative to the outer portion about an axis of rotation and is coupled to the coupling device and the main valve such that a rotation of the handle element causes an actuation of the coupling device and the main valve.

[0006] First, some terms used in the context of the present disclosure will be explained. The connection coupling can be connected to a connection piece of a tank. For this purpose, the second fluid connection is fitted to the connection piece. During this process, a fluid-tight connection is preferably established between the connection piece and the second fluid connection. The connection coupling can be designed in particular for pressurized fueling of the tank. The fluids to be discharged can be, for example, LPG, LNG, CNG and / or H2. The coupling device serves to establish the connection; in particular, the coupling device can serve to lock the second fluid connection on the connection piece in order to prevent unintentional release after the connection has been established. Actuation of the coupling device can in particular comprise locking the coupling device or releasing the coupling device. Actuation of the main valve can comprise in particular opening of the main valve or closing of the main valve.

[0007] The invention thus proposes using a handle element which surrounds an outer portion of the housing and can be se curely grasped by the hand of a user together with the outer portion in order to simultaneously actuate the coupling device and the main valve by rotating the handle element relative to the housing. During actuation, the handle element can be held securely in the hand together with the outer portion without it being necessary, using the other hand - as in the abovementioned prior art - to actuate a lever by means of which a tilting moment is exerted on the housing. As a result, the connection coupling can be held more securely and comfortably during the fitting and during subsequent actuation of the coupling device. It has also been found that the actuation of the coupling device is possible in an intuitive manner, even for inexperienced users.

[0008] In one embodiment, the axis of rotation is aligned along a fitting direction, along which the second fluid connector can be fitted to the connection piece. The fitting direction usually corresponds to an axial direction of the fluid connection and of the connection piece. In particular, the axis of rotation can have an angular deviation with respect to the fitting direction which is less than 30°, preferably less than 15°. In particular, the axis of rotation can be substantially parallel to the fitting direction. This makes it possible for the user to press the connection coupling against the connection piece substantially along the axis of rotation and, during this process, to actuate the handle element by rotation about the axis of rotation.

[0009] In one embodiment, the actuating device comprises at least one groove cam, which is connected for conjoint rotation to the handle element, and at least one actuating pin. The groove cam can interact with the actuating pin in such a way that, when the handle element is rotated, the actuating pin is displaced along the axis of rotation relative to the handle element in order to actuate at least one of the coupling device and the main valve. The term groove cam denotes a groove, depression or recess which is formed on the handle element and in which the actuating pin can engage, wherein, when the handle element is rotated, the actuating pin is moved relative to the handle element and during this process runs along the groove cam. If the groove cam runs along the axis of rotation at least in some portion or portions, the actuating pin can be displaced along the axis of rotation by the rotation of the handle element. It has been found that a displacement of the actuating pin along the axis of rotation achieved by the interaction of the groove cam and the actuating pin can be utilized in a structurally simple and reliable manner to actuate the main valve and the coupling device. In particular, the groove cam can be formed on an inner side of the handle element. The inner side faces in the direction of the axis of rotation of the handle element. The handle element can be formed in one piece, wherein the groove cam can be formed in the one- piece handle element. A groove cam can also be formed in one or more separate components, which can be connected to the handle element for conjoint rotation therewith. Such a separate component is also referred to below as a groove cam ring.

[0010] In one embodiment, the at least one groove cam comprises a first groove cam and a second groove cam. The at least one actuating pin can furthermore comprise a first actu ating pin and a second actuating pin. The first actuating pin can interact with the first groove cam in order to actuate the coupling device, wherein the second actuating pin can interact with the second groove cam in order to actuate the main valve. If the coupling device and the main valve are actuated by separate actuating pins or groove cams, it is possible to actuate the main valve and the coupling device independently of one another and, in particular, with a time delay with respect to one another. For this purpose, the groove cams can be configured in such a way that, in relation to a rotation of the handle element, the respective actuating pins are displaced along the axis of rotation in mutually different angular segments.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first actuating pin is designed to transmit a movement to a sliding sleeve, wherein the sliding sleeve is designed to establish locking of the second fluid connection to the connection piece in the case of a movement in a first direction, and is designed to release the locking in the case of a movement in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Locking can take place in a manner that is fundamentally known with the aid of locking elements which can be moved in the radial direction (see, for example, EP 3 767 153 B1), wherein the radial direction is a direction which is perpendicular to an axial direction of the connection piece or of the second fluid connection.

[0012] In one embodiment, a locking element is designed to prevent the sliding sleeve from moving along the first direction, wherein the locking element releases a movement of the sliding sleeve in the first direction when the second fluid connection is fitted to the connection piece. This has the advantage that actuation of the handle element is blocked since the sliding sleeve, and thus also the first actuating pin, cannot be displaced along the axis of rotation until the second fluid connection has been fitted to the connection piece. In this way, it is also possible to prevent unwanted opening of the main valve since the blocking of the handle element also prevents the second actuating pin from being displaced to actuate the main valve.

[0013] In one embodiment, the sliding sleeve is preloaded in the first direction by a return element. In this case, the sliding sleeve can be moved automatically in the first direction as soon as the second fluid connection is fitted to the connection piece and the movement of the sliding sleeve is thereby released. Provision can be made for the sliding sleeve and the actuating pin to be coupled axially to one another, such that a movement of the sliding sleeve in the first direction is transmitted to the actuating pin. If the actuating pin is moved together with the sliding sleeve in the first direction when the connection coupling is fitted to the connection piece, a torque on the handle element and thus automatic rotation of the handle element can be brought about as a result. It is then no longer necessary for the user to actively rotate the handle element by applying a torque during fitting. On the contrary, the rotation takes place automatically during or after the fitting of the second fluid connection, thereby increasing user convenience. If the user grasps the handle element and holds it firmly when fitting the connection coupling to the connection piece, he feels the torque acting on the handle element. This automatically causes the user to perform or allow the required rotation of the handle element and at the same time tells him how the handle element must subsequently be actuated.

[0014] In one embodiment, the main valve is preloaded into a closed position by a return element. Furthermore, the second actuating pin can be displaceable counter to a restoring force of the return element in order to actuate the main valve. If the second actuating pin is displaceable counter to the force of the return element, the user holding the handle element in his hand can open the main valve in a controlled manner by ap plying a corresponding torque.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first groove cam and the second groove cam are configured in such a way that the actuation of the coupling device and the actuation of the main valve take place in mutually different rotation angle ranges of the handle element. In particular, the handle element can have an in itial rotational position, in which the connection between the connection coupling and the connection piece is released and the main valve is closed. Furthermore, the handle element can have a final rotational position, in which the connection between the connection coupling and the connection piece is established and the main valve is open. In a first rotation angle range, which can extend up to an angle of between 0° and 90° from the initial rotational position, provision can be made for the coupling device to be actuated in order to estab lish locking with the connection piece. The first rotation angle range can extend in particular up to an angle between 4° and 45°, more particularly between 8° and 14°. An intermediate angle range adjacent to the first rotation angle range can be provided. The intermediate angle range can extend from the end of the rotation angle range over an additional angle which is between 1° and 90°, in particular between 5° and 45°,more particularly between 10° and 24°. Provision can be made for no actuation of the coupling device and no actuation of the main valve to take place in the intermediate angle range. Furthermore, a second rotation angle range can be provided which, starting from the end of the first rotation angle range or - if this is present — starting from the end of the intermediate angle range, extends over an additional angle which extends between 1° and 180°, in particular between 5° and 45°, more particularly between 10° and 32°. Provision can be made for the main valve to be actuated in the second rotation angle range in order to bring about opening of the main valve. Starting from the initial rotation position, the first rotation angle range can extend over 14°, for example. The intermediate angle range can then extend over a further 24° (that is to say up to 38°, when viewed from the initial rotational position). The second rotation angle range can then extend over a further 32° (that is to say up to 70°, when viewed from the initial rotational position).

[0016] The connection coupling may furthermore comprise a vent channel with a vent valve for venting a portion of the channel. One of the groove cams can interact with one of the actuating pins in such a way that, when the handle element is ro tated, the actuating pin is displaced along the axis of rotation relative to the handle element in order to actuate the vent valve. The groove cam can be the second groove cam and the actuating pin can be the second actuating pin. It is also possible for a separate groove cam and a separate actuating pin to be provided for actuation of the vent valve. The abovedescribed configuration makes it possible, in a simple and reliable manner, to reduce an overpressure which can arise within the channel, e.g. after the connection coupling has been fitted to the connection piece when an overpressure present in the tank passes over to the channel or which can build up within the channel, e.g. after a refueling operation, after the main valve has been closed. Reliable pressure reduction is important to prevent the overpressure from being released abruptly when the connection pieces are fitted or removed and causing uncontrolled mechanical acceleration of the connection coupling.

[0017] The handle element can be rotatable from the initial rotational position into the final rotational position, in which the connection between the connection coupling and the connection piece is established and the main valve is open. Furthermore, the groove cam and the actuating pin can be configured in such a way that, during a rotation from the initial rotational position into the final rotational position, the handle element passes through a venting angle range, in which the vent valve is open and the main valve is closed. The vent valve can be closed before the main valve is opened, in particular during rotation of the handle element in the opening direction. Furthermore, the vent valve can be opened after the main valve has been closed during rotation of the handle element in the closing direction. The venting angle range can lie within the aforementioned intermediate angle range or can extend over the intermediate angle range.

[0018] The handle element can have a viewing window, wherein element, which becomes visible through the viewing window when the handle element is in a first rotational position, wherein the outer portion of the housing comprises a second infor mation element, which becomes visible through the viewing window when the handle element is in a second rotational position. In particular, the first rotational position can be a position in which the main valve is closed. In this case, the information that the main valve is closed and no fluid discharge is taking place can be assigned to the first information element. The second rotational position can be a position in which the main valve is open. In this case, the information that the main valve is open and a fluid discharge is taking place can be assigned to the second information element. The information elements can display a color, a letter and / or a number, for example. There may be further information elements, each being assigned to further rotational positions.

[0019] In one embodiment, the main valve comprises a valve member, which is urged into a closed position by a return element and can be moved into an open position by the actuating device counter to a restoring force of the return element. The connection coupling can have a damping element, which interacts with the valve member in such a way that a movement of the valve member into the closed position is damped. The damping element makes it possible to reduce the force with which the valve member is pressed against the valve seat during the closing process. It has been found that significantly smoother closing behavior can be achieved in this way, thereby making it possible to reduce material wear on the valve member and on the sealing seat. Moreover, a closing force exerted on the ac tuating device by the return element is also transmitted more gently to the actuating device during the closing process, enhancing user friendliness.

[0020] The above-explained concept of providing a damping element which damps a movement of the valve member into the closed position may have an independent inventive character without the need for the actuating device to have the abovedescribed handle element which at least partly surrounds an outer portion of the housing and is designed such that the handle element, together with the outer portion of the hous ing, can be grasped by a user's hand, wherein the handle element is rotatable relative to the outer portion of the housing about an axis of rotation and is coupled to the coupling device and the main valve such that a rotation of the handle element causes an actuation of the coupling device and the main valve.

[0021] In one embodiment, the damping element is deflected counter to a restoring force during a movement of the valve member into the closed position. The damping element can have a spring element or can be formed from an elastic or flexible material.

[0022] The main valve can furthermore have a valve rod connected to the valve member, wherein the damping element is compressed between the valve rod and a portion of the housing during the movement of the valve member into the closed posi tion.

[0023] The invention will be explained below on the basis of illustrative embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1:   shows a three-dimensional side view of a connection coupling according to the invention before a connection to a connection piece is established; Figure 2: shows a side view of the connection coupling of figure 1 after the connection coupling has been fitted to the connection piece; 5 Figure 3: shows a sectional side view of the connection coupling of figure 1 before a connection to the con nection piece is established; Figure 4: shows a sectional side view of the connection coupling of figure 2 after a connection to the connec tion piece has been established; 10 Figure 5: shows the view of figure 1, ment is not shown; wherein the handle ele- Figure 6: shows component elements of of figure 1 in the position the connection coupling shown in figure 5; 15 Figure 7: shows the view of figure 2, ment is not shown; wherein the handle ele- Figure 8: shows component elements of of figure 1 in the position the connection coupling shown in figure 7; Figure 9: shows the component elements shown in figures 6 and 8 after the main valve has been opened. 20 Figure 10: shows a sectional side view pling of figure 1 after the opened; of the connection cou main valve has been Figure 11: shows a sectional side view pling of figure 1 after the of the connection cou main valve has been opened along a section plane which is perpendicular to the section plane of figure 10;

[0024] Figure 1 shows a connection coupling according to the invention in a three-dimensional side view before a connection to a connection piece 9 is established. The connection cou pling is designed for discharging compressed hydrogen. The connection coupling comprises a housing 10 with a rear housing part 11 and a front housing part 14. On the rear housing part 11 there is a first fluid connection, not visible in figure 1, for connection to a fluid supply line. A second fluid connection 18 is formed on an outlet end of the front housing part 14. The housing 10 of the connection coupling extends along an axial direction of the second fluid connection 18. The connec tion coupling can be connected to the connection piece 9 by fitting the second fluid connection 18 to the connection piece 9 along its axial direction.

[0025] The connection coupling further comprises an actuating device 40 with a handle element 41. The handle element 41 surrounds an outer portion of the housing 10 and is configured so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 10. An axis of rotation of the handle element 41 is aligned along the axial direction of the second fluid connection 18. A user can grasp the handle element 41 and the outer portion of the housing 10, which is located radially on the inside relative to the handle element 41, with one hand and in this way can easily plug it onto the connection piece 9. By rotating the handle element 41, the user can then actuate a coupling device, a main valve and a vent valve of the connection coupling, this being explained in detail below. Since an axis of rotation of the handle element corresponds to the direction in which the connection coupling is fitted to the connection piece, no tilting moments occur relative to the axial extent of the connection piece 9 and, as a result, operation is made easier.

[0026] The handle element 41 further comprises a viewing window 48, below which an information element applied to the outer portion of the housing 10 is visible. In the position shown in figure 1, the information element indicates that the main valve is in a closed position.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a side view of the connection coupling of figure 1 after the connection coupling has been fitted to the connection piece 9. During fitting, a front end of the connection piece 9 was introduced into a receptacle of the fluid connection 18. This process is explained in more detail below with reference to figures 3 and 4.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a sectional side view of the connection coupling of figure 1 before a connection to the connection piece 9 is established. It can be seen in this view that the housing 10 has further housing parts 12, 13 and 15. It is also possible to see the first fluid connection 17, which can be connected to a fluid supply line. The first fluid connection 17 merges into a channel 19 which extends through the housing 10 or through the housing parts 12, 13, 15 as far as the second fluid connection 18 in order to discharge the compressed hydrogen through a check valve (not illustrated) into a tank connected to the connection piece 9.

[0029] In the channel 19 there is a main valve 20 with a valve member 21 and a valve seat 22. In the state shown in figure 3, the main valve 20 is in a closed position, in which the valve member 21 rests sealingly against the valve seat 22. In this closed position, the valve member 21 separates the channel 19 into a pressure-carrying partial channel 19' and an unpressurized partial channel 19''. The valve member 21 is urged into the closed position by a closing spring 24. In addition, a valve rod 25 is connected to the valve member 21, and a damping element 26 is fastened to the front end of said valve rod. During a movement of the valve member 21 into the closed position, the damping element 26, as shown in figure 3, comes into contact with a housing part 13 and is compressed by the force of the closing spring, as a result of which the valve member 21 does not abruptly strike the valve seat 22 at the end of the closing movement but comes to rest gently against the valve seat 22.

[0030] It can furthermore be seen in the view in figure 3 that, in addition to the handle element 41, the actuating device 40 comprises a groove cam ring 42, which is connected for conjoint rotation to the handle element 41. The groove cam ring 42 has a first groove cam 45 and a second groove cam 46, which can be seen as openings in the sectional view of figure 3. A first actuating pin 43 engages in the first groove cam 45 and a second actuating pin 44 engages in the second groove cam 46. The shape of the groove cams can be seen in figures 6 and 8 and will be explained in more detail below. Each of the groove cams 45, 46 has a corresponding groove cam on an opposite side of the groove cam ring 42 with respect to the axis of rotation, which groove cam is formed in mirror symmetry with respect to the axis of rotation. Actuating pin 44 extends through the interior of the housing 10 and engages with its ends in groove cam 46 and the opposite corresponding groove cam. Actuating pin 43 engages only in groove cam 45, and there is a corresponding actuating pin 43' on the opposite side with respect to the axis of rotation, which engages in the corresponding groove cam 45'. Upon rotation of the handle element, the actuating pins 44, 43, 43' are displaced along the axis of rotation in order to actuate the main valve 20, a vent valve 23 and a coupling device 30.

[0031] The coupling device 30 is located at a downstream end (relative to the fluid flow) of the housing 10 and comprises a sliding sleeve 34, which is urged downstream by a return element 33, four spherically formed locking elements 31 and a blocking member 32, which is likewise preloaded in a downstream direction by a return element. In the state shown in figure 3, the locking elements 31 are located in a recess formed in the housing part 15 and also engage in a recess in the sliding sleeve 34, wherein at least some of the locking elements 31 are prevented from moving radially inward by the blocking member 32. In this way, the locking elements 31 prevent a downstream movement of the sliding sleeve 34.

[0032] The connection coupling further comprises a disk valve 50, which is urged into a closed position by a return element 51. In the state shown in figure 3, the disk valve 50 is in the closed position and rests sealingly against a valve seat. At its downstream end, the disk valve 50 has a tubular extension 52, through which the medium is passed when the disk valve 50 is open.

[0033] The vent valve 23 serves to discharge an overpressure prevailing in the partial channel 19'' into a collecting tank via a vent channel 16. In the state shown in figure 3, the vent valve 23 is in an open position. The vent valve is coupled to the main valve 20 and is thus likewise actuated by the actuating pin 44.

[0034] Figure 4 shows a sectional side view of the connection coupling of figure 1 after a connection to the connection piece 9 has been established. When the second fluid connection 18 is fitted to the connection piece 9, the downstream end of the tubular extension 52 engages sealingly in a receptacle of the connection piece 9 and comes to rest against a stop formed in the receptacle. During a further movement of the connection coupling in the direction of the connection piece 9, the tubular extension 52 together with the blocking member 32 is moved upstream relative to the housing part 15. As a result, on the one hand, the disk valve 50 is lifted out of its sealing seat and thereby moved into an open position. In addition, the displacement of the blocking member 32 makes it possible for the locking elements 31 to yield radially inward and thus to permit a downstream movement of the sliding sleeve 34. Since the sliding sleeve 34 is urged downstream by the return element 33, the displacement of the sliding sleeve 34 takes place automatically. The actuating pins 43, 43', which are connected to the sliding sleeve 34, are thereby likewise displaced upstream. During this process, the actuating pins run along groove cam 45 (or the corresponding groove cam 45'), thereby bringing about a rotation of the cam ring 42 and of the handle element 41 connected thereto for conjoint rotation therewith.

[0035] It can be seen in figure 4 that the position of the actuating pin 44 has not changed as a result of the process of fitting to the connection piece 9. The main valve 20 is there fore still in a closed position and the vent valve 23 is still in an open position.

[0036] Figures 5 to 8 serve to further illustrate the states shown in figures 3 and 4. Figure 5 shows the view of figure 1, wherein the handle element has been omitted in order to illustrate the groove cam ring 42. Figure 6 shows a side view of the groove cam ring 42 with the groove cams 45, 46 and the actuating pin 43, 44 engaging therein. Figures 5 and 6 show the state before the connection coupling is fitted to the connection piece 9. It can be seen that in this state the actuating pins 43, 44 rest against an initial region of the respective groove cam 45, 46. The groove cam 45 has a first groove cam portion 45a starting from the initial region and enclosing a 45° angle with the axis of rotation 47. A cam portion 45b adjoining portion 45a encloses a 90° angle with the axis of rotation 47. Groove cam 46 comprises a groove cam portion 46a extending from the initial region and oriented at a 90° angle to the axis of rotation 47 and a groove cam portion 46b° oriented at a 45° angle to the axis of rotation 47.

[0037] Figures 7 and 8 correspond to figures 5 and 6 but, in contrast to figures 5 and 6, they show the state after the connection coupling has been fitted to the connection piece 9. As already explained above, the fitting process leads to the sliding sleeve 34 pulling the actuating pin 43 downstream (owing to its preloading by the return element 33). Owing to the oblique position of groove cam portion 45a at a 45° angle to the axis of rotation 47, a torque is exerted on the groove cam ring 42 about the axis of rotation 47. The torque can be selected so that a user is assisted in rotating the handle element 41 to actuate the coupling device 30 when fitting the connection coupling. It is also possible for the torque to be so great that the rotation takes place automatically. In both cases, reference is made here to the fact that the rotation of the handle element 41 (and of the groove cam ring 42 connected thereto) actuates the coupling device 30 in order to produce locking with the connection piece 9.

[0038] Since groove cam portion 46a is oriented at a 90° angle to the axis of rotation 47, actuating pin 44 is not moved along the axis of rotation by the rotation of the groove cam ring 42. During the transition from the state shown in figure 6 to the state shown in figure 8, the handle element 41 is rotated by approximately 14° starting from an initial rotational position. In the context of the present description, the angu lar range which extends from the initial rotational position to the rotation angle of approximately 14° is also referred to as the first rotation angle range.

[0039] In order to open the main valve starting from the position illustrated in figures 7 and 8, the user exerts a further torque on the handle element 41 in order to further rotate the latter together with the groove cam ring 42 relative to the housing of the connection coupling about the axis of rotation 47. As a result, the actuating pins 43, 44 in figure 8 continue to run upward relative to the respective groove cam 45, 46 until the position shown in figure 9 is reached. Figure 9 shows the component elements shown in figures 6 and 8 after the main valve has been opened.

[0040] During the transition from the position shown in figure 8 to the position shown in figure 9, actuating pin 43 runs along the groove cam portion 45b oriented perpendicularly to the axis of rotation. Actuating pin 43 is therefore not displaced along the axis of rotation relative to the groove cam ring 42, and there is correspondingly no further actuation of the coupling device.

[0041] Actuating pin 44 initially runs along the portion 46a oriented perpendicularly to the axis of rotation, and therefore a certain period of time elapses during the rotation of the handle element 41 in which the vent valve 23 is still open but the main valve 20 still remains closed.

[0042] Only when portion 46b is reached is actuating pin 44 displaced relative to the groove cam ring 42, as a result of which the vent valve 23 is initially closed and then the main valve 20 is opened. The rotation angle range which extends from the position shown in figure 8 to the position at which actuating pin 44 reaches groove cam portion 46b is also referred to here as a venting angle range or intermediate angle range. In the present case, it extends over 24°. Starting from the end of the intermediate angle range up to the final rotational position illustrated in figure 9, the handle element is rotated over a further 32°.

[0043] Figure 10 shows a sectional side view of the connection coupling of figure 1 after the main valve has been opened. In comparison with the state shown in figure 4, it can be seen in particular that actuating pin 44 has been displaced to the left relative to the housing of the connection coupling by the above-described interaction with groove cam 46. Actuating pin 44 is passed through a through opening present in the valve rod 25, and therefore the displacement of actuating pin 44 is transmitted to the valve rod 25. On the one hand, the valve rod 25 is coupled to the vent valve 23, which is closed by the movement of the valve rod 25. In addition, the valve rod 25 is coupled to the valve member 21, which has been moved out of the closed position shown in figure 4 into the open position shown in figure 10 counter to a restoring force of the closing spring 24. Here, the vent valve 23 and the main valve 20 are coordinated with one another in such a way that, as a result of the movement of the valve rod 25, the vent valve 23 is first closed and the main valve 20 is then opened.

[0044] Figure 11 shows a sectional side view of the connection coupling of figure 1 after the main valve has been opened, along a section plane which is perpendicular to the section plane of figure 10. In the view of figure 11, the course of the main channel 19 with the partial channels 19' and 19'' and of the vent channel 16 can be seen from a different perspec tive. It can also be seen that actuating pin 44 is passed through a through hole in the valve rod 25.

[0045] In the state shown in figures 9 to 11, the handle element 41 is in a completely open position, in which the main valve is open, the vent valve 23 is closed and hydrogen is introduced into the tank via the connection piece 9. In this state, the actuating pins 43, 44 are each located in an end portion 45c, 46c of the respective groove cam 45, 46, which end portion is oriented in each case perpendicularly to the axis of rotation. Thus, in this position, no torque can be transmitted by the respective actuating pins 43, 44 to the groove cam ring 42 and the handle element 41. The handle element 41 thus remains in the completely open position as long as the user does not actively rotate the handle element in the closing direction.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated here, it would also be possible for the end portion 46c to extend at an angle to the axis of rotation, such that a user must apply a certain force to "keep open" the main valve in the completely open position, or that, starting from the completely open position, a certain resistance to the initiation of the "closing process" must be overcome. Both can be achieved by means of a suitable angle between the extent of the end portion 46c of groove cam 46 and the axis of rotation 47, which in the alter native embodiment can deviate either positively or negatively from the perpendicular angle present in figure 9. A corresponding adaptation of the torques acting during the establishment of the connection to the connection piece 9 can be effected by a corresponding adaptation of groove cam 45. The two mutually matched groove cams thus permit a desired variation of a torque acting on the handle element in order to achieve a desired opening characteristic.

[0047] The viewing window 48 shown in figure 1 shifts relative to the outer portion of the housing during movement of the handle element 41 into the fully open position and reveals a second information element indicating to the user that a refu eling operation is taking place.

[0048] Upon completion of the refueling operation, the user can rotate the handle element 41 in an opposite direction, the operations described above then proceeding in reverse order. First, the main valve closes, and shortly thereafter the vent valve 23 is opened. As a result of the opening of the vent valve 23, partial channel 19'' is connected to the vent channel 16, thereby enabling pressurized hydrogen vapors present within the partial channel 19'' to be discharged. Only after actuating pin 43 has passed through the groove cam region 45b oriented perpendicularly to the axis of rotation 47 is the coupling device 30 actuated by a corresponding movement of actuating pin 43 in order to effect unlocking.

Claims

Patent Claims1. A connection coupling for discharging a fluid into a tank, comprising a housing (10), a first fluid connection (17) that can be connected to a fluid supply line,a second fluid connection (18) that can be connected to a connection piece (19) of the tank,a channel (9) leading through the housing (18) for conducting the fluid from the first (17) to the second fluid connection (10),a main valve (20) provided in the channel (19),a coupling device (30) for establishing and releasing aconnection between the connection coupling and the connection piece (9), andan actuating device (40) for actuating the coupling device (30) and the main valve (20),characterized in thatthe actuating device (40) has a handle element (41) whichat least partly surrounds an outer portion of the housing(10) and is designed such that the handle element, togetherwith the outer portion of the housing (10), can be graspedby a user's hand, wherein the handle element (41) is rotatable relative to the outer portion of the housing (10) about an axis of rotation (47) and is coupled to the coupling device (30) and the main valve (20) such that a rotation of the handle element (41) causes an actuation of the coupling device (30) and the main valve (20), wherein, in the state in which itis grasped together with the outer portion of the housing(10) by the hand of the user, the handle element (41) canbe used to actuate the coupling device and the main valve(20) by rotating the handle element (41) relative to the housing (10).

2. The connection coupling as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the outer portion surrounded by the handle element (41) extends along a circumferential direction of thehousing by more than 60°, preferably by more than 120°, asa further preference by more than 240°, as a further preference by 360°, around the housing (10).

3. The connection coupling as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection coupling has a fitting direction along which the second fluid connection (18) can befitted to the connection piece (9), wherein the axis of rotation has an angular deviation from the fitting directionwhich is less than 90°, preferably less than 80°, as a further preference less than 60°, as a further preference lessthan 30°, as a further preference less than 15°, wherein asa further preference the axis of rotation (47) is aligned along the fitting direction.

4. The connection coupling as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the actuating device (40) comprises at least one groove cam (45, 46), which is connected forconjoint rotation to the handle element (41), and at leastone actuating pin (43, 44), wherein the groove cam (45, 46)interacts with the actuating pin (43, 44) in such a waythat, when the handle element (41) is rotated, the actuating pin (43, 44) is displaced along the axis of rotationrelative to the handle element (41) in order to actuate at least one of the coupling device (30) and the main valve(20).

5. The connection coupling as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the at least one groove cam (45, 46) comprisesa first groove cam (45) and a second groove cam (46),wherein the at least one actuating pin (43, 44) comprises afirst actuating pin (43) and a second actuating pin (44),wherein the first actuating pin (43) interacts with thefirst groove cam (45) in order to actuate the coupling device (30), and wherein the second actuating pin (44) interacts with the second groove cam (46) in order to actuate the main valve (20).

6. The connection coupling as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the first actuating pin (43) is designed totransmit a movement to a sliding sleeve (34), wherein the sliding sleeve (34) is designed to establish locking of thesecond fluid connection (18) to the connection piece (9) in the case of a movement in a first direction, and is designed to release the locking in the case of a movement ina second direction opposite to the first direction, whereinthe connection coupling preferably has a locking element (31), which is designed to prevent the sliding sleeve (34) from moving along the first direction, wherein the lockingelement (31) releases a movement of the sliding sleeve (34) in the first direction when the second fluid connection(18) is fitted to the connection piece (9).

7. The connection coupling as claimed in claim 6, in which the sliding sleeve (34) is preloaded in the first direction by a return element (33).

8. The connection coupling as claimed in one of claims 5 to 7, in which the main valve (20) is preloaded into a closed position by a return element (24), wherein the secondactuating pin (44) is displaceable counter to a restoring force of the return element (24) in order to actuate the main valve (20).

9. The connection coupling as claimed in one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the first groove cam (45) and thesecond groove cam (46) interact with the first and the second actuating pin (43, 44) in such a way that the actuationof the coupling device (30) and the actuation of the mainvalve (20) take place in mutually different rotation angleranges of the handle element (41).

10. The connection coupling as claimed in one of claims 5 to 9,characterized in that the connection coupling further comprises a vent channel (16) with a vent valve (23) for venting a portion of the channel (19), wherein one of the groove cams (46) interacts with one of the actuating pins(44) in such a way that, when the handle element (41) is rotated, the actuating pin (44) is displaced along the axisof rotation relative to the handle element (41) in order toactuate the vent valve (23).

11. The connection coupling as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the handle element (41) is rotatable from an initial rotational position, in which the connection between the connection coupling and the connection piece (9) is released and the main valve (20) is closed, into a final rotational position, in which the connection between theconnection coupling and the connection piece (9) is established and the main valve (20) is open, wherein the groovecam (46) and the actuating pin (44) are configured in such a way that, during a rotation of the handle element fromthe initial rotational position into the final rotationalposition, the handle element (41) passes through a venting angle range, in which the vent valve (23) is open and the main valve is closed.

12. The connection coupling as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, in the case of a rotation of the handle element (41) from the initial rotational position into the final rotational position, the vent valve (23) is closed before the main valve (20) is opened, wherein, in the case ofa rotation of the handle element (41) from the final rotational position into the initial rotational position, the vent valve (23) is preferably opened after the main valve has been closed.

13. The connection coupling as claimed in one of claims 1 to12, characterized in that the handle element (41) has aviewing window (48), wherein the outer portion of the housing (10) comprises a first information element, which becomes visible through the viewing window (48) when the handle element is in a first rotational position, wherein theouter portion of the housing comprises a second informationelement, which becomes visible through the viewing window(48) when the handle element (41) is in a second rotational position.

14. The connection coupling as claimed in one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the main valve (20) comprises a valve member (21), which is urged into a closed position by a return element (24) and can be moved into an open position by the actuating device (40) counter to a restoringforce of the return element (24), wherein the connectioncoupling has a damping element (26), which interacts withthe valve member (21) in such a way that a movement of the valve member (21) into the closed position is damped.

15. The connection coupling as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the damping element (26) is deflected counter5      to a restoring force during a movement of the valve member(21) into the closed position, wherein the main valve (20) preferably has a valve rod (25) connected to the valve member (21), wherein the damping element is compressed betweenthe valve rod (25) and a portion of the housing (10) during10       the movement of the valve member (21) into the closed position.

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