Valve assembly, pressure vessel system, vehicle and method for draining fuel

Abstract

The technology disclosed herein relates to a valve assembly for a fuel pressure vessel system according to the invention, comprising a fuel line, a manually operable shut-off valve on the fuel line, a discharge opening in flow connection with the fuel line and a closure element, wherein the shut-off valve is arranged such that, when the shut-off valve is in its open position, the closure element is prevented from moving from a first position in which the closure element closes the discharge opening to a second position in which the closure element releases a flow through the discharge opening, and the shut-off valve is arranged such that, when the shut-off valve is in its closed position closing the fuel line, the closure element is allowed to move from the first position to the second position. Furthermore, the technology disclosed herein relates to a pressure vessel system for storing fuel, a vehicle and a method for discharging fuel from a pressure vessel system according to the invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to valve assemblies, pressure vessel systems having the valve assemblies, vehicles having the pressure vessel systems, and methods for discharging fuel. Background Technology

[0002] Pressure vessel systems for storing fuel in vehicles (particularly ground vehicles, ships, or aircraft) are known in themselves. It is also known that such pressure vessel systems may include various valves and one or more vent connections (so-called vents) having an outlet for discharging fuel from the pressure vessel system. Here, at least one of these valves (a manual valve) can be manually operated to disconnect the downstream portion of the vehicle's fuel supply system from the pressure vessel when needed (e.g., during vehicle maintenance). Another valve among these is a so-called vent valve (vent valve), which can be configured to determine the fuel flow through the outlet.

[0003] Document GB2236829A discloses a valve having a central, straight main flow channel controlled by primary and secondary shut-off valves positioned on either side of a central exhaust valve that connects the main flow channel to the exhaust channel. Each valve element is a ball having a straight passage (in the case of the primary / secondary shut-off valves) and a three-way passage (in the case of the exhaust valve ball), wherein each ball is rotatable about an axis by a corresponding lever. Each lever is non-rotatably connected to a partially circular cam, wherein these cams are arranged in a common plane so as to interact with each other to prevent the primary shut-off valve from opening during exhaust valve opening. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A preferred objective of the technology disclosed herein is to reduce or eliminate at least one drawback of previously known solutions or to propose alternative solutions. In particular, a preferred objective of the technology disclosed herein is to provide a valve assembly with efficient structural space, which can be manufactured relatively simply and cost-effectively. Furthermore, a preferred objective of the technology disclosed herein is to provide corresponding pressure vessel systems, corresponding vehicles, and corresponding methods for discharging fuel. Additional preferred objectives may arise from the beneficial effects of the technology disclosed herein.

[0005] According to one aspect, a valve assembly is proposed herein, which is configured for a fuel pressure vessel system and includes a fuel line, a manually operable shut-off valve on the fuel line, an outlet connected to a flow path of the fuel line, and a closing element for the outlet. The shut-off valve is configured to prevent the closing element from moving from a first position to a second position when the shut-off valve is in its open position, in which the closing element hermetically closes the outlet, and in the second position, the closing element releases flow through the outlet. Furthermore, the shut-off valve is configured to allow the closing element to move from the first position to the second position when the shut-off valve is in its closed position, which closes the fuel line.

[0006] In this way, it is simple and efficient to ensure that the first part of the fuel line (i.e., the part of the fuel line that is connected to the outlet guide and separated by the shut-off valve) can be vented after the shut-off valve is closed and the closing element moves to its second position, while the second part of the fuel line can be kept under pressure on the side of the shut-off valve opposite to the first part. Therefore, the function of a vent valve (venting valve) is integrated into the manually operated shut-off valve. Thus, the valve assembly according to this technology not only efficiently reduces fuel loss during maintenance but also reduces the duration of this fuel venting.

[0007] Fuel from the second section of the fuel line can also be efficiently discharged using this valve assembly by placing the shut-off valve in its open position (“open”). Because the shut-off valve itself acts as a safety device for the closing element, no additional discharge valve is needed for controlled fuel discharge from the second section. Furthermore, the valve assembly is designed in a cooperative manner to reduce the risk of erroneous operation by opening the closing element while the shut-off valve is open, thereby also reducing the risk of damage.

[0008] The fuel line may have an inlet for connection to a fuel storage device and an outlet for connection to a fuel consumer. Preferably, the fuel line is constructed as a pressure line to withstand multiple fuel pressures of 100 bar, particularly at least up to 700 bar. In this respect, the fuel line is a fuel pressure line. The fuel may in particular be hydrogen. Therefore, the fuel line is adapted to guide hydrogen at said fuel pressure. Similarly, the shut-off valve may be adapted to block the flow of hydrogen through the shut-off valve when the shut-off valve is in its closed position.

[0009] Therefore, within the scope of this disclosure, the term "closed position" refers to the position of a shut-off valve where the flow of fuel, especially hydrogen, is substantially completely prohibited. "Substantially completely" here means that at most a very small leakage flow can pass through the shut-off valve due to manufacturing tolerances in the valve's sealing seat. This similarly applies to the closure of the outlet when the shut-off element is in the first position. The difference between the open and closed positions of a shut-off valve is that fuel can normally flow through the valve. For this purpose, the shut-off valve does not need to be fully open; more precisely, it is sufficient for the shut-off valve to be partially open, especially not in its aforementioned closed position.

[0010] The shut-off valve preferably prevents the closing element from moving from a first position to a second position by blocking the path relative to the closing element's section, particularly relative to the interlocking section which will be described in more detail below, thereby preventing the latter from reaching the second position. This means that the shut-off valve can preferably prevent the closing element's movement through direct mechanical interaction (contact) with it. For this purpose, it is preferably provided that the outlet and the closing element are arranged adjacent to each other and in series (successively) along the fuel line. The outlet is preferably arranged spaced apart from the shut-off valve and, in particular, from the shut-off valve's sealing seat. In particular, the outlet can be connected to the fuel line at a location between the shut-off valve and the fuel line's outlet. This arrangement can be achieved relatively simply and hermetically when the valve assembly is constructed as a single valve block. The valve block can have a valve block body made of solid material through which the fuel line (preferably as a through-hole) extends. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the fuel line be constructed as a pipe or hose.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical interaction between the shut-off valve and the closing element is achieved by means of a form-locking connection between them. Specifically, when the shut-off valve is in its open position, the closing element can be locked in a first position by means of the shut-off valve. When the shut-off valve reaches the closed position, it can, in turn, unlock the closing element. While form-locking connections can be implemented in various ways and methods, they are particularly simple and spatially efficient when a connecting mechanism, firmly connected to the shut-off valve or closing element, extends between the closing element and the shut-off valve, thereby preventing movement of the closing element from the first position to the second position.

[0012] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a connecting mechanism is included, in which a closing element comprising a closed section that closes the outlet in the first position is incorporated as an interlocking section. Preferably, the interlocking section extends from the closed section to the shut-off valve, particularly to the locking pin of the shut-off valve as explained below. Here, when the shut-off valve is in the open position and when the closing element is arranged in the first position, the shut-off valve, particularly the locking pin, can be interlocked into the interlocking section, particularly into the recess constructed in the closing element, thereby blocking the movement of the closing element. Only when the shut-off valve or the locking pin is no longer interlocked into the closing element / interlocking section can the closing element perform movement from the first position to the second position to open the outlet (i.e., allow / release flow through the outlet). Furthermore, in this case, movement in the opposite direction, i.e., movement from the second position to the first position, is preferably not blocked by the shut-off valve / locking pin.

[0013] The locking pin of a gate valve can be rigidly connected to the valve element of the gate valve. In the closed position of the gate valve, the valve element can be sealed against the sealing seat of the gate valve to prevent flow through the gate valve. The rigid connection can be achieved such that the movement of the valve element according to a motion vector causes the locking pin to move according to the same motion vector. In particular, it can be specified that the locking pin is simply the valve element itself. The description of the valve element in this disclosure can be applied accordingly to the locking pin, and vice versa.

[0014] The valve element can be housed within the valve body of the gate valve and move axially toward and away from the sealing seat to position the gate valve in its closed or open position. In particular, the valve body can be integrally constructed with the valve block. In a preferred embodiment, the valve element / locking pin is form-fitted to the valve body, particularly screwed securely into the valve body. Specifically, the valve body can have a limiting portion (stop) configured to restrict movement of the valve element away from the sealing seat of the gate valve when the gate valve is in the open position. Therefore, the valve element can be virtually permanently and securely mounted within the valve body.

[0015] Preferably, the valve element is partially or completely constructed as a threaded pin (or bolt) with external threads and a tapered tip, the threaded pin being arranged in a receiving portion constructed in the valve body for the valve element such that when the shut-off valve is closed, the tapered tip seals against the sealing seat. The threaded pin can thus be axially screwed into the receiving portion between the sealing seat and the limiting portion, which is at least partially provided with internal threads for this purpose. A particularly compact structure can be achieved when the valve element is substantially completely submerged in the receiving portion in the closed position, i.e., protruding beyond the valve body or valve block.

[0016] Similar to valve elements / locking pins, the closing section of a closure element can also be form-locked in at least a first position to a receiving portion (e.g., constructed in the valve block) for the closing section, particularly in the region of the outlet, to provide its function. The form-locked connection can be maintained as the closing section moves from the first position to the second position. In the second position, the form-locked connection can be present or disengaged. In particular, the closure element can be constructed as a separate component. The closure element can, for example, be constructed as a screw-on closure (especially a screw-on plug or cap) and / or be removed from the receiving portion non-destructively and reversibly. The form-locked connection between the closure element and the receiving portion for the closure element can be constructed as a threaded connection or a bayonet lock.

[0017] The fuel line is preferably open toward the housing for the closure section. In this case, the engagement section can be structurally and spatially efficiently constructed as a flat cantilever extending radially relative to the housing in the first position, with a clearance for the locking pin at its end toward the shut-off valve. Therefore, when the locking pin rests against the sealing seat in the closed position of the shut-off valve, the flat cantilever can pivot adjacent to and along the outer surface of the valve body to move the closure element from the first position to the second position. The closure element can also be completely unscrewed (released) from the housing in the second position.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the valve assembly further includes a separate collection device having a collection container for fuel discharged from the fuel line via an outlet. Preferably, the collection device can be connected to the outlet by means of a form-locking connection similar to a closure element, so that the closure element can actually be replaced by a corresponding fitting of the collection device. In particular, it can be specified that for such a connection, the same threaded connection or the same bayonet lock as in the connection between the closure section and the receiving portion is provided.

[0019] The pressure vessel system for vehicles proposed herein is configured for storing fuel and includes a valve assembly as detailed above and at least one pressure vessel connected to an inlet guide. Here, an outlet can be connected to the fuel line at a location between a shut-off valve and an outlet. In this assembly, the shut-off valve can be a valve whose input pressure corresponds (substantially) to the container pressure of the pressure vessel.

[0020] In this way, not only is it ensured that the second section of the fuel line is isolated from the first section before fuel is discharged from the first section of the line, but also, when the sealing element is in the second position, the connection to at least one pressure vessel is maintained without the need to undesirably empty the pressure vessel. Therefore, this synergistic approach reduces the risk of damage when opening the discharge port and conserves fuel.

[0021] The vehicle described herein includes the aforementioned pressure vessel system and drive assembly. The drive assembly is preferably connected to the outlet of the fuel line via a fuel supply system. Preferably, the drive assembly includes an energy converter capable of operating on fuel, particularly a fuel cell. Therefore, when emptying the first portion of the fuel line, the portion of the fuel supply system connected to the outlet can be emptied simultaneously in a relatively simple and reliable manner.

[0022] The method proposed herein is used to discharge fuel from the aforementioned valve assembly or pressure vessel system and includes the steps of: closing the fuel line by means of a shut-off valve, such that the shut-off valve is in its closed position; and moving the closing element from a first position to a second position. As long as the closing element is in the second position, fuel can flow from a portion of the pressure vessel system, particularly from a first portion of the fuel line on the outlet side relative to the shut-off valve, through the discharge port.

[0023] Furthermore, when the shut-off valve is in its closed position, the sealing element can be removed from the outlet. Specifically, the sealing element can be unscrewed from the housing for the closed section. Then, instead of the sealing element, a collection container for the fuel collection device can be connected to the fuel line, particularly via the outlet. For this purpose, it can be specified that the connector of the collection device is screwed into the housing. To evacuate the second part of the fuel line and any pressure vessel connected to it into the collection container, the shut-off valve can be placed in its open position, thereby allowing flow through the shut-off valve. This reduces fuel loss during maintenance of the valve assembly / pressure vessel system.

[0024] In addition, the method may include method steps corresponding to any of the functions described above in connection with the enclosure element, pressure vessel system or vehicle.

[0025] In other words, the technology disclosed herein relates to a compact valve assembly that facilitates the integration of a pressure vessel system with one or more pressure vessels into a battery storage structure with a relatively small structural height. This is achieved in particular by integrating multiple functions into a shut-off valve. Specifically, the functions of two valves (a so-called "manual valve" and a normally closed "vent valve") can be integrated into a single, manually operable shut-off valve. This also reduces the risk of erroneous operation caused by opening the vent under pressure. Through the geometric design of the valve assembly, for example, for emergency venting of the entire fuel supply system, the opening of the vent can only be achieved when the manually operable shut-off valve is closed. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The technology disclosed herein will now be explained with the aid of the accompanying drawings. Schematic illustration:

[0027] Figure 1A first embodiment of a valve assembly for a fuel pressure vessel system is shown in cross-sectional view, wherein the shut-off valve is in its open position and the closing element is in a first position;

[0028] Figure 2 Shown in top view Figure 1 The valve assembly in which the shut-off valve is in its open position and the closing element is in a first position;

[0029] Figure 3 Shown in sectional view Figure 1 The valve assembly in which the shut-off valve is in its closed position and the closing element is in a first position;

[0030] Figure 4 Shown in top view Figure 1 The valve assembly in which the shut-off valve is in its closed position and the closing element is in a first position;

[0031] Figure 5 Shown in sectional view Figure 1 The valve assembly in which the shut-off valve is in its closed position and the sealing element is in a second position;

[0032] Figure 6 Shown in top view Figure 1 The valve assembly in which the shut-off valve is in its closed position and the sealing element is in a second position;

[0033] Figure 7 Shown in sectional view Figure 1 The valve assembly in which the shut-off valve is in its closed position and the collecting device is connected to the fuel line.

[0034] Figure 8 Shown in top view Figure 1 The valve assembly in which the shut-off valve is in its closed position and the collecting device is connected to the fuel line.

[0035] Figure 9 A pressure vessel system for storing fuel is shown;

[0036] Figure 10 A vehicle with a pressure vessel system is shown; and

[0037] Figure 11 A method for discharging fuel by means of a pressure vessel system is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figures 1 to 8A valve assembly 10 is shown for a pressure vessel system 100 for storing fuel in a vehicle 200, which is a motor vehicle operating on fuel. The valve assembly 10 includes a fuel line 12 having an inlet 102 and an outlet 104, a manually operable shut-off valve 14 on the fuel line 12, an outlet 16 connected to the fuel line 12, and a closing element 18 for the outlet 16. The shut-off valve 14 and the closing element 18 are directly and mechanically coupled to each other by their geometry and relative arrangement. In particular, the shut-off valve 14 is configured such that when the shut-off valve 14 is in its open position (“open”, see [reference]), it is in the open position. Figure 1 When the shut-off valve 14 is in its closed position ("closed"), it prevents the shut-off element 18 from moving from the first position to the second position. In the first position, the shut-off element 18 closes the outlet 16. In the second position, the shut-off element 18 releases the flow through the outlet 16. Conversely, if the shut-off valve 14 is in its closed position ("closed", see [link to closed position]), it prevents the shut-off element 18 from moving from the first position to the second position. Figure 3 In the case of the shut-off valve 14, the shut-off valve 14 allows the closing element 18 to move from the first position to the second position.

[0039] In detail, this function is implemented in this design as follows. The closing element 18 includes a closing section 20 and an engaging section 22 extending from the closing section 20 to the shut-off valve 14. Here, the closing element 18 is configured as a helical closure with external threads, particularly a plug, which is screwed into a receiving portion. Alternatively, the helical closure can be configured as a bayonet lock. The receiving portion is constructed in the body of the valve block (hereinafter referred to as the valve block body 27). When the closing element 18 is in Figures 1 to 4 In the first position shown, the closed section 20 closes the outlet 16, so that essentially no fuel can escape from the fuel line 12 through the outlet 16. The interlocking section 22 is constructed as a flat cantilever and is designed in a fork shape at its end opposite to the closed section 20, thereby defining the void 26.

[0040] The shut-off valve 14 includes a valve body 28, which is integrally constructed with the valve block 27 and secures the sealing seat 29 when the shut-off valve 14 is in its closed position (see [link to valve body]). Figure 3 The valve element, configured as locking pin 24, is in sealing contact with the sealing seat. Locking pin 24 / valve element is tapered at its end facing the sealing seat 29; the same applies to the sealing seat 29 itself, making the shut-off valve 14 suitable for relatively high fuel pressures. A receiving portion 30 for locking pin 24, constructed in the valve body 28, is longer than locking pin 24 axially (referring to the axis of motion along which locking pin 24 moves between open and closed positions), allowing locking pin 24 to be fully recessed into the valve body 28. The receiving portion 30 is provided with a stop that limits how far locking pin 24 can be rotated out of the receiving portion 30.

[0041] When the shut-off valve 14 is open and the closing element 18 is in its first position (see...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The locking pin 24 extends from the receiving portion 30 beyond the outer surface of the valve body 28 and enters the recessed portion 26. Therefore, as in... Figure 2 As shown, the locking pin 24 blocks the path of the interlocking section 22, preventing the latter from moving from the first position to its second position, in which the closing element 18 closes the outlet 16, and in the second position the outlet 16 is not closed.

[0042] In order to, for example, during maintenance, keep fuel line 12 in Figure 1 In the case of pressure in the second part below the shut-off valve 14, from the fuel line 12 Figure 1 Pressure is released from the first portion on the right side of the shut-off valve 14. The locking pin 24 can be manually screwed into the sealing seat 29 (using, for example, a first tool, such as an Allen wrench) until the tapered end of the locking pin 24 abuts against the sealing seat 29. Only when the shut-off valve 14 is in... Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the closed position shown, the locking pin 24 allows the closing element 18 to be completely unscrewed from its corresponding receptacle without being engaged in the engagement section 22 (advantageously by means of a different second tool, in particular an additional Allen wrench). Thus, in this example, the closing element 18 is completely removed from its corresponding receptacle in the second position.

[0043] The described process is reversible because the sealing element 18 can be screwed back into its corresponding receiving portion in the valve block 27. Once the sealing element 18 is back in its first position (in which the sealing element closes the outlet 16), the recess 26 overlaps with the locking pin 24 (see...). Figure 2 Thus, the locking pin 24 can be axially rotated out of the sealing seat 29, especially until it stops; then, the shut-off valve 14 is opened again.

[0044] Alternatively, valve assembly 10 may have in Figure 7 A separate collection device 40 for discharging fuel is shown in the middle section. This collection device has a collection container that is connected to the fuel line 12 via a connector through a discharge port 16. Here, the connector of the collection device 40 is connected to the receiving portion for the closing element 18, as with the closing element 18, via a form-locking connection. Therefore, in this case, the connector of the collection device 40 includes the same external threads as the closing section 20. To discharge pressurized fuel from the second section of the fuel line 12, the shut-off valve 14 is correspondingly positioned in its open position.

[0045] Figure 9 The pressure vessel system 100 shown is configured to store fuel and includes, in addition to the valve assembly 10, one or more pressure vessels 106 for fuel that are flow-directed to the inlet 102 of the fuel line 12. Figures 1 to 8 Similar to valve assembly 10, outlet 16 is connected to fuel line 12 at (connection) portion 108 between shut-off valve 14 and outlet 104. In the direction of fuel flow from pressure vessel 106 or from inlet 102 towards portion 108, shut-off valve 14 is upstream of portion 108, and therefore upstream of outlet 16. Therefore, if, during the aforementioned evacuation process, not only the second portion of fuel line 12 (the portion between inlet 102 and shut-off valve 14) but also one or more pressure vessels 106 should be emptied into a collection container, this can be done in a similar manner and by opening shut-off valve 14.

[0046] Figure 10 A vehicle 200 having a pressure vessel system 100 is shown in a very simplified manner. The vehicle 200 also includes a drive assembly 202, which is directed to an outlet 104 via a fuel supply system 204. The drive assembly 202 may, for example, have a thermal or chemical energy converter, particularly a fuel cell. Therefore, when the first portion of the fuel line 12 (between the shut-off valve 14 and the outlet 104) is emptied, the portion of the fuel supply system 204 directed to the outlet 104 can be emptied safely and efficiently together, relatively simply.

[0047] at last, Figure 11 A method 300 is shown in which fuel is discharged from valve assembly 10 or pressure vessel system 100 in a simple and advantageous manner. First, in this method, fuel line 12 is closed by means of shut-off valve 14 in a first step 302, and subsequently, shut-off valve 14 is in its closed position. In a next step 304, sealing element 18 is moved from a first position, particularly screwed into a second position. Thus, pressure or fuel is discharged from a first portion of fuel line 12. Subsequently, in step 306, sealing element 18 is completely removed from outlet 16, particularly from the receiving portion for sealing element 18. After the collection container is connected to fuel line 12 in step 308, shut-off valve 14 enters its open position in step 310 to release the flow through shut-off valve 14. Pressure vessel 106 can thus be emptied into the collection container.

[0048] For readability, the phrase "at least one" has been simplified and partially omitted. Whenever a feature of the technology disclosed herein is described in the singular or indefinitely (e.g., the / a fuel line, the / a shut-off valve, the / a sealing element, etc.), multiple features thereof (e.g., the at least one fuel line, the at least one shut-off valve, the at least one sealing element, etc.) should also be disclosed together. The term "substantially" in the context of the technology disclosed herein includes both precise characteristics or precise values ​​and deviations that are not functionally significant to the characteristics / values.

[0049] The above description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. Within the scope of the invention, various variations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A valve assembly (10) for a fuel pressure vessel system, comprising: Fuel line (12). A manually operable shut-off valve (14) on the fuel line (12). The outlet (16) is connected to the fuel line (12) and Closure element (18), the closure element being configured as a helical closure, The shut-off valve (14) is configured to prevent the closing element (18) from moving from a first position to a second position when the shut-off valve (14) is in its open position. In the first position, the closing element (18) closes the outlet (16), and in the second position, the closing element (18) releases the flow through the outlet (16). The shut-off valve (14) is configured to allow the closing element (18) to move from the first position to the second position when the shut-off valve (14) is in the closed position that closes the fuel line (12).

2. The valve assembly (10) according to claim 1. in, When the shut-off valve (14) is in its open position, the closing element (18) is locked in the first position by means of the shut-off valve (14).

3. The valve assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2. in, The sealing element (18) has a closing section (20) that closes the outlet (16) in the first position and an engagement section (22) extending from the closing section to the shut-off valve (14). When the shut-off valve (14) is in the open position and / or the closing element (18) is in the first position, the shut-off valve (14) is engaged with the engagement section (22).

4. The valve assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The shut-off valve (14) has a locking pin (24) that engages with a vacancy (26) constructed in the closure element (18) when the shut-off valve (14) is in the open position and / or the closure element (18) is in its first position.

5. The valve assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein, The locking pin (24) is disengaged from the closing element (18) in the closed position, regardless of whether the closing element (18) is in its first or second position.

6. The valve assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein, The locking pin (24) is a valve element of the shut-off valve (14).

7. The valve assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein, The locking pin (24) can be screwed into the valve body (28) of the shut-off valve (14), and The valve body (28) has a stop that is configured to restrict the movement of the locking pin (24) in a direction away from the sealing seat (29) of the shut-off valve (14) when the shut-off valve (14) is in the open position.

8. The valve assembly (10) according to claim 7, wherein, The locking pin (24) sinks into the receiving portion (30) in the closed position of the valve body (28).

9. The valve assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2 further includes a collection device (40) configured to connect to the outlet (16) and to collect fuel discharged through the outlet (16).

10. A pressure vessel system (100) for storing fuel, comprising: The valve assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fuel line (12) has an inlet (102) and an outlet (104), and At least one pressure vessel (106) for fuel is connected to the inlet (102) for flow guidance. The outlet (16) is connected to the fuel line (12) at a location (108) between the shut-off valve (14) and the outlet (104).

11. A vehicle (200) having: The pressure vessel system (100) according to claim 10, and Drive assembly (202) in, The drive assembly (202) is connected to the outlet (104) of the fuel line (12).

12. A method (300) for discharging fuel from a valve assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a pressure vessel system (100) according to claim 10, the method comprising the steps of: By means of a shut-off valve (14), the fuel line (12) is closed, thereby placing the shut-off valve (14) in its closed position; and The closing element (18) is moved from the first position to the second position.

13. The method for discharging fuel according to claim 12, wherein, The valve assembly (10) includes a collection device (40) having a collection container for fuel discharged from the fuel line (12) via a discharge port (16), and the method further includes the step of: Remove the sealing element (18) from the outlet (16); The collection container is connected to the fuel line (12) via the outlet (16); and Place the shut-off valve (14) in its open position to release the flow through the shut-off valve (14).

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