Quick fill device, system, and method for a fuel valve

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a quick fill device for use with a valve assembly, and related methods of filling a pressure vessel. A valve assembly that can be secured to a pressure vessel includes a vessel, a fill valve, and an overfill valve. A preferred example of the device includes a body, a valve trigger pin, a vent trigger pin, and a handle. A valve engagement end of the body can be releasably secured within the vessel. At this point, moving the handle to an open position causes the valve trigger pin to force the fill valve to an open configuration, and causes the vent trigger pin to force the overfill valve to a fluid venting configuration. A rigid fill tube is in fluid supply communication with a fuel supply port of the body. The fill tube and the handle can be elongate, and extend in a common direction.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 072,713, filed on August 31, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to the field of filling and discharging devices for storage tanks containing propane, butane and other gases that are typically filled into the containers, at least primarily in liquid form. Background Technology

[0004] The process of filling certain fuel cylinders, such as 20-pound propane tanks, typically requires both the fill valve and the overfill release channel to be opened simultaneously. What is needed is a device and method that allows users to fill fuel cylinders in a manner that improves the safety, speed, and mechanical efficiency of the filling process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Certain deficiencies of the prior art can be overcome by the rapid filling device, system, and method for fuel valves according to this disclosure. The method described herein is particularly applicable to fuel cylinder systems using CGA 600 fittings. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0007] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a rapid filling device according to a non-limiting example of this disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another schematic perspective view of the example quick-fill device;

[0009] Figure 3 for Figure 1 An exploded schematic diagram of an example rapid filling device;

[0010] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A front view schematic diagram of an example rapid filling device;

[0011] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A side view of an example quick-fill device shows the handle element in the closed position and the locking element in the handle locked position;

[0012] Figure 6 To and Figure 5Similar side view schematic of the example quick fill device, but with the locking element shown moved to the handle release position;

[0013] Figure 6 Similar side view schematic of the example quick fill device, but with the locking element shown moved to the handle release position; Figure 5

[0014] Similar side view schematic of the example quick fill device, but with the locking element shown moved to the handle release position; Figure 7 Figure 6 Similar side view schematic of the example quick fill device, but with the locking element shown in the handle release position, and the handle element shown moved to the open position;

[0015] Figure 8 Figure 5 Cross-sectional view schematic taken along line 8-8 in

[0016] Figure 9 Cross-sectional view schematic similar to Figure 8 , but with the valve locking element having moved to the unlocked position;

[0017] Figure 10 Cross-sectional view schematic taken along line 10-10 in Figure 5 , showing the locking spring resiliently biasing the valve locking element in its locked position;

[0018] Figure 11 Perspective view schematic of an example valve securing mechanism of the Figure 1 device, with the valve stem block serving to hold stationary the mutually movable components of the securing mechanism, including the valve locking element and the locking spring;

[0019] Figure 12 Exploded view schematic of an example valve securing mechanism of the Figure 11 device;

[0020] Figure 13 Front view schematic of an example valve assembly according to one non-limiting example of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 14 Rear view schematic of the example valve assembly of Figure 13 ;

[0022] Figure 15 Cross-sectional view schematic taken along line 15-15 in Figure 13 ;

[0023] Figure 16 Cross-sectional view schematic of the valve assembly of Figure 13 , but perpendicular to the view of Figure 15 ;

[0024] ​​Figure 17 for Figure 16 The enlarged view of detail 17 shows a non-limiting example of a fixing groove in the radial inner wall of the valve body;

[0025] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of an example rapid filling system according to the present disclosure, showing the rapid filling device separated from the corresponding valve assembly;

[0026] Figure 19 For similar Figure 18 The perspective diagram shows a quick-fill device attached to a valve assembly, with a valve retaining mechanism releasably securing the valve engagement end of the device's main body within the receiving chamber of the valve assembly.

[0027] Figure 20 For similar Figure 8 A cross-sectional schematic diagram, but it shows the rapid filling device attached to... Figure 19 The valve assembly shown has a lip engagement of the valve locking element that engages with a fixed groove in the valve assembly receiving chamber.

[0028] Figure 21 for Figure 1 A bottom view of the rapid filling device;

[0029] Figure 22 for Figure 1 A top view of the rapid filling device;

[0030] Figure 23 For along Figure 22 A cross-sectional view taken from line 23-23 in the diagram;

[0031] Figure 24 for Figure 23 The enlarged view of detail 24 shows the handle element in the closed position, the valve trigger pin in the valve deactivated position, and the discharge trigger pin in the discharge deactivated position;

[0032] Figure 25 For similar Figure 24 An enlarged view, but showing the handle element moving to its open position, thereby forcing the valve trigger pin to its valve-activated position and forcing the discharge trigger pin to its discharge-activated position;

[0033] Figure 26 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an example rapid filling system according to the present disclosure, wherein the rapid filling device is located in a fuel supply passage provided between a fuel supply device and a valve assembly of a container;

[0034] Figure 27 for Figure 26Enlarged view of Detail 27 showing handle element in closed position and valve trigger pin in valve deactivation position and drain trigger pin in drain deactivation position;

[0035] Figure 28 is an enlarged view of Figure 27 but showing the handle element moved to its open position, thereby forcing the valve trigger pin to its valve activation position and the drain trigger pin to its drain activation position to allow fuel to flow from the fuel supply into the container;

[0036] Figure 29 is a top view schematic of an example transfer block according to the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 30 is a cross-sectional schematic taken along line 30-30 in Figure 29 ;

[0038] Figure 31 is a perspective schematic of an example transfer block of Figure 29 ;

[0039] Figure 32 is another perspective schematic of an example transfer block of Figure 29 ;

[0040] Figure 33 is a perspective schematic of an example valve trigger pin;

[0041] Figure 34 is a perspective schematic of an example drain trigger pin;

[0042] Figure 35 is a perspective schematic of an example valve stem block;

[0043] Figure 36 is another perspective schematic of the valve stem block of Figure 35 ;

[0044] Figure 37 is a side view schematic of the valve stem block of Figure 35 ;

[0045] Figure 38 is another side view schematic of the valve stem block of Figure 35 , showing the side opposite that shown in Figure 37 ;

[0046] Figure 39 is a cross-sectional schematic taken along line 39-39 in Figure 37 ;

[0047] Figure 40 is a cross-sectional schematic taken along line 40-40 in Figure 38 ;

[0048] Figure 41 exploded view of an alternative example of a valve assembly;

[0049] Figure 42 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in Figure 41 , but wherein the valve assembly has been assembled and secured within the neck of a pressure vessel;

[0050] Figure 43 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in Figure 41 , but wherein the cross-section is perpendicular to the cross-section shown in Figure 42 ;

[0051] Figure 44 is a cross-sectional view of the valve housing in the valve assembly shown in Figure 41 ;

[0052] Figure 45 is an enlarged view of detail 45 in Figure 42 , showing one non-limiting example of a securing groove in a radially inward wall of the valve housing;

[0053] Figure 46 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 20 , but wherein the quick fill device shown is attached to an alternative valve assembly of Figure 43 , with the lip engagement of the valve lock element engaged with the securing groove of the valve assembly receiving chamber;

[0054] Figure 47 is an enlarged view similar to Figure 27 , but wherein the quick fill system includes an alternative valve assembly shown in Figure 43 ;

[0055] Figure 48 is an enlarged view similar to Figure 47 , but showing the handle element moved to its open position, thereby forcing the valve trigger pin to its valve enabling position and forcing the drain trigger pin to its drain enabling position to allow fuel to flow from the fuel supply into the vessel;

[0056] Figure 49 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 20 , but wherein the valve securing mechanism includes a securing sleeve configured to threadably engage with a threaded portion of the valve housing of the valve assembly;

[0057] Figure 50 is a cross-sectional view showing an example valve assembly delivering fuel to a fuel consuming device through a valve connection adapter, wherein also shown is the venting of overpressure gas from a pressure vessel through an overpressure relief valve in the valve assembly; and

[0058] Figure 51is a block diagram representing one example of a method of filling a pressure vessel with fuel through a valve assembly according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like or corresponding features across the several views.

[0060] Various example embodiments of new rapid fill devices, systems, and methods are shown and described herein. Certain preferred examples of rapid fill devices are generally shown at 100, and certain preferred examples of rapid fill systems are generally shown at 300. The rapid fill system 300 includes a rapid fill device 100 and a corresponding valve assembly 200.

[0061] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the rapid fill device 100 can include a body portion 102, a valve trigger pin 116, a drain trigger pin 118, a valve securing mechanism 180, and a handle element 120. Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 23 , the body portion 102 can have a valve engagement end 104, a fuel supply port 114, and a valve trigger aperture 110. The valve trigger aperture 110 can extend through the valve engagement end 104 along a main axis 108. The fuel supply port 114 can be in fluid communication with the valve trigger aperture 110. The valve engagement end 104 can be configured to be inserted into a receiving chamber 220 of the valve assembly 200 (see, e.g., Figure 15 ).

[0062] Referring to Figure 24 and Figure 25 , the valve trigger pin 116 can extend through the valve trigger aperture 110 and be movable between a valve-activated position (see, e.g., Figure 25 ) and a valve-deactivated position (see, e.g., Figure 24 ). The drain trigger pin 118 can be movable between a drain-activated position (see, e.g., Figure 25 ) and a drain-deactivated position (see, e.g., Figure 24 ).

[0063] Referring to Figure 15 and Figure 20 , the valve securing mechanism 180 can be configured to releasably secure the valve engagement end 104 within the receiving chamber 220. The receiving chamber 220 preferably includes a valve stem chamber 236 configured to receive the stem portion 172 of the device 100 therein.

[0064] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 7 , the handle element 120 is movable relative to the body portion 102 between an open position (see, e.g., Figure 7 ) and a closed position (see, e.g., Figure 5 ). Referring toFigure 25 Movement of the handle element 120 toward the open position can be configured to force the valve trigger pin 116 to the valve-activated position and to force the drain trigger pin 118 to the drain-activated position. Conversely, referring to Figure 24 Movement of the handle element 120 toward the closed position can be configured to allow the valve trigger pin 116 to return to the valve-inactivated position and to allow the drain trigger pin 118 to return to the drain-inactivated position. The handle element 120 can be preferably resiliently biased toward the closed position.

[0065] Referring to Figure 24 and Figure 25 The body portion 102 can include a drain trigger aperture 112 through which the drain trigger pin 118 can extend. Movement of the valve trigger pin 116 and the drain trigger pin 118 can be both parallel to the main shaft 108. Further, the valve trigger aperture 110 and the drain trigger aperture 112 can each extend completely through the body portion 102 parallel to the main shaft 108.

[0066] The valve trigger pin 116 can be resiliently biased toward the valve-inactivated position; and the drain trigger pin 118 can be resiliently biased toward the drain-inactivated position.

[0067] Referring to Figure 8 The valve securing mechanism 180 can include first and second valve lock elements 122. Each valve lock element can have a lip-engaging portion 124 and a gripping portion 126, and can be actuated relative to the body portion 102 between a locked position and an unlocked position. Each valve lock element 122 can be resiliently biased toward the locked position (e.g., as shown in Figure 8 Referring to Figure 9 Actuation of the valve lock elements 122 toward the unlocked position can be configured to cause the lip-engaging portions 124 to move radially inward toward the main shaft 108. Referring to Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 20 When the valve lock elements 122 are in the locked position, the lip-engaging portions 124 can be configured to engage securing grooves 224 disposed on radially inward walls 222 of the containment chamber 220.

[0068] Referring to Figure 8 The valve lock elements 122 can be laterally opposite one another on radially opposite sides of the main shaft 108. Actuatability of each valve lock element 122 can be about a locking pivot 130 that is perpendicular to the main shaft 108.

[0069] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 8 The handle element 120 can be movable about a handle pivot 128 that is perpendicular to the main shaft 108 and the locking pivot 130.

[0070] Referring to Figure 24 , the valve trigger pin 116 can be resiliently biased toward the valve inoperative position. The resilient bias of the handle element 120 can be at least partially achieved by the resilient bias of the valve trigger pin 116. The resilient bias of the valve trigger pin 116 can be achieved by a valve trigger pin spring 132, which can be, for example, a Belleville stack of multiple conical disc washers.

[0071] Referring to Figure 49 , in certain examples of the rapid fill device 100, the valve securing mechanism 180 can include a securing sleeve 174 that is rotatable about the main shaft 108 relative to the body portion 102. The securing sleeve 174 can be configured to threadably engage a threaded portion 226 of a valve housing of the valve assembly 200.

[0072] Referring to Figure 23 and Figure 26 , certain examples of the rapid fill device 100 can include a fill tube 134 that is fixed in fluid supply communication with the fuel supply port 114. The fill tube can be rigid (e.g., rigid metal) and can have threads on opposite ends for threadably engaging the fuel supply portion 134 and the fuel conduit 304. The fill tube 134 and the handle element 120 can be elongate and extend in a common radial direction 136 beyond the main shaft 108. Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 7 , the handle element 120 can include a first tube relief passage 138 that is configured to at least partially accommodate the fill tube 134 when the handle element 120 is in the open position.

[0073] Referring to Figure 5 , in certain examples of the rapid fill device 100, the body portion 102 can include a transfer block 140 and a valve stem block 142. Referring to Figure 3 , the transfer block 140 and the valve stem block 142 can be attached to one another by one or more block fasteners 154. The block fasteners 154 can be configured to extend through the transfer block 140 and threadably engage corresponding threaded holes in the valve stem block 142.

[0074] Referring to Figures 5 to 7 , certain preferred examples of the rapid fill device 100 can also include a handle locking position (e.g., as shown in Figure 5 ) and a handle release position (e.g., as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7The locking element 144 is movable between (as shown). In this example, the handle element 120 can be configured such that when the locking element 144 is in the handle release position, the handle element 120 moves from the closed position to the open position. Conversely, the handle element 120 can be configured such that when the locking element 144 is in the handle lock position (e.g., as shown), the locking element 144 moves from the closed position to the open position. Figure 5 (As shown), to prevent the handle element 120 from moving from the closed position to the open position.

[0075] See Figures 5 to 7 The locking element 144 may include a handle stop 186, and the handle element 120 may include a corresponding stop release device 188. In this case, the positioning of the locking element 144 in the handle locked position (e.g., as...) Figure 5 (As shown) This prevents the handle stop 186 from aligning with the stop release device 188, thereby preventing the stop release device 188 from accommodating the handle stop 186, and thus preventing the handle element 120 from moving to the open position. Instead, refer to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 When the locking element 144 moves to the handle release position, the handle stop 186 aligns with the stop release device 188, thereby allowing the stop release device to receive the handle stop 186 and thus allowing the handle element 120 to move to the open position. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 7 The locking element 144 may include a second tube relief channel 148 configured to at least partially receive the filling tube 134 when the locking element 144 is in the handle release position.

[0076] The locking element 144 can be resiliently biased toward the handle locking position. See also Figure 23 This elastic bias can be provided by the locking spring 146. In some examples of the quick-fill device 100, the elastic bias of the locking element 144 can be lower than that of the handle element 120. Furthermore, the elastic biases of both the locking element 144 and the handle element 120 can be provided at least partially by the locking spring 146 disposed between them.

[0077] See Figure 15 Valve assembly 200 may include valve housing 206, filling valve 208, overfill valve pin 210, draw-in tube 214, and overpressure relief valve 212. Valve housing 206 may extend along valve shaft 204 from adapter end 216 to container end 218. Valve housing 206 may include receiving chamber 220, filling valve container 242, overfill container 244, and overpressure container 246. Filling valve 208 is disposed within filling valve container 242 and in an open configuration (e.g., see...). Figure 28 and Figure 48 ) and disable configuration (for example, see Figure 27 andFigure 47 The valve pin 210 is movable between the two. The overfill valve pin 210 is located within the overfill container 244 and in the fluid-sealed position (e.g., see [reference]). Figure 27 and Figure 47 ) and fluid discharge configuration (e.g., see Figure 28 and Figure 48 The components are movable. The suction tube 214 is in fluid communication with the overfill container 244. An overpressure relief valve 212 is disposed within the overpressure container 246. The receiver chamber 220 is in fluid communication between the adapter end 216 and the filling valve 208, and between the adapter end 216 and the overfill valve pin 210. The receiving chamber may also include a radially inward wall 222 with a fixing groove 224. See also... Figure 17 The fixing lip 272 can be defined between the fixing groove 224 and the adapter end 216. The fixing groove 224 can extend partially or completely circumferentially around the radially inward wall 222.

[0078] See you again Figure 15 Some preferred examples of valve assembly 200 may include an overpressure seal 230, which is fluid-tightly connected between overpressure relief valve 212 and containment chamber 220. This configuration allows rapid filling device 100 to supply fuel to container 202 through valve assembly 200 without the need for a seal between valve housing 206 and rapid filling device 100 to prevent pressurized gas from escaping from overpressure relief valve 212 through containment chamber 220.

[0079] See Figure 51 An example of a method for filling pressure vessel 202 with fuel via valve assembly 200 is shown in 314. Figure 51 In box A, select valve assembly 200. See also... Figure 15 Valve assembly 200 may include a valve body 206, a filling valve 208, a draw-in pipe 214, and an overfill valve pin 210. Valve body 206 may have an adapter end 216 and an opposing container end 218. A receiving chamber 220 may be defined at the adapter end 216. The filling valve 208 is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The overfill valve pin 210 is movable between a fluid-sealed position and a fluid-discharge configuration.

[0080] exist Figure 51 In method 314, box B, a rapid filling device is provided. See also... Figures 1 to 3The quick-fill device 100 may include a body 102, a valve trigger pin 116, a discharge trigger pin 118, a valve retaining mechanism 180, and a handle element 120. The body 102 may have a valve engagement end 104, a fuel supply port 114, and a valve trigger hole 110. The valve trigger hole 110 may extend along a main shaft 108 through the valve engagement end 104. The fuel supply port 114 may be in fluid communication with the valve trigger hole 110. The valve trigger pin may extend through the valve trigger hole and is movable between a valve open position and a valve deactivated position. The discharge trigger pin is movable between a discharge open position and a discharge closed position. The valve retaining mechanism may be configured to releasably retain the valve engagement end within a receiving chamber. The handle element is movable relative to the body between an open position and a closed position. Movement of the handle element toward the open position preferably forces the valve trigger pin to the valve open position and forces the discharge trigger pin to the discharge open position. Movement of the handle element toward the closed position preferably allows the valve trigger pin to return to the valve deactivated position, and preferably allows the discharge trigger pin to return to the discharge deactivated position. The handle element is preferably resiliently biased toward the closed position.

[0081] exist Figure 51 See also box C in method 314, and further details. Figure 20 The valve engagement end 104 is inserted into the receiving chamber 220. Figure 51 In method 314, at box C, at box D, and also referring to... Figure 20 The valve engagement end 104 is secured within the receiving chamber 220 (e.g., within the valve stem chamber 236 of the receiving chamber 220) by a valve fixing mechanism 180. Also refer to box E. Figure 28 and Figure 48 The handle element 120 moves to the open position, thereby (a) causing the valve trigger pin 116 to force the filling valve 208 into the open configuration; (b) causing fuel to flow from the fuel supply port 114 into the pressure vessel 202 (e.g., via the fuel supply flow path 176); and (c) causing the discharge trigger pin 118 to force the overfill valve pin 210 into the fluid discharge configuration, thereby allowing excess fuel to escape from the pressure vessel 200 (e.g., via the overfill discharge flow path 178). In certain embodiments of method 314, the fuel flow is achieved by gravity filling. In some embodiments of method 314, the fuel flow is achieved by the pressure difference between the pressure vessel and the fuel supply.

[0082] In particular embodiments of the method 314, the valve securing mechanism can include first and second valve locking elements. Each valve locking element can have a lip engaging portion and a gripping portion, and be actuatable relative to the body portion between a locked position and an unlocked position. Each valve locking element can be resiliently biased toward the locked position. At block C, during the insertion step, the valve locking elements can be actuated toward their unlocked positions, moving the lip engaging portions radially inward toward the spindle. At block D, during the securing step, the valve locking elements can be allowed to return toward their locked positions, whereby the lip engaging portions engage with securing grooves provided on a radially inward wall of the receiving chamber.

[0083] The following list matches certain terms used in this disclosure with corresponding reference numerals used in the non-limiting examples shown in the figures.

[0084] 100 quick fill device

[0085] 102 body portion

[0086] 104 valve engaging end

[0087] 106 opposite end

[0088] 108 spindle

[0089] 110 valve trigger hole

[0090] 112 discharge trigger hole

[0091] 114 fuel supply port

[0092] 116 valve trigger pin

[0093] 118 discharge trigger pin

[0094] 120 handle element

[0095] 122 valve locking element

[0096] 124 lip engaging portion (of valve locking element)

[0097] 126 gripping portion (of valve locking element)

[0098] 128 handle pivot

[0099] 130 lock pivot

[0100] 132 valve pin spring (e.g., conical disc washer; e.g., Belleville washer)

[0101] 134 fill tube

[0102] 136 radial direction outward of spindle

[0103] 138 first tube relief passage (of handle element)

[0104] 140 transfer block

[0105] 142 valve stem block

[0106] 144 latching element

[0107] 146 latching spring

[0108] 148 second tube relief passage (of latching element)

[0109] 150 lock spring (e.g., tension spring)

[0110] 152 block seal element (e.g., O-ring)

[0111] 154 block fastener (e.g., threads; e.g., hex socket cap screw)

[0112] 156 first valve trigger seal (e.g., O-ring)

[0113] 158 second valve trigger seal (e.g., O-ring)

[0114] 160 valve trigger retaining element (e.g., side mount retaining ring)

[0115] 162 drain trigger spring (e.g., compression spring)

[0116] 164 drain trigger retaining element (e.g., side mount retaining ring)

[0117] 166 handle positioning pin

[0118] 168 latching positioning pin

[0119] 170 valve positioning pin

[0120] 172 valve stem portion (of valve stem block)

[0121] 174 fixed sleeve

[0122] 176 fuel supply flow path

[0123] 178 overfill drain flow path

[0124] 180 valve securing mechanism

[0125] 182 valve trigger pin clip slot

[0126] 184 drain trigger pin clip slot

[0127] 186 handle stop

[0128] 188 stop release device

[0129] 190 overpressure relief flow path

[0130] 192 fuel delivery flow path

[0131] 200 valve assembly

[0132] 202 pressure vessel

[0133] 204 valve shaft

[0134] 206 valve housing

[0135] 208 fill valve (e.g., poppet valve or Schrader valve)

[0136] 210 overfill valve pin

[0137] 212 overpressure relief valve

[0138] 214 dip tube

[0139] 216 adapter end

[0140] 218 vessel end

[0141] 220 containment chamber

[0142] 222 radially inward wall (of the containment chamber)

[0143] 224 retention groove

[0144] 226 threaded portion (of the valve housing)

[0145] 228 valve stem seal (e.g., O-ring)

[0146] 230 overpressure upper seal (e.g., O-ring)

[0147] 232 overfill lower seal (e.g., gasket)

[0148] 234 overfill upper seal (e.g., O-ring)

[0149] 236 valve stem chamber (of a portion of the containment chamber)

[0150] 238 overfill drain port

[0151] 240 overpressure drain port

[0152] 242 fill valve vessel

[0153] 244 overfill vessel

[0154] 246 overpressure vessel

[0155] 248 overpressure lower seal

[0156] 250 overpressure spring

[0157] 252 draw seat

[0158] 254 O-ring seat

[0159] 256 fill valve spring

[0160] 258 fill valve seal

[0161] 260 seal retainer

[0162] 262 overfill valve spring

[0163] 264 overpressure vent chamber

[0164] 266 epoxy (e.g., Loctite E-60HP)

[0165] 268 overfill vent screw

[0166] 270 seal retainer

[0167] 272 securing lip

[0168] 300 quick fill system (quick fill device in combination with valve assembly)

[0169] 302 fuel supply (e.g., gravity fed or pressure fed)

[0170] 304 fuel supply conduit (e.g., flexible tube)

[0171] 306 fuel (e.g., propane, butane, etc.)

[0172] 308 ambient environment

[0173] 310 valve connection adapter (e.g., CGA 600 type)

[0174] 312 fuel consuming device (e.g., barbecue grill or heater)

[0175] 314 method

[0176] While embodiments of the application have been described and illustrated, it is not intended that the application be limited to these embodiments only. Instead, the description used herein is illustrative of various embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, changes, substitutions and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the application.

Claims

1. A rapid filling device for use with a fuel valve, the device comprising: The main body has a valve engagement end, a fuel supply port, and a valve trigger hole, the valve trigger hole extending along the main shaft through the valve engagement end, the fuel supply port being in fluid communication with the valve trigger hole, and the valve engagement end being configured to be inserted into a receiving chamber of a valve assembly. A valve trigger pin extends through the valve trigger hole and is movable between a valve open position and a valve deactivated position; An emission trigger pin, which is movable between an emission enable position and an emission disable position; A valve fixing mechanism configured to releasably fix the valve engagement end to the receiving chamber; A handle element that is movable relative to the main body between an open position and a closed position; A locking element that is movable between a handle locked position and a handle released position; in, (i) The movement of the handle element toward the open position forces the valve trigger pin to the valve activation position and forces the discharge trigger pin to the discharge activation position; (ii) Movement of the handle element toward the closed position allows the valve trigger pin to return to the valve deactivated position and allows the discharge trigger pin to return to the discharge deactivated position; (iii) The handle element is elastically biased toward the closed position; (iv) When the locking element is in the handle release position, the handle element is movable from the closed position to the open position; and (v) When the locking element is in the handle locked position, prevent the handle element from moving from the closed position to the open position.

2. The rapid filling device according to claim 1, wherein, (a) The main body includes a discharge trigger hole; and (b) The emission trigger pin extends through the emission trigger hole.

3. The rapid filling device according to claim 2, wherein, The movement of both the valve trigger pin and the discharge trigger pin is parallel to the main shaft.

4. The rapid filling device according to claim 3, wherein, Both the valve trigger hole and the discharge trigger hole extend parallel to the main shaft and completely through the main body.

5. The rapid filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, (a) The valve trigger pin is elastically biased toward the valve deactivated position; and (b) The emission trigger pin is elastically biased toward the emission deactivation position.

6. The rapid filling device according to claim 1, wherein, (a) The valve fixing mechanism includes a first valve locking element and a second valve locking element, each valve locking element having a lip engagement portion and a gripping portion, and each valve locking element being actuable relative to the main body portion between a locked position and an unlocked position, each valve locking element being elastically biased toward the locked position; and (b) Actuation of the valve locking element toward the unlocked position causes the lip engagement to move radially inward toward the main shaft.

7. The rapid filling device according to claim 6, wherein, The lip engagement is configured such that when the valve locking element is in the locked position, the lip engagement engages with a fixing groove, wherein the fixing groove is disposed on the radially inward wall of the receiving chamber.

8. The rapid filling device according to claim 6, wherein, The valve locking elements are laterally opposite each other on the radially opposite sides of the main shaft.

9. The rapid filling device according to claim 8, wherein, Actuation of each valve locking element is performed around a locking pivot axis, which is perpendicular to the main shaft.

10. The rapid filling device according to claim 9, wherein, The movement of the handle element is about a handle pivot axis, which is perpendicular to the main shaft and the locking pivot axis.

11. The rapid filling device according to claim 1, wherein, (a) The valve trigger pin is elastically biased toward the valve deactivated position; and (b) The resilient bias of the handle element is achieved at least in part by the resilient bias of the valve trigger pin.

12. The rapid filling device according to claim 11, wherein, The elastic bias of the valve trigger pin is achieved through multiple conical disc washers.

13. The rapid filling device according to claim 1, wherein, The valve fixing mechanism includes a fixing sleeve that is rotatable about the main shaft relative to the main body, and the fixing sleeve is configured to thread into the threaded portion of the valve housing of the valve assembly.

14. The rapid filling device according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a filling tube, which is fixed to the fuel supply port in a fluid supply communication manner, and the filling tube is rigid. The filling tube and the handle element are elongated and extend in a common radial direction outside the main shaft.

15. The rapid filling device according to claim 14, wherein, The handle element includes a first tube relief channel configured to at least partially accommodate the filling tube when the handle element is in the open position.

16. The rapid filling device according to claim 1, wherein, The main body consists of a conveyor block and a valve stem block.

17. The rapid filling device according to claim 1, wherein, The locking element is elastically biased toward the handle in the locked position.

18. The rapid filling device according to claim 17, wherein, The elastic bias of the locking element is lower than that of the handle element.

19. The rapid filling device according to claim 18, wherein, The elastic bias of the locking element and the handle element is provided at least in part by a locking spring disposed between the locking element and the handle element.

20. The rapid filling device according to claim 19, wherein, It also includes a filling tube, which is fixed to the fuel supply port in a fluid supply communication manner, and the filling tube is rigid. And among them (a) The handle element includes a first tube relief channel configured to at least partially receive the filling tube when the handle element is in the open position; and (b) The locking element includes a second tube relief channel configured to at least partially receive the filling tube when the locking element is in the handle release position.

21. A method for filling a pressure vessel with fuel via a fuel valve, the method comprising: Select a valve assembly having a valve body, a filling valve, a draw tube, and an overfill valve pin, the valve body having an adapter end and a container end opposite the adapter end defining a receiving chamber, the filling valve being movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, and the overfill valve pin being movable between a fluid-sealed position and a fluid-discharge configuration; A rapid filling device is provided, comprising: (a) A main body having a valve engagement end, a fuel supply port and a valve trigger hole, the valve trigger hole extending along the main shaft through the valve engagement end, and the fuel supply port being in fluid communication with the valve trigger hole; (b) A valve trigger pin that extends through the valve trigger hole and is movable between a valve in an active position and a valve deactivated position; (c) An emission trigger pin, which is movable between an emission enable position and an emission disable position; (d) A valve fixing mechanism configured to releasably fix the valve engagement end in the receiving chamber; (e) a handle element that is movable relative to the main body between an open position and a closed position; and (f) a locking element that is movable between a handle locked position and a handle released position; in, (i) The movement of the handle element to the open position forces the valve trigger pin to the valve enable position and forces the discharge trigger pin to the discharge enable position; (ii) Movement of the handle element toward the closed position allows the valve trigger pin to return to the valve deactivated position and allows the discharge trigger pin to return to the discharge deactivated position; (iii) The handle element is elastically biased toward the closed position; (iv) When the locking element is in the handle release position, the handle element is movable from the closed position to the open position; and (v) When the locking element is in the handle locked position, it prevents the handle element from moving from the closed position to the open position; Insert the valve engagement end into the receiving chamber; The valve engagement end is fixed in the receiving chamber by the valve fixing mechanism; Move the locking element to the handle release position; and Move the handle element to the open position, thereby causing: (a) The valve trigger pin forces the filling valve into the open configuration; (b) Fuel flows from the fuel supply port into the pressure vessel; and (c) The discharge trigger pin forces the overfill valve pin into the fluid discharge configuration.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The fuel flows by gravity filling.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The flow of fuel is achieved through the pressure difference between the pressure vessel and the fuel supply.

24. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The valve fixing mechanism includes a first valve locking element and a second valve locking element. Each valve locking element has a lip engagement portion and a gripping portion, and each valve locking element is actuable relative to the main body portion between a locked position and an unlocked position. Each valve locking element is elastically biased toward the locked position. During the insertion step, the valve locking element is actuated toward the unlocked position of the valve locking element, thereby moving the lip engagement radially inward toward the main shaft; as well as During the fixing step, the valve locking element is allowed to return to its locked position, thereby engaging the fixing groove on the radially inward wall of the receiving chamber.

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