Safety valves and boxes

By coordinating the triggering unit and spring preload stroke in the safety valve, reliable triggering and smooth gas discharge of the safety valve are achieved at extreme temperatures, solving the problem of unsmooth triggering under temperature conditions in the prior art and improving the reliability and efficiency of the safety valve.

CN116670424BActive Publication Date: 2026-01-30ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202180081283.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-12-04
Filing Date
2021-10-28
Publication Date
2026-01-30
Estimated Expiration
2041-10-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing safety valves are difficult to reliably trigger simultaneously under extreme temperatures and pressures, and when triggered by temperature, the spring force needs to be overcome, which leads to obstructed gas discharge.

Method used

Design a safety valve in which the size of the trigger unit collapsing at extreme temperatures and the preload stroke of the spring are coordinated to allow the valve needle to move freely upon temperature triggering, releasing the valve needle via a thermally activated trigger unit, and optionally using a locking device to ensure an irreversible opening process.

Benefits of technology

This improves the reliability and gas discharge efficiency of the safety valve at extreme temperatures, reduces the dependence on spring force during gas discharge, and ensures the reliability and smooth operation of the safety valve.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a safety valve comprising a valve body having a guide bore defining a longitudinal axis, a first opening constructed at the bottom of the guide bore, and a second opening spaced apart from the bottom along the longitudinal axis, the second opening extending in a radial direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; a valve needle axially movably supported in the guide bore of the valve body, the valve needle having a sealing surface facing the first opening; a compression spring device having a spring compressed by a preload stroke, thereby preloading the valve needle along the longitudinal axis to a sealing position in which the sealing surface of the valve needle seals the first opening; and a thermally activatable trigger unit having an extension dimension along the longitudinal axis greater than the preload stroke, and the trigger unit being configured to collapse upon reaching a trigger temperature, wherein the compression spring device is supported against the trigger unit.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a safety valve and housing, particularly for use in motor vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen is becoming increasingly important as an energy carrier. Hydrogen gas is typically stored in closed containers at pressures higher than the ambient pressure. These containers are usually equipped with safety valves to allow for controlled release of the gas if the pressure inside the container exceeds a certain limit or if other reasons necessitate release, such as in the event of a fire.

[0003] US 5,632,297 A, for example, describes a safety valve that triggers not only under overpressure but also upon reaching a limiting temperature. The safety valve includes a valve body having a bore with a first opening at the bottom and a second opening spaced apart from the bottom on the side circumferential surface of the bore; a piston guided within the bore; a compression spring; a stop; and a plug that melts at the limiting temperature. The compression spring is supported on the piston and the stop. The stop itself rests against the plug, such that the spring seals the piston against the first opening. When the plug melts, the force exerted by the spring via the stop and the force exerted by the gas on the piston forces the material of the plug open, allowing the piston to be lifted out of the first opening by the gas. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the present invention, a safety valve having the features of claim 1 and a housing having the features of claim 10 are provided.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, a safety valve is provided, particularly for gas chambers. The safety valve includes a valve body having a guide bore defining a longitudinal axis; a first opening constructed at the bottom of the guide bore and a second opening constructed along the longitudinal axis and spaced apart from the bottom, the second opening extending in a radial direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; a valve needle axially movably supported in the guide bore of the valve body, the valve needle having a sealing surface facing the first opening; a compression spring device having a spring compressed by a preload stroke, particularly relative to an unloaded state or relative to a state where the spring rests against a stop, thereby preloading the valve needle along the longitudinal axis to a sealing position in which the sealing surface of the valve needle seals the first opening; and the safety valve includes a thermally activated trigger unit having an extension dimension or length along the longitudinal axis greater than the preload stroke, and the trigger unit being configured to collapse upon reaching a trigger temperature, wherein the compression spring device is supported against the trigger unit.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the invention, a housing is provided, particularly for motor vehicles. The housing has a container for receiving gas, particularly for receiving hydrogen, and a safety valve according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0007] One of the concepts upon which this invention is based is that, in a safety valve that triggers not only when the ultimate pressure is exceeded but also when the ultimate temperature is exceeded, the design dimensions of the trigger unit that collapses upon reaching the ultimate temperature and the preload stroke of the spring can be coordinated with each other, so that when the trigger unit collapses, the valve needle, which seals the opening of the safety valve relative to the container, can move freely axially, especially without being loaded by the spring force. In the safety valve according to the invention, the spring of the compression spring device is compressed by a defined preload stroke. That is, relative to the relaxed state or relative to the state in which the spring is supported on two axially opposite stops, the spring is compressed by a defined stroke. The valve needle is preloaded to the sealing position by the spring force. Here, the trigger unit is supported on the valve needle and the compression spring device, and the compression spring device is supported on the stop of the valve body. Alternatively, the compression spring device is directly supported on the valve needle and the trigger unit, which itself is supported on the stop of the valve body. In both cases, the trigger unit has a longer stroke than the preload stroke of the spring. That is, the trigger unit is configured such that, when the trigger unit, for example, breaks, it releases a stroke longer than the preload stroke. Thus, the spring and the valve needle are kinematically decoupled, and the valve needle is released in the axial direction.

[0008] This configuration allows for improved reliability in releasing the valve needle from its sealed position under temperature-induced triggering conditions. In particular, it advantageously reduces the force required to remove the valve body from its sealed position by applying gas flowing through the first opening, as spring force is no longer needed. Therefore, valve safety is further improved.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the safety valve may have a locking device comprising a locking body and a spring. The locking body is movably supported in a locking slot extending radially in the valve body. The spring preloads the locking body radially toward the longitudinal axis. A second opening of the valve body is arranged between the locking slot and the bottom relative to the longitudinal axis. A valve needle has a locking groove positioned between the locking slot and the bottom of the valve body at a predetermined distance relative to the locking slot in the valve needle's sealing position. When the valve needle retracts a predetermined distance from the first opening, the locking body engages in the locking groove in its locked position, extending into the guide hole. Therefore, a locking mechanism is provided that axially fixes the valve body in a released position, wherein, in the released position, the sealing surface is spaced apart from the bottom of the guide hole, and the locking groove is arranged horizontally to the locking hole relative to the longitudinal axis. Therefore, it reliably prevents the sealing surface from pressing against the bottom of the guide hole and sealing the first opening when the valve needle is raised by a stroke corresponding to the distance between the locking hole and the locking groove in the sealing position of the valve needle, for example, when the trigger unit fails. This ensures an irreversible opening or discharging process and thus further improves the reliability of the valve.

[0010] In some implementations, the locking element can be a sphere. This advantageously provides a solution with a simple structural design.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the compression spring device may have a spring sleeve having a bottom and a flange opposite the bottom, and the spring being a helical spring supported on the flange of the spring sleeve and on a stop fixedly arranged relative to the bottom of the guide hole and relative to the longitudinal axis. A trigger unit is supported on the bottom of the spring sleeve and on the end of the valve needle opposite the sealing surface. The spring sleeve may, for example, have a sleeve body, with the bottom arranged at a first end of the sleeve body and a flange projecting radially outward from the sleeve body at a second end of the sleeve body. The spring sleeve is preferably positioned in the valve body such that the flange faces the bottom of the guide hole relative to the longitudinal axis. The stop supported by the spring may be formed, for example, by a threaded cap screwed onto the valve body. The helical spring offers the advantages of being cost-effective to manufacture and allowing for very precise adjustment of its preload. The arrangement of the trigger unit supported on the valve needle and the bottom of the sleeve causes the trigger unit to extend into the sleeve body. This achieves a compact structure in the axial direction. Simultaneously, the spring is spatially separated from the trigger unit by a spring sleeve to prevent functional impairment between them.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the valve body may have a shoulder surface surrounding the end of a guide hole opposite to the bottom of the guide hole in the radial direction. A flange of a spring sleeve faces and is spaced apart from the shoulder surface, and when the trigger unit collapses, the flange is pressed against the shoulder surface by the spring. The guide hole may, for example, lead to an inner chamber or cavity of the valve body in which the spring sleeve and the helical spring are arranged. The valve body has a shoulder surface or stop surface that defines the inner chamber relative to the longitudinal axis, and the guide hole extends from this shoulder surface or stop surface. When the trigger unit collapses, the spring presses the spring sleeve against the stop surface or shoulder surface. Therefore, continued movement of the spring sleeve toward the valve body is prevented by the shoulder surface, and this also reliably prevents the valve body from being accidentally pressed into a sealed position when the trigger unit collapses.

[0013] According to some implementations, the outer diameter of the valve needle and the inner diameter of the spring sleeve can be designed such that when the trigger unit fails, the valve needle can be at least partially guided into the spring sleeve. Therefore, the valve needle can be at least partially received in the spring sleeve after the trigger unit fails. This achieves a compact structure. Furthermore, it facilitates the kinematic decoupling of the compression spring device and the valve needle after the trigger unit fails.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the compression spring device can be configured with a spring carrier, and the spring is constructed as a disc spring connected to the spring carrier and supported on the end of the valve needle opposite the sealing surface. The trigger unit is supported on the spring carrier and on a stop that is fixedly arranged relative to the bottom of the guide hole with respect to the longitudinal axis. The spring carrier can, for example, be substantially plate-shaped. The disc spring offers the advantage of being very compact relative to the axial direction. The disc spring can, for example, have an extension relative to the longitudinal axis in the relaxed state ranging from 5% to 20%, particularly 7% to 12%, of the length of the trigger unit. Therefore, kinematic decoupling between the compression spring device and the valve needle is ensured in a very simple structural design.

[0015] According to some implementations, the valve body can be configured to have external threads, which allow it to be screwed into the opening of the container. This facilitates reliable coupling of the safety valve to the container.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the trigger unit can be configured with a glass ampoule filled with liquid. The glass ampoule is typically an elongated, e.g., cylindrical hollow body that receives the liquid. The glass ampoule is sealed, and its wall thickness is designed such that when the liquid expands due to increased temperature, causing the internal pressure of the glass ampoule to exceed a limit, the glass ampoule collapses or breaks. This solution offers the advantage of enabling trigger units with relatively large axial extension dimensions. However, the critical temperature at which the trigger unit collapses can be adjusted very precisely, for example, by the wall thickness of the glass ampoule and / or by the properties and / or quantity of the liquid. Another advantage is that the liquid does not affect the function or mobility of the valve needle after the glass ampoule collapses. Unlike plugs made of fusible materials (where there is a risk of molten material re-solidifying within the valve body), no measures are necessary to remove material or liquid from the valve body. This facilitates the arrangement of the trigger unit within the valve body.

[0017] Regarding the description of directions and axes, especially those relating to the orientation of physical structures, the orientation of one axis, direction, or structure "along" another axis, direction, or structure is understood as the tangents generated in the corresponding parts of these axes, directions, or structures extending at angles of less than 45 degrees, preferably less than 30 degrees, and especially preferably parallel to each other.

[0018] Regarding the description of directions and axes, especially those relating to the orientation of physical structures, the orientation of one axis, direction, or structure "transverse to" another axis, direction, or structure is understood as the tangents generated in the corresponding parts of these axes, directions, or structures extending at an angle of 45 degrees or more, preferably 60 degrees or more, and especially preferably perpendicular to each other. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a safety valve according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the valve needle is arranged in a sealed position and the safety valve is fixed in the opening of the container;

[0021] Figure 2 : Figure 1 Safety valve 1, wherein the triggering unit fails and the valve needle is positioned in the release position;

[0022] Figure 3 :exist Figure 2 A detailed view of the area marked by the letter Z for the safety valve shown;

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a safety valve according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the valve needle is arranged in a sealed position and the safety valve is fixed in the opening of the container; and

[0024] Figure 5 : Figure 4 The safety valve, wherein the trigger unit fails and the valve needle is positioned in the release position.

[0025] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals denote the same or functionally equivalent parts. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Figure 1 An exemplary container 200 is shown, which has a container 205 for receiving a gas, such as hydrogen, and a safety valve 100. The container 200 can be carried, for example, in a motor vehicle (not shown) or other vehicle, such as a ship or aircraft. Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, container 205 has an opening 210 in which safety valve 100 is fixed. The opening 210 may, for example, be provided with an internal thread 211, into which safety valve 100 is screwed by an external thread 19 provided on the outer periphery of the valve body 1 of valve 100, as in... Figure 1 As illustrated in the example.

[0027] As in Figure 1As exemplarily shown, the safety valve 100 includes a valve body 1, a valve needle 2, a compression spring device 3, and a trigger unit 4. Optionally, a locking device 5 may also be provided, such as in... Figure 1 As exemplarily shown in the example. Alternatively, a closing cover 60 may also be provided.

[0028] As in Figure 1 As exemplarily illustrated, the valve body 1 may be an elongated shape extending between a first end 1A and a second end 1B. (As shown in...) Figure 1 As shown, the valve body 1 has a guide hole 10 defining a longitudinal axis L1. A radial direction R1 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L1. The valve body 1 may, for example, define a cavity extending along the longitudinal axis L1, which is limited on one side by a shoulder surface 18a extending transversely to the longitudinal axis L1, and has an end opening 12 at a second end 1B of the valve body 1. Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, the guide hole 10 can extend as a blind hole from the shoulder surface 18a. The guide hole 10 thus extends between the bottom 11 and the opposite hole opening 14 in the region located at the first end 1A of the valve body 1. Therefore, the stop surface or shoulder surface 18a surrounds the end of the guide hole 10 opposite the bottom 11 of the guide hole 11 with respect to the axial direction R1.

[0029] In addition, such as in Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, the valve body 1 has a first opening 13 constructed on the bottom 11 of the guide hole 10 and a second opening 15 extending in the radial direction R1 and spaced apart from the first opening 13, or rather, from the bottom 11 of the guide hole 10, along the longitudinal axis L1. Figure 1 As shown, the first opening 13 extends between the bottom 11 and the first end 1A of the valve body 1, or the end face forming the first end 1A. The second opening 15 extends between the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 1 defining the guide hole 10 and the outer circumferential surface opposite to the inner circumferential surface with respect to the radial direction R1.

[0030] As in Figure 1 The diagram also exemplarily illustrates that the valve body 1 may also have an optional locking slot 17 extending between the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the valve body 1. (As shown in...) Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, the locking slot 17 can be positioned such that the second opening 15 of the valve body 1 is arranged between the locking slot 17 and the bottom 11 relative to the longitudinal axis L1.

[0031] As already mentioned, the valve body 1 may optionally have external threads 19 formed on its outer circumferential surface. Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, the external thread 19 may be constructed in the intermediate region located between the first end and the second end 1A, 1B.

[0032] If the safety valve 100 is fixed in the opening 210 of the container 200, for example by tightening the external thread 19 of the valve body 1 to the internal thread 211 of the opening 210 of the container 200, as in Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, the first end 1A of the valve body 1 and thus the first opening 11 of the valve body 11 face the interior space 201 of the container 200, as in Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. Furthermore, the second opening 15 of the valve body 1 can be arranged aligned with the side opening 215 of the container 200, as shown in... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram.

[0033] As in Figure 1 The diagram also exemplarily illustrates that the valve body 1 may have a circumferential groove 16 constructed on the outer circumferential surface in the region of the first end 1A, in which a sealing ring 7 is received. As in... Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, the sealing ring 7 can be abutted against the inner surface of the container 205, particularly the opening 210.

[0034] An optional closure 60 can, for example, be screwed into an internal thread 62 via an external thread 61, which is formed in the opening 12 of the valve body 1 in the region of the second end 1B, as in Figure 1 As illustrated in the example.

[0035] The valve needle 2 can in particular be configured as a piston extending between a first end 21 and a second end 22, as in Figure 1 As exemplarily shown in the diagram, the valve needle 2 has a sealing surface 2a on its first end 21, which is formed, for example, by the end face of the valve needle 2 itself or as shown in... Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, it is formed by a sealing cover 23 connected to the end face 2a, which may be constructed, for example, from an elastomeric material. A recess 24 is formed on the second end 22, as shown in... Figure 1 As exemplarily shown in the example. Alternatively, the end face constituting the second end 22 may also be flat, as in Figure 4 As illustrated in the example.

[0036] The valve needle 2 may optionally have a locking groove 25, which is spaced apart from the first end 21 and constructed on the outer peripheral surface of the piston, as shown in... Figure 1 As illustrated in the example.

[0037] As in Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, the valve needle 2 is movably guided along the longitudinal axis L1 within the guide hole 10 of the valve body 1. The sealing surface 2a of the valve needle 2 is oriented towards the bottom 11 of the guide hole 10. Figure 1 The image shows the valve needle 2 in a sealed position, where the sealing surface 2a abuts against the bottom 11 of the guide hole 10. (Exemplary example...) Figure 2 In the release position shown, the sealing surface 2a is spaced apart from the bottom 11 of the guide hole 10 and the first opening 13 is released, so that gas can flow through the first opening 13 into the guide hole 10 and out through the second opening 15 from the guide hole.

[0038] The compression spring device 3 has a spring 30 and may also include a spring sleeve 31, as in Figure 1 As exemplarily shown in the example. Spring 30, as in Figure 1 The example shown could be a helical spring 30A. For example, in... Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, the spring sleeve 31 may have a sleeve body 31C, wherein a bottom 31A is formed at a first end of the sleeve body and a flange 31B projecting radially outward from the sleeve body 31C is formed at a second end opposite to the bottom. The flange 31B faces the shoulder surface 18a, or the bottom 11 of the guide hole 10.

[0039] As in Figure 1 As shown, the compression spring device 3 can be arranged in the internal space or chamber of the valve body 1 between the shoulder surface 18a and the end opening 12. For example, in Figure 1 As shown, the sleeve body 31C can be inserted into the helical spring 30A, wherein the helical spring 30A abuts against the flange 31B and the closing cover 60 or another stop 6, which is fixed in position relative to the valve body 1, and in particular relative to the bottom 11 of the guide hole 10.

[0040] The trigger unit 4 is thermally activated, causing it to collapse upon reaching or exceeding a limiting temperature. The trigger unit 4 may, for example, have a glass ampoule 40 filled with liquid, as in... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. If the extreme temperature is reached or exceeded, the glass ampoule 40 will rupture due to excessive internal pressure caused by the thermal expansion of the liquid.

[0041] As in Figure 1 As exemplarily illustrated, the glass ampoule 40, or more generally, the trigger unit 4, can be an elongated body extending between a first end 41 and a second end 42. The trigger unit has a predetermined length or longitudinal extension dimension between the first and second ends 41, 42. (As shown in...) Figure 1As shown, the trigger unit 4 can be arranged relative to the longitudinal axis L1 between the bottom 31A of the spring sleeve 31 and the second end 22 of the valve needle 2. Specifically, the trigger unit 4 is supported on the bottom 31A of the spring sleeve 31 and the second end 22 of the valve needle 2. The second end 42 of the trigger unit 4 can be received, for example, in a groove or recess 24 constructed on the second end 22 of the valve needle 2. The first end 41 of the trigger unit 4 can rest against the bottom 31A of the spring sleeve 31 and optionally also be received in a corresponding recess, such as in… Figure 1 As illustrated in the example.

[0042] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment, with the trigger unit 4 intact and mechanically undamaged, the trigger unit 4 kinematically couples the compression spring device 3 to the valve needle 2. Specifically, the spring 30 is compressed by a preload stroke V, thereby preloading the valve needle 2 into a sealing position along the longitudinal axis L1. The extension dimension or length of the trigger unit 4 along the longitudinal axis L1 is here greater than the preload stroke V of the spring 30. The flange 31B of the spring sleeve 31 facing the shoulder surface 18a... Figure 1 In the state shown, it is arranged at a distance from the shoulder surface 18a.

[0043] If the pressure inside the container 205 201 exceeds a predetermined limit sufficient to overcome the preload of the spring 30, the valve needle 2 moves axially to the release position, allowing gas to flow out through the first opening 11 and the second opening 15, and if necessary, through the side opening 215.

[0044] If the temperature reaches or exceeds the trigger temperature of trigger unit 4, trigger unit 4 will fail. This state is illustrated in... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. Through the collapse of the trigger unit 4, the valve needle 2 is kinematically decoupled from the compression spring device 3 because the extension dimension or length l4 of the trigger unit 4 along the longitudinal axis L1 is greater than the preload stroke V of the spring 30, and the valve needle can move freely axially within the guide hole 10. Furthermore, as in... Figure 2 As can be seen, if the trigger unit 4 fails, the flange 31B can be pressed against the shoulder surface 18a by the spring 30. The shoulder surface 18a thus forms a stop that prevents the sleeve 31 from moving further toward the valve needle 2. Figure 2 As can be seen, the outer diameter d2 of the valve needle 2 and the inner diameter d31 of the spring sleeve 31 or the sleeve body 31C can be designed in such a way that when the triggering unit 4 fails, the valve needle 2 can be at least partially guided into the spring sleeve 31.

[0045] Figure 2 As illustrated purely by way of example, the valve needle 2 is locked in the release position by an optional locking device 5. This prevents the valve needle 2 from returning to the sealing position.

[0046] Optional locking device 5 Figure 3 This is shown in detail. For example, in... Figure 3 As exemplarily shown, the locking device 5 has a locking body 50, which may be configured as a ball, and a spring 51. The locking body 50 is movably supported in a locking slot 17 of the valve body 1. The spring 51, which may be implemented as a helical spring, is also received in the locking slot 17 and preloads the locking body 50 toward the guide hole 10 or toward the longitudinal axis L1. The spring 51 may, for example, be supported on a closure 52 that covers the locking slot 17 on the outer periphery of the valve body 1, as shown in... Figure 2 As illustrated schematically.

[0047] As in Figure 1 As can be seen, the locking groove 25 of the valve needle 2 is positioned between the locking groove 17 and the bottom 11 of the valve body 1 at a predetermined distance relative to the locking groove 17 in the sealing position of the valve needle 2. When the valve needle 2 retracts to the release position, such that the sealing surface 2a is positioned at a predetermined distance from the bottom 11 of the guide hole 2, the locking groove 25 is at the same level as the locking groove 17 relative to the longitudinal axis L1, as shown in... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. Here, the spring 51 preloads the locking body 50 into the locked position, in which the locking body extends into the guide hole 10 and engages with the locking groove 25, as shown in the diagram. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the diagram.

[0048] exist Figure 4 Another safety valve 100 is shown as an example, which is fixed in the opening 210 of the container 200. Figure 4 The safety valve 100 shown in the example is with Figures 1 to 3 The only difference between the safety valve shown is the structure of the compression spring device 3 and the arrangement of the trigger unit 4.

[0049] As in Figure 4 As schematically shown, the compression spring device 3 may have a spring carrier 33, and the spring 30 may be configured as a disc spring 30B. The spring carrier 33 may, for example, be implemented as a plate, wherein the disc spring 30B rests against a first surface 33a of the spring carrier 33. Optionally, the spring carrier 33 may have a groove 33C formed on a second surface 33b of the spring carrier 33 opposite to the first surface 33a, as shown in... Figure 4 As illustrated in the example.

[0050] As in Figure 4As exemplarily shown, a disc spring 30B is supported on the second end 22 of the valve needle 2. For example, a trigger unit 4, which may extend into a groove 33C of the spring carrier 33, is supported on the spring carrier 33 and the closing cover 60, or on another stop 6 which is positioned relative to the bottom 11 of the guide hole 10 and fixed relative to that bottom position relative to the longitudinal axis L1.

[0051] exist Figure 4 In this configuration, trigger unit 4 is mechanically intact, and valve needle 2 is positioned in its sealing position. Disc spring 30B is spaced apart from shoulder surface 18a and preloads valve needle 2 into the sealing position. If trigger unit 4 fails due to exceeding the trigger temperature, as in... Figure 5 As schematically shown, the compression spring device 3 is kinematically decoupled from the valve needle. In this case, the compression spring device 3 can freely move into the cavity extending between the shoulder surface 18a and the closing cover 60 of the valve body 1. Therefore, the valve needle 2 can move to the release position without having to work against the preload of the spring 30.

[0052] Although the present invention has been exemplarily described with reference to the above embodiments, the invention is not limited thereto, but can be modified in various ways. In particular, combinations of the above embodiments are also conceivable.

Claims

1. A safety valve (100) having: a valve body (1) having a guide bore (10) defining a longitudinal axis (LI), a first opening (13) configured on a bottom (11) of the guide bore (10) and a second opening (15) configured along the longitudinal axis (LI) spaced apart from the bottom (11) of the guide bore (10), the second opening extending along a radial direction (Rl) extending transverse to the longitudinal axis (LI); a valve needle (2) axially movably supported in the guide bore (10) of the valve body (1), the valve needle having a sealing face (2a) facing the first opening (13); a compression spring device (3) having a spring (30), the spring being compressed by a pre-travel (V) and thereby pre-tensioning the valve needle (2) along the longitudinal axis (LI) into a sealing position in which the sealing face (2a) of the valve needle (2) seals the first opening (13); and the compression spring device (3) being supported against the trigger unit (4), a locking device (5) having a locking body (50) and a further spring, the locking body being movably supported in a locking notch (17) of the valve body (1) extending along the radial direction (Rl); the further spring pre-tensioning the locking body (50) along the radial direction (Rl) towards the longitudinal axis (LI), wherein the second opening (15) of the valve body (1) is arranged between the locking notch (17) and the bottom (11) of the guide bore with respect to the longitudinal axis (LI), and wherein the valve needle (2) has a locking groove (25) positioned between the locking notch (17) and the bottom of the valve body (1) in the sealing position of the valve needle (2) in a manner having a predetermined distance with respect to the locking notch (17), and wherein the locking body (50) is embedded into the locking groove (25) in a locking position in which the locking body projects into the guide bore (10) when the valve needle (2) is retracted from the first opening (13) by the predetermined distance. The locking body (50) is a ball. The compression spring device (3) has a spring sleeve (31) having a bottom (31A) and a flange (31B) opposite the bottom, and the spring (30) of the compression spring device (3) is configured as a coil spring (30A) supported on the flange (31B) of the spring sleeve (31) and on a stop (6) arranged opposite the bottom (11) of the guide bore (10) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LI) and position-fixed with respect to the bottom, and wherein the trigger unit (4) is supported on the bottom (31A) of the spring sleeve (31) and on an end (22) of the valve needle (2) opposite the sealing face (2a). ​ a thermally activatable trigger unit (4) having an extension (l4) along the longitudinal axis (L1) which is greater than the pre-tension travel (V) and which is configured to collapse upon reaching a trigger temperature, wherein ​ ​ ​ 2. The safety valve (100) of claim 1, wherein, ​ 3. The safety valve (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein ​ 4. The safety valve (100) of claim 3, wherein, The valve body (1) has a shoulder face (18a) which surrounds the end of the guide hole (10) opposite the bottom (11) of the guide hole (10) with respect to the radial direction (R1), wherein a flange (31B) of the spring sleeve (31) faces the shoulder face (18a) and is arranged spaced apart from the shoulder face (18a), and wherein the flange (31B) is clamped against the shoulder face (18a) by the spring (30) of the compression spring device (3) when the trigger unit (4) collapses.

5. The safety valve (100) of claim 3, wherein, The outer diameter (d2) of the valve needle (2) and the inner diameter (d31) of the spring sleeve (31) are dimensioned such that the valve needle (2) can at least partially be introduced into the spring sleeve (31) when the trigger unit (4) collapses.

6. The safety valve (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The compression spring device (3) has a spring carrier (33), and the spring (30) of the compression spring device (3) is configured as a disc spring (30B) which is connected to the spring carrier (33) and bears on the end (22) of the valve needle (2) opposite the sealing face (2a), and wherein the trigger unit (4) bears on the spring carrier (33) and on a stop (6) which is arranged opposite the bottom (11) of the guide hole (10) and positionally fixed with respect to the longitudinal axis (L1).

7. The safety valve (100) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 5, wherein, The valve body (1) has an outer thread (19) by means of which the valve body (1) can be screwed into an opening (210) of a container (205).

8. The safety valve (100) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 5, wherein, The trigger unit (4) has a glass ampoule (40) which is filled with a liquid.

9. A tank (200) having: a container (205) for receiving a gas; and a safety valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. The case (200) of claim 9, wherein, The tank (200) is configured for a motor vehicle.

11. The case (200) of claim 9, wherein, The gas is hydrogen.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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